Most Conventional Cleaners Contain Harmful Chemicals Like Ammonia and Bleach
Green Mop Cleaning ServicesWe all want clean homes. But what if the products we use to keep our spaces spotless are actually polluting the air we breathe and putting our families at risk?
Most conventional cleaning products contain harmful chemicals like ammonia, bleach, and synthetic fragrances. While these ingredients may remove grime and kill germs, they also contribute to indoor air pollution, trigger allergies, and pose health hazards—especially to children, pets, and plants.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air, largely due to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released from cleaning products.1 With the average person spending over 135 hours a year cleaning their home, that's a significant amount of exposure.
At Green Mop Cleaning Services, we believe a clean home shouldn't come at the cost of your health or peace of mind.
What’s Really Inside Conventional Cleaners?*
| Chemical | Health & Environmental Risks | Common Products |
|---|---|---|
| Ammonia | Respiratory irritation, eye burns, toxic to pets and aquatic life |
 
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| Chlorine Bleach | Lung damage, skin burns, emits toxic fumes when mixed with ammonia or acids |
 
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| Artificial Fragrances | Respiratory issues, hormone disruption, allergens |
  
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| 2-Butoxyethanol | Absorbed through skin; linked to liver and kidney damage, throat and eye irritation |
  
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| Quaternary Ammonium Compounds | Associated with asthma, skin sensitization, toxic to aquatic ecosystems |
 
|
| Formaldehyde | Known carcinogen, causes nose/throat/eye irritation | Found in some disinfectants and air fresheners (undisclosed) |
| Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) | Skin and eye irritation, may contain 1,4-dioxane, a possible carcinogen |
 
|
| Phthalates | Endocrine disruptors, often hidden under “fragrance” |
And most scented sprays |
Why This Matters for Families
Children are particularly vulnerable to these toxins because of their smaller body size, developing respiratory systems, and frequent hand-to-mouth activity. Pets can absorb chemicals through their paws or lick them off surfaces.
According to the American Lung Association, exposure to household cleaning chemicals is linked to asthma development and flare-ups.2 Many of these substances are unregulated or only partially disclosed on product labels, making it difficult for consumers to know what they're really using.3
The Green Mop Difference
At Green Mop, we use only non-toxic, plant-based products certified by third parties like the EPA Safer Choice and Green Seal. Our approach avoids bleach, ammonia, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances—delivering a thorough clean that’s safe for kids, pets, and plants alike.
Conclusion
With over 135 hours a year spent cleaning, it’s time to make those hours count toward something better. Skip the harsh chemicals and lingering fumes. Choose a safer, smarter way to care for your home—and your loved ones.
Ready to make the switch to healthier cleaning?
References
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Volatile Organic Compounds' Impact on Indoor Air Quality.
- American Lung Association. Cleaning Supplies and Household Chemicals.
- Environmental Working Group. EWG's Guide to Healthy Cleaning.