When you enter a supermarket and stand in front of the cleaning products shelf, you face colorful bottles promising flawless shine, disinfection, and freshness.
But have you ever wondered what actually hides behind those attractive labels and intense fragrances?
But have you ever wondered what actually hides behind those attractive labels and intense fragrances?
It's time to talk about what we bring into our homes – and how it affects our health, the health of our loved ones, and the planet we live on.
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What's hiding in industrial cleaning products?
When you pick up a typical bottle of industrial cleaning product and turn it toward you to read the label, you often face two things: promises of brilliant cleanliness on the front and a long list of incomprehensible chemical names on the back.
Between those lines hide warnings that many of us automatically skip – but perhaps we should stop and read them.
Most conventional cleaning products contain a real cocktail of chemicals whose names we can barely pronounce, let alone understand their effects on our health and the environment. Just look at the labels – words like
❌ DANGER
❌ POISONOUS
❌ IRRITATES
❌ FLAMMABLE
❌ CORROSIVE
❌ KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN
❌ DO NOT INHALE VAPORS
are not there by accident.
These are legally required warnings that manufacturers must display when a product contains substances that can cause harm.
Imagine – we use products in our homes, places where we feel safest, that carry the same hazard symbols as industrial chemicals. Skull and crossbones, corrosion symbol, warning triangles – all of this tells a clear story about what we bring into our living space.
Chemical culprits – what are we actually cleaning our homes with?
Let's talk openly about what's in those colorful bottles. Among the most common "culprits" that enter our homes are:
Chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite) – Perhaps the most well-known disinfectant and bleaching agent. While effective at killing bacteria, chlorine bleach can cause serious irritation to the respiratory tract, skin, and eyes. When mixed with other chemicals (especially ammonia or acids), it creates toxic gases that can be deadly. Chlorine vapors can damage the lungs, and skin contact leads to chemical burns. Many of us remember that sharp, suffocating smell – that's not the smell of cleanliness, it's the smell of chemical aggression.
Chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite) – Perhaps the most well-known disinfectant and bleaching agent. While effective at killing bacteria, chlorine bleach can cause serious irritation to the respiratory tract, skin, and eyes. When mixed with other chemicals (especially ammonia or acids), it creates toxic gases that can be deadly. Chlorine vapors can damage the lungs, and skin contact leads to chemical burns. Many of us remember that sharp, suffocating smell – that's not the smell of cleanliness, it's the smell of chemical aggression.
Ammonia (ammonium hydroxide) – Known for its pungent, strong smell that "cuts" through the nose and throat. Ammonia irritates the lungs, mucous membranes, eyes, and skin. In people with asthma or respiratory problems, it can trigger serious attacks. Even in small concentrations, prolonged inhalation of ammonia can lead to chronic breathing problems. And yet, it is present in many glass, bathroom, and floor cleaning products.
Phosphates – They may not directly affect our health like the previous two chemicals, but their impact on the environment is catastrophic. Phosphates released into waterways contribute to eutrophication – a process in which excessive algae nutrition occurs, leading to reduced oxygen in water and death of aquatic organisms. Many countries have banned or restricted the use of phosphates in detergents, but they are still present in some cleaning products.
Phthalates – These chemicals are often used as solvents and to fix fragrances in cleaning products. The problem? Phthalates are endocrine disruptors – meaning they can interfere with the normal functioning of hormones in our body. They are linked to problems in the reproductive system, developmental problems in children, and even increased risk of certain types of cancer. Worst of all – they are often not listed on the label because they are considered part of "perfume" or "fragrance," which allows manufacturers to hide them.
VOCs – Volatile Organic Compounds – These compounds easily evaporate at room temperature and contribute to indoor air pollution. Formaldehyde, benzene, toluene – are just some of the VOCs that can be found in cleaning products. Short-term exposure can cause headaches, dizziness, eye and throat irritation. Long-term exposure is linked to liver, kidney, central nervous system damage, and even cancer. The irony? While we clean our home, we are actually polluting the air we breathe.
Synthetic surfactants (SLS, SLES – sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate) – These are aggressive detergents that create foam and "clean" by dissolving grease. The problem is they don't distinguish between dirt and the natural protective oils of our skin. SLS and SLES can irritate skin and eyes, cause allergic reactions, and in some people lead to dermatitis. Additionally, their production process often results in contamination with 1,4-dioxane, a known carcinogen. And while they wash our surfaces, they end up in waterways where they are difficult to degrade and harm aquatic life.
Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) – Often found in antibacterial cleaning products. While they effectively kill bacteria, QACs can cause asthma, allergic reactions, and skin irritation. Research shows they can contribute to the development of bacterial resistance to antibiotics – which is a global health problem. Additionally, they are toxic to aquatic organisms and do not degrade easily in nature.
The air we breathe – invisible danger
Here's a fact that should concern us all: research shows that the air quality in our homes can be 2 to 5 times worse than outdoor air.
Yes, you read that right – the air in our homes, where we spend most of our time, where we sleep, where our children grow up, can be more polluted than the air on city streets.
Yes, you read that right – the air in our homes, where we spend most of our time, where we sleep, where our children grow up, can be more polluted than the air on city streets.
One of the main culprits? Industrial cleaning products we use every day.
Every time we spray a surface with an industrial cleaning product, we release a cloud of chemicals into the air.
Those chemicals don't magically disappear – we breathe them in, our children breathe them in, our pets breathe them in. They settle on surfaces, absorb into textiles, remain in the air for hours, sometimes days.
Those chemicals don't magically disappear – we breathe them in, our children breathe them in, our pets breathe them in. They settle on surfaces, absorb into textiles, remain in the air for hours, sometimes days.
A study published in the prestigious journal Environmental Health points to a concerning link between regular use of industrial cleaning products and increased risk of:
- Respiratory problems
- Asthma (especially in children)
- Allergies
- Chronic inflammation of the respiratory tract
- Hormonal disorders
- Skin problems
Professional cleaners – the price of cleanliness
Research from the University of Bergen (Norway) followed over 6,000 women for more than 20 years and came to shocking results: women who regularly use chemical cleaning products – either professionally or at home – show decline in lung function comparable to smokers who smoke 20 cigarettes a day.
Read that again. Cleaning your home with chemical products can have the same effect on your lungs as smoking a pack of cigarettes a day.
A study published in American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine shows that professional cleaners have significantly higher rates of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other respiratory problems. If daily exposure leads to such consequences, how safe is it to expose yourself and your family to those same chemicals – even if only a few times a week?
The question we should ask...
If a product carries a warning that it can be dangerous, that it should be kept out of reach of children, that vapors should not be inhaled, that gloves should be worn during use – why do we use it in our homes at all?
There is a better way. There is a way for our homes to be clean, fresh and healthy – without compromise, without warnings, without hidden dangers.
And that way is natural.
Why natural cleaning products?
Natural cleaning products are not a modern invention – our grandmothers and great-grandmothers used simple, effective ingredients that were available in every home. The difference is that today we have scientific evidence that confirms their effectiveness.
Benefits of natural products:
1. Health first
Natural products do not contain aggressive chemicals that irritate skin, eyes or respiratory tract. This is especially important for families with small children, pregnant women, people with allergies or asthma, and pets who are particularly sensitive to chemicals.
Natural products do not contain aggressive chemicals that irritate skin, eyes or respiratory tract. This is especially important for families with small children, pregnant women, people with allergies or asthma, and pets who are particularly sensitive to chemicals.
2. Cleaner air in your home
Without VOCs and synthetic fragrances, the air in your home remains clean and fresh. Instead of artificial perfumes, natural products use essential oils that not only smell pleasant but also have antimicrobial properties.
Without VOCs and synthetic fragrances, the air in your home remains clean and fresh. Instead of artificial perfumes, natural products use essential oils that not only smell pleasant but also have antimicrobial properties.
3. Environmental responsibility
Natural products are biodegradable and do not pollute aquatic ecosystems. Packaging can be recycled or reused, reducing plastic waste.
Natural products are biodegradable and do not pollute aquatic ecosystems. Packaging can be recycled or reused, reducing plastic waste.
4. Cost-effectiveness
Many natural products can be made from simple ingredients – which is often cheaper than expensive industrial products.
Many natural products can be made from simple ingredients – which is often cheaper than expensive industrial products.
5. Scientifically proven effectiveness
Research confirms that natural ingredients can be just as effective as chemical ones.
Research confirms that natural ingredients can be just as effective as chemical ones.
Natural ingredients that really work – the science behind pure nature
Vinegar (acetic acid) – This fermented product is a true hero of natural cleaning. Its acidity dissolves grease, limescale and soap residue. A study published in BMC Microbiology showed that a vinegar solution (10% acetic acid with added citric acid) can eliminate more than 99.999% of bacteria from surfaces, including dangerous pathogens such as E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Listeria monocytogenes. It is also effective against enveloped viruses with a 99.99% elimination rate. Excellent for cleaning glass, bathrooms, kitchen surfaces.
Alcohol (ethanol) – A natural disinfectant that evaporates quickly and leaves no traces. Effective against bacteria, viruses and fungi, while safely evaporating without harmful residues. Ideal for surfaces that require quick disinfection and streak-free shine.
Lavender hydrolat – A by-product of lavender distillation, rich in gentle active ingredients. It has natural antibacterial properties, a pleasant scent and beneficial effects on the skin. Unlike ordinary water, hydrosol carries the therapeutic properties of lavender.
Coco Glucoside – A natural, gentle surfactant (foaming and cleaning agent) derived from coconut oil and fruit sugars. Unlike aggressive synthetic surfactants (SLS, SLES), Coco Glucoside is:
- 100% biodegradable
- Does not irritate skin and eyes
- Environmentally friendly
- Gentle on all surfaces
- Effective in removing grease and dirt
Coco Glucoside is a revolution in the world of natural cleaning – it provides all the foaming and cleaning power without a single harmful ingredient.
Essential oils of lavender, rosemary and lemongrass – Not only do they provide a pleasant, fresh scent, but they also have proven antimicrobial, antifungal and antiviral properties. Research shows that essential oils of lavender and rosemary have a strong antibacterial effect against various pathogens, while lemongrass has natural properties for dissolving grease and disinfection.
How to switch to natural products?
The transition doesn't have to be radical. You can start gradually:
- Start with one room – e.g. kitchen or bathroom
- Replace products as they run out – you don't have to throw away everything you have right away
- Try ready-made natural products – if you don't have the time or desire to make them yourself
- Read labels – educate yourself about ingredients to avoid (look for words: DANGER, POISON, SLS, SLES, phthalates, parabens)
- Be patient – natural products may require a little more effort, but the results are worth it
Natural cleaning in practice
You may be wondering: "Do natural products really work?" The answer is – yes, but sometimes they require a slightly different approach. Instead of spraying and wiping immediately, you may need to let the product work for a few minutes. Instead of aggressive scrubbing, gentle but consistent application may be needed.
But in return you get peace – the knowledge that there are no hidden dangers in your home, that your children can freely play on the floors you just cleaned, that your pets won't inhale harmful fumes, that you can breathe deeply without fear.
Our contribution to a cleaner and healthier future
At Balavander we believe that cleaning doesn't have to be a compromise between effectiveness and health.
Ours Eco Clean natural cleaning product is made from carefully selected ingredients:
✨ Lavender hydrolat from our lavender field – every drop carries a story of sunny days, careful care and traditional distillation
✨ Natural vinegar – centuries-proven cleaning power
✨ Alcohol – quick disinfection without traces
✨ Coco Glucoside – the gentlest natural surfactant, powerful against dirt, gentle to you and nature
✨ Essential oils of lavender, rosemary and lemongrass – not just scent, but also natural protection
✨ Natural vinegar – centuries-proven cleaning power
✨ Alcohol – quick disinfection without traces
✨ Coco Glucoside – the gentlest natural surfactant, powerful against dirt, gentle to you and nature
✨ Essential oils of lavender, rosemary and lemongrass – not just scent, but also natural protection
Without synthetic fragrances, without aggressive chemicals, without warning symbols on the label. Just the pure power of nature that really works.
Every package is proof that we can clean responsibly – towards ourselves, towards our families and towards the planet.
Conclusion
Switching to natural cleaning products is not just a trend – it is a conscious decision about health, quality of life and the future we leave for our children.
Every time you choose a natural product, you vote for cleaner air in your home, for a healthier environment and for a planet that will remain green and clean.
Every time you choose a natural product, you vote for cleaner air in your home, for a healthier environment and for a planet that will remain green and clean.
It may seem like a small change, but it is precisely from such small, conscious decisions that real transformation begins.
Are you ready to take that step?
Natural cleaning product
Eco Clean – natural cleaning product
Univerzalno prirodno sredstvo za čišćenje sa hidrolatom lavande. Čisti stakla, ogledala, pločice, radne površine i nameštaj. Jedinstvena mediteranska kombinacija lavande, ruzmarina i limun trave. 97% prirodan sastav, veganski, bez parabena....
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