Greenwashing the Public with “Green” Cleaning Products: What You Need to Know

Just say NO to toxic cleaners—yes, even the so-called “natural” ones. In a world filled with chemical exposure from all directions, we shouldn't be paying for more toxins to come into our homes disguised as “green” or “eco-friendly.” These labels, more often than not, are just part of a trend called greenwashing, where companies market their products as better for the environment and your health, but the reality is often far from it.

The truth is, there’s nothing clean about most commercial cleaners, even those marketed as safe or natural. The good news? You don’t need them. With a little effort and a few simple ingredients, you can make your own home cleaners that are just as effective—and much healthier for you and your family.

What Is Greenwashing, and Why Should You Care?

Greenwashing is a marketing strategy that companies use to make their products seem more environmentally friendly than they actually are. Many of the popular “green” cleaning brands rely on vague terms like “natural,” “eco,” or “non-toxic” to lure consumers who are trying to make healthier and more sustainable choices. Unfortunately, these labels often hide a cocktail of synthetic chemicals that are anything but green.

The issue with greenwashing is that it exploits the consumer's desire to do good, whether for their health or the environment and makes them believe they are making a responsible choice. But a closer look at the ingredients list reveals that these so-called “natural” products are still loaded with harmful chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and preservatives that can add to your toxic load.

The Hidden Dangers in “Green” Cleaners

Many ingredients in greenwashed cleaning products are still harmful, even if they are listed with a nature-friendly name. For example:

• Fragrance: If you see the word “fragrance” on a cleaning product label, beware. It can contain hundreds of chemicals, none of which are required to be listed on the bottle. Even in “natural” products, fragrance mixtures can contain synthetic chemicals that can disrupt hormones, cause allergies, or contribute to asthma.
• Preservatives: Common in greenwashed cleaners, preservatives like methylisothiazolinone and benzothiazolinone are used to extend shelf life. However, they can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and even neurotoxic effects.
• Surfactants: These are used to break down grease and dirt but can be harsh on your skin and the environment. Even those marketed as plant-based can be derived from harsh chemical processes that leave behind toxic residues.

Instead of paying a premium for these cleverly marketed products, you can protect your home from harmful toxins by making your own cleaners with ingredients you already have in your kitchen.

Why DIY Cleaning Products Are a Game-Changer

You don’t need a long list of complicated ingredients to make effective, safe cleaning products. In fact, homemade cleaners are incredibly effective, simple, and affordable. You’ll reduce your exposure to toxins, cut down on plastic waste, and avoid contributing to the cycle of greenwashing altogether. Plus, by making your own, you can control every ingredient that goes into your cleaner, ensuring that nothing harmful enters your home environment.

My go-to all-purpose cleaner is a simple, fragrant blend of citrus and herbs steeped in white wine vinegar. It’s a versatile, fresh-smelling cleaner that will leave your home sparkling without the need for anything synthetic. And the best part? You probably already have everything you need.

How to Make Your Own All-Purpose Cleaner

Ingredients:

• Orange peels (or any citrus peel you have on hand)
• Fresh rosemary (or any herb you enjoy)
• 5% White wine vinegar

Instructions:

1. Start by enjoying a couple of oranges—snack on them, juice them, or whatever you prefer! But don't throw away those peels. Instead, place them in a jar.
2. Add a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or another herb of your choice, like thyme or lavender, to add an extra layer of fragrance.
3. Cover the peels and herbs with white wine vinegar. Make sure the ingredients are fully submerged to prevent mold from forming. Put a lid on. 
4. Let the mixture sit for 1-2 weeks, giving it an occasional shake. Over time, the vinegar will take on a citrusy, herbal scent and a yellowish color. The orange peels will turn pale – that's how you know all the good stuff is now in the vinegar solution. 
5. Once ready, strain the mixture and pour it into a spray bottle. You now have a powerful, non-toxic cleaner that’s perfect for wiping down surfaces, cleaning glass, and freshening up your home.

This cleaner smells like summer and leaves nothing behind but cleanliness. Plus, you can always have a fresh batch “brewing” while you use your current supply, ensuring you never run out.

The Power of Vinegar and Citrus

You might be wondering, how can something so simple actually be clean? The answer lies in the natural properties of the ingredients.

• Vinegar: White wine vinegar is a natural disinfectant. It’s acidic, which makes it effective at breaking down grease, killing bacteria, and even removing mineral deposits from hard water. While the scent of vinegar is strong at first, it dissipates quickly, leaving behind only the fresh smell of citrus and herbs.
• Citrus Peels: Citrus contains natural oils that have antibacterial and antiseptic properties, making them perfect for cleaning. They also help to cut through grease and leave surfaces shiny. Not to mention, the bright, zesty scent is much more pleasant than the harsh, synthetic smells of commercial cleaners.
• Herbs: Rosemary and other herbs not only smell wonderful, but many also contain antimicrobial properties. Rosemary, for example, has been used for centuries as a natural cleaner and purifier.

A quicker recipe in a pinch

It is so easy to make your own multipurpose, non-toxic cleaner at home, and it doesn’t have to take long at all. While the orange peel and white vinegar recipe is one I’ve tried and loved—it smells divine and costs next to nothing—the downside is that it takes time to steep. 

If you're in a rush or don’t want to wait, here’s a faster alternative that works just as well:

• Simply mix 1/2 white vinegar, 1/2 water, a drop of natural dish soap, and a few drops of orange essential oil (or another oil of your choice). Give it a quick shake (also before each use to combine the ingredients). It only takes minutes to prepare, and you’ll have a fresh, non-toxic cleaner ready to tackle any surface in your home. This quick solution protects your space from harmful chemicals, leaving only a clean, safe environment behind.

Conclusion: Don't Fall for the Greenwashing Trap

It’s time to stop falling for the greenwashing tactics of big brands pushing “eco-friendly” cleaning products that are anything but. You don’t need to pay a premium for products that still add to your toxic load. By making your own cleaners, you can take control of what goes into your home and ensure that it’s truly safe and healthy for you and your family.

So, the next time you see a label claiming a product is “natural” or “green,” take a moment to dig deeper. Read the ingredients, and ask yourself if you really want to bring those chemicals into your home. Or better yet, save your money and make your own non-toxic cleaners that are both effective and good for the environment.

It’s simpler than you think, and your health will thank you.

Sources

https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredients/703935-METHYLISOTHIAZOLINONE. EWG's Skin Deep.

https://www.ewg.org/cleaners/substances/7341-BENZISOTHIAZOLINONE. EWG's Skin Deep.