The Hidden Risks Lurking in Your Household Cleaners

Rental inspections leave my house clean, but my lungs, skin, and eyes irritated. I was determined to do things differently for a recent inspection. Looking over my collection of spray bottles filled with an assortment of cleaning chemicals for different jobs, I knew that there had to be a better, safer, and cheaper way. The environment was also surely paying the price for the array of chemicals being flushed down the drain and sprayed into the atmosphere.

In this article, I’ll take you through some of the lessons I have learned on my quest to rid my home of nasty household cleaners.

What’s in the bottle? A look at the ingredients of common household cleaners

A walk down your local supermarket’s cleaning aisle will dazzle you with promises of cleanliness and sanitation. We all want clean toilets, windows, and showers…and the shelves offer up many solutions. Let’s look at some of the most common household cleaners, the ingredients they use, and the health implications of their use.

All-purpose sprays and disinfectants

Touted as all-in-one saviours, all-purpose sprays often contain multiple chemical groups.

Key nasties

• Quaternary ammonium compounds (quats)
• Synthetic fragrances
• Phenoxyethanol

Why they matter

• Quats can trigger asthma and skin irritation
• Fragrance is a legal loophole hiding dozens of chemicals
• Phenoxyethanol links to nervous system effects at high exposure

Products marketed as “antibacterial” often increase risk, not safety.

Bathroom and toilet cleaners

Your bathroom and toilet cleaners contain some of the most aggressive formulations.

Key nasties

• Sodium hypochlorite (bleach)
• Hydrochloric acid
• Chlorine-releasing agents

Health risks

• Fumes irritate the lungs and eyes quickly
• Mixing products can release chlorine gas
• Repeated exposure worsens respiratory sensitivity

Accidentally mixing chemicals is one of the greatest risks with these cleaners. Ever sprayed a mould cleaner and followed it up with an all-purpose spray? These can make you dizzy at best and can be lethal at worst.

Glass and window cleaners

Glass and window cleaners are often seen as “light” cleaners.

Key nasties

• Ammonia
• Isopropyl alcohol
• Added fragrance

Health risks

• Ammonia irritates the airways and eyes
• Alcohol vapours affect headaches and dizziness
• Fragrance adds unnecessary exposure

These “light” cleaners can carry heavy risks.

Laundry detergents and fabric softeners

Laundry detergents and fabric softeners sit on your skin all day.

Key nasties

• Optical brighteners
• Synthetic musks
• Phthalates
• Preservatives like MIT and BIT

Health concerns

• Skin irritation and eczema triggers
• Hormone disruption concerns with phthalates
• Fragrance lingers on clothing fibres

Fabric softener is the true villain here. Not only do these collect on your clothes, but they can also be a fire risk. If you must use fabric softener, please ensure that you DO NOT use it on children’s pyjamas. They remove the fire-retardant properties.

Air fresheners and scented cleaners

Air fresheners and scented cleaners do not clean anything.

Key nasties

• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
• Formaldehyde precursors
• Synthetic fragrance blends

Why they are risky

• VOCs worsen indoor air quality
• Some compounds convert to formaldehyde indoors
• “Fresh smell” trains people to ignore air quality

Nice-smelling homes sound attractive, but they can leave your home worse off.

The true danger of some chemicals

Young kids, people with asthma, and those with eczema are at the greatest risk from chemical exposure from household cleaners. Here’s what to look out for:

Fragrance mixes (often listed as “parfum”)

• What it is: A blend of scent chemicals. Brands can keep ingredients hidden.
• Where it shows up: Scented sprays, disinfectants, detergents, softeners, air fresheners.
• Known health risks: Headaches, migraines, asthma attacks, and respiratory irritation.
• Studies: Steinemann (2017, Preventive Medicine Reports): A national Australian survey found 33% reported health problems from fragranced products. These included migraines and asthma attacks.

VOCs (volatile organic compounds)

• What it is: Chemicals that evaporate into the air at room temperature.
• Where it shows up: Sprays, degreasers, glass cleaners, and scented products.
• Known health risks: Eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, and worsened asthma symptoms.
• Australian studies:

Terpenes like limonene and pinene

• What it is: Scent chemicals used for “citrus” and “pine” smells.
• Where it shows up: “Fresh” cleaning sprays, floor cleaners, and laundry products.
• Known health risks: Airway irritation, especially for sensitive lungs. They can also form secondary pollutants indoors.
• Australian studies:
  • Cheng et al. (2016, Indoor Air): Reported terpenes associated with cleaning and laundry use.
  • Goodman et al. (2017, Building and Environment): Found terpenes were common indoors, and noted secondary pollutant formation concerns.

Quats (quaternary ammonium compounds), including benzalkonium chloride

• What it is: Disinfectant surfactants used to “kill germs”.
• Where it shows up: Disinfectant wipes, antibacterial sprays, and some sanitisers.
• Known health risks: Asthma symptoms, airway irritation, and skin irritation.
• Australian evidence: Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS, 2022): Published a human health evaluation for benzalkonium halides. It focuses on risks across use types, including consumer products.

Bleach (sodium hypochlorite)

• What it is: A strong oxidising disinfectant.
• Where it shows up: Toilet cleaners, mould removers, whitening products.
• Known health risks: Irritated lungs and eyes, and chemical burns at higher exposures.
• Real danger: Mixing with acids or ammonia can release toxic gases.
• Evidence: UK government toxicological overview – sodium hypochlorite: This official safety overview explains that mixing bleach with acids or ammonia releases chlorine and chloramine gases, which are strong respiratory irritants causing throat and lung burning, coughing, chest tightness and respiratory distress.

Ammonia

• What it is: A strong alkaline cleaner and degreaser.
• Where it shows up: Glass cleaners, oven products, and some floor cleaners.
• Known health risks: Eye and airway irritation, plus burns at high concentrations.
• Australian evidence: Australian chemical hazard guidance exists through national environmental reporting and safety bodies.

Isothiazolinone preservatives (MIT and MI)

• What it is: Preservatives that stop mould and bacteria in liquids.
• Where it shows up: Some detergents, wipes, and “water-based” products.
• Known health risks: Allergic contact dermatitis, sensitisation, and persistent eczema flares.
• Australian studies:

The environmental cost of harsh household chemicals

Exposure to harsh household chemicals does not stop at your front door. How we use chemicals in our homes can have far-reaching implications.

Water pollution and waterways

Many cleaning chemicals wash straight down household drains. Wastewater treatment does not remove everything.

Key offenders

• Surfactants
• Phosphates
• Antibacterial agents
• Synthetic fragrances

Environmental impacts

• Nutrient overload fuels algal blooms.
• Aquatic organisms suffer toxicity at low concentrations.
• Rivers and coastal systems struggle to recover.

Phosphates remain an ongoing issue in some formulations.

Harm to aquatic life

What seems diluted to humans is potent for wildlife.

Why this matters

• Fish absorb chemicals directly through gills.
• Amphibians absorb contaminants through their skin.
• Hormone disruption affects reproduction and growth.

Even trace exposure can disrupt fragile ecosystems.

Persistence and bioaccumulation

Some chemicals do not break down easily.

Problem ingredients

• Synthetic musks
• Quaternary ammonium compounds
• Certain preservatives

Long-term risks

• Chemicals build up in sediments.
• Toxins accumulate up the food chain.
• Effects worsen over time, not immediately.

Indoor chemicals become outdoor pollution

Airborne chemicals do not stay indoors.

What happens next

• VOCs vent outdoors through windows and exhaust fans.
• Particles contribute to local air pollution.
• Urban density magnifies the impact.

Plastic packaging and chemical waste

Cleaning products create more than liquid pollution.

Environmental costs

• Single-use plastic bottles dominate the category.
• Residual chemicals contaminate recycling streams.
• Refills remain underused despite availability.

Antibacterial chemicals and ecosystem balance

Killing everything is not environmentally neutral.

Key concerns

• Antibacterial agents disrupt microbial ecosystems.
• Resistance builds in environmental bacteria.
• Natural balance in soils and waterways weakens.

Clean does not need to mean sterile.

Alternative cleaning products to use in and around your house

Switching products does not mean lowering hygiene standards. It means reducing unnecessary chemical exposure.

Here are some practical, safer, and usually cheaper alternatives.

Fragrance-free and low-toxicity commercial cleaners

Many mainstream brands now offer simpler formulations.

What to look for

• Fragrance-free labels, not just “natural”.
• Short ingredient lists you can actually read.
• Products certified by recognised ecolabels.

Why this matters

Fragrance-free products cut VOC exposure immediately. They also reduce asthma and migraine triggers. “Plant-based” does not always mean low-risk.

Diluted vinegar for hard surfaces

White vinegar is a mild acid and is non-toxic.

Best uses

• Glass
• Benchtops
• Bathroom surfaces
• Kettles and tapware

Why it works

It breaks down mineral deposits and grease.  It does not disinfect like bleach, but often does not need to. Never mix vinegar with bleach.

Bicarbonate of soda for scrubbing

Bicarb is a gentle abrasive, non-toxic, and very cheap.

Best uses

• Sinks
• Ovens
• Cooktops
• Fridge interiors

Why it works

It lifts grime mechanically, not chemically.  This avoids fumes and skin irritation.

Castile soap for general cleaning

Castile soap uses plant oils as the base.

Best uses

• Floors
• Dishes
• Benches
• Light bathroom cleaning

Why it works

It cleans through surfactants without harsh additives and is suitable for sensitive skin households. You can even use castile soap as body wash and shampoo. Ensure that you DO NOT mix with vinegar. 

Hydrogen peroxide as a bleach alternative

Hydrogen peroxide breaks down into water and oxygen and is safe for your skin in low concentration (3%).

Best uses

• Mould-prone areas
• Whitening laundry
• Disinfecting cutting boards

Why it works

It disinfects without chlorine gas risk, but ventilation still matters.

Microfibre cloths and steam

Sometimes the best cleaner is mechanical action.

Best tools

• Microfibre cloths
• Steam cleaners
• Hot water

Why this works

Heat and friction remove microbes effectively. This reduces reliance on chemical disinfectants.

Simple habits that reduce chemical load

Products matter, but behaviour matters more.

Easy wins

• Use sprays sparingly.
• Open windows while cleaning.
• Avoid mixing products.
• If you do choose to use commercially available products, clean less often to reduce exposure.

Less chemical use often equals better indoor air.

Reduce risk and lean on natural products

The greatest allure of supermarket cleaning products is their simplicity. Spray, wipe, and voilà…a clean house. Not only do most of the products available on the shelves carry chemical risks, but they also overcomplicate something that can be so very simple.

My challenge for you is to slowly clear out your cleaning cupboard. When you run out of a product, clean out the spray bottle (where safe and possible) and replace it with a natural alternative. You’ll save money, and your lungs, eyes, and skin will thank you for it!

Energy Matters is here to help Aussies make informed choices. Looking to add solar or battery storage to your home? Get FREE Quotes from local, pre-vetted installers.