If you're anything like me, the change in seasons inspires a top-to-bottom spring cleaning of your home. But before you reach for your cleaning products, I want you to read this.

Have you ever noticed that the majority of cleaning products don’t list their ingredients the same way your deodorant does? That's because in Canada, trade secrets legislation protects the manufacturers of cleaning products, not their consumers.

Cleaning products contain many chemicals hazardous to human health and yet labels remain empty. Research revealed links between certain chemicals and adverse health effects on people, increasing your body burden.

I wrote about decreasing your body burden and spring seems like the best time to think about how cleaning products might be burdening you. Here are just a few ingredients in cleaning products that I always try to avoid:

2-Butoxyethanol (ethylene glycol monobutyl ether): Linked to liver and kidney damage, as well as reproductive toxicity. Found in carpet cleaners and glass cleaners.

Benzene: A known human carcinogen. Found in all-purpose cleaners, floor and furniture polishes, and oven cleaners.

Chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite): A potent environmental pollutant frequently involved in poisonings; suspected to be neurotoxic and hepatotoxic (toxic to the liver). Found in bleach, toilet bowl cleaners, and disinfectants.

Ethoxylated nonylphenols (NPEs): Endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Found in degreasers, cleaning products, and detergents.

Formaldehyde (formalin): A known human carcinogen and respiratory irritant; suspected immunotoxin, neurotoxin, and reproductive toxin. Found in air fresheners, deodorizers, disinfectants, antibacterial soaps, furniture polish, and carpet cleaners.

Triclosan: A suspected carcinogen and hormone disruptor that may also affect the immune system. Found in antibacterial and antimicrobial products.

Xylene: Associated with liver damage and nervous system depression; suspected to be a reproductive, developmental, and respiratory toxin. Found in floor polishes, spot removers, stainless steel cleaners, and air fresheners.

Here's a few of my favourite safe cleaning brands:

Some cleaning brands that I feel comfortable using are Nature Clean, Eco Max, Tru Earth Laundry Strips, wool dryer balls, Method All Purpose Cleaner, and my go-to, Orange-A-Peel. It’s a 100% natural cleaner with a nice fresh smell of oranges, and it's safe for pets. Just remember, it's highly concentrated and needs to be diluted before use.

I hope this helps you on journey towards a cleaner and most importantly safer home!