the safest carcinogen-free cleaning products

The Top-Rated Carcinogen-Free Cleaning Products

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It’s important to keep a clean home — but it’s equally critical to ensure the products you’re using don’t have serious health risks. Believe it or not, there are a lot of common products that include potentially-toxic ingredients, including carcinogens that may cause cancer. The good news is that by paying attention to the ingredients listed on labels and verifying products’ safety ratings from groups like the Environmental Working Group (EWG), you can rest assured you’re not bringing dangerous chemicals into your home. Our guide discusses what to keep an eye out for when selecting common cleaning products.

Air Freshener

Photo: Pixabay

Air Fresheners

Look for brands that don’t have phthalates. These chemicals have been linked to certain kinds of cancers, including breast cancer, so although more research needs to be done on their health effects, it’s best to avoid them. They may be listed in a product’s ingredient list as DHEP or DiBP, so opt for those labeled phthalate-free.

Additionally, formaldehyde is still used in some air fresheners, and it’s been verified as a cancer-causing agent. You should avoid any consumer product containing it, and keep in mind it appears on some product labels as formalin.

These products have been given an A safety rating by the Environmental Working Group (EWG)*:

  • Arm & Hammer Fridge & Freezer Baking Soda
  • Arm & Hammer Fridge Fresh Refrigerator Air Filter
  • Aura Cacia Aromatherapy Mist in these scents:
    • Eucalyptus Harvest
    • Lavender Harvest
    • Tangerine Grapefruit
    • Tea Tree Harvest
  • Aura Cacia Precious Essentials Aromatherapy Spritz, Purifying Sandalwood
  • Aussan Natural Nursery Odor Eliminator
  • Aussan Natural Room Odor Eliminator
  • Earth Friendly Products Uni-Fresh Air Freshener, Vanilla Scent
All-purpose Cleaners

Photo: Pixabay

All-purpose Cleaners

Phthalates are also present in all-purpose cleaning solutions that can be used on a variety of surfaces in different parts of the home, including the kitchen, bathroom, and living areas. In addition, you should avoid products containing 1,4-dioxane, which the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) labels a “probable human carcinogen.” You should also avoid multi-purpose cleaners with these ingredients, which have raised concern in the medical community about their connection to cancer:

  • Carbon tetrachloride
  • Chloroform
  • Diethanolamine (DEA)
  • Triethanolamine (TEA)

These products have been given an A safety rating by the EWG:

  • AspenClean All Purpose Cleaner, Grapefruit & Lavender
  • AspenClean Glass Cleaner, Lime
  • A-Ben-A-Qui Universal Cleaner, Free & Clear
  • Arm & Hammer Baking Soda
  • Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda Detergent Booster & Household Cleaner
  • AspenClean All-in-one Concentrate
  • AspenClean SuperScrub Powder
  • Attitude Little Ones Toy & Surface Cleaner, Fragrance Free
  • Attitude Sensitive Skin Natural All Purpose Cleaner
  • Attitude Sensitive Skin Natural Window & Mirror Cleaner
  • Aunt Fannie’s Cleaning Vinegar Wipes in these scents:
    • Bright Lemon
    • Eucalyptus
    • Fresh Lime Mint
    • Lavender
    • Sweet Mandarin
  • Aunt Fannie’s Cleaning Vinegar in these scents:
    • Bright Lemon
    • Eucalyptus
    • Fresh Lime Mint
    • Lavender
    • Sweet Mandarin
  • Aunt Fannie’s Glass & Window Vinegar Wash
  • Aussan Natural All-purpose Cleaner
  • Aussan Natural Nursery All-purpose Cleaner
  • Babyganics All Purpose Surface Wipes, Fragrance Free
  • Bon Ami Powder Cleanser
  • BuggyLOVE Organic Multi-purpose Cleaner, Sweet Orange Scent
  • BuggyLOVE Organic Stroller Frame & Accessory Cleaner, Sweet Orange Scent
  • Citra Solv Citra Clear Window & Glass Cleaner
  • Clorox Commercial Solutions Disinfecting Bio Stain & Odor Remover
  • Clorox Pet Solutions Advanced Disinfecting Stain & Odor Remover
  • CLR Mold & Mildew Stain Remover
  • Common Good All Purpose Cleaner in these scents:
    • Bergamot
    • Lavender
    • Tea Tree
  • Concrobium Mold Control
  • Dapple All Purpose Cleaner, Lavender
  • Dapple All Purpose Wipes, Fragrance-free
  • Dapple Toys & High Chairs Cleaner, Fragrance-free
  • Dr. Bronner’s Pure-castile Soap in these scents:
    • Baby Unscented
    • Citrus
    • Eucalyptus
    • Lavender
    • Peppermint
    • Tea Tree
  • Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds Liquid Cleaner
  • Earth Friendly Products ECOS All-purpose Cleaner, Orange Plus
  • Earth Friendly Products ECOS Cream Cleanser, Lemon
  • Earthy Glass & Window Cleaner
  • Eco-Me Scrub Cleanser, Emily
  • Ecover Cream Scrub
  • Equate Pure Castile Soap in these scents:
    • Lavender
    • Peppermint
  • Fit Organic Cleaner and Degreaser
  • Greenshield Organic Green Shield Organic All-purpose Cleaner Degreaser, Fresh
  • Greenshield Organic Green Shield Organic Biodegradable Surface Wipes, Fresh
  • Heinz All Natural Cleaning Vinegar
  • Heinz Vinegar
  • Heinz Distilled White Vinegar
  • Lion Bear Naked Soap Co. Every Thing Cleaner in these scents:
    • Lemon-sage
    • Pine + Eucalyptus
    • Rosemary + Lavender
  • Lion Bear Naked Soap Co. Nuttin But Suds, Unscented
  • Lion Bear Naked Soap Co. Sunflower Castile Liquid Soap, Unscented
  • Lion Bear Naked Soap Co. Washboard Wonder Laundry Powder in these scents:
    • Eucalyptus
    • Lavender
    • Rosemary
    • Unscented
  • LYSOL Hydrogen Peroxide Bathroom Cleaner, Cool Spring Breeze
  • LYSOL Hydrogen Peroxide Multi-purpose Cleaner, Citrus Sparkle Zest
  • LYSOL Simply Multi-purpose Cleaner, Orange Blossom
  • MamaSuds All-purpose Cleaner
  • MamaSuds Castile Soap, Unscented
  • Meliora Cleaning Products All-purpose Home Cleaner, Unscented
  • Meliora Cleaning Products Castile Soap Bar
  • Meliora Cleaning Products Soap Flakes, Unscented
  • Murchison-Hume Premium Glass Polish, Fragrance Free
  • Ology Glass Cleaner
  • Ology Pure Castile Soap in these scents:
    • Lavender
    • Peppermint
  • Planet All Purpose Spray Cleaner
  • Poofy Home All-Purpose Cleaner, Spirited Mint
  • Puracy Natural Multi-surface Cleaner, Green Tea & Lime
  • Seventh Generation Disinfecting Bathroom Cleaner, Lemongrass Citrus Scent
  • Seventh Generation Disinfecting Multi-surface Cleaner, Lemongrass Citrus
  • Seventh Generation Disinfecting Wipes, Lemongrass Citrus
  • Sun & Earth All Purpose Cleaner, Light Citrus
  • Sun & Earth Glass Cleaner, Light Citrus
  • Trader Joe’s Multi-purpose Cleaner, Cedarwood & Sage
  • Truce All-Purpose Cleaner, Peppermint
  • Whoa Nelli Natural Home Cleaning Spray in these scents:
    • Citrus Blend
    • Lavender
    • Lemongrass
    • Rosemary-Mint
  • Whole Foods Market All Purpose Cleaner, Citrus
  • Whole Foods Market All Purpose Concentrated Cleaner, Pine
  • Whole Foods Market Glass Cleaner, Unscented
  • Whole Foods Market Green MISSION Organic All-purpose Spray Cleaner & Degreaser, Lemon Zest
  • Whole Foods Market Green MISSION Surface Cleaning Wipes, Minty Fresh
  • Whole Foods Market Organic All-purpose Cleaner, Lemon Zest
Dishwashing Detergents

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Dishwashing Detergents

Formaldehyde is in a surprising number of dishwashing liquids. It’s a known human carcinogen, so while you should avoid using it in any product, one can argue this rule applies to cleaners you use on dishes, meal-prep tools, and food storage containers the most. Sulfuric acid is another common additive that has ties to cancer in people with prolonged exposure to it. Triclosan is also an ingredient in many dish soaps, and although its human studies are ongoing, it’s been linked to cancer in studies on mice. Lastly, be on the lookout for phthalates.

These products have been given an A safety rating by the EWG:

  • AspenClean Dish Soap in these scents:
    • Eucalyptus Rosemary
    • Lavender Lemongrass
    • Unscented
  • AspenClean Dishwasher Packs, Unscented
  • 365 Everyday Value Dishwasher Detergent Packs, Unscented
  • Attitude Dishwashing Liquid, Pink Grapefruit
  • Attitude Little Ones Baby Bottle & Dishwashing Liquid in these scents:
    • Fragrance Free
    • Pear Nectar
    • Sweet Lullaby
  • Attitude Sensitive Skin Natural Baby Bottle & Dishwashing Foam
  • Attitude Sensitive Skin Natural Baby Bottle & Dishwashing Liquid
  • Attitude Sensitive Skin Natural Dishwashing Liquid
  • Aunt Fannie’s Microcosmic Probiotic Power Dish Soap in these scents:
    • Fresh Lemon
    • Lavender
    • Mandarin Grove
    • Soft Mint
  • Better Life DISH IT OUT Natural Dish Liquid in these scents:
    • Clary Sage & Citrus
    • Unscented
  • Better Life Dishwasher Gel
  • Common Good Dish Soap in these scents:
    • Bergamot
    • Lavender
    • Unscented
  • Dr. Bronner’s Pure-castile Soap in these scents:
    • Baby Unscented
    • Eucalyptus
    • Lavender
    • Peppermint
    • Tea Tree
  • Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds Liquid Cleaner
  • Earth Friendly Products ECOS Dishmate Dish Soap in these scents:
    • Free & Clear
    • Lavender
  • Earth Friendly Products ECOS Wave Dishwasher Gel, Lavender
  • Earth Friendly Products Wave Auto Dishwasher Gel, Free & Clear
  • Earthy Natural Hand Dish Wash Liquid in these scents:
    • Petitgrain
    • Rosemary Mint
  • Eco Olea Dish Liquid, Lemon Grass
  • Eco Olea Dishwasher Gel, Pine
  • Eco-Max Hypoallergenic Ultra Dish Wash
  • Eco-Max Ultra Dish Wash in these scents:
    • Natural Lavender
    • Natural Tea Tree
  • Eco-Me Dish Soap, Suzy
  • Ecover Rinse Aid
  • Ecover Zero Dish Soap, Fragrance Free
  • Fit Organic Automatic Dishwasher Gel, Lemongrass Tangerine
  • Fit Organic Dish Liquid, Free and Clear
  • Fit Organic Dishwasher Gel, Free and Clear
  • Fit Organic Foaming Dish & Hand Soap, Free and Clear
  • FizzWizz Baby Bottle And Sippy Cup Cleaning Tablets
  • Grab Green Dish Soap, Fragrance Free
  • Lemi Shine Shine + Dry Rinse
  • Love Home & Planet Dishwasher Detergent Packets in these scents:
    • Citrus Yuzu & Vanilla
    • Lavender & Argan Oil
  • MADE OF Foaming Dish & Bottle Soap in these scents:
    • Fragrance Free
    • Lavender
    • Sweet Orange
  • MamaSuds Automatic Dishwasher Powder
  • Nature Clean Automatic Dishwasher Pacs
  • Nature Clean Rinse Agent
  • Nice! Dishwasher Packs Single Dose Detergent
  • No Tox Life Vegan Dish Washing Block
  • Poofy Home Dishwashing Liquid, Citrus Punch
  • Puracy Natural Dish Soap, Green Tea & Lime
  • Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent Packs in these scents:
    • Free & Clear
    • Lemon
  • Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent Powder, Free & Clear
  • Seventh Generation Ultra Power Plus Dishwasher Detergent Packs, Fresh Citrus Scent
  • Sun & Earth Dishwashing Liquid Extra Concentrated, Light Citrus
  • Sun & Earth Liquid Dishwashing in these scents:
    • Fresh Lavender
    • Unscented
  • The Honest Co. Honest Auto Dishwasher Gel, Free & Clear
  • The Honest Co. Honest Dish Soap in these scents:
    • Lemon Verbena
    • White Grapefruit
  • Total Home Earth Essentials Liquid Dish Soap in these scents:
    • Eucalyptus Lemon
    • Fragrance Free
  • Trader Joe’s LIquid Dish Soap, Lavender Tea Tree
  • Yaya Maria’s All-natural Dish Soap, Lavender
Floor Cleaners

Photo: Pexels

Floor Cleaners

Perchloroethylene (also called PERC on some product labels) is a common offender in carpet cleaners that the EPA labels a “probable human carcinogen.” The EPA also recognizes nitrobenzene, an additive in floor polish, as a “possible human carcinogen,” so be wary of products containing either of these ingredients.

If you use a diluted all-purpose cleaner on your floors, be sure you’re using products that don’t contain these ingredients, which are present in many popular brands:

  • 1,4-dioxane
  • Carbon tetrachloride
  • Chloroform
  • Diethanolamine (DEA)
  • Phthalates
  • Triethanolamine (TEA)

These products have been given an A safety rating by the EWG:

  • AspenClean Floor Cleaner
  • AspenClean Floor Cleaner Concentrate
  • Aunt Fannie’s Floor Cleaner Vinegar Wash Concentrate in these scents:
    • Bright Lemon
    • Eucalyptus
    • Fresh Lime Mint
    • Lavender
    • Sweet Mandarin
  • Aussan Natural Floor Cleaner Concentrate
  • Babyganics Floor Cleaner Concentrate, Fragrance Free
  • Biokleen Carpet & Rug Shampoo
  • Eco-Me Wood Polish, Kate
  • Fit Organic Laundry & Carpet Stain Remover
  • Martha Stewart Clean Carpet Stain Remover
  • Martha Stewart Clean Wood Floor Cleaner
  • Simple Green Naturals Carpet Care
  • Truce Wood Cleaner, Citrus
  • Truce Wood Cleaner Concentrate, Citrus
Laundry Detergents

Photo: Unsplash

Laundry Detergents

Some laundry detergents contain 1,4-dioxane, which should be avoided at all costs because of its designation as a probable human carcinogen by the EPA. Some formulas also contain sodium lauryl sulfate, which has been linked to a number of health problems (including organ failure and neurotoxicity) in addition to cancer.

These products have been given an A safety rating by the EWG:

  • AspenClean Laundry Detergent in these scents:
    • Eucalyptus Rosemary
    • Lavender Lemongrass
    • Unscented
  • 365 Everyday Value 2X Concentrated Powder Laundry Detergent in these scents:
    • Lavender
    • Unscented
  • Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda Detergent Booster & Household Cleaner
  • Attitude Laundry Detergent, Pink Grapefruit
  • Attitude Little Ones Laundry Detergent, Fragrance Free
  • Attitude Little Ones Laundry Stain Remover, Fragrance Free
  • Attitude Little Ones Night Laundry Detergent, Soothing Chamomile
  • Attitude Sensitive Skin Natural Baby Laundry Detergent
  • Attitude Sensitive Skin Natural Laundry Detergent
  • Berryplus Liquid Laundry Soap
  • Better Life Laundry Detergent in these scents:
    • Lavender Grapefruit
    • Unscented
  • Biokleen Free & Clear Laundry Liquid
  • Biokleen Free & Clear Laundry Powder
  • Biokleen Oxygen Bleach Plus
  • Branch Basics Oxygen Boost
  • BuggyLOVE Organic No-Wash Stain Remover, Tangerine Scent
  • Charlie’s Soap Laundry Powder
  • Common Good Laundry Detergent in these scents:
    • Lavender
    • Unscented
  • Dapple Baby Laundry Detergent Strips, Fragrance-free
  • Dapple Baby Laundry Detergent, Fragrance-free
  • Dr. Bronner’s Pure-castile Soap in these scents:
    • Baby Unscented
    • Eucalyptus
    • Lavender
    • Peppermint
    • Tea Tree
  • Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds Liquid Cleaner
  • Earth Friendly Products ECOS OxoBrite Multi-purpose Stain Remover, Free & Clear
  • Eco-Me Laundry Soap, Emma
  • Ecover Non-chlorine Bleach Liquid
  • Ecover Non-chlorine Bleach Powder
  • Ecover ZERO Laundry Liquid Concentrate
  • Everspring Laundry Detergent, Free & Clear
  • Fit Organic Laundry & Carpet Stain Remover
  • Grab Green 3 in 1 Laundry Detergent Pods, Fragrance Free
  • Grab Green 3 in 1 Laundry Detergent Powder, Fragrance Free
  • Grab Green Bleach Alternative Pods, Fragrance Free
  • Grab Green Delicate Laundry Detergent Pods, Fragrance Free
  • Grab Green Stoneworks Laundry Detergent Pods in these scents:
    • Fragrance Free
    • Rain
  • Greenshield Organic Green Shield Organic Fabric Softener, Lavender Mint
  • Greenshield Organic Green Shield Organic Laundry Detergent, Free & Clear
  • Greenshield Organic Green Shield Organic Laundry Detergent, HE Elite Care in these scents:
    • Free & Clear
    • Lavender
  • Ingredients Matter Laundry Booster and Stain Eliminator, Fragrance-free
  • Ingredients Matter Laundry Soap Powder, Fragrance-free
  • Ingredients Matter Liquid Laundry Soap, Fragrance-free
  • LA’s Totally Awesome Power Oxygen Base Cleaner
  • Lion Bear Naked Soap Co. Eucalyptus Laundry Powder
  • Lion Bear Naked Soap Co. Laundry Soap, Unscented
  • Lion Bear Naked Soap Co. Washboard Wonder Laundry Powder in these scents:
    • Eucalyptus
    • Lavender
    • Rosemary
    • Unscented
  • Martha Stewart Clean Laundry Detergent
  • Meliora Cleaning Products Laundry Powder in these scents:
    • Lavender
    • Lemon
    • Lemon Lavender Clove
    • Unscented
  • Meliora Cleaning Products Laundry Stain Removal Soap Stick
  • Molly’s Suds Cloth Diaper Laundry Powder
  • Molly’s Suds Laundry Powder
  • Nature Clean Laundry Powder, Unscented
  • Ology 2X Laundry Liquid, Free & Clear
  • Planet 2x Ultra Laundry Detergent, Free & Clear
  • Planet Delicate Laundry Wash, Hypo-allergenic
  • Presto! Laundry Detergent Packs, Fragrance Free
  • Puracy Natural Laundry Detergent, Free & Clear
  • Rit Laundry Treatment Color Remover
  • Rit Laundry Treatment Rust Remover
  • Seventh Generation 3-In-1 Oxy Booster Packs, Free & Clear
  • Seventh Generation Chlorine-free Bleach, Free & Clear
  • Seventh Generation Natural Laundry Detergent Packs in these scents:
    • Citrus & Cedar
    • Free & Clear
  • Seventh Generation Natural Laundry Detergent Powder in these scents:
    • Free & Clear
    • Real Citrus
    • Wild Lavender
  • Seventh Generation Ultra Power Plus Laundry Detergent Packs, Fresh Citrus Scent
  • Sun & Earth 2X Concentrated Laundry Detergent in these scents:
    • Fresh Lavender
    • Unscented
  • Sun & Earth Laundry Detergent, Light Citrus
  • Sun & Earth On the Spot! Instant Stain Remover
  • Tangie Laundry Paste Concentrate
  • The Honest Co. Honest 4 in 1 Laundry Pods, Free & Clear
  • Whoa Nelli Natural Laundry Soap in these scents:
    • Citrus Blend
    • Lavender
    • Lemongrass
    • Rosemary-Mint
    • Unscented
  • Whole Foods Market Baby Laundry Detergent, Unscented
Wet wipes

Photo: Unsplash

Learn More About Individual Cleaning Products’ Safety

Along with our guide, there are a couple of other trusted resources we recommend that allow you to search for individual cleaning (and other consumer) products to learn about their ingredients. Simply enter the product’s name in the search bar of one or both of these websites:

It’s unsettling knowing there are products claiming to make your home cleaner but that contain additives that threaten your family’s health. Knowing which ingredients to avoid will help you make more informed decisions about which cleaning agents to use in order to keep your home a safe and healthy space.

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Ken Lyons
Ken Lyons is one of the founding members of Cleaner Digs. He is also the senior editor and contributing author. Ken has owned and operated two cleaning companies in the past: one commercial and one that serviced residential customers. He writes for Clean Digs to share his professional expertise on cleaning and organization. He's been a fastidious cleaning nut and writing about it for more than a decade.