How switching to Natural Cleaners Transformed My Health
I used commercial cleaners, scrubbing away at every surface and crevice. The idea was simple: the stronger the chemical smell, the cleaner the home. But over time, I started to notice that my efforts at maintaining a clean house were having a worrying effect on my health. My eyes would sting, my throat would itch, and my hands were often dry and irritated after a cleaning session. It made me wonder—were these products actually doing more harm than good?
Why I Made the Switch
The turning point came when I noticed my children were also suffering from health issues after I had cleaned the house. My daughter had recurring headaches and my son was suffering with breathing issues. At the same time, I read a study linking indoor air pollution to long-term health issues like respiratory problems and allergies. I realised that every time I used harsh cleaners, I was releasing toxic fumes that lingered long after the floors dried and counters were wiped down. I suddenly realised that a “clean” home shouldn’t come at the expense of clean air.
I started researching the effects that using chemical cleaners could have on our health, and was shocked to come across an article by Breast Cancer UK, which explained some chemicals in general cleaning products have been identified as endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs), which may be linked to breast cancer and other diseases. I realised that it wasn't just a hunch, but a fact that these cleaners were seriously damaging our health.
I soon began looking for natural alternatives and tried a few eco brands of cleaning products but none of them seemed to cut through the dirt as well as expected, and many had artificial fragrances or dyes in them.
That’s when myself and my good friend Anita decided to dive into the world of natural cleaning. We decided that there was a gap in the market for Natural Cleaning Products that not only cleaned effectively, and smelled (naturally) amazing but also looked stylish on your countertop in amber glass 'refillable' bottles. Not only did this approach seem more health-conscious, but it also aligned with our values of sustainability and reducing the chemical load inside and outside my home.
The Surprising Health Benefits of Going Natural
Within just a few weeks of switching to natural cleaners, I noticed subtle changes. The lingering chemical smell that used to linger after a big cleaning day was replaced by a the fresh, spa like scent of Lavender, Rosemary and Peppermint. I felt like I could breathe easier, without that harsh odour hanging in the air and getting to the back of my throat.
The biggest difference, however, was in my children's allergies. After switching to MadeKind Natural Cleaning Products, the symptoms of headaches and breathing difficulties diminished significantly. It became clear that my children had been reacting to the very products I thought were keeping my space “healthy.”
I also found my skin was less prone to irritation and dryness. In the past, I’d need to wear gloves to avoid contact with corrosive chemicals that left my hands cracked and uncomfortable. With MadeKind Natural Cleaners, I didn’t need to worry about that at all. In fact washing my dishes in MadeKind Dish Wash not only cleaned effectively but also nourished my skin instead of stripping it.
A Fresh Perspective on Clean
One of the most significant mental shifts for me was redefining what “clean” meant. I realized that a truly clean home is one that supports health and wellness, not just appearance. Natural cleaning is about more than just swapping out products—it’s about embracing a different philosophy of care. It’s about trusting that nature’s resources—plants, minerals, and enzymes—can do the job just as well as anything.
My house didn’t just look clean; it felt clean. There were no synthetic fragrances masking odours—just the pure, subtle scent of nature.
Creating a Safer Space for Loved Ones
As I've previously mentioned, the motivating factor for me to create MadeKind was to create a safer space for my family. Families with younger children and pets need to be particularly mindful of the products they use as they are closer to the surfaces we clean. Toddlers who crawl on freshly cleaned floors or pets who nap on the floor can be especially vulnerable to toxic residues left behind by conventional cleaners. Making the switch gave me peace of mind, knowing I wasn’t introducing harmful substances into their environment.
We've also heard from many of our customers with sensitivities and conditions like asthma benefit from using natural alternatives. It’s one thing to know that something is “better” in theory, but it’s another to see those real-world effects—fewer flare-ups, fewer reactions, and a general improvement in air quality.
A Conscious Approach to Cleaning
The benefits of using MadeKind Natural Cleaners extend beyond the personal—they contribute to a healthier planet, too. Many commercial cleaners contain ingredients that are not only harmful to us but also to the environment. They can seep into waterways, disrupt ecosystems, and contribute to pollution. Choosing biodegradable, plant-based cleaners means I’m not only caring for my home but also for the world outside of it. It's been great to share this journey with our families who are now teenagers. They can feel proud of the fact that their parents are doing something positive to improve the planet we live in.
Where I Am Now
Today, my home is cleaner than it’s ever been—not just in appearance, but in how it feels. I no longer worry about what I’m spraying on my countertops or what my family is being exposed to. In fact I spray our Best Selling Multi Surface Cleaner all over the house as it acts as a Room Freshener too and can get rid of nasty odours. I’ve reclaimed control over my environment in a way that supports our health, happiness, and values. There's no denying that commercial cleaners have an adverse affect on our health and this has seen a rise in the popularity of natural cleaning products, like MadeKind.
If you’re considering making the switch, my advice is to start small. Begin with one product—maybe our great value Cleaning Kits, (which include a 'Forever' bottle, 1L Cleaning Refill and Organic Dish Cloth) —and see how it feels. From there, explore the possibilities and watch as the health benefits unfold. You’ll find that when you choose natural, you’re not only choosing what’s best for your home but what’s best for you and your loved ones.
Take a look at our range of MadeKind products for the home, for you and your pets. We have a natural, gentle alternative for all your everyday products, to provide you with everything you need to create a clean, healthy, and vibrant home.