Best Non-Toxic Bathroom Cleaner in 2025

Hydrochloric acid is used in multiple industries like chlorides, fertilizers, dyes, electroplating, and others. It has dangerous health effects like irritation and inflammation of eyes, nose and respiratory tract, and pulmonary edema after short-term inhalation; corrosion to mucous membranes, esophagus, and stomach and severe burns after oral exposure; dermatitis, photosensitization, gastritis and chronic bronchitis after long-term occupational exposure. While the EPA hasn't classified hydrochloric acid for carcinogenicity, many chemicals can spill to release HCl in water.

Sodium Dichloroisocyanurate is toxic upon ingestion and act as a strong oxidizer, posing a fire hazard when exposed to organic materials. It may react violently with combustible substances and decompose due to heat or water, releasing toxic gases such as chlorine. It can cause irritation to the skin, eyes and respiratory tract, and prolonged exposure can result in corrosive skin burns. Inhalation of high concentrations can lead to acute pulmonary edema. It may also explode from shock, friction, or other ignition sources, and can cause fires upon contact with combustible materials.

Ammonium hydroxide is a corrosive substance that can cause injury to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. High concentrations, either through inhalation or prolonged exposure, can lead to significant respiratory issues, including inflammation, pneumonia, and pulmonary edema. It is used in various industries such as fertilizers, dyes, explosives, plastics, and cleansing agents, among others. Due to its intense pungency and potential to cause extreme irritation and even life-threatening conditions, precautions such as wearing protective clothing and immediate cleansing of affected areas are recommended. It should be stored away from combustibles and heavy metals, in well-ventilated areas and in specified containers. Disposal guidelines also need to be referred from environmental regulatory agencies due to the hazardous nature of the substance.

Butoxyethanol studies show severe effects in mice including hemoglobinuria and changes to the lungs, kidneys, and liver. Human volunteers exposed to 200 ppm for 8 hours showed no adverse effects except for mucous membrane irritation. There is, however, limited evidence of spontaneous abortions and decreased sperm counts in humans, and more conclusive evidence of birth defects and testicular damage in animals. Humans are resistant to butoxyethanol-induced red blood cell hemolysis.

Butylphenyl methylpropional, also known as lilial, is a chemical compound commonly used in cosmetics and laundry powders. It is found naturally in crow-dipper and tomato plants and is also produced synthetically in large quantities. In May 2019, the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) deemed its use in cosmetics as unsafe. Following animal studies indicating reproductive toxicity, the EU banned its use in cosmetics by March 2022. Moreover, butylphenyl methylpropional can sometimes serve as an allergen, potentially leading to contact dermatitis in susceptible individuals.

Isothiazolinones are preservatives known to cause allergic contact dermatitis, primarily in workers involved in manufacturing industries like paint, paper, rubber, and air fresheners. Additionally, there's a reported case of occupational asthma from exposure to this chemical among workers.

Benzyldimethyl(tridecyl)ammonium chloride is a mixture recognized for its bactericidal properties. It is used topically in medicaments, deodorants, mouthwashes, and as surgical antiseptics, and also function as preservatives and emulsifiers in drugs and cosmetics. However, the EPA's assessment based on industry data suggests that this substance presents a significant risk to human health. Moreover, a peer-reviewed study has indicated that some quaternary ammonium compounds can lead to reproductive toxicity in animals.

Diethylene glycol ethers is a chemical that has been found to have hematologic, liver, and kidney effects. Exposure to large amounts, about 250 mg/kg/day, can lead to central nervous system depression and other organ damage in rats and may decrease red blood cell counts. It does not show genotoxic, mutagenic, liver, kidney, blood, or reproductive toxicity in animals or humans, but it is classified as an exceptional allergen. The material can be absorbed through the skin and is identified as a mild skin irritant and a severe eye irritant. Notably, its toxicity is lower than that of ethylene glycol ethers.

Diethylene glycol ethers is a chemical that has been found to have hematologic, liver, and kidney effects. Exposure to large amounts, about 250 mg/kg/day, can lead to central nervous system depression and other organ damage in rats and may decrease red blood cell counts. It does not show genotoxic, mutagenic, liver, kidney, blood, or reproductive toxicity in animals or humans, but it is classified as an exceptional allergen. The material can be absorbed through the skin and is identified as a mild skin irritant and a severe eye irritant. Notably, its toxicity is lower than that of ethylene glycol ethers.

Glycolic Acid is corrosive to the skin and eyes, with 70% technical solutions causing severe burns. It also irritates the respiratory tract and may lead to kidney failures. The chemical can cause burns when inhaled, leading to possible injuries to the upper respiratory tract and lungs. It is also harmful if ingested.

Laureth-7, a surfactant derived from lauryl alcohol sourced from coconut or palm oil, is commonly used in personal care and household products, especially laundry detergents. In detergents, it functions by reducing surface tension between water and soil, aiding in the removal of dirt, stains, and oils from fabrics. This ingredient belongs to the Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs) family, which is found in various consumer goods. Despite past contamination concerns, modern manufacturing processes have addressed and eliminated these issues. Although PEGs are not used in certain personal care products, their inclusion in machine detergents is deemed acceptable since they don't directly touch the skin.

d-Limonene is a liquid with a lemon-like smell, often used as a solvent to substitute for more volatile and toxic organic solvents. When it comes into contact with air, it can oxidize, and this oxidized form is a known skin sensitizer, capable of irritating skin and eyes. The combination of d-limonene and l-limonene is known as limonene or dipentene. The estimated lethal dose for humans is between 0.5 to 5 g/kg, and studies have shown that it can cause diarrhea and liver effects when ingested in high doses.

Sodium Cumenesulfonate is a mild eye irritants that can be significantly absorbed upon ingestion but not after skin application. It has not shown skin sensitization in animal tests but have caused acute toxicity symptoms such as decreased activity, prostration, increased saliva production, diarrhea, and liver congestion. Furthermore, sodium cumenesulfonate has not demonstrated carcinogenic effects in dermal exposure studies.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is recognised as a skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant according to ICSC. It may cause allergic reactions and eye irritation as stated by the HSDB. Exposure may even result in eye burns, as per CAMEO. Depending on its form - which may range from a solid (90-98% purity), to a paste (30-41%), or an aqueous solution (28-50%) - it can significantly irritate skin and eyes, with adverse effects escalating with increased concentration. Despite these hazards, it is not a skin sensitizer according to CHEMINFO, while eChemPortal: ERMA and MSDSonline endorse its classification as an irritant.

Triethanolamine appears to cause occupational asthma and allergic contact dermatitis in machinists and photographers, as well as liver and kidney damage in animals with high-dose feeding. It's noted to be an irritant to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract, with potential to cause skin sensitization, though the rate of skin sensitization in humans is low. Triethanolamine has low acute toxicity, with median oral LD50 values of 4,190-11,260 mg/kg in rats and 5,300-8,000 mg/kg in guinea pigs, and a median dermal LD50 greater than 2,000 mg/kg in rabbits. Triethanolamine is not carcinogenic, developmental toxicant, or toxic to the reproductive system. However, chronic exposure may lead to liver and kidney damage.

Phosphoric acid, in liquid or solid form, can cause second-degree burns upon contact within minutes. It's usually shipped as a solid or an 85% solution and is corrosive to skin when the concentration is over 70%. This acid is also an irritant to the eyes, skin, and upper respiratory tract, however, the risk of pulmonary edema is minimal.

Benzalkonium chloride (BAC) is an organic salt known for its robust antimicrobial properties, effective against various bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It is frequently employed in healthcare settings like hospitals for disinfecting instruments and surfaces. Additionally, BAC is present in many consumer items, including hand sanitizers, wipes, eye solutions, nasal sprays, and personal care products such as soaps and shampoos. Although typically safe when used as instructed, BAC can lead to skin and eye irritation, particularly at elevated concentrations.