When I started moving toward non-toxic living, one of the most overwhelming parts was my cleaning cabinet. I didn’t want to throw everything away, but I also didn’t want to keep using products that didn’t align with the kind of home I was trying to create.
Instead of doing a full purge, I started asking one simple question:
Is this something I feel good about using regularly around my family?
That question became the foundation of my keep vs toss approach.
This post isn’t about labeling products as “good” or “bad.” It’s about sharing how I personally decide what stays in my home and what I slowly phase out.
What “Keep” Means to Me
When I say I keep a product, it usually checks most (not necessarily all) of these boxes:
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- I understand what the ingredients are
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- It doesn’t rely on a strong synthetic fragrance
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- I feel comfortable using it around kids and pets
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- It works well enough that I’ll actually keep using it
For everyday cleaning, I’ve found myself consistently reaching for products like Truly Free and Attitude because they feel like realistic swaps — not complicated, not extreme, just better options that fit into daily life.
I also keep Whole Naturals Pure Castile soap because it replaces so many single-use cleaners. Having one product I can dilute and use in multiple ways makes non-toxic living feel simpler instead of more overwhelming.
And honestly, some of my most-used “keepers” aren’t store-bought at all. Simple homemade solutions made with water, vinegar, baking soda, or Castile soap handle a lot of everyday messes just fine — especially for surfaces, glass, and light cleaning.
What Goes In the “Toss (or Phase Out)” Category
I don’t usually toss products dramatically. Most of the time, I use them up and choose something different next time.
Products tend to land in my toss category when:
- The ingredient list is vague or unclear
- “Fragrance” is doing most of the work
- The smell lingers long after cleaning
- I notice headaches, irritation, or sensitivity
This often includes heavily scented sprays, air fresheners, and cleaners that rely on overpowering fragrance to feel “clean.” Over time, I realized I didn’t actually need that smell — and once I stopped using those products, I didn’t miss them.
Seeing This in Real Life
I share real-life examples of which household cleaning products I keep and which ones I toss as part of my non-toxic living journey over on Instagram — including what’s currently under my sink and why.
If you’re just starting out, sometimes seeing how someone else navigates it makes it feel a lot more doable 