The Everyday Bathroom Products I Swapped for a Cleaner, Healthier Home

Here’s the thing nobody tells you: your bathroom cleaner might be giving you headaches.

I’m serious. For years, I was using the same strong-smelling products everyone else uses. You know the ones. The ones that make your eyes water and your throat burn. The ones that say “clean” but smell like a chemical factory.

And I just accepted it. Because that’s what cleaning was supposed to feel like, right?

Wrong.

Turns out, many conventional bathroom products contain endocrine disruptors and toxic ingredients that can mess with your hormones and overall health. And the worst part? You don’t even realize it’s happening until you make the switch.

So I did. And I’m never going back.

Here are the three bathroom products I swapped out for healthier, greener options that actually work without the headaches, harsh smells, or guilt.

1. Seventh Generation Toilet Bowl Cleaner (Fresh Mint)

Let’s start with the toilet. Because let’s be honest, nobody wants to spend more time than necessary cleaning it.

I used to use a Lysol toilet bowl cleaner. It worked, sure. But the smell was overwhelming. And within minutes of using it, I’d have a pounding headache. I thought that was just part of the deal.

Then I switched to Seventh Generation Toilet Bowl Cleaner in Fresh Mint.

This stuff is plant-based, septic-safe, and made with 100% essential oils like rosemary and eucalyptus. And here’s the best part: it actually works. Like, really works.

A few swipes with the toilet brush and everything is clean. No scrubbing for ten minutes. No fumes. No headache. Just a fresh, minty scent that doesn’t smell artificial or overpowering.

It fights rings and stains without any of the harsh chemicals. And I can use it as often as I need without worrying about what I’m exposing myself (or my family) to.

What I love about it:

• Plant-based formula that’s tough on stains
• Fresh mint scent from real essential oils
• Septic-safe and better for the planet
• No headaches or harsh fumes

2. A Simple System for Cleaning the Tub and Shower

Everyone loves a clean tub. But most tub cleaners are ridiculously toxic and smell so strong you need to open every window in the house.

I created a two-step system that works like magic—and it’s gentle, affordable, and effective.

Step 1: Baking Soda + Dish Soap Soak

Sprinkle Bob’s Red Mill Baking Soda all over the tub. Add a few squirts of dish soap (I use whatever I have on hand). Spray a little water to activate it, then fill the tub about halfway.

Let it sit for 30 minutes.

This gives the baking soda time to get into all those tiny grooves and lift any buildup or grime. It’s gentle enough not to scratch your tub, but powerful enough to tackle soap scum and hard water stains.

Step 2: Seventh Generation Tub & Tile Cleaner (Emerald Cypress & Fir)

After draining the tub, I spray Seventh Generation Tub & Tile Cleaner over everything. It’s safe for ceramic tile, shower doors, plastic, chrome, fiberglass, and stainless steel.

The plant-derived cleaning agents go right to work on soap scum. And the scent? Balsam fir, cypress, and lime. It smells like a spa, not a science lab.

A quick wipe-down and the tub is sparkling. No toxic fumes. No harsh scrubbing. Just clean.

What I love about it:

• Baking soda is natural, affordable, and non-toxic
• The soak does most of the work for you
• Seventh Generation cleaner smells fresh and natural
• Safe for all bathroom surfaces

3. DIY All-Purpose Bathroom Spray

Sometimes you just need a quick tidy-up. You don’t want to pull out the heavy-duty cleaners for a simple countertop wipe-down.

That’s where my DIY all-purpose spray comes in.

It’s ridiculously simple. And it works on practically everything.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup distilled white vinegar
• 1 cup water (distilled is best to prevent mineral spots)
• 1 teaspoon dish soap (optional, but helpful for extra grease-cutting power)
• 15–20 drops essential oil (I use lavender, but you can use whatever you like)

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to a glass spray bottle. (Glass is recommended for storing vinegar and essential oils.)
2. Secure the lid and gently shake to combine.
3. Shake well before each use.

That’s it. You now have a non-toxic, all-purpose cleaner you can use on countertops, sinks, mirrors, and more.

Distilled white vinegar is a natural disinfectant and deodorizer. It cuts through grime without leaving harsh residues or toxic fumes. And the essential oils? They make it smell amazing.

I keep a bottle of this spray in every bathroom. It’s perfect for quick clean-ups, daily maintenance, or those moments when you just want things to feel fresh.

What I love about it:

• No toxic ingredients
• Works on almost every surface
• Customizable scent with essential oils

Why These Swaps Matter

Here’s what I need you to understand: you don’t have to compromise on cleanliness to have a healthier home.

You can have a sparkling bathroom without the headaches, harsh smells, or chemicals that mess with your hormones.

These three swaps have completely changed how I feel about cleaning. I don’t dread it anymore. I don’t get headaches. And I feel good knowing I’m not exposing myself or my family to unnecessary toxins.

Start with one swap. Maybe it’s the toilet bowl cleaner. Maybe it’s the DIY spray. Whatever feels easiest for you.

Try it. See how you feel. And then keep going.

Your bathroom (and your body) will thank you.