Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products We Use (And Why It Matters)
KLY Cleaning uses EPA Safer Choice-certified and plant-derived cleaning products on every job. These products clean as effectively as conventional alternatives — in head-to-head tests, enzyme-based cleaners remove grease and protein stains as well or better than petrochemical formulas — while eliminating exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ammonia, and chlorine bleach fumes that linger in homes for hours after cleaning.
Why We Made the Switch to Non-Toxic Products
When Dmytro and Alyna Klynoff started KLY Cleaning in 2023, they were working in homes with young children and pets. The client feedback was clear: families did not want their homes filled with the smell of bleach or ammonia after cleaning. More importantly, published research on cleaning product safety made a compelling case:
- VOC exposure from conventional cleaners — including many "fresh scent" products — contributes to indoor air quality problems. The EPA classifies indoor air as 2–5 times more polluted than outdoor air in most homes, largely due to cleaning and building products.
- Chlorine bleach produces chloramine gases when mixed with ammonia (common in urine, some drain cleaners). In enclosed bathroom spaces, this is a genuine hazard.
- Artificial fragrances in cleaning products are linked to respiratory irritation in asthma and allergy sufferers — a significant concern in Minnesota where up to 30% of residents have some form of respiratory sensitivity.
- Pets are at higher risk from chemical residues on floors and surfaces because they are closer to the ground, lick their paws, and cannot tell you when they feel ill.
What "Eco-Friendly" Actually Means (vs. Greenwashing)
"Natural," "green," and "eco-friendly" are marketing terms with no regulatory definition. They can appear on any product regardless of ingredients. What actually matters:
| Label/Certification | What It Means |
|---|---|
| EPA Safer Choice | EPA evaluated every ingredient for human health and environmental safety |
| USDA Certified Biobased | Percentage of ingredients derived from renewable biological sources |
| EWG Verified | Environmental Working Group verified no harmful ingredients |
| Leaping Bunny | No animal testing at any stage |
| "Natural" (uncertified) | Marketing term only — no regulatory meaning |
| "Green" (uncertified) | Marketing term only — no regulatory meaning |
| "Non-toxic" (uncertified) | Marketing term only — no regulatory meaning |
Products We Use by Category
All-Purpose Cleaning
Seventh Generation Multi-Surface Cleaner (EPA Safer Choice certified) — our primary all-purpose spray for countertops, appliance exteriors, and general surfaces. Active cleaning agent: sodium citrate and plant-derived surfactants. Fragrance-free version used for chemically sensitive clients.
Branch Basics Concentrate — a single concentrate we dilute for different applications. One bottle serves as bathroom cleaner, kitchen degreaser, and all-purpose spray depending on dilution ratio.
Bathroom Disinfection
Ecover Toilet Bowl Cleaner (EWG Verified) — acidic formula dissolves mineral deposits and limescale common in Minnesota's harder water. No chlorine bleach.
Force of Nature — uses electrolyzed hypochlorous acid (the same substance white blood cells produce) to kill 99.9% of pathogens. EPA-registered as a disinfectant. Zero VOCs, zero fragrance, safe around children and pets within minutes of application.
Degreasers (Kitchen)
Puracy Natural Dish Soap — plant-derived, no phosphates. For dish cleaning and diluted kitchen degreasing.
BioKleen Bac-Out — enzyme-based cleaner for food residue in ovens and range hoods. Enzymes digest protein and grease at a molecular level; no harsh chemical burns.
Floor Cleaning
Better Life Floor Cleaner — plant-based surfactants, compatible with hardwood, tile, and laminate (no wax, no residue). We dilute appropriately for surface type.
Glass and Mirrors
Seventh Generation Glass Cleaner — isopropyl alcohol-based (rapidly evaporates), streak-free on mirrors and windows.
What We Never Use
KLY Cleaning explicitly avoids several product categories:
- Chlorine bleach as a routine cleaner — We use Force of Nature for disinfection, which achieves the same kill rates without bleach fumes. (We reserve dilute bleach only for documented mold remediation, clearly disclosed to clients.)
- Ammonia-based cleaners — Reacts with bleach to create toxic chloramine gas; irritates lungs even in ventilated spaces.
- Artificial fragrances — Most "fresh" scents in conventional products contain phthalates (endocrine disruptors). We use fragrance-free or naturally scented products only.
- Triclosan — An antimicrobial agent banned from hand soaps by the FDA in 2017. Still appears in some surface cleaners; we avoid it.
- Petroleum-derived surfactants — We prefer coconut-derived or other plant-based alternatives.
- Spray aerosols with HFCs — We use trigger-spray or concentrate formats exclusively.
Building Your Own Non-Toxic Cleaning Cabinet
If you prefer to DIY between professional visits, here is a minimal, effective non-toxic kit:
| Product | Use | Buy At |
|---|---|---|
| White distilled vinegar | Hard water, mineral deposits, windows | Costco (gallon jugs) |
| Baking soda | Scrubbing paste, odor absorption | Any grocery store |
| Castile soap (Dr. Bronner's) | All-purpose, dilutable | Target, Whole Foods |
| Hydrogen peroxide 3% | Disinfection, grout whitening | Any pharmacy |
| Microfiber cloths (16-pack) | All surfaces, replaces paper towels | Amazon, Costco |
| Essential oils (tea tree, lavender) | Optional fragrance, some antimicrobial effect | Co-op, online |
The Difference for Families with Pets in Twin Cities
Minnesota is a dog state. A large portion of homes we clean have one or more dogs or cats. Our products are formulated to be safe in these environments:
- Xylitol — a sweetener sometimes found in "natural" products — is toxic to dogs. Our products contain none.
- Essential oil concentrates (tea tree, eucalyptus, clove) at high concentrations are harmful to cats. Our essential-oil-based products use concentrations below risk thresholds.
- Residue drying time — we allow all treated surfaces to air-dry before pets are allowed back in the room, typically 5–15 minutes.
For homes with birds, reptiles, or other small animals, please let us know when booking — some products that are safe for dogs are not appropriate for avians.
Questions About Our Products?
We are happy to share our full product list and Safety Data Sheets for any client who asks. Call (651) 206-6757 or request details when booking. We serve homes throughout Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Eagan, Woodbury, and 46 other Twin Cities communities.