A Cleaner Clean: Why We Choose Non-Toxic Cleaning Products at Purée
At Purée, we spend a lot of time thinking about what we put into our bodies - whole fruits and vegetables, real ingredients, and foods that nourish us. But wellness doesn’t stop at what we eat or drink. It also includes the environments we live and work in every day.
That’s one of the reasons we choose to use non-toxic cleaning products in our kitchens and stores whenever possible - and why many of us have made the same shift in our homes.
Many conventional cleaning products contain ingredients like chlorine bleach, ammonia, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances. These chemicals don’t just disappear after you wipe down a surface. They can linger in the air we breathe, settle onto the surfaces we touch, and in some cases can even be absorbed through the skin.
Research increasingly shows that indoor air can sometimes contain higher levels of pollutants than outdoor air, and a surprising amount of that exposure can come from everyday cleaning products. Strong chemical cleaners can contribute to respiratory irritation, headaches, skin sensitivity, and unnecessary chemical exposure - especially in spaces where we spend most of our time.
In environments where food is prepared - like our kitchens - we think it’s especially important to be mindful of what we’re using to clean counters, equipment, and surfaces. If something is harsh enough to require gloves, strong ventilation, or warning labels, it’s reasonable to ask whether there might be a gentler option for everyday cleaning.
The good news is that today there are many products that work beautifully without relying on the harshest chemicals.
Brands like Seventh Generation and Mrs. Meyer’s have helped make plant-based, lower-toxicity cleaning products widely accessible. Their formulas tend to rely more on biodegradable ingredients and essential-oil-based scents rather than heavy synthetic fragrances, making them easier on both the body and the indoor environment.
For a deeper more disinfecting clean - Clorox EcoClean products are designed to provide effective cleaning while using ingredients selected to be safer for people and the environment, and some carry EPA Safer Choice or Design for the Environment certifications. They offer a practical middle ground - allowing us to maintain high cleaning standards while being more thoughtful about everyday chemical exposure.
Making the switch at home can be surprisingly simple. Start with the products you use the most - things like all-purpose spray, dish soap, or surface cleaners. Over time, those small changes can significantly reduce the number of unnecessary chemicals circulating through your home.
For us, this approach is simply part of a bigger philosophy:
support the body, reduce unnecessary exposures, and make thoughtful choices where we can.
Just like choosing whole foods over ultra-processed ones, switching to non-toxic cleaning products is a small step that helps create a healthier everyday environment - for ourselves, our families, and the communities we serve.
A Simple DIY Natural Cleaner
Sometimes the best cleaners are the simplest ones and have been used for generations to tackle everyday household messes.
Purée’s Simple Natural Cleaning Spray
Ingredients
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• Optional: a few drops of lemon or orange essential oil
Instructions
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Mix the vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
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Add the baking soda slowly (it will fizz).
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Add essential oil if using and shake gently.
Use it on sinks, stovetops, bathroom surfaces, and many kitchen counters for a simple, effective clean.
