Hidden toxins in your home: what every parent should know

Jun 17, 2025nimble cares
Hidden toxins in your home: what every parent should know

At nimble cares, we believe every home should be a safe haven—especially for little ones. But did you know that many common household products contain hidden toxins that can affect your family’s health?

Whether you’re feeding a toddler, doing the laundry, or giving your kitchen a clean, it’s easy to miss the chemicals hiding in “everyday” products. That’s why we’re shining a light on the most common (but often overlooked) toxins in UK households—and helping you to make safer choices for your home and family.

1. Fragrance (Parfum) in air fresheners and detergents

Where? Fabric conditioners, scented candles, room sprays, and even baby wipes.

Why it’s harmful: The word "fragrance" often masks a cocktail of phthalates—chemicals linked to hormone disruption, asthma, and skin irritation.

nimble cares tip: Choose fragrance-free or naturally scented products. Our naturally scented products skip harsh synthetic perfumes and use safer plant based ingredients.

2. Optical brighteners in laundry detergents

Where? Conventional laundry powders and liquids.

Why it’s harmful: These chemicals make clothes "appear" whiter without actually cleaning them better. They can linger on fabrics, irritate sensitive skin, and aren’t biodegradable.

nimble cares tip: Our laundry formula avoids optical brighteners completely—giving you real cleanliness, not just a chemical illusion.

3. Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives

Where? Some baby shampoos, lotions, and multipurpose cleaners.

Why it’s harmful: Over time, preservatives like DMDM Hydantoin can release formaldehyde, a known carcinogen and skin irritant.

nimble cares tip: Check ingredient labels or choose brands that are transparent about what's inside—like us! We believe you deserve to know what you’re bringing into your home.

4. Ammonia & bleach in kitchen and bathroom cleaners

Where? Oven cleaners, toilet bowl products, disinfectant sprays.

Why it’s harmful: These strong chemicals can irritate lungs and eyes, and release dangerous fumes—especially risky in homes with babies and pets.

nimble cares tip: For everyday cleaning, you don’t need toxic chemicals. Try safer, child-safe and pet-safe alternatives like our plant based surface cleaner.

 5. Microplastics in scrubs and cleaning powders

Where? Some scouring creams, exfoliating soaps, and even cleaning pastes.

Why it’s harmful: These tiny plastic particles wash down the drain and end up in waterways, harming marine life and ecosystems.

nimble cares tip: Opt for plastic-free cleaning tools and products. Your home and the planet will thank you.

A toxin-free home isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. At nimble cares, we’re here to support parents and carers who want to make safer, smarter choices for their families.

By understanding what’s in your everyday products, you can protect your home, your little ones, your pets and the planet we all share.

Ready to detox your home the gentle way?
Explore our range of safe, eco-conscious cleaning products at
nimblecares.co.uk

Because caring for your loved ones shouldn’t come with compromises. 

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