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You probably don’t think about your kitchen cleaner when you’re thinking about your hormones or reproductive health. But some of the chemicals found in household cleaning products have been linked to hormone disruption, reproductive problems and other health concerns that can affect your sexual health.

As an award-winning cookbook author, aphrodisiac foods expert and certified nutrition coach, I’m always interested in the everyday products that can affect our health in ways we don’t necessarily consider. I’ve tested plenty of natural kitchen cleaners in my own kitchen and home, and I’ve found some that actually work. Here’s what I look for in a natural cleaner and the kitchen-tested products I personally recommend.

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The chemicals in common kitchen cleaners that may affect sexual health

There are a surprising number of chemicals found in household cleaning products that are linked with health problems. Many are found in negligible amounts; two chemicals with endocrine or reproductive-health concerns include phthalates and triclosan.

Phthalates

Phthalates are a group of chemicals commonly used in fragrances and cleaning products. They have been linked to a variety of health problems, including reproductive issues, hormone disruption, and developmental problems.

Triclosan

Triclosan is an antimicrobial chemical. Triclosan has been used in some antimicrobial consumer products, though it was removed from over-the-counter consumer antiseptic washes in the U.S. after FDA action. We don’t fully understand the impact of triclosan on the body, but there is some evidence linking it to hormone disruption and concerns about antimicrobial resistance.

Additionally, products containing chlorine bleach can cause eye and skin irritation as well as respiratory issues, particularly at high concentrations and in poorly ventilated spaces. However, while some solvents may expose users to fertility concerns, chlorine bleach is not known to be detrimental to fertility or sexual health.

How the chemicals in your cleaning products can hurt your sex life

There are a few ways chemicals used in cleaners can impact your sex life. Some endocrine-disrupting chemicals have been associated with hormonal changes; whether typical exposure from household cleaners affects libido remains uncertain. An observational study performed in 2014 by Dr. Emily Barrett reported an association between phthalates in common household items, including cleaning products and low sex drive in women.

Some studies have examined associations between certain occupational chemical exposures and erectile dysfunction, but more research is needed to establish whether household exposure could be a cause of ED.

A mouse study of two quaternary-ammonium disinfectants used in some cleaning products reported negative reproductive effects in male and female mice. The study did not examine the impact on humans. But this study, combined with previous evidence, raises questions about a possible association between common cleaners and human fertility.

How to recognize “good” cleaning products

Unfortunately, not all cleaners marketed as natural are created equally. Cleaning products are not required to list all of their ingredients. Terms such as ‘natural’ and ‘safe’ do not, by themselves, establish a uniform safety standard.

But if you don’t know by checking the ingredients, how can you feel assured that what you’re purchasing is a “safe” natural kitchen cleaner?

There are a few ways to check if you’re getting what you hoped, like looking for full ingredient disclosure and credible third-party or government-backed certifications. Here are a few tips for finding the information you want:

- Look for the EPA’s Safer Choice label, which identifies products that meet EPA’s criteria for safer ingredients and formulations.
- See if it denotes that the product is low VOC or no VOC, (low in or free of volatile organic compounds).
- Look for complete ingredient disclosure and assess unfamiliar ingredients through credible sources.

Recommended natural kitchen cleaners

These are all tried and true products that we have used in our test kitchen and that I use in my home. They are not the only good natural cleaners but they are all-natural cleaning products that I can highly recommend.

For cleaning counters and high-touch surfaces

Babyganics all-purpose surface wipes work extremely well for anyone who needs to wipe up a mess in a hurry. The manufacturer markets these wipes for use on high chairs and tables; follow the package directions, including any wiping or rinsing instructions for food-contact surfaces.

For cleaning counters, I recommend Seventh Generation natural all-purpose cleaner. IIt’s one of a few brands I use but the reason I’m making it my recommendation is that it’s sold almost everywhere, it is not too expensive and it does the job of a general cleaner and degreaser. (You can even use it as a tile floor cleaner; however, I don’t recommend it for hardwoods.)

Natural oven cleaner

Use Bon Ami powder cleanser for a mildly abrasive oven cleaner. It isn’t just for ovens. It can also clean grime from most surfaces. It even gently cleans stainless steel. You can also use it for cleaning most kitchen sink and bathroom surfaces. Just make sure to always use as directed and check compatibility with your oven.

For cleaning dishes

For a natural dishwasher cleaner, I like Ecover citrus dishwasher tablets. They do a good job of scrubbing away stains in automatic dishwashers with environmental concerns in mind. I do find that they are not as effective in some dishwashers. (The tablets left a film when I tried using them in a Bosch.) But I’ve found them effective in several dishwashing machines from other manufacturers including my current KitchenAid.

For handwashing, you may have heard people say that Mrs. Meyers is the best. And I will say that Mrs. Meyers Clean Day Dish Soap does an excellent job on greasy pots and pans. It not only gets the pans completely clean but it doesn’t dry your hands. And it’s biodegradable.

That being said, it is one of the most expensive dish soaps on the market. For a slightly more budget-friendly option than Mrrs. Meyers, try ECOS Hypoallergenic Dish Soap, which does almost as good of a job and is equally gentle on skin.

But my preferred is once again from Seventh Generation. That’s because their liquid dish soap is fragrance-free and dye-free as well as gentle on hands. I feel like I have to scrub a little harder with this soap on pans that have baked-on grime than I do with the Mrs. Meyers, but I love that I can finish washing dishes and still smell like me, not like a garden.

Natural laundry cleaners

And to clean those kitchen towels, I love Biokleen natural laundry detergent liquid. Their bac-out stain remover is one of the most effective cleaning solutions I’ve found. And it is safe for most carpets and upholstery, but be sure to spot test in an inconspicuous area before use.

Homemade natural cleaners

Another option for keeping harsh chemicals out of your kitchen is to make natural homemade cleaners. Common kitchen products including baking soda, white vinegar and fresh lemon juice can work well for many everyday cleaning jobs.

To make a natural all-purpose cleaner, the basic recipe is to just put equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. If you enjoy fragrance in your cleaner, you can add a few drops of lemon essential oil or your favorite citrus oil to the bottle, then shake well before using. (Some experts also recommend adding a few drops of tea tree oil.)

But before you go crazy cleaning your kitchen with vinegar, you need to consider your surfaces. Surfaces such as marble and granite require more gentle natural cleaning agents. A popular choice for granite is a combination of rubbing alcohol with a few drops of dish soap in a spray bottle of water.

You can remove stains, such as spilled turmeric powder, from most counter surfaces by gently scrubbing a paste made from baking soda and water on the surface until the stain lifts. Consult the surface-care instructions and test a hidden spot before trying it.

Keep in mind that if you add essential oils, such as citrus oil to your DIY natural cleaner to give it a fresh scent, you’ll need to shake up the bottle of your homemade kitchen cleaner before each use, as the oil will tend to separate from the cleaner.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It should not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here are not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional. More information

This article was written in 2020 and republished in September 2026 with an updated introduction, research and disclaimer.

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Amy Reiley

Eat Something Sexy's Creator & Editor-in-Chief Amy Reiley is the award-winning author of five aphrodisiac cookbooks. She has her Master of Arts in Gastronomy, awarded by Le Cordon Bleu and The University of Adelaide. She is also a Certified Nutrition Coach awarded by the International Sports Sciences Association and she is a California Certified Massage Therapist.

Amy is considered a leading authority on aphrodisiacs. Her work in aphrodisiacs is quoted in publications including National Geographic, The New York Times, Epicurious, Wine Enthusiast, Health and Playboy magazines. She speaks internationally on aphrodisiac foods and has brought her knowledge of aphrodisiac history and science to national television shows including The Today Show and CBS Early Show. She is a frequent guest on relationship and lifestyle radio and podcast shows and has been interviewed by BBC and NPR radio, Cosmopolitan radio and popular podcasts including My Dad Wrote a Porno.

Amy is also a freelance food, wine and health researcher and writer as well as a wine competition judge. Her work has appeared in publications ranging from Variety to The Daily Meal. She is an MSN content provider. And she is also a former wine editor for Gayot.com and wine & spirits editor of Las Vegas magazine.

Fun fact: Amy was the creator of the first ever comprehensive food and wine apps, Amy Reiley's Pocket Gourmet and Amy Reiley's Pocket Vineyard for Palm.

Can Your Kitchen Cleaning Products Affect Your Sexual Health?