Did you know indoor air pollution can be 7 times worse than outdoor air? According to 60 Millions de Consommateurs magazine, everyday household products are often the main culprit—even those with essential oils.
All commercial cleaning products contribute to this issue, releasing pollutants that make indoor environments far dirtier than outside. It's concerning, right?
This is why France's ADEME agency recommends switching to homemade cleaners for a truly clean home. Here's why:
To draw these conclusions, 60 Millions de Consommateurs analyzed labels and safety data sheets from 60 bestselling household products.
“We found preservatives, fragrance allergens, and other substances harmful to health and the environment,” says Emmanuel Chevalier, an engineer at the National Institute of Consumption.
Top concerns include volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—tiny particles emitted by these products. Some VOCs, like acetaldehyde and formaldehyde, are classified as carcinogens.
This is alarming for consumers, as product labels are notoriously hard to understand without a chemistry background. “You need a high level of education to make sense of them,” one consumer noted.
To address this, 60 Millions de Consommateurs advocates for a “Ménag'score”—similar to Nutri-Score for food—to rate products based on composition and hazardous chemicals.
“Clear, instant grading from A to E would empower consumers,” explains Christelle Pangrazzi, the magazine's deputy editor-in-chief.
At comment-economiser.fr, we've long championed white vinegar as the ultimate household essential—and ADEME agrees, confirming its effectiveness and safety.
White vinegar has no environmental or health risks. Just watch essential oils: use sparingly. “Two to three drops max—more increases VOC emissions,” advises Isabelle Augeven-Bour, air quality engineer at ADEME.
Overdoing essential oils can degrade indoor air quality too.
Until a Ménag'score arrives, comment-economiser.fr shares proven white vinegar applications. This natural wonder is economical, replaces toxic cleaners, and works just as well.
- 23 Magical Uses of White Vinegar Everyone Needs to Know
- Here's How to Clean Windows Without Streaks and Without Products
- Against tartar: No need for toilet duck! Use White Vinegar Instead.
