Choose unscented, organic castile soap for cleaning your body and bathroom, and use simple homemade cleaners for stubborn soap scum.

It's a dirty job, but you can do it without adding toxins to your home.

RODALE NEWS, EMMAUS, PA—We like to think of the bathroom as the place to get clean, but in reality, many of the cleaning products commonly found in this room are playing dirty tricks on us, and on the environment. So read on for ways to keep clean without using chemicals linked to developmental and thyroid problems, allergy and asthma aggravation, and even cancer, and without spending tons of money on safer products. Remember, as a general rule of thumb, avoid air fresheners, artificial fragrances, and perfumes, and anything that sprays in aerosol form.

Soap
For something we rely on to clean ourselves with every day, soaps can harbor some pretty unhealthy ingredients. In the process of wiping out crud and germs, many also contaminate our bodies with hormone-disrupting chemicals and artificial fragrance chemicals that can affect our lungs and, when they drain into the environment, harm aquatic life. Triclosan, an antibacterial chemical, is found in many soaps and antimicrobial products but is believed to disrupt human thyroid function. When it washes into our waterways, it’s bad news for dolphins and frogs. Triclocarban, its cousin chemical, is often found in bar soaps, and has similar effects. The good news is that study after study has found that washing with regular soap and warm water kills just as many germs as those with an antimicrobial/antibiotic label, without contributing to the rise of antibiotic-resistant germs. Choose unscented soaps (many chemically scented soaps contain phthalates, a plasticizing chemical that could send our hormones haywire).

Deal: Bronner's Pure Unscented Baby Mild Soap (64 ounces, $21; free shipping)—a little of this stuff goes a long way. Plus, you can dilute it with water (a good strategy with any soap; we tend to use way more than needed). You can also use Dr. Bronner’s to wash your hair, face, and even your bathroom. (Note: Rodale.com editors noticed much better complexions after switching from conventional soap to this type.)

Splurge: Nothing Nasty Organic Mandarin Castile Soap (6.8 ounces, $19.60; comes in a glass container you can return for a refill at a discounted price)