Force of Nature
Electrolyzed salt water turns into a hospital-grade disinfectant that is safe enough to spray on a pacifier.
Spring Cleaning: Overhauling Your Nursery with Safer Choice Cleaners
Bleach and Lysol are destroying your home's microbiome. Discover the EPA Safer Choice and EWG Verified alternatives that actually clean.
R
By Renee, R3 Founder
Environmental Toxins Analyst
Updated June 2026
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The quick answer
Ditch the quaternary ammonium compounds ("quats") found in Clorox wipes and Lysol. They are severe respiratory irritants and are linked to asthma induction. Instead, use Hypochlorous Acid (like Force of Nature) which is a federally approved EPA disinfectant that turns back into salt water, or rely on simple Castille soap and water. Look strictly for EWG Verified or EPA Safer Choice labels.
In this guide:Force of NatureBranch Basics
Editor's note. This guide focuses heavily on the respiratory dangers of aerosolized cleaning sprays containing VOCs.
01
The Quat Disaster
Quaternary ammonium compounds ("quats") are the active ingredient in most sanitizing wipes, and during the COVID-19 pandemic we bathed our homes in them. While quats kill viruses, they leave a lingering, toxic residue on surfaces. When your baby touches the floor and licks their hands, they ingest these quats.
Medical studies, including PubMed-indexed research on asthma and quaternary ammonium compounds (cited below), link excessive quat exposure to contact dermatitis, asthma, and even reproductive issues. We are sterilizing the dirt while introducing advanced chemical irritants.
Quaternary ammonium compounds in disinfecting wipes leave a lingering surface residue that babies can ingest, and medical studies link excessive quat exposure to asthma and contact dermatitis.
In short
- Quats are the active ingredient in most disinfecting wipes.
- They leave a toxic residue that babies ingest.
- They are potent asthma triggers.
The bottom line
Clean with soap to remove dirt. Disinfect only when necessary (like after raw meat or illness). When you must disinfect, use Hypochlorous Acid or Hydrogen Peroxide: chemicals that break down into water and oxygen.
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What we recommend
Evidence-based picks that address the concerns above.
Branch Basics
A highly pure, plant-based soap concentrate that can clean everything from glass to deep stains.
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Cited research
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about seasonal: spring cleaning, answered by our research team.
QIs vinegar a disinfectant?
Vinegar is not a disinfectant. Vinegar is a great cleaner for cutting grease and hard water stains, but it is not an EPA-registered disinfectant, and it will not kill serious pathogens like Staph or Salmonella.