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Warren Phillips, an environmental scientist who posts under @nontoxicdad, recently sounded the alarm about common car care products that may be toxic to your health. Here are several products many of us use to maintain our vehicles that might actually threaten our well-being.

Armor All and similar cleaners

Many popular detailing sprays contain siloxanes, a class of chemicals linked to hormone disruption and potentially cancer. The European Chemicals Agency flagged certain forms, like D4 and D5, for their persistence in the environment and toxic effects. In the U.S., the EPA studied siloxanes under its TSCA Work Plan but hasn’t yet banned them.

These car products often list “fragrance” as a single vague ingredient, masking a chemical cocktail that may include allergens or respiratory irritants. The American Lung Association warns against inhaling synthetic fragrances due to their potential to aggravate asthma and trigger migraines.

Swap tip: Go old school with soap, water, and elbow grease. For that dashboard shine, Phillips says a bit of coconut oil works wonders…and won’t pollute your cabin air.

Chemical air fresheners

Those pine trees and vent clips may smell fresh, but many release phthalates, which can disrupt hormones. The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) found phthalates in 12 of 14 tested car air fresheners, including those labeled “all natural.” The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) lists several phthalates as known to cause reproductive harm.

Swap tip: Coffee beans in a mesh bag absorb odors without toxins. Or, Phillips says, go with essential oils for a scent that won’t scramble your hormones.

Car carpet and upholstery cleaners

Some older or industrial-strength cleaners still use naphtha, a petroleum solvent. The EPA restricts its use in certain industries because it’s high in VOCs. Long-term exposure can damage your nervous system, liver, and kidneys, according to the CDC.

Swap tip: Look for “low-VOC” or DIY cleaners made with vinegar and baking soda.

So go ahead, keep your car clean. Just try not to poison your lungs in the process. At a minimum, you might work in a really well-ventilated area (or just outside). Roll the windows down, and even consider wearing a mask and eye protection.

@nontoxicdad

Keeping your car pristine could be making you TOXIC! While you should take pride in your ride, it shouldn’t come at the cost of your health! If you’re using any of these products in your car, throw them away NOW! ❌ Armor All Cleaners: Why? ? Most of these detailing cleaners contain carcinogenic siloxanes & undisclosed fragrances, so you don’t want to breathe those in! ✅ Instead, swap out these toxic cleaners for a non-toxic option like soap and water. You can also add some coconut oil for a natural shine that’s good for your health. ❌ Chemical Air Fresheners: Why? ? These air fresheners can contain up to 500+ hidden chemicals like phthalates and other toxic fragrances that can lead to headaches, brain fog, hormone disruption, and more! ✅ Instead, swap out these toxic air fresheners for non-toxic options like natural essential oils or coffee beans. ❌ Upholstery or Carpet Cleaners: Why? ? Many still contain and use the toxic solvent naphtha (FYI this solvent is banned for releasing high levels of VOCs in the dry cleaning industry). Naphtha is a known neurotoxin and respiratory irritant, and chronic exposure can damage the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system. ✅ Instead, swap out these toxic upholstery cleaners for non-toxic carpet cleaners or natural DIY solutions. Take pride in your ride, but do it the non-toxic way! Share this with someone who needs to detox their ride! CarCare CarCleaning HealthyChoices HealthHacks NonToxicLiving

♬ original sound – NonToxicDad – NonToxicDad
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Sarah Kennedy

Sarah Kennedy is the Editor-in-Chief of MotorBiscuit. She joined the team as Managing Editor in 2021 and has more than 20 years of automotive and operations expertise. She held ASE certifications as an Automotive Service Consultant and Parts Specialist and was a licensed car salesperson for many years. Sarah often focuses on helping drivers navigate used car buying and vehicle ownership. She created “Shop Smarts,” a column for MOTOR Magazine, and was a contributor there for eight years. Her work earned her a Gold Medalist award from the American Society of Business Publication Editors in 2014 and Bronze Medalist awards from the International Automotive Media Competition in 2014 and 2015. She attended the Automotive Management Institute and earned her bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University.

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