Resources - Cleaning Products

Many household cleaners contribute to water pollution and and are extremely toxic. Products without harmful chemicals are better for the environment and for human health. Products labeled "eco-friendly", "environmentally safe" or "non-toxic", etc. are increasingly visible on supermarket shelves. Yet, such labels are not certified or held accountable to any standard. Manufacturers are not required to disclose all ingredients in their products.

When looking for an environmentally friendly and safe cleaner it is critical to evaluate products based on ingredients. Use the following criteria to help choose a safe cleaning product.

• The product should be biodegradable and non-toxic to both humans and aquatic life. To be labeled as non-toxic to humans, the product must meet Federal requirements.
• Avoid EDTA and NTA. Instead look for sodium citrate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, or sodium silicate.
• Avoid phosphates. Aim for a phosphate concentration of 0.5% or less.
• Look for concentrated products that are able to work in cold water.
• Avoid chlorine bleach or sodium hypochlorite.
• VOC (volatile organic compound) concentrations should be no more than 10% of the weight of the product.
• Avoid products with petroleum products. Choose surfactants derived from vegetable oil when possible. Avoid nonylphenol ethoxylate and look for d-limonene and pine oil solvents instead.
• Look for products with a neutral pH.
• Choose products in recycled containers with recyclable HDPE or PET. Choose those shipped in recycled and recyclable cardboard boxes and other recyclable and refillable containers.

(Green Seal's Choose Green Report: General Purpose Cleaners March 1998)

To find specific brands that fulfill these 9 criteria, go to www.greenseal.org to view Green Seal's product recommendations for all-purpose cleaners. There you will find specific products they have screened and determined "environmentally sound" based on the above criteria. You can also find numerous other recommendations for products ranging from carpets to air conditioners.

To learn more about phosphates, VOCs, surfactants, EDTA and NTA visit the following links:

All Topics

• Green Seal
• Washington Toxics Coalition
• Michigan Dept. of Environmental Quality

Phosphates

• USGS Water Quality Monitoring
• Environmental Protection Authority of New Zealand

Volatile Organic Compounds

• EPA

Many environmental cleaners need more surface exposure time in order to clean, which means more effort for the person using it. Local stores may not stock environmentally safe cleaners. If your local store does not carry these products, request them! Prices for environmental cleaning products may be more expensive. To make your own cleaning products visit the links below.

• Green Home Living
• Clean & Green: Natural Homemade Household Cleaners

For Businesses

If you purchase your own cleaning products, consider choosing products that follow Green Seal's recommendations. If you hire professional cleaners, ask to see what types of cleaning products they use. Six out of 100 professional janitors are injured every year by the cleaning products they use. The most common injuries are burns to the eyes and skin along with respiratory problems caused by the inhalation of toxic fumes. The following links help can help you find safer cleaning products that effectively clean and sanitize.

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency cleaning products pilot project identifies and compares environmentally preferable cleaning products. Web site contains purchasing decision wizards, which help the user choose a cleaning product by selecting which environmental and safety attributes they wish to focus on.

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency EnviroSense contains databases of solvent replacements.

• Janitorial Products Pilot Project worked with janitors in several California cities to assess products used and then developed alternatives. The project's Web site contains fact sheets on cleaning, such as toilet cleaning, floor stripping, and carpet cleaning -- details which products to use and how to use them safely. Also on site: information on 100 common janitorial product ingredients and their risks and information on what to look for in products.

• Green Business Resources on Cleaning Products