Five Non-Toxic Spring Cleaners

Disclosure

Household cleaning manufacturers often do not disclose their ingredients because of loopholes in US reporting laws. Leading companies however, go beyond terms like "safe", "biodegradable" or "naturally-derived" and disclose their chemical ingredients.

Seventh Generation was one of the first household cleaning manufacturers to disclose its ingredients. Check out Seventh Generation Natural Glass & Surface Cleaner.

Undercover Hazards

Harsh chemicals in household cleaners can hide behind generic terms like: surfactants, fragrances, brighteners, and preservatives. It is critical that the public know the actual formulas of the chemicals we use to clean our plates, clothes, floors, etc.

Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds Cleaner discloses its ingredients, all of which are generally recognized as safe.

Health Impacts

Lack of ingredient disclosure makes it difficult to evaluate the full health impacts of household chemicals. However, there is evidence a range of chemicals commonly found in household cleaners can cause skin and lung irritation, exacerbate asthma, and even cause reproductive health harm.

Green Works Natural Toilet Bowl Cleaner discloses its ingredients and has been approved by the US EPA Design for Environment program.

Environmental Impacts

Household cleaners with chlorine bleach and dishwashing powders with phosphates can have significant impacts on local environments when they go down the drain or are sprayed into the air.

Citra Solv Citra Dish Automatic Dishwasher Gel does not have phosphates in their dishwashing detergents.

"What's in it?"

GoodGuide is working to support national efforts for household cleaning manufacturers to disclose their ingredients on their labels. There has been great progress on this effort in the last month as Clorox, SC Johnson, and Method have all announced plans to disclose full ingredient lists.

ECOS Ultra Concentrated Liquid Laundry Detergent lists its ingredients on the label.