How my cleaners measure up to the new EWG Guide to Healthy Cleaning

The latest report is in from the EWG, or Environmental Working Group.  They offer guides on commercial products, ranging from sunscreen, lipstick to home cleaning products.  I thought I would test out my own choice of eco-friendly products in the 2012 EWG Guide to Healthy Cleaning. Friends often ask what products I use in the home, since they expect me to pick the greenest options.  Let me tell you, I may need to do a little “house cleaning” of a different sort when it comes to some of these grades.

Kitchen Crew

• Biokleen Dishwasher Detergent: C
• Seventh Generation Dishwashing Liquid Soap: C
• Shaklee cleaner: not rated
• Seventh Generation All Purpose surface cleaner: C
• Dr. Bronner Pure Castille Soap: A  (I use it to make our own foaming hand soap)

Laundry Friends

• Mrs Myer’s Laundry Detergent (HE): F
• Shout Tripe Action Stain Remover: F  (has a “GreenList” seal)
• Eco Store Pure Oxygen Whitener: not rated

Household Hot Spots

• Method Wood for Good spray: F  (smells too good to be healthy)
• Resolve Tripe Action Carpet Cleaner: F (my weak spot because it works, not surprised here based on the lingering toxic smell in the house when it’s used.)

Test out your own cleaning products by visiting the EWG Guide page here.  I’m spending a little time checking out the Top Products page here.  I’m curious to see if any of the big name “green” companies shed any light on why they may have received a low grade.  Sometimes there are good reasons for something not to rank well so I’ll keep researching the updates.

Let me know how your favorites rank in the comments below!

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