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	Cleaners: Green buying guide 2/09 Making green choices How to choose Assessing your needs Would you prefer less-toxic cleaners? Both homemade and natural-based commercial products can be used as alternatives to their sometimes more toxic, often petroleum-based commercial counterparts. While homemade cleaners can be made with familiar, less-toxic ingredients and may be cheaper, they do require some planning and perhaps a bit more elbow grease. Natural-based commercial products, on the other hand, may be more convenient, but keep in mind that “natural” doesn’t necessarily mean nontoxic. For more information on choosing the least toxic commercial cleaners, visit our Making the right choice section. Are you or members of your household susceptible to allergens and illness? While cleaning helps reduce dust, allergens, and infectious agents that may cause sickness, the chemicals, fragrances, and dyes contained in many commercial cleaning products can themselves be irritating to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Some ingredients may also lead to more chronic illnesses. These are particularly important considerations if your household includes small children or anyone who is elderly or ill. Choosing less-toxic cleaning products can help you minimize these risks. How many different cleaners do you need? Some cleaners can handle many chores, although certain tasks – such as unclogging a drain or polishing silver – require a more specialized cleaner. You may be able to accomplish more cleaning tasks with fewer products (and have to store fewer potentially toxic products in your home) by using some basic ingredients described in our Making the right choice section. Do you have what you need to protect yourself? Whether you make them yourself or use commercial cleaners, you should follow some routine protective measures. Be sure to read labels of commercial cleaners to see if respiratory masks, rubber gloves, goggles, or other protective actions are recommended. Making the right choice Homemade cleaners can be less toxic. With some simple, reliable recipes and clean, empty containers, you can make your own potentially less-toxic cleaners right at home using familiar household ingredients. The following is a list of basic ingredients, along with their common cleaning uses. INGREDIENTS Baking soda (bicarbonate of soda). This mild alkali powder can be used for a variety of household cleaning purposes, such as removing stains from tile, glass, oven doors, and china; cleaning the inside of refrigerators; helping to absorb odors; and removing baked-on food from pans. It also acts as a stain remover for fruit juices and other mild acids. Borax. A powder or crystalline salt sold in most grocery stores, borax is a water softener and sanitizer. It makes an excellent freshener when added to laundry and is an all-around deodorizer. Castile soap. A mild soap available in liquid or bar form that can be used for general-purpose cleaning. It was once made from olive oil, but now may include other vegetable oils as well. Cream of tartar (potassium bitartrate). This common baking ingredient is a mild acid that can be used as a sink and bathtub stain remover. It can also be used to remove spots from aluminum cookware. Hydrogen peroxide. A mild alternative to chlorine bleach that can be used for stain removal and mild bleaching and killing germs. Available in drug stores and supermarkets. Lemon juice. This familiar ingredient can be used to lighten stains and cut grease. It can also be used to remove tarnish can be used on brass, copper, bronze and aluminum (not to be used on silver). Washing soda (carbonate of soda). A stronger alternative to baking soda, washing soda can be used as a water softener in conjunction with laundry detergents (gloves are recommended as it may irritate skin; not to be used with silks, woolens or vinyl). White vinegar. Good for a variety of household cleaning tasks, vinegar may be used to help kill germs and deodorize, remove some carpet stains, and clean coffeemakers, chrome, cookware, and countertops. It can also be used to unclog drains. Note that while white vinegar has a slight scent while wet, when dry, it leaves no odor. However, don’t use it on acetate fabrics, such as in some tablecloths, because it can dissolve the fibers. HOMEMADE RECIPES To learn more about making your own cleaners from the ingredients listed above and others, consult the recipes below, adapted from the Recipes for Safer Cleaners, published by the nonprofit group, Healthy Child Healthy World. [Please note that Consumer Reports has not tested these recipes] KITCHEN: •Countertops. For a “soft scrub,” mix baking soda and liquid soap until you get a consistency you like. The amounts don’t have to be perfect. Make only as much as you need, as it dries up quickly. •Ovens. To clean extra-greasy ovens, mix together 1 cup baking soda and 1/4 cup of washing soda, then add enough water to make a paste; apply the paste to oven surfaces and let soak overnight. The next morning, lift off soda mixture and grime; rinse surfaces well (gloves are recommended as washing soda may irritate skin). •Microwave ovens. These can be cleaned with a paste made from 3 to 4 tablespoons of baking soda mixed with water. Scrub on with a sponge and rinse. •Cutting boards. Sanitize them by spraying with vinegar and then with 3 percent hydrogen peroxide. Keep the liquids in separate spray bottles and use them one at a time. It doesn’t matter which one you use first, but both together are much more effective than either one alone. BATHROOM: •Tub and tile cleaner. Mix 1 2/3 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup liquid soap, and 1/2 cup water. Then, as the last step, add 2 tablespoons vinegar (if you add the vinegar too early it will react with the baking soda). Immediately apply, wipe, and scrub. •A good all-purpose sanitizer. 2 teaspoons borax, 4 tablespoons vinegar, and 3 to 4 cups hot water in a spray bottle. For extra cleaning power, add 1/4 teaspoon liquid soap to the mixture. •Toilet bowl. Pour 1 cup of borax into the toilet before going to bed. In the morning, scrub and flush. For an extra-strength cleaner, add 1/4 cup vinegar to the borax. •Drains. Prevent clogged drains by using hair and food traps. To de-grease and sweeten sink and tub drains, pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down drain, followed by 1 cup vinegar; let bubble for 15 minutes; rinse with hot water. You might have to repeat the procedure more than once or leave the baking soda and vinegar to “cook” overnight. LIVING ROOM: •General dusting. Best done with a damp cloth: Dry dusting simply stirs up dust and moves it around. •Furniture polish. Mix olive oil and vinegar in a one-to-one ratio and polish with a soft cloth. Or look in a health-food store for food-grade linseed oil, often called omega-3 or flaxseed oil, rather than the type found in hardware stores to finish furniture. Linseed oil sold for furniture use often contains dangerous petroleum distillates to speed evaporation. •Windows. Put 3 tablespoons vinegar per 1 quart water in a spray bottle. Some recommend using half vinegar and half water. For extra-dirty windows try this: 1/2 teaspoon liquid soap, 3 tablespoons vinegar, and 2 cups of water. Shake well. The best way to get streak-free windows? Use newspaper instead of paper towels to wipe them. METAL POLISH: •Brass, copper, bronze and aluminum. To remove tarnish, rub metal with sliced lemons. For tough jobs, sprinkle baking soda on the lemon, then rub. •Sterling silver. Put a sheet of aluminum foil into a plastic or glass bowl. Sprinkle the foil with salt and baking soda, then fill the bowl with warm water. Soak your silver in the bowl, and the tarnish will migrate to the aluminum foil. Rinse and dry the silver, then buff it with a soft cloth. AIR FRESHENER: •A simple recipe of 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon vinegar (or lemon juice), and 2 cups hot water in a spray bottle can be spritzed in the air to remove odors. FLOORS AND CARPETS: •Linoleum. For extra grease-cutting, try this formula: 1/4 cup washing soda with 1 tablespoon of liquid soap, 1/4 cup vinegar, and 2 gallons hot water. Put the washing soda in the bucket first and add the liquid ingredients; that way the soda won’t splash out. Caution: Do not use this formula on waxed floors. •Sanitize floors. Add 2 gallons of hot water to 1/2 cup of borax. Put the borax in the bucket first, then add water slowly to avoid splashing. •Wood floors. Add 1 cup of vinegar per pail of hot water. •Carpeting and rugs. To soak up and eliminate odors, sprinkle baking soda over the surface of the carpet and let it stand for 15 to 30 minutes before vacuuming. LAUNDRY: •Laundry brightener. Add 1/2 cup of strained lemon juice during the rinse cycle. •Fabric rinse. Add 1/4 cup of white vinegar during the washing machine’s rinse cycle to remove detergent completely from clothes, eliminating that scratchy feel. (Note: This will not leave your clothes smelling like vinegar.) •Detergent booster. To reduce the amount of laundry detergent you need to use (especially if you have hard water ) add baking soda or washing soda. These minerals soften the water, which increases the detergent’s power. For liquid detergent, add 1/2 cup of soda at the beginning of the wash. For powdered detergent, add 1/2 cup of soda during the rinse cycle. •Bleach. Use hydrogen peroxide instead of chlorine bleach. •Dry cleaning. Many delicate “dry clean only” items can be washed at home by hand. In general, it’s best to use cool water and a mild liquid soap. Squeeze or wring gently and lay flat to dry. MOLD: •Use a stiff brush, a non-ammonia detergent, and hot water to scrub mold off nonporous surfaces. Use a stiff-bristle toothbrush to get between tiles. You can also use a paste of baking soda and water. Don’t rinse. And remember to wear gloves and a protective mask, since mold spores can be inhaled. BUYING AND USING COMMERCIAL CLEANING PRODUCTS A growing number of less-toxic commercial cleaning products are now available in stores and online. However, because manufacturers are not required to list all of their ingredients, unless they are active disinfectants or known to be potentially hazardous, it can be a challenge to find the least-toxic formulations. The following steps can help: 1. Know the warning labels. All household cleaners that contain known hazardous chemicals must carry a warning label that spells out potential risks, along with precautionary steps and first-aid instructions . In general, the more serious the safety warning on a product, the more likely that it poses risks to your health and the environment. Products labeled “Poison” or “Danger” are more toxic than those labeled “Warning” or “Caution”: “Danger” refers to products that are corrosive, extremely flammable, highly toxic, or poisonous. Commercial toilet-bowl, oven, and drain cleaners often bear this label. “Caution” or “Warning” are catchall terms for many other hazards, so scan for specifics, such as “Vapor harmful,” “Causes burns,” or “May be fatal or cause blindness if swallowed.” “Irritants” refer to substances that cause injury or inflammation on contact. “Corrosives” refer to chemicals that destroy tissue. “Sensitizers” are ingredients that can cause allergic reactions and chronic adverse health effects that become evident only after continuing exposures. “Chronic Health Hazards” may include effects ranging from sterility and birth defects to cancer. 2. Don’t assume that environmental and health claims are true. In many cases, manufacturers can make claims that are neither independently verified nor regulated. Among the most common claims found on cleaning products are the following: •Nontoxic. This implies that the product will cause no harm to the consumer or environment. However, there is currently no standard definition for the term "nontoxic", and unless otherwise specified, there is no organization independently verifying the claim. •Natural. Though widely found on commercial cleaning products, the term "natural" doesn’t necessarily mean much. There’s no standard definition for this claim in industry, so manufacturers can use it as they please. What’s more, just because something is “natural” doesn’t mean it’s less toxic, or non-irritating. Even cleaners that are safe enough to eat, like lemon juice, can be irritating to the eyes or skin. •Environmentally friendly. While this label implies that the product or packaging has some kind of environmental benefit or that it causes no harm to the environment, there is currently no standard definition for term "Enviromentally friendly". Unless otherwise specified, there is also no organization independently verifying this claim. •Biodegradable. This term is somewhat meaningful, but it can be misleading. "Biodegradable", which implies that a product or its packaging will break down in nature in a reasonably short period of time, has been only loosely defined by the federal government. To learn more about other common environmental and health claims found on household cleaning products, visit our Eco-labels section, or click on the following links: antibacterial bactericidal biodegrades without forming microtoxins contains no CFCs or other ozone depleting substances. Federal regulations prohibit CFC propellants in aerosols contains no hazardous ingredients as per OSHA regulations cruelty-free eco safe effective against E.coli and Staphylococcus environmentally preferable environmentally safe germicidal kills germs kills pathogenic bacteria leaping bunny (Corporate Standard for Compassion for Animals) mold and mildew resistant no animal testing no CFCs no phosphates, contains no phosphorus, phosphate-free no synthetic detergents non fuming photodegradable reduces the risk of food-borne illness from bacteria retards the growth and action of bacterial odors septic tank safe 3. Check the ingredient list. Since manufacturers are not required to list all the ingredients in their cleaning products, unless they are active disinfectants or known to be potentially hazardous, it can be difficult to know exactly what you’re buying. And bear in mind that unlike food package labels, when a cleaning product’s ingredients are listed, the order doesn’t necessarily represent relative amounts. Companies that claim to disclose their full list of ingredients include Ecover, Trader Joe’s and Seventh Generation. Visit our Green Ratings to see how they performed. 4. Avoid harmful ingredients whenever possible. Certain chemicals found in cleaning products can pose health and/or environmental risks. To minimize these risks and to choose the best cleaners for your household, avoid the ingredients listed below. And stay posted for our upcoming report to be published in mid-March on how to clean up your indoor air. Please note this is not an exhaustive list, and more ingredients will be added as they come to light. •Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs). When they’re released into the environment, these chemicals can break down into toxic substances that can act as hormone disrupters, potentially threatening the reproductive capacity of fish, birds, and mammals. A recent U.S Geological Survey study found that 69 percent of streams tested in one Southeastern U.S. locale contained these potentially dangerous byproducts. See our Green ratings for a list of laundry detergents that don't contain NPEs. Found in many cleaning products, especially detergents, stain removers, citrus cleaners, and disinfectants. •Antibacterials. Some antibacterial ingredients may cause skin and eye irritation, and certain types, such as triclosan, now found widely in the environment, may cause environmental harm by contributing to the emergence of antibiotic resistant bacteria. Some studies have also suggested that triclosan could form dioxin, a carcinogen, in the presence of sunlight, and chloroform, a probable human carcinogen, in the presence of chlorinated water. What’s more, there’s a growing consensus that antibacterial household cleaners won’t keep you any safer from infectious illnesses than regular types. These findings may stem in part from the fact that most infections are caused by viruses, not bacteria. In fact, experts say, it’s not the type of cleaner that matters in combating germs, but the frequency and thoroughness of cleaning; plain soap and hot water are generally enough to do the job. Found in a variety of household cleaners; many products that carry the “antibacterial” label are actually disinfectants (see disinfectants below). •Ammonia. Poisonous when swallowed, extremely irritating to respiratory passages when inhaled; can burn skin on contact. (Note: Never mix ammonia-containing products with chlorine bleach. That produces a poisonous gas.) Found in floor, bathroom, tile, and glass cleaners. •Butyl cellosolve (also known as butyl glycol, ethylene glycol, monobutyl). Poisonous when swallowed and a lung tissue irritant. Found in glass cleaners and all-purpose cleaners. •Chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite). Extremely irritating to the lungs and eyes. (Note: Never mix chlorine bleach products with ammonia. That produces a poisonous gas.) Sold by itself and found in a variety of household cleaners. •d-limonene. Can irritate the skin. Found in air fresheners. •Diethanolamine (DEA) & triethanolamine (TEA). These ingredients can produce carcinogenic compounds, which can penetrate the skin when combined with nitrosomes, an often-undisclosed preservative or contaminant. Some products are labeled "DEA-free" or "TEA-free", which are considered to be somewhat meaningful labels by CU. Found in sudsing products, including detergents and cleaners. •Disinfectants. This is a catchall term for a variety of active ingredients, including chlorine bleach, alcohol, quaternary compounds, and pine oil and ethyl alcohol. They are regulated by the EPA as pesticides and all have some health effects. Most can also cause problems in waterways by killing helpful bacteria. Found in a variety of household cleaners; many products that carry the “antibacterial” label are also disinfectants. •Fragrances. May cause water eyes and respiratory tract irriation. Some products are labeled "fragrance free", which CU does not consider to be a meaningful label. Found in a variety of cleaners and air fresheners. •Hydrochloric acid. Can severely burn skin, irritate eyes and respiratory tract. Found in toilet bowl cleaners. •Naptha. Can cause headaches, nausea, and central-nervous-system symptoms with overexposure. Found in furniture and floor polish and glass cleaners. •Petroleum-based ingredients. Many ingredients are derived from petroleum, including some of those above such as APEs and naptha, and they’re commonly found in many cleaning products as surfactants. Other toxic ingredients derived from petroleum, including formaldehyde, can also be present at trace levels in cleaning products. Found in a variety of household cleaners. •Phosphates. Can reach waterways and contribute to the overgrowth of algae and aquatic weeds, which can kill off fish populations and other aquatic life. Some products are labeled "phosphate-free", which is considered to be a somewhat meaningful label by CU. Found in automatic dishwasher detergents and some laundry detergents. •Sodium hydroxide (lye). Corrosive and extremely irritating to eyes, nose, and throat and can burn those tissues on contact. Found in drain, metal, and oven cleaners. •Sulfuric acid. Can severely damage eyes, lungs, and skin. Found in drain cleaners. 5. If you’re concerned about specific ingredients in a product, call the company. The manufacturer’s name and address must be listed on all cleaning products so that consumers can contact them with questions, comments, or problems. While manufacturers are not required to disclose all of their ingredients, unless they’re active disinfectants or known to be potentially hazardous, you can try to request a material safety data sheet (MSDS), which contains information on the more-toxic ingredients or formulations used. Manufacturers may also post MSDS reports on their Web sites. You can search for safety information on brand-specific products and their ingredients by visiting the National Library of Medicine’s Household Products Database. The guide includes the potential health effects of more than 2,000 ingredients contained in 6,000 common household products. Play it safe. Whether you’re using commercial or homemade cleaners, it’s important to follow safety precautions. Avoid splashing household cleaners on your skin or in your face and check labels to see if respiratory masks, rubber gloves, goggles, or other protective measures are recommended. People with heart or lung disease and pregnant women should try to avoid products that contain chemical solvents. And since contact lenses can absorb vapors and hold them against the eye, causing irritation or eye damage, anyone who normally wears contacts should remove them and put on eyeglasses before handling such products. If you find that the cleaners you’re using irritate your nose, eyes and/or lungs, follow your instincts and stop using them. Finally, be sure to clearly label containers of homemade cleaners, and keep all cleaners out of reach of children and pets. RELATED LINKS Homemade cleaners can save you money 1/09 Homemade cleaning products 1/09 Save with common cleaners you might already have 1/09 Green cleaners go mainstream 3/08 Getting the most value Homemade cleaners often cost less. Mixing your own cleaners at home will almost always save you money, since you won’t be paying for the advertising, marketing, and other costs that go into a commercial cleaning product’s price. Using fewer cleaners can save money. Whether you buy or make them yourself, try to find one or two cleaners that can effectively clean a variety of surfaces. You’ll not only be able to save money and space, you’ll also cut down on packaging waste. Buying larger sizes tends to be cheaper in the long run. Larger sizes are usually, but not always, less expensive, ounce for ounce. Choosing large sizes can also mean buying less often, helping to reduce packaging waste. An ounce of prevention... If you can prevent stains from setting in by taking care of them right away, you’ll reduce the need for tough specialty cleaners, which are often relatively expensive, more toxic, and harmful to surfaces. Or better yet, try to prevent stains from happening in the first place. For example: •To avoid using oven cleaners, put a layer of aluminum foil in the bottom of the oven and replace it periodically. •To avoid drain cleaners, put fitted screens over drains and pour kitchen grease into empty containers that can be disposed of in the trash. •To avoid air fresheners, open windows to air out the house occasionally. •To avoid bathroom mildew removers, wipe down the shower curtain and walls after showering. •To avoid carpet cleaners, take off shoes at the door.   Why it matters There are health risks associated with commercial cleaning products. Keeping your home clean helps reduce your exposure to dust, mold, mildew, and germs. At the same time, certain ingredients in cleaning products pose hazards themselves, including eye, skin, respiratory irritation and other human health issues. Certain chemicals can also affect the nervous system, and have been associated with cancer and reproductive disorders. For more information on the health risks of cleaning products, visit our Making the right choice section. Commercial cleaning products contribute to air and water pollution. Certain ingredients in cleaning products can cause harm to the environment if they are disposed of incorrectly or don’t break down into harmless chemicals during waste-water treatment. For more information on the environmental impact of ingredients in cleaning products, visit our Making the right choice section. For safe disposal tips, visit our Recycling and Disposal section. Government safeguards are lacking. A report published in June 2005, by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that most chemicals used in consumer products have never undergone federal safety review. In fact, the EPA has required testing for fewer than 200 of the 62,000 chemicals used in commerce since the agency began reviewing chemicals in 1979. Cleaning products are frequently involved in home poisoning. According to a 2008 report from the American Association of Poison Control Centers, about 9 percent of all poison exposures reported to poison control centers involved cleaning products. More than half of those exposed were children under the age of five. Indoor air pollution. A growing body of scientific evidence is showing that indoor air can be more seriously polluted than outside air. Household cleaning products are among the many sources of this pollution. In particular, studies carried out by the EPA have found levels of certain pollutants to be two to five times higher inside homes than outside, and inside is where people are estimated to spend 90 percent of their time. This is of particular concern for the young, elderly, and chronically ill, who are more susceptible to the effects of pollutants. A common source of indoor air pollutants are volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are emitted by a variety of household cleaning products and air fresheners. Health effects from indoor air pollutants can be experienced upon exposure or possibly years later, depending on the type and amount of the chemical and the duration of exposure. More immediate health effects include irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat; headaches; dizziness; and fatigue. Long-term effects may include some respiratory diseases, heart disease, and cancer. To learn more about indoor air quality, visit the American Lung Association’s Indoor Air Quality Web site, or the EPA’s Indoor Air Quality Web site.   Green Ratings    Cleaning products Listed in order of overall score, which is based mainly on tests for soil removal and redeposits. You can sort the ratings chart by any column by clicking on the header of the column. NOTE: The companies below provide varying degrees of ingredient disclosure. Companies that claim to disclose their full list of ingredients include Ecover, Trader Joe's and Seventh Generation. Some companies also claim that their products contain no NoPhosphates or chlorine. See ratings below to identify these products. Ratings last updated: (1) Automatic dishwasher detergents: July 2009; (2) Laundry detergents: July 2009 Product Type Cost per load Overall score Cleaning dishes Cleaning pots Claims to Contain No Phosphates Claims to Contain Enzymes CR Best Buy indicates an exceptional value Automatic dishwasher detergents Cascade Complete All In 1 packet 27¢ Finish Quantum Powerball tablet 37¢ Cascade Complete All In 1 powder 19¢ Finish All in 1 Powerball Tabs tablet 28¢ Cascade with Extra Bleach Action A CR Best Buy liquid 12¢ Method Smarty Dish tablet 25¢ Finish Advanced powder 16¢ Simplicity 2 in 1 packet 17¢ Target powder 10¢ Great Value (Walmart) [ A ] powder 9¢ Finish All in 1 Gelpacs packets 28¢ Sun Light OxiAction liquid 18¢ Cascade with Extra Bleach Action powder 20¢ Seventh Generation Free & Clear packet 31¢ Sun & Earth packet 26¢ Palmolive Eco liquid 12¢ Cascade with the Grease Fighting Power of Dawn liquid 19¢ Wave 2X Ultra High Performance liquid 22¢ Product Type Cost per load Overall score     Laundry - Conventional These are for standard top-loading washers. Tide 2X Ultra with Color Clean Bleach Alternative liquid 32¢       Tide 2X Ultra for Cold Water (tested in cold water) A CR Best Buy liquid 19¢       Tide 2X Ultra with Dawn StainScrubbers liquid 29¢       Tide 2X Ultra with a Touch of Downy liquid 27¢       Simplicity Hypoallergenic Non-Toxic 2X [ 1 ] liquid 17¢       Era 2X Ultra with Oxi Booster liquid 38¢       Tide TotalCare liquid 45¢       Gain 2X Ultra with Bleach Alternative liquid 19¢       Cheer 2X Ultra Dark Formula Color Guard [ 2 ] liquid 21¢       Tide With Bleach with Color Clean powder 23¢       Woolite Concentrated For All Fabrics [ 2 ] liquid 32¢       Great Value Everyday Elegance 2X Ultra (Walmart) liquid 11¢       All 3X Concentrated Small & Mighty Stainlifter liquid 16¢       Tide Coldwater (tested in cold water) powder 18¢       Tide With a Touch of Downy powder 23¢       Purex Plus Fabric Softener liquid 15¢       Purex Ultra Concentrate Plus Renuzit Fresh Scent liquid 13¢       Gain Plus a Touch of Softness powder 18¢       Arm & Hammer Clean Burst with Color-Safe Bleach powder 13¢       Purex Ultra Concentrate with Color Safe Bleach Alternative liquid 13¢       ShopRite Ultra Free 'N Clear [ 2 ] liquid 9¢       Arm & Hammer New 2X Concentrate Clean Burst liquid 11¢       Purex Ultra Concentrate Natural Elements [ 1,2 ] liquid 13¢       Fab Ultra 2X liquid 14¢       Win High Performance Sport Detergent [ 2 ] liquid 64¢       Cheer Original Color Guard [ 2 ] powder 20¢       Arm & Hammer New 2X Concentrate Essentials Mountain Rain liquid 12¢       Sears Ultra Plus Stain Fighting Formula 9835 Fresh Scent [ 2 ] powder 11¢       Arm & Hammer New 2X Concentrate Free of Perfume & Dye liquid 11¢       Sun Burst Clean and Fresh 2X Double Concentrated [ 2 ] liquid 5¢       Xtra New 2X Concentrated Lasting ScentSations SpringSun Shine [ 2 ] liquid 6¢       Product Type Cost per load Overall score     Laundry - High-Efficiency These are for front-loading or high-efficiency top-loading washers. Tide 2X Ultra with Color Clean Bleach Alternative HE liquid 25¢       Cheer 2X Ultra Color Guard for High Efficiency HE A CR Best Buy liquid 17¢       Tide 2X Ultra Original HE liquid 22¢       Seventh Generation Natural Powdered HE [ 1,2 ] powder 36¢       Gain 2X Ultra Original Fresh HE liquid 16¢       SA8 Premium with Bioquest HE [ 3 ] powder 46¢       Kirkland Signature Free & Clear Ultra 2X (Costco) liquid 13¢       Wisk Dual Action 3X Concentrated HE liquid 17¢       Method Squeaky Green 3X Concentrated HE [ 1 ] liquid 31¢       Seventh Generation 2X Ultra Blue Eucalyptus & Lavender HE liquid 33¢       All 3X Concentrated Small & Mighty Free Clear HE liquid 16¢       All 3X Concentrated Small & Mighty Fresh Rain HE liquid 16¢       Purex Ultra concentrate HE After the Rain liquid 13¢       A. Being reformulated as phosphate-free. 1. Maker says it's more plant based than petroleum based. 2. No brightener added. 3. Amount used doubled, per instructions, for hard water. Learn even more about product performance by subscribing to Specific issues   What government & industry are doing U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), a federal regulatory agency, oversees the safety of household cleaning products. The law requires precautionary labeling, including safe handling, storage instructions and first-aid information in case of an accident on the packages of any products that contain known hazardous formulations. While the commission can take action against a manufacturer that has dangerous ingredients accessible to consumers, they do not require that individual ingredients be tested for safety. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates chemicals that pose an “unreasonable” risk to human health and/or the environment, including those found in cleaning products. However, a recent report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that existing chemicals are not routinely assessed for risk. New chemicals are reviewed for toxicity by using predictive models, but such models do not ensure that chemicals’ risks are fully assessed before they enter the marketplace. The EPA is involved with indoor air quality, as well. It has partnered with public schools and groups such as the World Health Organization to educate people on ways to reduce indoor air pollution and has carried out a number of studies to determine the levels and sources of air pollution inside homes. To learn more about indoor air quality, visit the EPA’s Indoor Air Quality Web site, or the American Lung Association’s Indoor Air Quality Web site. The EPA also runs the Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) program, an initiative that encourages federal agencies to buy products and services that are less toxic and better for the environment, including “green” cleaning supplies. Several state governments have adopted similar programs. The Household Products Database. The National Institutes of Health’s National Library of Medicine maintains the Household Products Database. This online guide lists the potential health effects of more than 2,000 ingredients contained in 6,000 common household products. The database includes Hazardous Materials Identification System (HMIS) ratings and brand-specific safety information provided by manufacturers. Although the hazard ratings are specific to workplace exposures, they are relevant to consumer use of these products at home. National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides an ongoing assessment of the U.S. population’s exposure to environmental chemicals, including those found in household cleaning products, and publishes its findings in the National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals. The Kids Safe Chemicals Act. This is a bill recently introduced in the Senate. It would require manufacturers to perform basic testing of their products and provide hazard and exposure information to the EPA and the public. It would also require the EPA to determine the safety of 300 chemicals within the next five years. By 2020, all commercially used chemicals would need to meet a safety standard. Learn more about the Kids Safe Chemicals Act. Phasing out phosphates. Washington state has banned the sale of household detergents with more than 0.5 percent phosphorous; the law went into effect in some areas on July 1, 2008, and will take hold statewide on July 1, 2010. Several other states currently have passed similar legislation or are considering banning detergents with phosphates. A bill calling for a nationwide ban was introduced in the U.S. Senate in March 2009. What you can do   Recycling & disposal The more toxic a product, the more important that it be disposed of carefully. If you have to discard hazardous cleaning products, check their labels for special disposal instructions. You can also find out which items your town or city accepts on hazardous-waste collection days and follow those guidelines. More specific advice on disposing of various hazardous materials can be found on the EPA’s Household Hazardous Waste Web site, or the Earth 911 Web site. Rinse and recycle whenever possible. Unless you’re dealing with hazardous chemicals, the empty plastic containers of cleaning products can often be rinsed out and recycled. Check to see that the number inside the chasing arrows on the bottom of the container is accepted for recycling in your community. RELATED LINKS Plastic recycling tips 8/08
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