In its new Guide to Healthy Cleaning database, Environmental Working Group dishes out grades to more than 2,000 cleaning products based on ingredient information from company websites, labels, and published scientific studies. The breakdown asserts that DIY cleaning products made from simple ingredients like white vinegar, washing soda, and baking soda are safest, but also offers less toxic alternatives when it comes to cleaners you’ll find in the store. An important point? Many green cleaning companies received both positive and negative grades, depending on the product. That means it’s important to shop on a product-by-product basis and avoid assuming all of a green brand’s products are safe. Laundry Some laundry products with “A” ratings in the EWG report include: • Green Shield Organic Laundry Detergent, HE Elite Care, Free & Clear • Seventh Generation Natural Laundry Detergent Powder, Free & Clear • Ecover Non-Chlorine Bleach Powder • Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soap 18-in-1 Hemp Pure-Castile Soap Baby Mild • Martha Stewart Clean Laundry Detergent. Dishwashing EWG says dishwashing products with safer ingredients include: • The Honest Co. Honest Auto Dishwasher Gel, Free & Clear • Seventh Generation Automatic Dishwasher Powder, Free & Clear • Whole Foods Market Liquid Dish Soap, Unscented All-Purpose Cleaners While your safest bet for a homemade, all-purpose cleaner involves adding 1 part white vinegar to 1 part water in a spray bottle, manufactured products with an “A” rating from EWG include: • Green Shield Organic Biodegradable Surface Wipes, Fresh Scent • Aussan Natural All-Purpose Cleaner • Whole Foods Market Glass Cleaner, Unscented. Ones to Avoid Altogether EWG suggests avoiding the following products altogether because they are unnecessary or don’t have safer alternatives: • Air fresheners: Air fresheners contain secret fragrance mixtures that can trigger allergies and asthma. Open windows, use fans, put out a bowl of white vinegar or baking soda, or burn a beeswax candle in place of using air fresheners. • Antibacterial products: These products can spur the development of drug-resistant superbugs. Antibacterial chemicals like triclosan have been blamed for causing thyroid and heart damage, as well. • Fabric softener and dryer sheets: These products often contain lung irritants and can spark asthma or allergy problems. Add ¼ cup of white vinegar to your rinse cycle to reduce wrinkles and static cling. • Caustic drain and oven cleaners: Harsh ingredients can burn eyes and skin. Instead, use a drain snake or plunger to remove clogs, and opt for a paste of baking soda and water to clean your oven.
