The GoVacuum Blog

Now more than ever it is essential to read the labels on your cleaning products. Even supposedly “green” cleaning agents can contain toxic substances. So before you assume that the product advertising its contents as eco-friendly means all is well, look at the ingredients before you buy.

Here are some of the common substances found in many green cleaning products on the market:

Glycerin
A moisturizer used to prevent the loss of moisture from a product
• Helps to condition skin
• Decreases thickness of the product
• Safe, biodegradable in water and soil
• Does not build up in living organisms
• Use vegetable based only

Glyceryl Oleate
Used in washing machine cleansers
A plant-based compound to prevent excess foaming
• Low acute oral toxicity (the adverse effects from single exposure)
• Biodegradable

Glycol Ether
A solvent and thinner that prevents moisture loss
Used in hand surface cleaners
• Dissolves other substances
• Decreases thickness of the product
• Non toxic
• Biodegrades rapidly in soil and water
• No build up in living organisms

Hexahydro – 1,3,5-Tris (2-Hudroxyethyl)-S-Triazine
Prevents growth of bacteria, yeast, and fungi
• Maintains a product’s integrity by preventing contamination and growth
• Is a known carcinogen
• Affects the neurological and reproductive systems
• Toxic to humans and aquatic organisms in high doses

Hydrogen Peroxide
• Removes stains
• Oxidizes and bleaches
• If used at 3-4% levels, there is no toxidity
• Can irritates the eyes and skin
• Not harmful to the environment

Hydroxyethylcellulose
A plant derived cleaning agent
• Helps water to mix with oil and dirt for rinsing
• Low acute oral toxicity
• Non irritating
• Biodegradable

Inert ingredients
Ingredients that do not contribute to the function of product
• Used to add bulk
• No requirement by the EPA to state their components on the label

Lactic Acid
Found in all purpose cleansers
A naturally derived alpha-hydroxy acid
• Used for exfoliation, adjusting pH, conditioning skin, prevent moisture loss
• Removes lime scale and soap scum
• Maintain a product’s pH and kills microbes,
• Low toxicity
• Can irritate skin and eyes
• Biodegradable

Lauaminopropylamine oxide
A synthetic chemical
Used in cleaning, laundry, and dishwashing products
• A preservative, antimicrobial, and anti-static agent
• Helps water mix w oil and dirt for rinsing
• Toxic to aquatic life

Lauryl polyglucose
A plant derived cleaning agent
• Helps water mix w oil and dirt for rinsing
• Low acute oral toxicity
• Bio-degradeable

-Michele Kadison