Are Mrs. Meyers Cleaning Products Really “All Natural”?

If a product is branded as “natural,” does that mean that it’s made with 100% natural ingredients? Not necessarily. Because there are no federal regulations that set requirements regarding what “natural” cleaning products must contain (or not contain), it can be tricky for consumers to know what it is they’re actually purchasing--unless they look carefully at the list of ingredients.

Are There Harmful Ingredients in Mrs. Meyers Cleaning Products?

Unlike some brands, Mrs. Meyers attempts to create transparency on their website when it comes to the ingredients in their products. Each product’s webpage has a section where you can view a breakdown of what ingredients are used, what they are, and what their purpose is. However, some ingredients are labeled and/or described in a way that omits information contrary to the products’ branding.

In the Clean Day Basil Multi-Surface Everyday Cleaner, you’ll find ingredients like water, salt, and essential oils. You’ll also see these ingredients:

• Methylisothiazolinone: This is described as a “non-formaldehyde preservative.” Under “What Does It Do?” the website notes: “synthetic product preservative, < 1% of total volume to ensure shelf life stability.”
• Fragrance: This is described as a “mixture of high-quality essential oils and synthetic fragrance ingredients” that “smells great and provides an aromatherapeutic experience.”

Aside from being a preservative, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports that methylisothiazolinone (MCI) is a standardized chemical allergen. Synthetic fragrances can also cause allergic reactions and worsen indoor air quality. Federal regulations don’t require manufacturers to list the ingredients in “fragrance,” so the term “fragrance,” “perfume,” or “parfum” can mean a few fragrance allergens or a few hundred. Mrs. Meyers does note under the ingredients list that the product “contains fragrance allergens” and includes a list of each fragrance allergen.

Are Mrs. Meyers Products Dangerous?

If Mrs. Meyers cleaning products are used as directed, they are unlikely to cause serious, immediate harm. However, if you have a chemical sensitivity (1 in 4 Americans do), these products could create harmful conditions for you in your home, and the artificial fragrances used in the products can worsen your indoor air quality over time.

At GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration, we promote healthy living. All of our products are bio-safe, and all of our methods are bio-friendly. We do not use any toxic chemicals and our cleaning systems produce superior results.

Best All Natural Cleaners to Use Around the Home

If you take a look under your sink, you'll probably find an assortment of store-bought cleaning products. Cleaners for your kitchen. Cleaners for your toilet. Cleaners for your shower. Cleaners for your windows. The list goes on and on.

What you may not know is that these cleaners contain dozens of toxic chemicals – even those which are labeled as “all natural”. Ditch these products and use the natural cleaning ingredients below instead. Not only are they a healthier alternative, but they are cheaper too.

• Vinegar. Vinegar is mother nature's all purpose cleaner. It can be used to clean and disinfect a nearly any surface in your home, and is a powerful stain remover. WikiHow shows a variety of ways to clean with vinegar here.

• Baking Soda. You may use baking soda to deodorize your refrigerator, but it can be used for so much more. In addition to removing odors from your fridge and laundry, baking soda is a non-abrasive cleaner that can be used on metals, countertops, floors, and more. Combine with vinegar to make your very own all-purpose cleaner.

• Lemon. The strong citrus scent of lemon can be used to overpower even the most foul of odors. Use it to clean your garbage disposal, grout, faucets and handles, and much more. Click here for a list of 24 things you can clean with a lemon.

• Salt. You use salt on your eggs and margaritas, but did you know you can also use it for tough cleaning jobs around the house? Salt is an abrasive cleaning agent, meaning you can use it to scrub away really tough grime like greasy pans or mildew spots. When combined with vinegar or lemon, it acts as a catalyst, boosting cleaning power and forming a strong cleaning paste.

At GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration, we are committed to making your home as safe and healthy as possible. That is why we offer specialty cleaning services such as air duct cleaning, dryer vent cleaning, and mold removal to homes and businesses across Long Island. If you live in Nassau or Suffolk County, visit our website or give us a call at (631) 940-8100 to speak with one of our cleaning professionals.