Sparkle Icon

Sparkle & Smile

Blog for Cleaner and Healthier Homes

News

Welcome to Maid Brigade’s New Blog Column

More and more “green” products and services have been introduced on the market lately, as more consumers become concerned with global warming and the environment.  That’s great – except when the product or service claims to be green when it really isn’t.  Green “washing” is when companies use exaggerated or inaccurate claims that can’t be substantiated with proof.  Green washing is on the rise, so much so that the FTC has accelerated their timetable for reviewing their marketing guidelines for green terms.  Ultimately this will help consumers make more informed choices for themselves and their families about green housecleaning and maid services but in the meantime, Maid Brigade can help clear up some of the confusion. 

“Green” housecleaning means using products, equipment and methods that are safer for human health as well as the environment while still being effective.  A common misconception is that cleaning products labeled “environmentally friendly” and even “non-toxic” are green.  Traditional cleaning products often contain harmful chemicals that may put you, your family and your pets at risk for health problems.  Products labeled non-toxic may not kill you, but many contain ingredients that are known or suspected carcinogens, neurotoxins, reproductive toxins, mutagens, or other harmful substances that can affect short or long-term health.  In short, non-toxic does not always mean not harmful.

For example, the consumer product Simple Green advertises that their product is non-toxic and biodegradable and according to widely recognized standards, it meets the stated criteria for both terms.  However, the main ingredient in Simple Green is 2-butoxyethanol, commonly known as butyl or 2-butyl.  According to Barry Rosenthal, category manager for Betco’s Green Earth cleaning product line, Butyl is listed as an OSHA Table Z Hazardous Substance.  He goes on to say that according to the National Toxicology Program (NTP), animal testing indicates chronic exposure could result in blood disorders, liver damage, and nervous system effects.  The EPA’s Design for the Environment (DfE) program has identified 2-butoxyethanol as having potential effects on blood, the central nervous system, kidneys and liver.  It may be green in color, but it’s not “green” by recognized standards.  That’s the simple truth about Simple Green.

Consumers looking for green housecleaning products to use in between Maid Brigade visits are advised to look for products that bear the Green Seal certification.  Alternatively, consumers can visit the Household Products Database (www.householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov) to learn which products and chemicals to avoid based on potential health hazards. 

Additional Articles You might Like

View More
Cleaning Tips Healthy Home

First Impressions Matter: How a Clean Space Can Make 2025 a Winning Year — Picture your front door swinging open. Your guests are arriving, and as soon as they step inside, they’ll be getting[…]

blog recent img 1
link post
Healthy Home

New Year, New Priorities: Why 2025 is Your Year for a Cleaner, Healthier Home — It’s the same every year: your New Year’s celebration is followed by a long list of New Year’s to-do’s and[…]

blog recent img 2
link post
Cleaning Tips

Getting Ready for the Pros: How to Prepare Your Home for a Professional Cleaning — Your work calendar is crowded with double-booked meetings. Your kid’s last soccer game is this Friday. Oh, and don’t forget[…]

blog recent img 3
link post

Subscribe for
the latest tips, tricks and green tech news.