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What is 1,4-dioxane?1,4-dioxane is a byproduct of manufacturing processes for some surfactants (the workhorse ingredients) contained in cleaning products and detergents. It is not an intentionally added ingredient, present at very low, trace levels.Why is 1,4-dioxane in cleaning products? 1,4-dioxane is an unintended byproduct of manufacturing. It is not an ingredient and not intentionally added.Is 1,4-dioxane…
Q. If products aren’t tested on animals (Awesome!), how do companies ensure they’re safe to use?
A. Testing methods that don’t rely on animals as used for demonstrating and predicting the toxicity of chemicals and product formulations are increasing being used in product development applications and for some product categories they are accepted by regulatory authorities to help show a chemical or product is safe.
When consumer products are demonstrated to be safe the safety…
Q. Are there anything other than intentionally added ingredients in cleaning products?A. Yes. Cleaning products primarily contain intentionally added ingredients that help them clean effectively, such as surfactants, builders, solvents, enzymes, preservatives, fragrances, and other functional ingredients. In some cases, cleaning products may also contain extremely small amounts of substances that are not intentionally added for a cleaning function. These are often called trace chemicals, trace…
Q: I have a blouse made of 95% cotton that I need to launder. However, the manufacturer’s care label says professional dry clean only. Does the dry clean only tag really mean it? Why can’t I hand wash or put it in the washing machine?
A: There are many reasons why your garment might have a "professional dry clean only" care label. Washing might harm the buttons or the trim. Or the dyes might run if the garment is washed. In addition, some fabrics, such as cotton,…
Bleach is great for sanitizing and disinfecting surfaces as well as keeping clothes and linens clean and bright.Disinfecting with BleachBefore using bleach to disinfect a surface (countertop, bathtub, etc.), read the label instructions carefully. TIP: Consider using bleach after preparing raw chicken or other foods that can become dangerous if not cleaned properly.Create your bleach/water solution (per the label instructions) and let it sit on the surface for about five minutes. TIP: Bleach is…
Q: How can I reduce microplastics in my laundry?A. Laundry does contribute to microplastic pollution. Synthetic fibers can get released in wastewater and can end up in our oceans. However, there are steps you can take to reduce your laundry’s contribution to microplastics:Look for natural fabrics. When looking for new clothing options, it can help to familiarize yourself which the names of popular synthetic materials and consider favoring fabrics that use a higher percentage of natural…
Q. I have a really dirty carpet that I'm looking to get clean. What carpet cleaning can I try before calling in a professional?
The easiest way to have a clean carpet is to keep it from getting dirty, by taking off shoes and limiting bringing food in carpeted areas. Once there is a stain, deal with it quickly, using a carpet cleaner, and always make sure to dab at the stain to lift it out instead of rubbing it further into the fibers. With a carpet that has already gotten quite dirty and…
Q. What is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), and is it safe for use in cleaning products?A. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a widely used surfactant that removes oily stains and residues used in cleaning products, cosmetics and personal care products that is safe when used properly. In cleaning products, SLS functions by wetting surfaces, emulsifying or solubilizing oils and suspending soil so that it can be rinsed away. This ingredient also contributes foaming properties to cleaning products.The use…
Cleaning: This involves removing unwanted contaminants, such as soil, dirt and grease, from a surface, material, or your hands. It’s usually what you’re doing when washing with soap and water. Cleaning along with rinsing and using a cloth or paper towel may remove some germs as well when they’re washed or wiped away.
Sanitizing: When sanitizing, you’re reducing (but not necessarily eliminating) the number of germs on the surface to levels considered safe as determined by…