So what is really in these so-called “green” products anyway?

By, Alisha Baker

From one Skeptic to the next...

Yes, it’s good to research and be skeptical about all this greenwashing we’re supporting but the fact of the matter is, they really are natural and they really will help you and our environment!

What’s great about these green products?

Every natural ingrdient is described and explained… From where it comes from to what it does companies like Green Works aren’t trying to hide anything, they want you to know what you’re using to clean your home.

Check it out…

Here is a list of ingredients provided by the Green Works website used in Green Works cleaning products and what they do

alkyl polyglucoside

The top-secret cleaning ingredient inside our products? Believe it or not, it comes from plants. This plant-based cleaning agent is great at dissolving and removing dirt, oil and grease. all-purpose cleaner, bathroom cleaner, cleaning wipes, dishwashing liquid, glass cleaner, glass & surface cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner, laundry detergent

boric acid

This natural mineral compound works to stabilize the natural cleaning enzymes that break down protein-based stains, such as grass, blood and chocolate. The result? Cleaner clothes done naturally. laundry detergent

calcium chloride

This mineral-based ingredient stabilizes natural cleaning enzymes and prevents them from breaking down. laundry detergent

citric acid

Ever wonder why hard water doesn’t lather well? It’s the minerals! This corn-based ingredient reduces minerals to soften hard water and help our natural cleaning ingredients work harder. dishwashing liquid, toilet bowl cleaner, bathroom cleaner, cleaning wipes

colorant

Like any natural ingredient, natural dyes do have a shelf life. That’s why we add a very small amount of synthetic colorant (less than 0.1%) to our products for a bit of color. all-purpose cleaner, dishwashing liquid, toilet bowl cleaner, glass cleaner, laundry detergent

enzymes

Grass, food, blood? No problem! The natural soil remover in our laundry products attacks protein-and starch-based stains to get your clothes fresh and stain-free — naturally! laundry detergent

ethanol

Streaks begone! This corn-based alcohol allows our products to dry quickly for a streak-free shine. all-purpose cleaner, dishwashing liquid, cleaning wipes, glass & surface cleaner, glass cleaner

fragrance with essential oils

Natural fragrances can go bad over time, which is why our products contain synthetic fragrances with oils extracted from plants that leave behind a clean, fresh scent. all-purpose cleaner, bathroom cleaner, chlorine-free bleach, cleaning wipes, dishwashing liquid, glass cleaner, glass & surface cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner, laundry detergent

glycerine

This plant-based ingredient prevents streaking and ensures that our products are effective even when the temperature drops. cleaning wipes, glass & surface cleaner, laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid

hydrogen peroxide

Meet nature’s stain remover! This oxygen-based bleaching agent is like a water molecule plus an extra oxygen atom. It does not contain chlorine bleach and is safe for use on colored fabrics. chlorine-free bleach

lactic acid

The main culprit behind those pesky rings in your toilet bowl? Hard water. This corn-based compound softens hard water, which helps our cleaning ingredients work more effectively for a toilet that’s absolutely spotless. toilet bowl cleaner

lauramine oxide

This plant-based cleaning ingredient dissolves and removes dirt, oil and grease — and produces rich suds for sparkling-clean dishes. dishwashing liquid

oleic acid

This plant-based cleaning ingredient prevents excessive foaming, which is what makes our laundry detergent great for high-efficiency (HE) washing machines. Remember: just a little can go a long way! laundry detergent

potassium carbonate

This mineral-based ingredient increases the pH levels in our products for improved cleaning performance. all-purpose cleaner

potassium citrate

Because natural cleaning ingredients can degrade over time, we use this plant-based buffer to balance pH levels and prevent our stain-fighting ingredients from breaking down. all-purpose cleaner

preservative

Like anything that’s natural, the natural cleaning ingredients in our products can go bad over time. That’s why we add a small amount of preservative (less than 0.5%) to keep our products fresh and effective. all-purpose cleaner, dishwashing liquid, cleaning wipes, laundry detergent

silicone antifoaming agent

Bubbles are great when you’re doing the dishes, but not so helpful when you’re pretreating a stain or wiping up a sticky spill. That’s why a couple of our products contain an antifoaming agent that prevents streaks and unwanted residue. cleaning wipes

sodium carbonate

This mineral-based ingredient (known in the olden days as washing soda) softens hard water, which helps our cleaning ingredients work even harder. glass & surface cleaner, glass cleaner, oxi stain remover

sodium chloride

So what is sodium chloride? It’s just a fancy name for table salt! It prevents cleaning ingredients from breaking down and increases the viscosity (or thickness) of our dishwashing liquid. dishwashing liquid

sodium gluconate

Because natural cleaning ingredients can degrade over time, we use this corn-based buffer to balance pH levels and prevent our stain-fighting ingredients from breaking down. laundry detergent

sodium hydroxide

This mineral-based ingredient increases the pH levels in our products for improved cleaning performance. glass cleaner, laundry detergent

sodium lauryl sulfate

Derived from plants, this powerful cleaning ingredient works to dissolve and remove dirt, oil and grease. dishwashing liquid, laundry detergent

sodium octyl sulfate

This plant-based cleaning ingredient helps dissolve and remove dirt, oil and grease. glass cleaner, laundry detergent

sodium percarbonate

This oxygen-based bleaching agent releases hydrogen peroxide as it dissolves in water. This makes it tough on dirt and stains and easy on colors*.

*When used as directed.

oxi stain remover

substrate

Our cleaning wipes are made from 100% wood-based fibers, which is also what makes them compostable. Just throw them in the green bin when you’re done! cleaning wipes

xanthan gum

This plant-based thickener increases product viscosity, which means that our toilet bowl cleaner will cling to stains instead of running down the sides. toilet

bowl cleaner

Now That You Know…

As you can see green advocates aren’t hiding anything they just want your household to contain natural products enabling YOU to live a healthier and happier life.

To check out more ingredients and reasons why you should switch out those toxic cleaners for green ones check out the Green Works website! 

http://www.greenworkscleaners.com/

Reference

http://www.greenworkscleaners.com/products/ingredients/