The Top 6 Greenwashed Cleaning Products You Think Are Natural (But Aren’t)
The green marketing game is strong—and seriously misleading.
Just because a product is labeled “eco-friendly,” “non-toxic,” or “natural” doesn’t mean it’s actually safe or clean. Welcome to the world of greenwashing, where brands slap on leafy labels and nature-inspired buzzwords to distract you from the toxic stuff hiding inside.
This isn't just about avoiding a little eye irritation or a rash (though that’s bad enough). We're talking endocrine disruptors, asthma triggers, skin-sensitizing preservatives, and even carcinogens—all hiding in plain sight, wrapped up in clever marketing and soft pastel packaging.
So let’s pull back the curtain. Because once you know better, you can clean smarter—not just greener.
What Is Greenwashing?
Greenwashing is when a company markets its products as environmentally friendly, natural, or non-toxic, while still using harmful or questionable ingredients. They might highlight a single good quality (“paraben-free!”) while glossing over a long list of toxic preservatives, synthetic fragrance, or irritating surfactants.
Here’s what it often looks like:
Feel-good words like “plant-based,” “botanical,” or “hypoallergenic” with no real backup
Hazy ingredient terms like “fragrance” or “proprietary blend” that can legally hide thousands of chemicals
Eco-labels and vague claims with no third-party certification
Product names that suggest purity, safety, or earth-friendliness
And yes—most of us have fallen for it at some point.
The Stats That Matter
According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG):
53% of cleaning products tested contain ingredients known to harm the lungs
22% can trigger asthma—even in people without a history of it
Ingredients like formaldehyde, 1,4-dioxane, and chloroform show up as contaminants or preservatives
Fragrance blends can contain up to 3,000 undisclosed chemicals
Even “green” brands like Earth Friendly Products sometimes don’t disclose their full ingredient list
That’s why it matters to flip that bottle over and read the fine print.
Top 6 Greenwashed “All-Natural” Cleaners to Rethink
Let’s break down the top offenders—products that appear safe, eco-friendly, or gentle, but really aren’t.
Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Multi-Surface Concentrate – Lavender - EWG Rating: D
It smells like a fresh spring garden, and the label practically sings “natural.” But unfortunately, it’s mostly synthetic fragrance and chemical preservatives hiding behind the charm.
🔍 Why it’s greenwashed:
Uses “fragrance” with no ingredient disclosure
Contains methylisothiazolinone (MI) – banned in the EU for leave-on products
Potential neurotoxin, skin irritant, and aquatic pollutant
Wrap-Up: Just because it smells like lavender doesn’t mean it is lavender.
Method All-Purpose Cleaner – French Lavender - EWG Rating: F
Trendy branding, cute bottles, and that “green chic” vibe—but Method doesn’t hold up under a microscope.
🔍 Why it’s greenwashed:
Contains methylisothiazolinone
Vague fragrance disclosure
High allergy and respiratory irritation potential
Wrap-Up: It’s style over substance, and your lungs deserve better.
Babyganics All Purpose Surface Wipes - EWG Rating: D
The name sounds like something you’d trust around your baby, right? Think again.
🔍 Why it’s greenwashed:
“Fragrance” with zero breakdown
Contains phenoxyethanol, flagged for nervous system and reproductive concerns
“Plant-based” surfactants like decyl glucoside still irritate sensitive skin
Wrap-Up: Cute branding doesn’t equal clean or safe.
Melaleuca EcoSense Tough & Tender - No EWG Score Available (Melaleuca is an MLM, and most MLMs aren't listed in EWG)
Melaleuca markets its EcoSense line as “safer for your home and the planet,” and during the early Covid days, their products were a beacon when shelves were empty and options were scarce. Their Sol-U-Guard Botanical cleaner—powered by thyme oil and citric acid—offered a true non-toxic disinfecting solution at a time when most people were bathing their homes in bleach and quats. For that, they earned a moment in the spotlight.
But… when you have to be a member to see the full ingredient list, something’s off.
🔍 Why it’s greenwashed:
Fragrance not fully disclosed
Contains methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone—potent skin and respiratory irritants
Ingredient transparency is a scavenger hunt at best
Wrap-Up: If you need a secret handshake just to read the label, it’s not truly clean. Transparency isn’t optional—it’s the bare minimum.
Puracy Natural Surface Cleaner - EWG Rating: C
“Developed by doctors.” “Plant-based.” Feels reassuring, but still misses the mark.
🔍 Why it’s greenwashed:
Contains Sodium Borate (Borax):
This one’s tricky. Sodium borate—also known as sodium tetraborate—is a naturally occurring mineral salt, and it’s not the powdered box of Borax your grandma used. So yes, the 80/20 rule applies here. But still, it’s linked to hormone disruption, and it’s banned from U.S. food products for a reason.
High exposure can cause nausea, vomiting, and more serious issues like kidney damage or even reproductive harm with long-term contact.“Natural Fragrance”:
Ah, the classic catch-all term. What exactly is it? No one knows, and that’s the problem. “Natural fragrance” can hide synthetic or allergenic ingredients under a feel-good label.Potassium Sorbate:
While this preservative helps prevent mold and yeast growth, it’s also a known skin irritant—especially for people with sensitive skin or existing allergies.
Wrap-Up: Clean marketing doesn’t always mean clean ingredients.
Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner - EWG Rating: F
“Simple” and “Green”? It’s neither.
🔍 Red Flags:
Contains 2-butoxyethanol — a solvent you definitely don’t want hanging around your home.
Short-term exposure to high levels can cause lung irritation, liver and kidney damage, and respiratory issues.
Long-term exposure has been linked to nausea, tremors, anemia, and other blood and neurological effects.
Animal studies also show possible reproductive and developmental risks from inhalation.
Because of these concerns, 2-butoxyethanol is regulated under the Clean Air Act as a hazardous air pollutant.
Can cause skin and respiratory irritation
Ingredients not fully disclosed
Wrap-Up: If it’s harmful to your lungs, it’s not “green”—no matter what the label says, if EWG gives it an F, it is a fail..
Ingredients to Watch Out For
When reading labels, here are some common greenwashing culprits:
Potential Additives Chart
What to Use Instead: The Clean That’s Actually Clean
Let’s talk real clean—products that are non-toxic, transparent, and truly safe for your health, home, and environment.
At Om Sweet Om Cleaning, Here’s What We Trust and Use:
Kangen Electrolyzed Water – pH 11.5 and 2.5 -We use Kangen Electrolyzed Water in two forms:
11.5 pH for degreasing (think stovetops, range hoods, sticky messes)
2.5 pH for sanitizing and disinfecting (bathrooms, high-touch areas, and even produce!)
Why we love it:
No chemicals. Just water split into different pH levels using electrolysis.
Non-toxic, safe for pets and kids.
Powerful, proven cleaning—without synthetic ingredients.
It’s a simple but genius way to harness science for safe cleaning.
Essentially Om
Formulated for Om Sweet Om Cleaning, this line uses Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate (SLSA)—a mild, naturally-derived surfactant from coconut and palm oils.
Let’s be clear: SLSA is not SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate).
SLSA is:
Sulfate-free
Biodegradable
Gentle on skin and lungs
A safe alternative that still offers foaming and lifting power
When combined with essential oils and other low-toxicity ingredients, it makes for a powerful, mindful clean—without the chemical baggage.
Other Clean Brands to Try at Home
If you’re doing your own cleaning at home, we recommend:
Branch Basics – A powerhouse concentrate that you dilute with water. Non-toxic, EWG-rated, and great for everything from windows to laundry.
Force of Nature – Technically not just a cleaner—it’s a disinfectant. It works by electrically charging salt, water, and vinegar to create hypochlorous acid, a powerful (yet non-toxic) EPA-registered disinfectant that kills 99.9% of germs. No harsh chemicals, no fumes. It’s best used after you clean to truly sanitize surfaces. (Think of it like a small-scale version of Kangen’s pH 2.5 electrolyzed water.)
Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds Biodegradable Cleaner – A versatile, plant-based cleaner that cuts grease and grime like a champ. EWG-rated A, biodegradable, and super concentrated.
Green Shield Organic – One of the few USDA Certified Organic cleaning lines. Gentle, effective, and safe for kids, pets, and the planet.
4. DIY All-Natural Staples
Sometimes old-school is the best school. Keep these on hand:
White vinegar – Natural degreaser, deodorizer, and glass cleaner.
Baking soda – Mild abrasive and deodorizer.
Castile soap – Gentle, plant-based soap for multiple surfaces.
Hydrogen peroxide – Natural disinfectant.
Essential oils – Add scent and antimicrobial power (e.g., tea tree, lemon, lavender).
Bottom Line: Pretty Labels ≠ Clean Ingredients
Greenwashing is clever marketing—not honest cleaning. It thrives on our desire to do better for our families and our planet. But just because something is pretty, smells good, or says “plant-based” doesn’t mean it’s non-toxic.
Flip the bottle. Check the ingredients. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or challenge brands to be more transparent.
At Om Sweet Om Cleaning, we do the homework so you don’t have to. We clean your home the way we’d clean our own—using only safe, effective, and truly non-toxic products like Kangen Electrolyzed Water and Essentially Om’s sulfate-free blends.
Want a downloadable cheat sheet or clean product checklist? Email us at Info@OmSweetOmCleaning.com Because a truly clean home doesn’t come in a greenwashed bottle—and your health is always worth the extra care.