Frequently Asked Questions - Using Simple Green Products

Simple Green is an organic cleaner defined as any compound containing carbon (please note that "organic" in chemistry has a different meaning from "organic" in food production).

Simple Green consists of non-ionic surfactants. Non-ionic surfactants carry no discrete charge when dissolved in an aqueous media, unlike anionic or cationic surfactants. Hydrophilicity in non-ionic surfactants is provided by hydrogen bonding with water and molecules. Hydrogen bonding provides solubilization (loosening or dissolving action) in neutral and alkaline solutions.

Simple Green products would not be considered "natural." They are blends of synthetic chemicals. Most people believe that "natural" products are automatically better than synthetic ones. However, there are many things in nature that are toxic to humans or detrimental to the environment. Things such as citrus extracts, and many plants and plant extracts are toxic or harmful to humans and/or the environment. The only ingredient in Simple Green that could be termed "natural" is water. For more information, see Competitor Types: d-Limonene, Citrus Extracts, and Terpenes.

Micro-Particulate-Fractionalization is Simple Green's method of cleaning Simple Green uses special "surface active" agents to break down large globs of oil, grease and fat, creating much smaller microscopic droplets called "micelles." Water is the catalyst for Simple Green's cleaning power. Unlike ordinary cleaners and dispersants, Simple Green's special MPF properties continue breaking down these microscopic droplets even further -- far beyond normal micellization. As these droplets are made smaller and more numerous, they provide increasingly greater surface area for Simple Green and water to attack. Ultimately, instead of being merely suspended in solution, the droplets are actually dissolved into the water.

The end result is a much more efficient and effective way to clean and a proven way to eliminate the re-deposition problems common to many cleaners.

Montreal Protocol - Simple Green does not contain CFCs or ozone depleting substances
The Montreal Protocol, an international agreement signed on September 16, 1987, stipulated that the production and consumption of compounds that deplete the ozone in the stratosphere, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons and carbon tetrachloride, are to be phased out by the year 2000.

Some participating countries, including the U.S., have enacted even more stringent regulations with shorter phase-out time frames. Simple Green products are safer replacements for cleaners and solvents prohibited by the Montreal Protocol. (See Chlorofluorocarbons, U.S. Clean Air Act and Ozone Depleting)

Simple Green is manufactured to ISO 9000 standards.

Simple Green is a privately held company.

Problems can result if the mist of Simple Green (and many, many other cleaners) is breathed into the nose or throat. Because Simple Green contains surfactants (surface-active agents), and because surfactants have the ability to lift grease, oil and soils up off of surfaces, an aggravation of the mucous membranes of the nose and throat can result from breathing it in. Although uncomfortable, remember that Simple Green is non-toxic and this is a completely reversible symptom. Persons with chronic asthma, emphysema or other lung conditions should take precautions to avoid breathing in surfactant mists.

Care and caution should be taken when spraying Simple Green above the level of one's head, or using mechanical applicators that create mist (pressure-washers and steam cleaners.) Additionally, Simple Green products are sold in spray bottles that create a coarse mist that is not readily inhaled. If using a spray bottle other than a Simple Green bottle, take care not to breathe in any mist. Use in well-ventilated areas or, in more extreme cases, use of a fiber painter's mask (found in hardware and home improvement stores) will greatly reduce the risk of inhalation problems.

Consists of a number of surfactants and wetting agents (soaps and shampoos also contain surfactants). Simple Green does not contain chlorine bleach, ammonia or formaldehyde

Ingredients: "How do I know that Simple Green's claims are true?"
Simple Green's makers have committed over $2 million in research and testing by independent laboratories. The results verify the safety and claims of Simple Green. Summaries of these tests are available on the product's Material Safety Data Sheet, available upon request or from this web site.

Ingredient: "Why Aren't the Ingredients of Simple Green Listed on the Label?"
Simple Green is non-toxic. Therefore, the listing of the ingredients on the label is not required. Simple Green's unique formula is protected under the Trade Secrecy Act and has been extensively tested to verify its claims. Simple Green complies with all current labeling requirements on ingredient disclosure for cleaning products.