Cleanwashing 101: How to Know Something’s Actually “Clean”

Guarantee an effective clean by learning how to spot common "cleanwashing" tactics.

In a world where “clean” has become the hottest marketing buzzword, determining which companies actually live up to both their eco and effective claims is an undertaking unto itself. So we’re here to clear some things up.

The Dirty on Cleanwashing

You might be asking yourself, what is “cleanwashing?”

Similar to greenwashing (an unethical practice where some “eco” companies exaggerate or mislead customers about their environmental efforts), “cleanwashing” is tactic where companies boast “safe” and “better for you ingredients,” but conveniently fail to mention that their products aren’t actually as effective as they claim.

Keeping your home eco-friendly shouldn’t come at the cost of a safe and thorough clean—so here’s how to make sure you’re getting the efficacy you deserve.

How to Read a Label

When in doubt, look for these markers to ensure you’re getting a legitimately “clean” clean every time.

Clean Ingredients:

• Bio-Based enzymes like Amylase and Mannanase
• Naturally derived surfactants like Sodium, Coco Sulfate, Glucosides, Sorbitan Caprylate
• Minerals like Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Citrate
• Safe preservative like Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate

Clean Certifications:

• Cradle to Cradle Platinum Material Health Certificate
  • Verifies that a brand meets global standards for safe, circular, and responsibly made products.
• USDA BioPreferred
  • Verifies that a brand creates products using renewable resources in an effort to reduce reliance on petroleum.
• EPA Safer Choice
  • Verifies that a brand prioritizes human and planet safety without sacrificing performance.
• Leaping Bunny
  • Verifies that a brand’s operation, from formulation and testing to production, is 100% cruelty-free.
• Certified B Corp
  • Verifies that a brand meet the global standard for responsible social and environmental impact.
• EWG Verified
  • Verifies that a brand meet strict standards for safe products that are free of harmful chemicals.

Our Choice

For an easy, effective, and eco-friendly clean (every single time), we choose Blueland’s certified clean and 100% plastic-free products. They’re third-party tested for performance and verified to meet all the above organizations’ sky-high standards.