Simple Green
Simple Green is an American brand of cleaning products manufactured by Sunshine Makers, Inc., best known for its concentrated all-purpose cleaner that removes dirt, grease, oil, and stains from surfaces including counters, floors, fabrics, equipment, and vehicles, marketed as biodegradable, phosphate-free, and safer for human health and the environment.[1] Developed in 1975 by Bruce FaBrizio and his father in Huntington Beach, California, as a non-toxic, biodegradable alternative to harsh chemicals for degreasing coffee roasting machinery, the formula required three years of refinement before commercial production began, with the company formally named Sunshine Makers, Inc., in 1981 and expanding nationally into hardware, grocery, government, and industrial markets.[2][3] The product's versatility supports dilution ratios up to 1:30 for cost-effective use in pressure washers, carpet cleaners, and manual applications, while earning U.S. EPA Safer Choice recognition for containing ingredients evaluated for reduced environmental and health risks compared to conventional cleaners.[1][4] Despite these claims, Simple Green has faced scrutiny, including a 2020 class-action lawsuit alleging misleading "non-toxic" labeling due to the inclusion of 2-butoxyethanol, a solvent linked to potential skin, eye, and blood cell irritation, and 1990s criticisms from environmental activists over aquatic toxicity in earlier formulations that prompted reformulations and testing disputes in areas like Monterey Bay.[5][6][7] Sunshine Makers continues to operate under family ownership, producing at facilities in California and Georgia, with global distribution and a commitment to eco-friendly innovations through its Environmental Technology Division established in the early 1990s.[2]History
Founding and Early Development
Simple Green was developed in 1975 by Bruce FaBrizio and his father as a biodegradable, non-toxic cleaner designed to safely remove tannic acid residue from coffee roasting machinery, serving as an alternative to hazardous chemical solvents prevalent at the time.[2] [8] The formula emphasized environmental safety, non-flammability, and non-abrasiveness, reflecting an early commitment to reducing risks associated with industrial cleaning agents.[2] Over the subsequent three years, from 1975 to 1978, the FaBrizios refined the product through iterative testing and formulation adjustments to ensure efficacy across grease, grime, and stain removal applications.[2] Initial commercial sales began in 1978, with the cleaner distributed in 55-gallon drums primarily to automotive and industrial customers; Bruce FaBrizio personally handled deliveries using a single van, marking the company's modest origins as a family-operated venture.[2] Following the senior FaBrizio's death in 1979, Bruce assumed full leadership, driving continued operations amid personal challenges.[2] [8] By 1981, the enterprise formalized as Sunshine Makers, Inc., enabling expansion into national markets while maintaining focus on bulk sales to professional sectors.[2] This period laid the groundwork for broader adoption, as the product's phosphate-free composition aligned with emerging regulatory pressures on wastewater and environmental impact, though consumer packaging and household variants emerged later.[8] Early growth remained constrained, relying on direct outreach and word-of-mouth endorsements from initial users in manufacturing and maintenance.[2]Expansion and Milestones
Following the death of co-founder Peter FaBrizio in 1979, Bruce FaBrizio shifted focus from niche industrial applications to broader markets, including automotive and general industrial sectors, marking the company's initial expansion beyond coffee equipment cleaning.[8] This pivot laid the groundwork for wider distribution, transitioning from a single-van operation to multi-channel sales.[2] In 1981, the company was formally renamed Sunshine Makers, Inc., coinciding with national rollout into hardware and DIY stores, grocery and drug retailers, General Services Administration (GSA) contracts, and club stores, which significantly boosted accessibility and sales volume.[2] By the mid-1980s, endorsements from major entities, including airline and automotive approvals, drove a surge in demand, with sales expanding rapidly from prior limited channels.[3] These developments solidified Simple Green's position in consumer and professional markets. The early 1990s saw further institutionalization through the creation of an Environmental Technology Division, dedicated to refining formulations for enhanced safety and efficacy while adhering to emerging environmental standards, supporting product diversification and regulatory compliance.[8] In 1989, the establishment of the EGBAR Foundation as a non-profit arm extended the company's impact into community education and environmental initiatives, indirectly aiding brand growth through reputational enhancement.[2] By the 2010s, Sunshine Makers, Inc. had achieved global reach, with headquarters in Huntington Beach, California, satellite offices worldwide, and manufacturing facilities in Garden Grove, California, and Lawrenceville, Georgia, enabling international distribution of over 50 products.[8] The company's organic expansion culminated in its 50th anniversary in 2025, reflecting sustained growth without acquisitions, remaining founder-owned and focused on biodegradable, non-toxic cleaners used across household, industrial, and remediation applications globally.[2][9]Products
All-Purpose Cleaner
Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner is a concentrated, water-based cleaning and degreasing product formulated for removing heavy soils such as dirt, grease, grime, and stains from water-tolerant surfaces.[1] Introduced as the company's flagship offering, it is designed for versatile application across household, commercial, automotive, and industrial settings, including use in pressure washers, carpet extractors, and floor scrubbers.[1] The cleaner is non-abrasive, non-flammable, non-caustic, phosphate-free, septic-safe, and compliant with volatile organic compound (VOC) regulations, leaving a sassafras scent upon use.[1] Dilution ratios allow customization for task intensity: full strength or 1:1 for heavy-duty degreasing, 1:10 for general-purpose cleaning, and up to 1:30 for light duties, enabling one gallon to yield up to 30 gallons of solution.[1] Application involves spot-testing surfaces, applying the solution, allowing dwell time of 1-2 minutes for tough soils, scrubbing if needed, and rinsing thoroughly; it is not recommended for non-rinsable surfaces, suede, leather, unfinished wood, opals, or pearls.[1] Common uses include cleaning kitchen counters and appliances, bathroom fixtures, vehicle exteriors, machinery, and fabrics, with laundry applications limited to adding 1/4 cup full-strength to non-high-efficiency top-loading machines alongside detergent.[1] The product holds certification under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Safer Choice program, which verifies that its ingredients meet standards for reduced human and environmental toxicity while maintaining effective cleaning performance, pH balance, and low VOC levels.[4] Safety data indicates low acute toxicity, with oral and dermal LD50 values exceeding 5 g/kg in rat and rabbit tests, respectively, and no significant skin or eye irritation under normal use; it is readily biodegradable, achieving 100% degradation in 60 days, though direct release into waterways should be avoided.[10] Handling precautions include use in well-ventilated areas and avoidance of mixing with strong oxidizers or acids.[10]Specialized Variants
Simple Green offers specialized formulations of its cleaners tailored for specific surfaces, equipment, or environmental conditions, optimizing performance while maintaining the brand's emphasis on biodegradability and non-toxicity. These variants address limitations of the standard all-purpose cleaner, such as enhanced penetration for heavy grease or sensitivity to particular materials.[11][12] The Heavy-Duty BBQ & Grill Cleaner employs a foaming aerosol delivery to dissolve baked-on carbonized grease, food residues, and oxidation on grill grates, burners, and exteriors, with instructions recommending application to cooled surfaces followed by rinsing to avoid residue. It was introduced as part of the household specialty line to handle high-heat buildup that resists general cleaners.[11] Simple Green Glass Cleaner provides an ammonia- and alcohol-free formula that evaporates quickly for streak-free results on windows, mirrors, and chrome, reducing wipe marks compared to solvent-based alternatives; it is certified for use in professional settings like offices and vehicles.[11] For industrial applications, the Foaming Coil Cleaner targets HVAC and refrigeration systems by foaming to contact vertical coils, dissolving dirt, dust, lint, and microbial growth without requiring unit disassembly or harsh acids, thereby extending equipment life and efficiency as verified in maintenance protocols.[12] Oxy Solve Total Outdoor Cleaner, a peroxide-activated variant, is concentrated for dilution in pressure washers to remove mildew, algae, and oxidation from concrete, wood decks, siding, and masonry without damaging plants when rinsed properly; it covers up to 3,400 square feet per gallon at 10:1 dilution, distinguishing it from surfactant-only cleaners for organic stain removal.[13] Pro HD Cleaner/Degreaser serves as a heavy-duty concentrate for professional and industrial degreasing of machinery, engines, and floors, with a higher alkalinity (pH around 9.5-10.5) to emulsify petroleum-based soils more aggressively than the standard formula, while remaining non-corrosive to metals.[13]Ingredients and Formulation
Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner is formulated as a concentrated, water-based solution designed for dilution prior to use, emphasizing biodegradability and reduced environmental impact through the exclusion of phosphates, petroleum distillates, and caustic agents.[1][4] The composition achieves a mildly alkaline pH suitable for general degreasing without excessive corrosiveness, relying on non-ionic surfactants for emulsification, chelators for mineral sequestration, and builders for enhanced soil suspension.[10] This approach prioritizes efficacy on water-safe surfaces while minimizing hazards, as verified through EPA Safer Choice certification, which excludes ingredients classified as carcinogens or high-concern toxicants.[4] Water (CAS 7732-18-5) forms the base, exceeding 85% by weight, serving as the primary solvent and diluent.[10] The key surfactant, C9-11 alcohols ethoxylated (CAS 68439-46-3), constitutes less than 5% and functions by lowering interfacial tension to lift greases and oils from surfaces.[10][4] Supporting components include:- Sodium citrate (CAS 68-04-2) and sodium bicarbonate (CAS 144-55-8), acting as builders to buffer pH and improve surfactant performance in hard water.[4]
- Tetrasodium glutamate diacetate (CAS 51981-21-6), a biodegradable chelator that binds metal ions to prevent redeposition of soils.[4]
- Hydrochloric acid (CAS 7647-01-0), used in trace amounts for pH adjustment.[4]
Applications
Consumer and Household Uses
Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner is primarily utilized in households for removing dirt, grease, stains, and grime from washable surfaces, with dilutions ranging from 1:10 for heavy-duty tasks to 1:128 for light cleaning, as specified in the manufacturer's dilution guide.[14] It is effective on counters, appliances, and sinks in kitchens, where it dissolves food residues and grease without leaving residues after rinsing.[1] The product is recognized under the U.S. EPA's Safer Choice Program for its formulation in consumer cleaning applications, indicating reduced risk compared to conventional cleaners containing harsh chemicals.[1] In bathrooms, Simple Green tackles soap scum, mineral buildup, and mildew on tiles, tubs, showers, and toilets through acidic action that breaks down alkaline deposits, often requiring a 1:3 dilution for optimal performance on such surfaces.[14] Users apply it via spray or soak methods, followed by scrubbing and rinsing, to restore shine without abrasive tools. For floors, it cleans sealed hardwood, tile, vinyl, and linoleum at a 1:64 dilution, removing tracked-in dirt and spills while being safe for pet households due to its non-toxic profile when used as directed.[1] [15] Laundry and fabric care involve pretreating stains on clothing, upholstery, and carpets with a 1:10 solution, which lifts pet urine, food spills, and ink without fading colors on water-safe materials.[14] It also serves for garbage container deodorizing and vent cleaning, addressing odors and dust accumulation in living spaces. For multi-surface maintenance, such as walls and furniture, light dilutions handle fingerprints, smudges, and everyday marks, replacing multiple specialized products in a single household cabinet.[16] The concentrated formula allows economical use, with one gallon yielding up to 128 gallons of diluted cleaner for routine tasks.[1]Industrial and Commercial Applications
Simple Green Industrial Cleaner & Degreaser is utilized in manufacturing facilities for removing grease, oils, and cutting fluids from machinery, engines, vehicles, and parts, often applied via pressure washers, dip tanks, or manual methods to minimize equipment downtime.[17][18] In the aviation sector, the product and its specialized variants, such as Extreme Aircraft & Precision Equipment Cleaner, clean aircraft exteriors, engines, structural metals, composites, and precision components without causing oxidation or damage to aluminum, carbon fiber, or painted surfaces; it supports compliance with aerospace cleaning standards by reducing water use and hazardous waste.[19][20][21] For food service and processing, the concentrated formula is NSF-certified under categories A1, A2, A4, A8, B1, and C1, permitting its use in commercial kitchens and plants for degreasing equipment, countertops, floors, and utensils while effectively removing food residues and stains without leaving harmful residues.[22][23] In automotive and marine commercial operations, it degreases engines, metals, plastics, and hulls, with formulations designed for heavy industrial grime removal in maintenance and fabrication settings, often diluted for cost-effective application in scrubbers or extractors.[24][25][26] The U.S. EPA recognizes the product under its Safer Choice program for its non-abrasive, water-based composition suitable for broad industrial surfaces.[27]Environmental and Remediation Uses
Simple Green serves as a surface washing agent in oil spill remediation, approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use in freshwater, estuarine, and marine environments across all temperatures.[28] The EPA specifies application methods such as spraying concentrated Simple Green directly onto oil surfaces at a ratio of 4 parts oil to 1 part product for open water, with prior deployment of booms, skimmers, and sorbents recommended to contain the spill.[28] This formulation disperses oil effectively without requiring mechanical dispersion equipment, aiding in rapid response to minimize environmental damage.[29] In soil and vegetation bioremediation, Simple Green facilitates contaminant breakdown by suppressing hydrocarbon vapors and modifying the physical structure of pollutants like petroleum residues, enabling microbial degradation.[30] It is applied to clean sand, soil, rocks, and plant surfaces post-spill, supporting restoration in petrochemical and natural resource sites.[31] For water-based oil removal during spills, the product breaks down sheens and aids in mammal decontamination, such as washing oiled wildlife.[32] These applications prioritize worker safety in hazardous scenarios, including confined-space cleanups, due to the product's non-corrosive and low-volatility properties, which reduce exposure risks compared to solvent-based alternatives.[31] Independent testing confirms its efficacy in altering oil compositions for easier removal without introducing secondary pollutants, though efficacy varies with spill scale, temperature, and substrate type.[28]Efficacy and Performance
Cleaning Effectiveness
Simple Green Industrial Cleaner and Degreaser effectively removes petroleum-based oils, heavy dirt, and light-to-moderate grease from metal, plastic, and other washable surfaces when diluted appropriately and agitated, as verified through immersion testing under ASTM G-122 standards.[33] In these independent evaluations comparing 15 degreasers, Simple Green ranked highly for oil removal efficacy but showed lower performance against lithium complex greases, requiring stronger agitation or higher concentrations for optimal results.[33] The product's variants, such as Pro HD Heavy-Duty Cleaner, break down tough grime and stains on equipment and vehicles, with lab tests confirming its ability to dissolve built-up residues without damaging substrates when used as directed.[34] Independent assessments by the U.S. EPA demonstrated its decontamination efficacy, successfully removing radioactive cesium-137 from concrete surfaces in controlled trials, outperforming water alone but requiring mechanical action for complete efficacy.[35] For everyday household tasks, Good Housekeeping Institute evaluations highlight Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner's versatility in cutting through kitchen grease, stovetop spills, and fabric stains, earning it recognition as a top performer for routine cleaning without harsh residues.[36] NASA compatibility tests for oxygen-cleaning applications further affirm its residue-free cleaning on sensitive materials, meeting aerospace standards for removing contaminants while preserving material integrity.[37] However, efficacy diminishes on heavily encrusted or polymer-thickened greases without pre-soaking or scrubbing, as noted in comparative degreaser benchmarks.[33]Comparative Analysis with Traditional Cleaners
Simple Green, a surfactant-based cleaner, exhibits cleaning efficacy comparable to traditional alkaline or detergent cleaners for removing grease, oils, and organic soils, as demonstrated in independent laboratory evaluations of its performance on contaminated surfaces.[35] In radiological decontamination tests conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Simple Green achieved significant reduction in cesium isotopes from metal and concrete surfaces, often matching or exceeding mild traditional detergents without requiring abrasives or solvents.[35] However, for disinfection against respiratory viruses or mold, green cleaners like Simple Green generally underperform relative to traditional products containing bleach, ammonia, or quaternary ammonium compounds, which provide stronger antimicrobial action through oxidation or cell membrane disruption.[38] [39] On safety grounds, Simple Green's formulation results in lower exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and irritants compared to conventional cleaners, with studies showing green products emit roughly half the VOCs of traditional multipurpose cleaners, reducing risks of respiratory irritation and asthma exacerbation.[40] Environmentally preferable cleaners, including Simple Green, are associated with fewer dermal, respiratory, and musculoskeletal symptoms among users than traditional counterparts, per occupational health research.[41] Traditional cleaners, reliant on harsher chemicals, pose higher acute toxicity risks, such as eye and lung damage from fumes, though they may require less product volume for equivalent cleaning in some cases.[42] Environmentally, Simple Green aligns with EPA Safer Choice criteria, emphasizing biodegradability and minimal aquatic toxicity, contrasting with traditional cleaners that often contain persistent phosphates or chlorinated compounds contributing to eutrophication and water contamination.[43] [44] Peer-reviewed assessments indicate green cleaners reduce overall chemical persistence in ecosystems, though their milder action can necessitate higher usage volumes or repeated applications, potentially offsetting some sustainability gains against traditional one-shot disinfectants.[45] Cost-wise, Simple Green typically retails at a premium—around 20-50% higher per unit than generic traditional cleaners—due to specialized non-toxic ingredients, though bulk industrial formulations narrow this gap for high-volume users.[46]| Aspect | Simple Green | Traditional Cleaners (e.g., Bleach/Ammonia-Based) |
|---|---|---|
| Efficacy on Grease/Soils | High; effective degreaser via surfactants | High; often enhanced by solvents |
| Disinfection Power | Moderate; not primary antimicrobial | High; kills pathogens via chemical action[47] |
| User Safety | Lower irritation; EPA Safer Choice[43] | Higher risk of fumes and burns |
| Environmental Persistence | Biodegradable; low toxicity | Higher; contributes to pollution |
| Cost per Use | Higher for consumer sizes | Lower; more concentrated |