Simple Green

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Simple Green is a brand of cleaning agents manufactured by Sunshine Makers, Inc. This article refers to Simple Green's concentrated All-Purpose Cleaner

For North American consumers, the most recognized product in the line of approximately 25 Simple Green products is a concentrated all-purpose cleaner and degreaser.

The concentrated cleaner is an all purpose cleaner and degreaser used diluted in water for direct, spray, and dip tank applications. Depending on the application, the label recommends a dilution with water of anywhere from 1:1 to 1:10. It is a translucent dark green, water-based liquid with a unique sassafras scent and an alkaline pH. A yellow, lemon-scented version was later introduced.

Contents

[edit] Ingredients

The exact ingredients in Simple Green are not disclosed because Simple Green's formula is a trade secret. But, the Material safety data sheet (MSDS) indicates that Simple Green contains 0.3% phosphorus which is derived from the water source (the water used to produce this water based formula contains phosphorous). The MSDS also indicates that undiluted Simple Green contains less than 6% 2-butoxyethanol.[1] which is within the guidelines as set forth by the California Air Resources Board in all purpose spray cleaners and which has been delisted by the EPA as a hazardous air polutant. Simple Green does not contain Nonylphenol Ethoxylates which have been all but banned in Europe and Japan due to environmental concerns.

The product's web site states that Simple Green products are non-toxic and biodegradable and that the makers of Simple Green have spent over 3 million dollars to verify the safety claims of the product.[2]

Simple Green is absolutely willing to send a copy of the complete arsenal of tests, upon request to concerned consumers.

[edit] History

Simple Green was developed over thirty years ago in the 1970s by Joe FaBrizio as an industrial cleaner. Joe wanted to create a safer alternative to the toxic cleaners originally designed to remove tannic acid, a by-product of coffee roasting, from roasting machinery, and a non-toxic cleaner for removing burnt coffee residue from glass coffee pots used in the restaurant industry. After Joe's son, Bruce, Graduated from Occidental College in Eagle Rock, Bruce began selling Simple Green to industrial customers in 55-gallon drums for use as a cleaner on equipment and floors.

Despite his father's death in 1979, Bruce not only kept the business running, but made it the successful business that it is today. In 1981, he named it "Sunshine Makers, Inc." Simple Green was then introduced nationally into several new markets including hardware/Do It Yourself, consumer grocery & drug, GSA (government) and industrial classes of trade.

[edit] Warnings and Safety

Simple Green should not be used on the following surfaces:

  • Plastic instrument panels
  • Leather
  • Suede
  • Unfinished wood
  • Opals
  • Pearls
  • Aluminum


It is recommended that Simple Green be tested on an inconspicuous area of the surface to be cleaned. Using the appropriate dilution, according to label instructions is always recommended.

According to its MSDS, Simple Green Concentrated All-Purpose Cleaner is non-flammable, non-toxic, non-mutagenic, and non-carcinogenic and biodegradable. It is a mild irritant to eyes and mucous membranes, and to those with sensitive skin. None of the ingredients in Simple Green are regulated or listed as potential cancer agents by any of these organizations: OSHA, NTP, or IARC.

[edit] Hazards Identification

Eye Contact: Mild Eye Irritant.

Skin Contact: No adverse effects expected under typical use conditions. Prolonged exposure may cause dryness. Under this condition, use of gloves or skin moisturizer after washing may be indicated.

Ingestion: May cause stomach or intestinal upset if swallowed (due to detersive properties.)

Inhalation: No adverse effects expected under typical use conditions. Adequate ventilation should be present when using over a prolonged period of time. Open windows or ventilate via fan or other air-moving equipment if necessary.

[edit] First Aid

Eye Contact: Reddening may develop. Immediately rinse the eye with large quantities of cool water; continue 10-15 minutes or until the material has been removed; be sure to remove contact lenses, if present, and to lift upper and lower lids during rinsing. Get medical attention if irritation persists.

Skin Contact: Minimal effects, if any; rinse skin with water, rinse shoes and launder clothing before reuse. Reversible reddening may occur in some dermal-sensitive users; thoroughly rinse area and get medical attention if reaction persists.

Swallowing: Essentially non-toxic. Give several glasses of water to dilute; do not induce vomiting. If stomach upset occurs, consult physician.

Inhalation: Non-toxic. Exposure to vapors not a concern, but if dizziness occurs, get to fresh air.

[edit] Trivia

  • Simple Green is used to clean wildlife affected by the slick from oil spills.[citation needed]
  • The sassafras scent is added to the cleaner as a perfume and is synthetic.
  • A portion of all net sales from Simple Green products funds the EGBAR (Everything's Gonna Be All Right) Foundation, which was created by Bruce FaBrizio to promote environmental awareness in educational curricula.

[edit] Applications

  • Laundry: Simple Green can be used to deodorize laundry. Add 1/4 cup to a wash, and it will get the smell of week-old cat urine[citation needed] out of clothes without damaging color or fabric. Depending on fabric, this may take 1-3 washes, with heavier fabrics being more difficult to de-scent.
  • Firearms Cleaning: Some people advocate the use of Simple Green as a very economical cleaning solvent for firearms. It does indeed work quite well at removing powder residue and oils, and at a fraction of the cost of many specialized solvents. However, there are two things which must be taken into consideration. Firstly, Simple Green is corrosive to aluminum, so it should not be used on aluminum parts. Secondly, Simple Green is water-based: as such, it is imperative that parts be thoroughly dried to prevent rust. This is accomplished with compressed air, or by heating the parts in a conventional kitchen oven to ensure that all water is evaporated. A protective gun oil should then be applied as normal.

[edit] External links

[edit] References

  1. ^ Material Safety Data Sheet: Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner (PDF). Sunshine Makers, Inc. (July, 2007). Retrieved on 2008-04-21.
  2. ^ Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner. Sunshine Products, Inc.. Retrieved on 2008-04-21.