Q: Is the Multi-Surface Cleaner antibacterial?
A: The multi-purpose cleaner is not antibacterial. Modere has chosen to avoid antibacterial compounds such as triclosan because they may contribute to antibiotic resistance and in large amounts have negative environmental impacts. They also can be potential endocrine disruptors. In addition, the FDA has stated that there is no current evidence that OTC antibacterial cleaners provide any benefit over and above that of washing with regular soap and water.
Q: What household surfaces are safe to clean with this product?
A: Modere Multi-Surface Cleaner / All Purpose Cleaner can be used on a variety of hard surfaces and fabrics, including kitchen countertops, fridges, stovetops, tables, sinks, walls and more. When using on fabrics or upholstery, test on a small, inconspicuous area first. If no adverse effects occur then spray and clean the rest of the item.
Q: Isn’t alcohol harmful? Why is it included in this product?
A: Alcohol is a plant-derived ingredient resulting from natural fermentation. While it is often associated with recreational adult beverages, when used as directed it is a powerful cleaning and disinfecting ingredient.
Q: Where does the citrus scent/fragrance come from in this product?
A: The fragrance of the Multi-surface cleaner is a synthetic fragrance. The ingredients for fragrances vary widely, but are present in relatively minute quantities compared to the main ingredients of a product. Nevertheless, because some individuals can be sensitive to specific fragrance ingredients, the EU has identified 26 allergens that, if present in a fragrance, must be identified. The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) is also working to make the industry more transparent and safe. Modere not only complies with EU guidelines and cooperates with the IFRA, but has a safety commitment that goes beyond industry standards and avoids using other harmful ingredients as well.
Q: Why are certain chemicals used in the Multi-Surface Cleaner?
A: Benzisothiazolinone, Methylchloroisothiazolinone and methyisothiazolinone are preservatives commonly used in household products to kill bacteria and mold. Modere does not to use them in personal care because we believe they can only be used safely in rinse-off cleaning products and there is some evidence they are sensitizers. However, they are effective and less toxic in the very small amounts found in our Multi-Surface Cleaner.
The following chemicals are commonly found in household cleaning products. They are NOT in Modere's Multi-surface cleaner:
What are phosphates? Phosphates are compounds containing phosphorous. This ingredient helps soften hard water and remove oil, grease and soil. While phosphates offer exceptional cleaning power on everything from clothes to dishes, they have a severely negative impact on the environment. When large amounts of phosphates are washed away into waterways such as lakes, rivers and streams, they cause excessive algae growth called algae blooms. These algae blooms cover the surface of the water and deplete oxygen levels, killing fish and plant life. Cleaning products containing phosphates that are washed down the drain will eventually end up polluting waterways, as secondary water treatment only removes a small percentage of gray-water phosphates.
What is triclosan? Triclosan is an antibacterial compound used to reduce bacterial contamination. It can commonly be found in soaps, toothpastes, personal care and household cleaning products. A potential endocrine disruptor, triclosan may contribute to antibiotic resistance and in large amounts can have negative environmental impacts. The FDA has stated that there is no current evidence that OTC consumer antibacterial soaps and body washes containing triclosan provide any benefit over washing with regular soap and water.
What is SLS? A common ingredient in sudsing products marketed for personal care and home cleaning, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is a surfactant and known irritant to the skin. In fact, SLS is commonly used in lab testing to intentionally irritate skin so scientists can test the effects of products intended to heal skin.
What is SLES? Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) is similar to SLS but has undergone additional chemical process. As part of this process SLES can become contaminated with low level amounts of 1,4 dioxane which is a probable human carcinogen.
What is 1,4 dioxane? A probable human carcinogen that can contaminate some household products, 1,4 dioxane may be toxic to the brain and central nervous system, kidneys, and liver. It is commonly found in polyethylene glycol (PEG) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES).
What are surfactants? Surfactants are compounds that lower the surface tension between liquids and solids. This is what happens to stains on household surfaces, as surfactants lower the surface tension of the debris for easier cleaning.
Surfactants consist of hydrophilic and hydrophobic components. The hydrophilic component is attracted to water, while the hydrophobic component is repelled by water. When a surfactant is sprayed onto a surface, the hydrophobic component attaches itself to the dirt, oils and debris while the hydrophilic component attaches to water molecules. These polarizing forces are what lifts the dirt and debris off your surface for easier cleaning. Surfactants also emulsify oily soils and keep them dispersed and suspended during cleaning to prevent them from settling back onto your surface.
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