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The Science of Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products: How Ingredients Work

6 minute read

Today, more and more people are seeking cleaning options that are safer for their families and the planet. Leading this green revolution is ECOS, a company with over 55 years in the market that has consistently demonstrated its commitment to sustainability and health through its eco-conscious cleaning products.

But what makes these products so effective? In this article, we explore the science behind the eco-conscious ingredients used by ECOS and how they work to keep our homes clean and safe.

What Sets ECOS Apart?

ECOS stands out for its focus on ingredient transparency and safety. The company uses 100% vegan, plant-powered ingredients, avoiding the harsh chemicals typically found in conventional cleaners. Additionally, ECOS products hold certifications like the EPA’s Safer Choice and Leaping Bunny, ensuring they are safer for people, animals, and the environment.

Eco-Conscious Ingredients: The Key to ECOS Products

  1. Sodium Coco-Sulfate
    Sodium coco-sulfate is a surfactant derived from coconut oil. This ingredient is crucial in ECOS cleaners due to its ability to break down grease and grime, allowing them to mix with water and be easily washed away. Unlike synthetic surfactants, sodium coco-sulfate is biodegradable and gentle on the skin.
  2. Citric Acid
    Found in citrus fruits like lemons and oranges, citric acid is another star ingredient in ECOS products. Its ability to break down calcium deposits, remove rust stains, and act as a natural disinfectant makes it ideal for a wide range of household cleaning applications.
  3. Baking Soda
    Known for its mild abrasive properties and ability to neutralize odors, baking soda is used in ECOS products to clean and deodorize surfaces without scratching them, providing a safe and effective option for your home.
  4. Essential Oils
    Essential oils not only add fragrance to ECOS products but also offer antimicrobial and antifungal properties. For example, tea tree oil is known for its ability to combat bacteria and fungi.
  5. Vegetable Glycerin
    Derived from vegetable oils, glycerin acts as a humectant and emollient in some ECOS cleaning products. It helps retain moisture and protect surfaces, preventing them from drying out and becoming damaged during the cleaning process.

How These Ingredients Work Together

ECOS products are formulated to allow these plant-powered ingredients to work in synergy, providing effective cleaning without compromising environmental safety or your family’s health. Let’s look at an example of one of their flagship products: ECOS® Hypoallergenic Laundry Detergent – Lavender

Example: ECOS® Hypoallergenic Laundry Detergent – Lavender

Crafted with plant-powered ingredients and free from harsh chemicals. Let’s explore how these ingredients work together to deliver an effective and safe cleaning experience.

Ingredients and Their Functions

  • Water: Water is the foundation of the detergent formula. It acts as a solvent, helping to blend and evenly distribute the other ingredients across your clothes, allowing the cleaning agents to penetrate fabric fibers and lift away dirt.
  • Cocamidopropyl Betaine (plant-derived surfactant): This gentle surfactant is derived from coconut oil and plays a key role in reducing the surface tension of water, which helps the detergent spread more effectively and target stains. Additionally, it aids in creating foam, which enhances the cleaning process on fabrics.
  • Sodium Coco-Sulfate (plant-derived surfactant): Similar to cocamidopropyl betaine, this surfactant also comes from coconut oil. Its primary function is to capture and remove grease and dirt from clothing. Being plant-based, it’s gentler on the skin and less harmful to the environment compared to traditional synthetic surfactants.
  • Cocamidopropylamine Oxide (plant-derived surfactant): This surfactant, also derived from coconut oil, works in harmony with the other surfactants to boost the detergent’s cleaning power. It helps break down tough stains and stabilizes the foam, improving the washing efficiency.
  • Phenoxyethanol (preservative): Phenoxyethanol is used to ensure that the detergent remains fresh and free from bacteria throughout its shelf life. It is an effective preservative that prevents the growth of microorganisms, ensuring the product is safe to use.
  • Lavandula Hybrida Oil (lavender): This essential lavender oil not only adds a fresh and pleasant scent to the detergent but also has relaxing properties. Lavender fragrance is well known for its ability to promote a sense of calm and wellbeing.

How They Work Together

These ingredients come together to create an effective and safer laundry detergent. The plant-derived surfactants work synergistically to break down and remove dirt and stains efficiently, while the preservatives ensure that the product remains free of harmful microorganisms.

Benefits of Using ECOS Cleaning Products

Health and Safety
ECOS products are formulated to be safer for the entire family, including pets. By avoiding harsh chemicals, they reduce the risk of skin irritations, respiratory issues, and other health problems associated with conventional cleaners.

Environmental Sustainability
ECOS uses plant-powered ingredients and recyclable packaging, minimizing its environmental impact. Moreover, the company operates with 100% renewable energy at its facilities, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability

Cleaning Effectiveness
ECOS eco-conscious products do not sacrifice effectiveness compared to conventional products. Their science-based formulations ensure you get a deep and effective clean, comparable to that of traditional cleaners.

Conclusion

The science behind ECOS’s eco-conscious cleaning products shows that it’s possible to keep our homes clean without compromising our health or the environment. By choosing products like those from ECOS, we are making a conscious decision to protect our planet and care for our families. The next time you need a cleaner, consider opting for an eco-conscious option and experience the difference that sustainable, plant-powered ingredients can make.

For more details on ECOS products and the chemistry behind their formulations, check out the following articles: