Dear Re-nest,
I have been using Comet for cleaning my tri-ply cookware and the stove. But right from the day one, I have had this nagging feeling to check if this product was eco-friendly. Any idea on that? If it is not, what other eco-friendly options do I have?
Thanks,
Sudha
Sudha, unfortunately, we don't think Comet is a very healthy cleaning product. While the packaging does contain at least 75% recycled material (minimum 50% post-consumer), and it claims the surfactants are biodegradable and the product contains no phosphates, what's almost of greater concern are the potential health threats.
Most of Comet's cleaners contain some combination of sodium hypochlorite (bleach) and/or sodium hydroxide (caustic soda). According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (a division of the Department of Health and Human Services), sodium hydroxide "is very corrosive and can cause severe burns in all tissues that it comes in contact with. Sodium hydroxide poses a particular threat to the eyes, since it can hydrolyze protein, leading to severe eye damage."
Inhalation of sodium hydroxide (most common when you're cleaning in small spaces like bathrooms) "is immediately irritating to the respiratory tract. Swelling or spasms of the larynx leading to upper-airway obstruction and asphyxia can occur after high-dose inhalation. Inflammation of the lungs and an accumulation of fluid in the lungs may also occur." Likewise, regarding bleach, the "solutions and vapors are irritating and corrosive to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Ingestion and skin contact produces injury to any exposed tissues. Exposure to gases released from hypochlorite may cause burning of the eyes, nose, and throat; cough as well as constriction and edema of the airway and lungs can occur."
So... we think there are better options.
Here are a few posts to get you started on some healthier cleaning tools and products:
• Roundup: The Best Green Cleaning Tips and How-Tos
• Best Green Cleaning Products 2009: Editor's and Reader's Home Lineups
Readers, what are your favorite eco-friendly cleaners? Give Sudha your best bets!
Image via Ad Classix
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
Sudha, for dishes I keep a shaker filled with baking soda right next to my dish soap and if something needs a little extra elbow grease, I sprinkle the baking soda over it, let it sit for a few minutes and then add a little soap & water to make a scrub. Works like a dream! For my shaker I just re-used an old Parmesan cheese shaker. (If you happen to have a cat, the baking soda shaker is great for their litter boxes, too. After I scoop I sprinkle a healthy layer of baking soda on top and kills any lingering smells.)
view mrsjonessoapbox's profile
@Mrsjones... that is such a good idea. *wheels already turning in head* I'll be searching the back of my cabinets for that old cheese shaker!
view keltrue's profile
Bon Ami is a good alternative to Comet. Look it up at bonami.com.
view jhougen's profile
Be careful not to muddy the definition of "eco-friendly": your list of cons against Comet were all human-health related; information was not given on whether or not the ingredients were biodegradable or naturally-derived.
view emjs777's profile
emjs777, duly noted. We've tried to clarify.
view CambriaNYAT's profile
I also agree that Bon Ami, which is sold in most grocery stores, is a good substitute. I also like baking soda pastes and Bio-Kleen products, which smell great and have micro-scrubbies in them.
view lisbet's profile
lisbet, I'm always glad to know what cleaning products people like. However, I'm curious what the "micro-scrubbies" in the Bio-Kleen products would be made out of--do you know? In the case of a lot of face washes, "micro-scrubbing" agents are actually little pieces of plastic that contribute to that layer of plastic now affecting our oceans, but of course that might not be the case for these cleaners.
view lotusmoss's profile
Bon Ami is THE BEST. Cheap, effective, and eco-friendly. I've been using it for years.
view misha bk's profile
my mom is a big comet user but I've been looking everywhere for Bon Ami but it seems nowhere to be found in my town.
view witchbaby's profile
I agree with mrsjones and use baking soda. It is the recommended cleaner for enameled cast iron cookware and can be used all over the kitchen. I used comet most of my life but was always warned that too much use may damage finishes on some items. Baking soda does not have such a harshness but still gets tea and wine stains out of porous materials. I also like to keep some on hand for baking and other household needs.
view jpmarq's profile
fyi...as someone who has sold top of the line tri-ply cookware before, comet is not good for your pans. Bon Ami and Barkeepers Friend are the best way to go with stainless steel by far. I only use barkeepers friend on my pots and pans. As for the eco-friendliness of it, i always try baking soda first, Bon Ami and Barkeepers Friend probably arent the best thing for old mother earth. If you have good pots and pans, simple baking soda dish detergent should do the trick. You can also try putting water and dish detergent on the pan and then heating it up on the stove for cooked-on mess.
view Saramcgo's profile
Hi everyone
thank u for all the suggestions...
sudha
view susrith's profile