Questions and Answers

If you have a question that is not addressed here, please ask us via the Contact Us feature on this web site.

Adopt-A-Beach Program
Simple Green sponsors seventeen non-profit groups to maintain a section of Huntington Beach, CA for a five-month winter Adopt-A-Beach Program.

Agitation Required for Water-Based Cleaners
Some form of agitation is required when using an aqueous-based cleaner. Agitation can be accomplished through re-circulation, spray, scrubbing by hand and use of mechanical equipment.

Aircraft Cleaning with Simple Green or Crystal Simple Green
Many private and commercial aircraft owners and operators have cleaned their craft with Simple Green or Crystal Simple Green for many years. However, these products do not have Mil-Prf (military testing) authority. The testing involves very long (168 hours in one test) soaking of various metals in the solution and then a corrosion inspection. If an aircraft owner only wants to use mil-prf approved products; he will not want to use Simple Green. Please see the additional information under "Aluminum".

Alkaline Aqueous Solutions - General Description
Alkaline aqueous solutions are water-based mixtures with pH greater than 8. Most alkaline cleaners range from pH 10 to 14. Simple Green is an aqueous-based cleaner with a pH of 9.3. Alkaline aqueous solutions are the most common solutions in aqueous cleaning. Alkaline cleaners often contain additives to improve cleaning, such as sequestering agents, emulsifiers and surfactants. Rust inhibitors are necessary with some metals, especially aluminum.

Alkaline aqueous solutions remove greases, coolants, cutting oils, shop dirt, fingerprints, cosmolene, petrolatum and some water-soluble paints. Parts cleaned with alkaline cleaners include hydraulic valve bodies, fuel injector components and machined aluminum castings. Alkaline solutions are used with all types of liquid processes, e.g., sprays, ultrasonic, immersion and power washers. These solutions can clean to very high levels of cleanliness with good filtration and rinsing. Cost per gallon is generally less than for semi-aqueous cleaners.

One should never assume that aqueous solutions can be disposed of down the drain. Your local water treatment authority or publicly owned treatment works (POTW) will have information on treatment and disposal of these cleaners. Adjustment of pH and dilution are usually required before disposal to a drain.

Also see "Competitor Types: High-Alkaline Water-Based".

Aluminum - Is it safe to use Simple Green?
Simple Green products have been successfully and safely used on aircraft, automotive, industrial and consumer aluminum items for over 20 years. However, caution and common sense must be used: Aluminum is a soft metal that easily corrodes with unprotected exposure to water. The aqueous-base and alkalinity of Simple Green or Crystal Simple Green can accelerate the corrosion process. Therefore, contact times of Simple Green and Crystal Simple Green with unprotected or unpainted aluminum surfaces should be kept as brief as the job will allow - never for more than 10 minutes. Large cleaning jobs should be conducted in smaller-area stages to achieve lower contact time. Rinsing after cleaning should always be extremely thorough - paying special attention to flush out cracks and crevices to remove all Simple Green/Crystal Simple Green residues. Unfinished, uncoated or unpainted aluminum cleaned with Simple Green products should receive some sort of protectant after cleaning to prevent oxidation.

Animal Testing
Sunshine Makers, Inc., the makers of Simple Green, does not currently test on animals. Previous toxicity testing was conducted on animals per government requirements at the time (Occupational Safety and Health Standards, Subpart Z, Toxic and Hazardous Substances Hazard Communication Standard Section 1910.1200 issued under 5 U.S.C. 553). Because the non-toxicity of Simple Green has been determined, we no longer test on animals.

Simple Green is being used all over the world to save the lives of birds and animals caught in oil spills because it enables them to return to the wild with no ill effects. We hope that you will take this into consideration when making your evaluation.

Asterisks next to carpet and upholstery on the label
We recommend you spot test in an inconspicuous area on these specific surfaces.

Biodegradable
Simple Green is readily decomposed by naturally occurring microorganisms. Simple Green is biodegradable and meets the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommendations for ready biodegradability. The biological oxygen demand (BOD), as a percentage of the chemical oxygen demand (COD), after 4, 7 and 11 days was 56%, 60% and 70% respectively for Simple Green.

Biodegradable: Definition
Property of being acted on by the flora and fauna of the ecosphere in such a way as to be degraded or transformed into simpler components or substances. Biodegradability connotes being used as a nutrient source by some organism within the ecosphere. The following is one method to assess whether a substance can be used as carbon source by soil or water microflora:

Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD): The amount of dissolved oxygen consumed by biological processes breaking down organic matter.

Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD): Measure of the total amount of oxygen required to oxidize a substance vs. BOD. If the BOD is similar to or a significant percentage of the COD (typically 60% or more within 28 days), then it can be stated that the substance is used efficiently as a fuel source by the relevant microflora and is biodegradable according to a strict definition.

Simple Green produced a BOD of 70% of the COD after 11 days. Simple Green is biodegradable under a rigorous definition.

Bioremediation process using Simple Green
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency defines bioremediation as "a process whereby naturally occurring microbes, typically bacteria or fungi, degrade harmful chemicals into less toxic or non-toxic compounds."

Simple Green's dual role in soil bioremediation is suppression of vapors and alteration of the physical composition of the contaminant through a special process called Micro-Particulate Fractionalization (MPF). The MPF process involves breaking down large globs of oil, grease and fat into much smaller microscopic droplets called "micelles." The MPF process makes these droplets increasingly smaller and more numerous, offering it as a food source with no deleterious effect on the indigenous bacteria.

According to Celia Bonaventura, Co-Director of the Marine Biomedical Center at Duke University Marine Laboratory, "The part that Simple Green plays in this process is facilitating the hydrocarbon bacterial juxtaposition. Hydrocarbons tend to stay in oily pockets and bacteria like to live in watery places and Simple Green works well to help these come together."

H&H Eco Systems, Inc., based in the State of Washington, has established itself as an expert company on the leading edge of biological systems. Terry Horn, President of H&H Eco Systems with 20 years of experience in the field, has developed the "bio-triangle" approach. Simple Green alters the physical composition of the contaminant, H&H nutrients provides a balanced biological diet and the H&H System 600 Series Microenfractionator serves as the mechanical component to deliver Simple Green and nutrients throughout the soil and enhance this process.

One example of this system in action is a site in Olympia, Washington, which had shown no improvement in two years. This process involving Simple Green and H&H nutrients worked in only six weeks. The contaminants were gasoline and kerosene with concentrations as high as 38,000 parts-per-million (ppm). After only six weeks, contaminants were not found above 5 ppm. Bioremediation is being utilized throughout the world to clean up some of our most hazardous waste sites.

The most recent soil remediation project (September-October, 2000) conducted by Simple Green and H&H was a federally funded demonstration of the technology in Huntington Beach, CA. The Department of Housing and Urban Development's Economic Development Initiative included funding for the City of Huntington Beach to spend on a clean up of a contaminated site utilizing the Simple Green/H&H technology. The City chose a site at the corner of Ellis and Goldenwest streets that had hydrocarbon soil contamination from over 30 years of oil production. Approximately 3,000 square feet of contaminated soil was cleaned, beginning at over 50,000 ppm of hydrocarbon and ending at under 1,000 ppm within 35 days. The site is now the future home of a City recreational facility.

For more information on Simple Green's use as a vapor suppressant and in soil bioremediation, call the Environmental Technology Division of Sunshine Makers, Inc. at 800-228-0709.

Bleach or ammonia - Can you mix with Simple Green?
We do not recommended that you mix Simple Green with bleach or ammonia because mixing will detract from the cleaning ability of Simple Green and detract from the disinfecting ability of bleach. You will receive a higher efficacy when products are used separately.

Can you re-package or pre-dilute Simple Green for resale?
No.

Carbon remover
Simple Green is an excellent carbon remover.

Chelation - Able to remove lead dust
Simple Green contains agents that act as chelators, compounds capable of forming multiple chemical bonds to a metal ion. This makes Simple Green effective for decontamination, including the removal of lead dust on old painted surfaces.

Chlorofluorocarbons
The Montreal Protocol and the U.S. Clean Air Act Sections 602 and 611, and various international agreements outline the reduction in use and the ultimate elimination of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), halons and other ozone depleting chemicals. Simple Green contains no ozone depleting substances (See Montreal Protocol, U.S. Clean Air Act and Ozone Depleting).

Citrus
There are no citrus products in Simple Green products. For more information, see "Competitor Types: d-Limonene, Citrus Extracts, Terpenes".

Color change - turned from green to clear
Color change is due to long exposure to sunlight and should not affect its cleaning ability.

Color separation (Is green on top and clear on bottom)
Simple Green may separate at below freezing temperatures because it is a water-based product. After it has thawed, it can still be used without damage to product by shaking or re-agitating.

Competitor Types: d-Limonene, Citrus Extracts, and Terpenes
Some of the cleaners termed "natural" contain citrus extracts. Citrus extracts in cleaners are typically either d-Limonene or some form of terpene. Terpenes are the oils from citrus rind. The terpenes that are created in nature may be effective on adhesives, however, most are quite flammable and the d-Limonene ingredient is on a list of suspected carcinogens.

Competitor Types: Petroleum-based cleaning solvents
These cleaners are significant contributors to smog, and create large volumes of hazardous waste. South Coast Air Quality Management District ordered approximately 32,000 Southern California business to stop using these high-polluting solvents. Businesses in Los Angeles and other surrounding areas must switch from highly evaporative chemical compounds to water-based detergents and other low-polluting alternatives for cleaning metal parts and machinery no later than January 1999. California tends to set the trend for legislation in the rest of the U.S. in this area.

Competitor Types: High Alkaline Water-Based
The cleaning principal of these products is that the alkaline (high pH) strips the oil from the substrate and floats it on top of the water, thus allowing re-deposition of oil on the substrate (poor rinseability). Other problems with this cleaning mechanism (high pH rating) are that higher alkalinity creates health and safety issues (i.e. chemical burns, vapors, need for costly protective equipment, disposal difficulties, etc.).

Competitor Types: Solvent Evaporatives
These products include mineral spirits, xylene, 1-1-1 trichloroethylene, perchlorethylene and all other chlorinated and halogenated solvents. These products soften oils and greases and allow for separation. Along with environmental, health and safety concerns, there are complications with the disposal of these cleaners.

Cost effectiveness of Simple Green
Most cleaning jobs are effectively performed at the general cleaning dilution ratio of 10-30 parts water to one part of Simple Green -- some at even greater dilutions when heat, spray and agitation are added, making the product extremely economical.

Decontamination
Simple Green contains emulsifiers and chelators, which make it an ideal cleaner for decontamination, especially with its exceptional rinsing properties.

Defoamers
Foaming is a built-in feature of Simple Green, which actually enhances the cleaning process. There are certain applications, however, where defoamers may need to be added to Simple Green in order to inhibit excessive foaming (for example, equipment with enclosed, high-pressure systems such as spray cabinets). We have found the following manufacturers to be most helpful when defoaming issues are raised:

Crystal Inc.
800-525-3842
Fax: 215-368-3205
Use: Shur-Tech SG-1 .1% defoamer

Dura-Chem, Inc.
800-447-5008
Fax: 714-630-1647
Use: Defoamer 14

Ultra Additives
800-524-0055
Fax: 973-279-0602
Use: XMS 525

A word of caution: when adding foreign material into Simple Green, be aware that biodegradability, toxicity and sewerability issues need to be addressed by the additive manufacturer.

Detergent - Definition
A product designed to render, for example, oils and greases soluble in water, usually made from synthetic surfactants.

Dilution Ratios - How to measure 10:1, 30:1, 50:1, and 150:1
10:1 Add 10 parts water to 1 part Simple Green -- 1 oz. (1/8 cup) to 1 cup
30:1 Add 30 parts water to 1 part Simple Green -- 1 oz. to 1 quart
50:1 Add 50 parts water to 1 part Simple Green -- 1 oz. to 6 cups of water
150:1 Add 150 parts water to 1 part Simple Green -- 1 oz. to 1 gallon plus 2 cups
A tip for mixing 150:1 is that you only need 1 teaspoon of Simple Green to 16 ounces of water.

For a listing of uses and the different dilution ratios for each use, please call 800-228-0709 and request a free "Dilution Chart" or you can download our Applications/Dilution Ratio Chart here. Downloading or reading this chart requires Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Dilutions - Why in parts?
The dilution ratios are given in parts and not exact measurements because: (1) it allows for larger industrial uses; and (2) Simple Green is an international product and this allows for the use of the metric system.

For a listing of uses and the different dilution ratios for each use, please call 800-228-0709 and request a free "Dilution Chart" or you can download our Applications/Dilution Ratio Chart here. Downloading or reading this chart requires Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Disinfectant
Simple Green is not a disinfectant. However, we do manufacture Simple Green d, and Simple Green Multi-Surface Antibacterial which clean, disinfect and deodorize. These products are effective against gram positive and gram negative bacteria and the HIV virus. For locations where you can purchase Simple Green d and Multi-Surface Antibacterial, please call 800-228-0709.

Disposal - Public Owned Treatment Works (POTW)
Simple Green is sewer disposable, however, the contaminant emulsified in the Simple Green/water solution may not be. Check with your local POTW before disposing effluent into drains.

Disposal - Storm drains
Clean Water Act of 1995 protects surface water and groundwater quality by forbidding putting any foreign material down storm drains. Do not dispose of degreasing rinseates into or near storm drains.
(Here's a tip: For home vehicle washing or exterior home cleaning, allow the used Simple Green/water mixture to fall onto the ground or grass. The non-toxic formula won't harm grass, plants, shrubs or trees, and the indigenous bacteria in the soil will consume the hydrocarbons [greases & oils] that come off in the rinse.)

d-Limonene - What is it? Is it safe?
For definitive scientific information about this citrus product, please visit the web site for the National Institutes of Health at www.nih.gov, and type "d-Limonene" in their Search feature.

Electrolysis - as it relates to use of Simple Green or other water-based cleaners
Electrolysis is the transfer of metal ions from one type of metal to another. Electrolysis needs a medium through which these ions can travel, and water is a good medium for this. Therefore, when cleaning metal parts or equipment, particularly in parts washing scenarios, it is best not to allow multiple metals to soak in the solution for any extended period of time. Evidence of electrolysis can be black or dull streaking on metal parts/equipment after prolonged soaking with other kinds of metals.

Emulsifier - Definition
An aqueous additive used to keep soils dispersed throughout the cleaning fluid. Simple Green is an effective emulsifier.

EPA National Contingency Plan
Simple Green in on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's NCP Product Schedule. This listing does NOT mean that EPA approves, recommends, licenses, certifies, or authorizes the use of Simple Green on an oil discharge. The listing means only that data has been submitted to EPA as required by subpart J of the National Contingency Plan, 300.915. (Source 40 CFR section 300.920(e))

Evaporation
Simple Green evaporates at the same rate as water.

Foul odors - Dip tanks & Parts washers
If you are experiencing foul odors from your dip tank/parts washer, you may have a bacterial contamination. We recommend adding an antibacterial agent in order to prevent bacterial growth and foul odors in dip tanks, such as the following:

Angus Chemical Co.
800-362-2580
Use: Sump Saver or Triss Nitro Solid

A word of caution: when adding foreign material into Simple Green, be aware that biodegradability, toxicity and sewerability issues need to be addressed by the additive manufacturer. Another option is to switch to Simple Green d, which contains a quaternary-ammonium disinfectant and takes much, much longer to become fouled by bacteria.

Fragrance added
Regular Simple Green contains synthetic sassafras (which is also found in root beer). Other Simple Green products (Multi-Surface Antibacterial, Lime Scale Remover, Pro Series Automotive, etc.) contain "masks", which are not as strong as fragrances, in floral, herbal or woody scents. Industrial Crystal Simple Green contains no added fragrance.

Glass - Used too strong
Simple Green should be diluted 150 parts water to 1 part Simple Green before use on any glass, mirrored or reflective surface. If used too strong, it will leave filmy, streaky, hazy marks. First attempt to remove this by wiping the surface down with a clean cloth and hot water. If the problem persists, Bon Ami, a common non-abrasive cleansing powder, will remove any stubborn residue, haze or streaks that may be left if Simple Green was inadvertently applied too strong. You can find Bon Ami in most grocery stores nationwide.

Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval - What does it mean?
Replacement or refund if not satisfied.

Grass or flowers (vegetation)
Diluted Simple Green will not harm grass or flowers, but it's always a good idea not to saturate foliage. The wetting agents in Simple Green will help retain moisture in soil.

How long has Simple Green been available?
Since 1972.

Ingredients
Consists of a number of surfactants and wetting agents (soaps and shampoos also contain surfactants). Simple Green does not contain chlorine bleach, ammonia or formaldehyde

Ingredients: "How do I know that Simple Green's claims are true?"
Simple Green's makers have committed over $2 million in research and testing by independent laboratories. The results verify the safety and claims of Simple Green. Summaries of these tests are available on the product's Material Safety Data Sheet, available upon request or from this web site.

Ingredient: "Why Aren't the Ingredients of Simple Green Listed on the Label?"
Simple Green is non-toxic. Therefore, the listing of the ingredients on the label is not required. Simple Green's unique formula is protected under the Trade Secrecy Act and has been extensively tested to verify its claims. Simple Green complies with all current labeling requirements on ingredient disclosure for cleaning products.

Inhalation - Trouble Breathing
Problems can result if the mist of Simple Green (and many, many other cleaners) is breathed into the nose or throat. Because Simple Green contains surfactants (surface-active agents), and because surfactants have the ability to lift grease, oil and soils up off of surfaces, an aggravation of the mucous membranes of the nose and throat can result from breathing it in. Although uncomfortable, remember that Simple Green is non-toxic and this is a completely reversible symptom. Persons with chronic asthma, emphysema or other lung conditions should take precautions to avoid breathing in surfactant mists.

Care and caution should be taken when spraying Simple Green above the level of one's head, or using mechanical applicators that create mist (pressure-washers and steam cleaners.) Additionally, Simple Green products are sold in spray bottles that create a coarse mist that is not readily inhaled. If using a spray bottle other than a Simple Green bottle, take care not to breathe in any mist. Use in well-ventilated areas or, in more extreme cases, use of a fiber painter's mask (found in hardware and home improvement stores) will greatly reduce the risk of inhalation problems.

Is Simple Green a public or privately held company?
Simple Green is a privately held company.

ISO 9000 Standards
Simple Green is manufactured to ISO 9000 standards.

Lead dust removal
See Chelation for details on how Simple Green is being used in lead dust removal.

Montreal Protocol - Simple Green does not contain CFCs or ozone depleting substances
The Montreal Protocol, an international agreement signed on September 16, 1987, stipulated that the production and consumption of compounds that deplete the ozone in the stratosphere, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons and carbon tetrachloride, are to be phased out by the year 2000.

Some participating countries, including the U.S., have enacted even more stringent regulations with shorter phase-out time frames. Simple Green products are safer replacements for cleaners and solvents prohibited by the Montreal Protocol. (See Chlorofluorocarbons, U.S. Clean Air Act and Ozone Depleting)

MPF - Micro-Particulate Fractionalization
Micro-Particulate-Fractionalization is Simple Green's method of cleaning Simple Green uses special "surface active" agents to break down large globs of oil, grease and fat, creating much smaller microscopic droplets called "micelles." Water is the catalyst for Simple Green's cleaning power. Unlike ordinary cleaners and dispersants, Simple Green's special MPF properties continue breaking down these microscopic droplets even further -- far beyond normal micellization. As these droplets are made smaller and more numerous, they provide increasingly greater surface area for Simple Green and water to attack. Ultimately, instead of being merely suspended in solution, the droplets are actually dissolved into the water.

The end result is a much more efficient and effective way to clean and a proven way to eliminate the re-deposition problems common to many cleaners.

Natural Cleaners / Natural Ingredients
Simple Green products would not be considered "natural." They are blends of synthetic chemicals. Most people believe that "natural" products are automatically better than synthetic ones. However, there are many things in nature that are toxic to humans or detrimental to the environment. Things such as citrus extracts, and many plants and plant extracts are toxic or harmful to humans and/or the environment. The only ingredient in Simple Green that could be termed "natural" is water. For more information, see Competitor Types: d-Limonene, Citrus Extracts, and Terpenes.

Non-Ionic Surfactants
Simple Green consists of non-ionic surfactants. Non-ionic surfactants carry no discrete charge when dissolved in an aqueous media, unlike anionic or cationic surfactants. Hydrophilicity in non-ionic surfactants is provided by hydrogen bonding with water and molecules. Hydrogen bonding provides solubilization (loosening or dissolving action) in neutral and alkaline solutions.

Oil Spills - See "EPA National Contingency Plan"

Organic
Simple Green is an organic cleaner defined as any compound containing carbon (please note that "organic" in chemistry has a different meaning from "organic" in food production).

Ozone depleting - Definition
The destruction of the stratospheric ozone layer which shields the earth from ultraviolet radiation harmful to biological life. This destruction of ozone is caused by the breakdown of certain compounds containing chlorine and/or bromine (chlorofluorocarbons or halons) which break down when they reach the stratosphere and catalytically destroy ozone molecules (see Chlorofluorocarbons, Montreal Protocol and U.S. Clean Air Act). Simple Green contains no ozone depleting substances.

Parts washer - recommended use
Use Simple Green in a parts washer at a 2:1 - 5:1 dilution with water and an optimum temperature between 100-110°F. Please be aware that, because Simple Green and Crystal Simple Green are water-based degreasers, regular metal equipment will eventually rust. It is recommended that the switch to a water-based degreaser be accompanied by a switch to either stainless-steel or plastic equipment. More information can be found on this web site about the Simple Green Parts Washers, which are of plastic construction and are sold through authorized Simple Green distributors.

Parts washers - provided via Simple Green distributors
Simple Green parts washers are made of plastic, with a recirculating pump, heater and replaceable filter cartridge. Recommended temperature is to remain below 120° F. For more information on parts washers, please call the Equipment Systems Manager at 800-228-0709.

Petroleum-based Solvents
See "Competitor Types : Petroleum-based cleaning solvents"

pH - Definition (Acidity -to- Alkalinity)
pH is the negative logarithm of the effectiveness hydrogen ion concentration or hydrogen ion activity in gram equivalents per liter, used in expressing both acidity and alkalinity on a scale whose values run from 0 to 14, with 7 representing neutrality, numbers less than 7 increasing the acidity and numbers greater than 7 increasing the alkalinity.

The pH scale is logarithmic. Each scale unit equals a power of 10. Consequently, a product that has a rating of 13 is 10,000 times more alkaline/caustic than one with a rating of 9.

pH - Discussion
pH is an important factor to consider when choosing or recommending cleaners or degreasers. Cleaners at both ends of the scale (14 & 0) can be effective cleaners, however are more likely to be environmentally hazardous or present serious health hazards. The challenge in choosing a product is finding a balance of both safety and effectiveness. Simple Green meets both of these qualifications.

pH - Disposal
The pH scale is one of the factors used to evaluate whether a product can be discharged into a sanitary sewer. The national average rating for approved sewerability is 10.3

pH - Simple Green
Simple Green's and Crystal Simple Green's pH is 9.3-9.5. Most competitive aqueous-based products are in the 12 range on the pH scale, making them 500 times more caustic than Simple Green. A 12 pH would necessitate the use of rubber gloves, chemical goggles, etc.

Rather than use a high pH to compensate for cleaning ability, Simple Green's cleaning principal is the MPF (Micro-Particulate-Fractionalization) process, which literally breaks oil and grease down to the molecular level. This unique process is what makes Simple Green so effective.

Plastics - PVC vs. PETE, and Simple Green packaging
Simple Green is being packaged in more and more PETE (Polyethylene Terephthalate) containers. For many years as the company grew, it was impossible for the switch from less environmentally-responsible PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) to readily recyclable PETE to occur because our volume did not warrant a share of the PETE market that would be economically feasible for our company or our consumer. However, our volume has grown to the point where we can now command more of the market share of PETE and continue to offer our customers an attractive purchase price. We will continue moving more of our products into PETE in addition to searching for more packaging that utilizes post-consumer recycled plastic or source-reduced plastic. Because Simple Green is an effective emulsifier, we must take care not to package in plastic that is too thin or flimsy. We also have packaged in HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) for our larger containers (5, 15, and 55 gallon containers) for many, many years. HDPE is readily recyclable.

Phosphate-free
Simple Green is considered phosphate-free. It contains only trace amounts of phosphorous - 0.3%. In the U.S., anything below 0.5% is rated "phosphate-free."

Replaces what products?
Solvents, evaporatives, petroleum-based, d-Limonene, terpenes, pine-oil cleaners or other hazardous solvents, task-specific cleaners, window cleaners and many more...

Rinseability
Simple Green rinses residue-free and is an exceptional cleaner for paint prep and cleaning. If you are involved in the pharmaceutical or electronics industry and have concerns regarding even microscopic levels of residue, call 800-228-0709 to receive information on Crystal Simple Green and its excellent rinseability features. Crystal Simple Green does not contain the added fragrance or color found in regular Simple Green.

Rosin Flux
Simple Green will remove many fluxes, including rosin flux from printed circuit boards.

Rust Problems
Whether an aqueous-based product, chlorinated solvent, caustic or citrus/d'Llimonene type cleaner is used, the cleaned metal will begin to oxidize or rust. Many factors, including time, temperature, humidity and type of metal influence the rate of oxidation.

Simple Green is an aqueous-based cleaner. When bare metal is cleaned and degreased, all barrier coatings (i.e. oil, grease, lubricants, cutting oils, etc.) are removed. If a rust inhibitor or protectant spray is required, please call 800-228-0709 for more information.

A word of caution: when adding foreign materials into Simple Green, be aware that toxicity, biodegradability and sewerability issues need to be addressed by the additive manufacturer.

Shelf-life
Indefinite in unopened containers.

Simple Green - General Description
All-purpose cleaner/degreaser/deodorizer used as a safer alternative to hazardous and toxic cleaners for removing grease, oil and dirt.

Solvents - Definition
A product designed to clean a component or assembly by dissolving the contaminants present on its surface.
Also see Competitor Types: Petroleum-based Solvents and Competitor Types: Solvent Evaporatives

Styrofoam in our packaging
We do not use Styrofoam in our packaging; we use cornstarch packing, which is biodegradable.

Surfactants - Definition
Reduces surface tension of dirt to surface.

Temperature recommended
110° F or below. Heat will begin to break down certain components of Simple Green when kept at temperatures above 120° F for extended periods of time, and makes it more likely that the cleaning ability of the product will be diminished.

TSCA - Toxic Substances Control Act
Controls the exposure to and use of raw industrial chemicals not subject to other laws. The act provides for a listing of all chemicals that are to be evaluated prior to manufacture or use in the U.S. All of the components of Simple Green are listed on the "TSCA Inventory" of chemical substances maintained by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA").

U.S. Clean Air Act of 1990
Required total elimination of CFC's -- Class I ozone-depleting chemicals (ODC's) -- by the end of 1995. Simple Green is a safer replacement for cleaners and solvents prohibited by the U.S. Clean Air Act.

Uniqueness
Simple Green is biodegradable, non-toxic and it works, throughout industry and all around the home. Simple Green is the viable answer to replacing caustic, harmful cleaners and degreasers, with one product designed and safety-tested with the well being of its users and the environment in mind.

USDA Certifications

Simple Green: A4, A8, & B2 ratings Authorized for use as a degreaser, carbon remover, floor and wall cleaner and uniform laundering in official establishments operating under the Federal meat, poultry, rabbit, shell egg grading and egg products inspection programs as long as food is not present. Simple Green has not received an A1 rating because the USDA feels the scent could mask an unsanitary condition.
Crystal Simple Green: A4, & A8 ratings.
Simple Green D: D: Antimicrobial agents always requiring a rinse.
From the USDA List of Proprietary Substances and Nonfood Compounds Authorized for use under USDA Inspection and Grading Programs
Uses/Applications of Simple Green
Simple Green can be used for over 100 different applications. For a listing of uses and the different dilution ratios for each use, please call 800-228-0709 and request a free "Dilution Chart" or you can download our Applications/Dilution Ratio Chart here. This chart requires Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Vapor Degreaser
Simple Green is not a vapor degreaser. It is an aqueous cleaner/degreaser.

Vapor Suppressant
Simple Green is currently being used as a vapor suppressant on bioremediation sites due to its ability to keep vapors below state and federal levels. For more information, please call the Environmental Technology Division of Sunshine Makers, Inc. at 800-228-0709.

VOC - Simple Green
Simple Green contains 7.96 g/L VOC's or 0.796% VOC's by weight. Crystal Simple Green contains no VOC's. These VOC levels are determined by ASTM Method 3960-90. Per California AQMD's VOC test method, both Simple Green and Crystal Simple Green must be diluted a minimum of 2 parts water to 1 part product in order to meet SCAQMD Rule 1171 & Rule 1122, and BAAQMD Regulation 8-16, VOC requirements for solvent cleaning operations. For more information, please call 800-228-0709.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) - Definition
Constituents that will evaporate at their temperature of use and which, by a photochemical reaction, will cause atmospheric oxygen to be converted into potential smog -- promoting tropospheric ozone under favorable climatic conditions.

It is a federal and California State requirement to reduce VOC emissions from consumer products. All compounds known to have an ozone depletion potential greater than 0.00 must be reported. Simple Green falls well within state and federal safety regulations of VOC levels.

Waste Water Treatment
Simple Green is currently being used in wastewater treatment plants due to its ability to break up oil and grease without harming the bacteria used in the biological system. It is also an effective odor suppressant.

Water-Based Cleaners
Simple Green is a water-based cleaner. See "Alkaline Aqueous Solutions -- General Description" for more details.

Wetting surface first if using Simple Green full-strength
Water is the catalyst for Simple Green's cleaning power.

Why do you put it in a spray bottle if you can't use it straight from the bottle?
Rather than only putting Simple Green in a refill container (which is also available), we wanted to give you this sprayer to enhance cleaning. It is a unique, high quality, reusable sprayer specifically designed to be used with our product to disperse Simple Green in droplet form instead of creating a mist like most sprayers.