Mrs. Meyer’s does not smell like this.
I generally don’t like to slam products. I’d rather focus on solutions than problems. But when there’s a general perception that something is eco-friendly or healthy, I want people to know the whole story.
This is a post I’ve been wanting to write for a while, and a friend’s recent query spurred me on to finally do it. Said friend asked me to offer some advice on choosing an eco-friendly house cleaning service. There were a few contenders on the table, including both nationally known and local companies. To me, aside from all of the obvious criteria for choosing a service (reliability, trustworthiness, thoroughness), the biggest question that would set cleaning companies apart is this: which products do they use?
There are a lot of green cleaning products on the market, and even more jumping on board every day. It’s incredibly easy to fall for the claims made by many of them, especially when they’re as enticing as: “biodegradable,” “not tested on animals,” “chlorine free,” or “phosphate free” (since last year, all dish detergents are now phosphate free). And while these are all respectable traits, they don’t say everything you need to know. Here’s what I think you should know. Many companies either choose to ignore or simply cannot claim this of their products: “free of synthetic fragrance.”
I’ve always suspected Mrs. Meyer’s soaps included artificial fragrance because a) the scent on my hands did not go away quickly b) I could taste the scent through my nose, c) the scent made me nauseated. While in the privy of one of my favorite restaurants (lots of local & sustainable NYC restaurants love Mrs. Meyer’s), I decided to peek at the label to confirm my suspicions. Right there, plain as day, was the ingredient I was looking for: Fragrance (Parfum). When I see that ingredient without any footnotes explaining its derivation, I begin to question the validity of the rest of the product claims.
Mrs. Meyer’s says:
“Our fragrance compositions use a combination of natural essential oils and safe synthetic ingredients. This allows for the most pleasing, quality, and intriguing scents – inspired by the garden – that you’ll want to use again and again. This approach provides consistent performance, quality, and safety in every bottle. All fragrances are phthalate-free.”
Why do I care so much about synthetic fragrance?
1. The fragrance/perfume industry is protected by patent or trade secret laws which allow them to hide any and all ingredients in their formulations. I don’t know about you, but I like to know what’s in the stuff I’m washing my hands with or spraying on my kitchen countertop.
2. Fragrance can be made from any combination of petroleum and non-petroleum derived substances, including formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene (I don’t think Mrs. Meyer’s includes any of these).
3. This potentially toxic soup can have any number of untoward effects on human health, including reproductive and endocrine disruption, immune system effects, and neurotoxic effects.
To learn more about the dangers of artificial fragrance, read Get a Whiff of This: Perfumes (fragrances) — the Invisible Chemical Poisons
by Connie Pitts.
I trust my senses first, but when I want a little confirmation for my concerns, I turn to the Environmental Working Group (EWG) cosmetic database. It’s not without its flaws, but I find it helpful when I’m unsure about the safety of particular ingredients. In their assessment, Mrs. Meyer’s products range from 3 to 6 on their 10-point hazard scale (that’s moderately hazardous). The caveat here is that, without knowing the actual composition of the fragrance chemicals the Caldrea company (maker of Mrs. Meyer’s) use, EWG applies the worst-case scenario fragrance to all products.
It’s easy for me to unfairly single out Mrs. Meyer’s (as I did in the title) because she’s got a friendly name and image. But sadly, she’s not the only green game in town that has this vital flaw. Her partners in crime also include Simple Green and Method (whose products also include artificial colors). Just because something is Green Seal certified (ahem, Simple Green) does not mean it is healthy, it just means it is not considered to be detrimental to the ecosystem. I care a heck of a lot about the ecosystem, and the one I care most about is yours.
Here are some others who share my concern:
In this last post from the Smart Mama, she refers to a study where Mrs. Meyer’s was found to contain high levels of 1,4 dioxane, a carcinogenic solvent. Mrs. Meyer’s has since corrected this problem. You can read about it here.
I also know I’m not the only one who can’t stand these synthetic fragrances. A few user reviews:
As I mentioned, I like to use my senses. In our culture of sensory overload, it can be difficult to distinguish harmful from healthful. It’s easy to dismiss the way we feel (our gut or intuition) because there are so many external influences affecting us. The good news is, once we start eliminating these influences, including all of the artificial scents and flavors, the line between what’s toxic and what’s not becomes a bit clearer. Life begins to smell (naturally) sweet again.
Stay tuned for part 2 of why I think Mrs. Meyer’s stinks: synthetic fragrance-free solutions!
Tags: air quality, scent, smell
Raganella 
February 10, 2011 at 7:16 pm |
I am all for all natural cleaning products but I stay far away from all the Meyer’s ones. In the past I have tried various Meyer’s products and one thing always happens -My head starts hurting. I am not allergic to anything really- but I know when I go into a highly perfumed store my head always starts hurting. I have the same reaction to Meyer’s cleaning products. I used to buy them at Whole foods – thinking since they are sold there- they must be totally all natural. Guess I was wrong. I only buy production from a different company now – and they are completely fragrance free ones. Mrs. Meyer’s – please cut out the synthetics- and I will try you again…
February 10, 2011 at 10:41 pm |
Thanks for your feedback, Alison. I’m sure you’re not alone in suffering from headaches from the scents in products like these.
February 11, 2011 at 12:25 pm |
[…] (like Mrs. Meyer’s, Method, and Simple Green) because they contain synthetic fragrances. (Find out why.) I promised this time that I’d focus on solutions to this […]
March 25, 2011 at 12:51 am |
This bums me out because I really like Mrs. Meyers clean day products and thought I was doing a good thing. Although it’s a step in the right direction it’s only half way there and since it’s a little more expensive to buy I would like to know I am purchasing a completely natural product.
Bummed in Oregon
July 8, 2011 at 4:56 pm |
just got an order from soap.com with 3 mrs. meyers products. The geranium instantly gave me a headache, so I started researching if it is in fact “all natural” wish i would have found this site 2 days ago…or researched before I bought. Now I am searching for alternative products that are all natural for household and skincare. Any experience with Dr. Bonner’s organic products?
July 8, 2011 at 6:39 pm |
I’m sorry you had that bad experience with Mrs. Meyer’s.
I love Dr. Bronner’s. They are truly natural, not synthetic. They use pure organic essential oils & fair trade ingredients. The real deal.
I also make natural household products & skin care that I sell through Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/raganella
July 20, 2011 at 10:50 pm |
I was holding Mrs Meyer’s all purpose in my hand earlier and thought to myself…’this doesn’t seem right, I’d better go home and check it out before I buy it’. Thanks for you and your blog.
July 20, 2011 at 10:55 pm |
I’m glad you trusted your intuition!
August 18, 2011 at 9:39 am |
Thanks for this post. I unfortunately placed an order for Mrs. Meyers hand soap before realizing it had fragrance in it. I have been doing research as well as you have since I lost a cat to cancer and wondered what could have caused it (I know not the hand soap, but still I don’t want it either). I have found a company whose products I love..Better Life (http://cleanhappens.com). They don’t use fragrance and their products work well and still have a slight scent to them. I was using Method before and discovered the same thing you did. The smell of these products made me sick. Thanks for the research you did. The additional information is definitely helpful.
August 18, 2011 at 1:33 pm |
Thanks for the recommendation for Better Life. It looks like they’re doing the right thing. I continue to run across cleaning product makers such as Mrs. Meyer’s & Method that are using artificial fragrance and passing themselves off as a healthy, natural option. As long as these harmful additives go unchecked, it’s important to continue to support the makers who are not using them in the first place. Or simply make our own cleaning solutions, which is fairly simple to do. Thanks for the comment & happy cleaning!
August 28, 2011 at 1:42 pm |
I just used the Meyers Bathroom Lemon Verbena & just about died! I am not allergic to anything. I sprayed some in the sink & squirted a little on the floor to do around the base of the toilet. I coughed and hacked so hard, was unable to get my breath. I ended up running out of the room, and now have pain in my chest & my head is killing me, probably from coughing so hard. I thought perhaps there was ammonia in it or something. I don’t know what it is, but I will NEVER use that product again! Out it goes. I think I’ll switch to good ol’ vinegar & water like my momma used to use!
August 28, 2011 at 3:32 pm |
Yikes, that’s quite unfortunate! Yes, good old vinegar & water is a good solution for cleaning. Best of luck with your domestic endeavors! 🙂
August 28, 2011 at 1:49 pm |
Oh, this is good. I just went to the Mrs. Meyers website to tell them what I thought of their product & to request a full ingredient list. I got a response that said, OOps, we’ve had a filing error — whatever that is — and gives a link to a coupon. Don’t bother thank you very much!
August 28, 2011 at 3:33 pm |
Egad!
November 1, 2011 at 9:49 am |
Mrs. Meyer’s soaps form a rash on the backs of my hands. I rubbed my eyes once and they broke out too. I went to the eye doctor because they were so swollen. After not using it for many months, then being around it again, I noticed the rash returned only upon use. I usually only have natural and safe products in my home. I usually read labels thoroughly. I somehow had the impression that Mrs. Meyers was safe. I think mostly due tot he location of it in stores. It was definitely a mistake to assume that! Thanks for your post.
December 5, 2011 at 12:49 pm |
I was just over at the Mrs. Meyers website and it looks like they are offering “scent-free” products which may solve all these problems!
I AM bumming out tho. I hadn’t realized the products had synthetic fragrances. What I have notice is some of their scents I enjoy, other scents I did not like at all, smelled too sweet, or too strong. Lavender seems the closest; I know they use essential oils in that one.
I don’t know. I think a lot of this depends on one’s sensitivity and also how many OTHER synthetic scents are in the home; everything from shampoo to deodorant, to laundry products, scented candles, everything. So if MrsMyers is working for you and you cut out all the others, moderation MAY be the key here.
December 5, 2011 at 2:06 pm |
That is good news. Thanks for keeping us posted, Lynn!
December 14, 2011 at 1:51 pm |
Have you heard of Eco-Me? Eco-Me is a 100% natural cleaning, pet and personal care product line that uses ingredients found right in the kitchen – like vinegar, baking soda and olive oil as well pure plant essential oils for fragrance to create effective, healthy, and safe products for your entire family. PURE ingredients that won’t harm our families and pets, waterways, the environment or our homes. Eco-Me brings a fun and fresh new energy to the cleaning category with its back-to-basics ingredients and modern family branding.
Eco-Me was born out of need and concern. The need to remove dangerous chemicals from our homes and environment and the concern that the toxins emitted from every day products has encouraged the rapid increase of disease in our society. Read about the founder’s moving story as to why she started Eco-Me here: http://www.eco-me.com/pages/ourstory.
December 20, 2011 at 1:29 pm |
I recently purchased a few Mrs. Meyers products….everyday cleaning solution and fabric softner. How I missed the “fragrance” ingredient while at the store I have no idea. I looked at the bottle again today because my clothes were smelling unusually good ,as if I had gone back to my Downey days. Low and behold there it was…FRAGRANCE! Uhhhh!!! I’m not very happy about this at all. No more Mrs. Meyers products for me.
January 7, 2012 at 10:39 pm |
I thought I was going crazy because everyone around me loves the smell of Meyer’s products, but when I get the tiniest whiff of them, they make me incredibly nauseous. Even days later I could smell it after my partner cleaned the counters – I had to stay out of the kitchen for days! Mrs. Meyer’s products are the worst due to the strength of the smell, but I’ve also caught of whiff of the same nausea-inducing scent in a Method cleaner and in an “organic” bubble bath. I’m really curious to know what the common ingredient is so I can avoid it in the future.
(As a side note, there is a genetic variation in the human genome that makes a small number of people think that cilantro tastes like soap. I wonder if there is a similar issue with one of these fragrances, because the vast majority of people seem to love the smell, but it makes a small minority feel very, very ill.)
February 20, 2012 at 9:40 am |
I do like the direction that “Eco-Me” products are going … baking soda, and white vinegar ingredients… BUT as a consumer why are we paying for these formulations at all? All they are are additional products to buy with an added type of “fragrance” perfume that isn’t even necessary. Do we really need to add “Lemongrass”? Siberian Fir Needle?” or “Dalmatian Sage” to our domestic environment? Seriously? Think about that for a moment. What is the goal?.. Healthy, pure, clean air, water, and the removal of the contaminants, dirt, etc. that we’re trying to clean up. Does anyone else find these titles, for example of these “plant essential oils” silly? Are these just another excuse to buy yet another consumer product to clutter the kitchen cupboards? Don’t get me wrong, eons and eons better than the ‘standard, commercial” cleaning products of old, but do I really need to add cilantro, lavender, or whatever other random scent they come up with? When does adding “Siberian Fir Needle” to the mix become part of the “cleaning” solution? Why? Why on earth do I need to pay for this in yet another plastic, packaged commodity? How about, “Cactus aloe pine?” or “Grape berry aloe”… talk about a Marketing and Branding free for all!
Instead how about, (and I do realize that this would completely contradict the purposes of an entire “green cleaning” products industry): Baking Soda ($1 and change), white vinegar ($ 1 and change) and if we really need to add yet another “smell” on top of all the other “Scented” products out there.. how about simply adding some lemon/citrus peel from the half unused lemon in my fridge. I can use these ingredients to clean “everything” in my home, and then I can leave my nose free to smell what I’d like to smell, like the alluring perfume from a woman, or I get to smell that fragrance from a juicy orange that I’m about to eat, the herbs simmering as I’m making dinner, or the basil plant in the window sill . Why do we have to add all of this what eventually becomes just a barrage of “scents”?
April 19, 2012 at 2:42 pm |
I’m sending a copy of this to Whole Foods. I would love them to stock boxes of A&H washing soda and 64 oz size of Dr Bonners and other simple, hard to get staples.
P.S. Last comment Brad -that “alluring” perfume has very ugly ingredients.
May 9, 2012 at 10:48 am |
[…] Raganella.com There are a lot of green cleaning products on the market, and even more jumping on board every day. […]
June 10, 2012 at 5:23 pm |
We were using the countertop spray where I work on the counters and I NOTICED EVERYTIME SOMEONE SPRAYED IT MY TONGUE STARTED TO SWELL UP! Also some of my co workers were experiencing extreme dry throat. Thankfully I made the connection, we stopped using the product immedietely. Mrs. meyers products are NOT SAFE, and what is with all of the tree oils in the ingredients? Blech!
June 15, 2012 at 12:28 pm |
I cough like I’m going to hack up a lung when I’ve used the lavender bathroom cleaner. No more Mrs Meyers for me.
July 25, 2012 at 5:46 pm |
I actually love the smell of this stuff, but it seems to be causing an allergic reaction on my hands. 😦
August 8, 2012 at 10:32 am |
I have to smell everything I use as I have a Heavy meatl toxicity issue which exacerbates all the smells. I have switched to Ava Anderson Home Care products. There is nothing toxic in them and I can handle them. The new laundry soap and dishwasher powder work so well. No noxious chemicals/fumes and they really work. I decided to become a consultant to educte others as well. I do have a website where these products can be purchased. It’s avaandersonnontoxic.com/sylviatavares. Read all about it.
August 8, 2012 at 7:29 pm |
Thank you for this post! Mrs. Meyer’s gives me terrible headaches and I can see why!
Please try Ava Anderson Non Toxic products!! NO FRAGRANCE!!!! NO TOXIC CHEMICALS!!!!
Best of all…NO HEADACHES!!!
In health,
Patricia B
http://www.avaandersonnontoxic.com/patricia or on FB as “ava anderson non toxic presented by patricia”
September 22, 2012 at 11:52 pm |
Hey i just bought lavendar laundry soap and my comforter of 5 yrs and new sheets i just washed lost its sheen im beyond upset no more sheen on my satin comforter and it feels scratchy and itchy now ,great dont mind if i lose money on soap but now my beautiful comforter is ruined, i will go to vinegar and maybe dreft baby detergent so its easy on clothes i guess
October 4, 2012 at 1:28 pm |
READERS BEWARE: Before you go tossing out your Mrs. Meyers cleaners, please be advised that this blog is written by a person who sells herbal drugs on Etsy called “vivid visions.”
October 4, 2012 at 2:13 pm |
Hi Amanda! Yes, I do make an herbal tea that is smokable, called Vivid Visions. The greatest distinction here is this: It is not a synthetic cleaning product making false claims of being safe or environmentally friendly. Those who consume Vivid Visions know exactly what is in it: whole plant botanicals and nothing else.
October 4, 2012 at 2:31 pm |
Well, true I guess. I am not a big fan of Mrs. Meyers myself because I can read and saw the “fragrance” in there first thing. They do make two scents, Rosemary and Bluebell, that do not contain synthetic fragrance though. I just don’t see how smoking anything can be safer than a little synthetic fragrance. How do you know that the stuff you are selling isn’t hurting people? You seem like a nice person, and I don’t want to attack or disrespect you, but do you really think what you are selling is healthy for people?
October 4, 2012 at 2:51 pm |
I understand your concern about a product that is smoked. Believe it or not, some smokable herbs are used to treat asthma attacks (mullein, coltsfoot) and Vivid Visions is helpful for those who have anxiety. I don’t condone its use on a daily basis and of course my intention is to help people, not harm them. Thanks for adding to the discussion. It helps to have an open, honest conversation about a topic like this as there are many differing opinions to add to the story.
October 4, 2012 at 3:34 pm |
Okay, God bless 🙂
November 21, 2012 at 10:43 am |
This debate is vital to the integrity of any consumer product and its commitment to full disclosure.
December 15, 2012 at 6:27 am |
Their website says they us safe synthetic ingredients. What a scam they are. I bought a bar of soap, as soon as I opened it I knew there was synthetic fragrance in it.
February 20, 2013 at 4:03 pm |
I am currently home sick because of a strong alleric reaction I had to Mrs. Meyers Basil countertop spray, which I used three days ago. I went to the doctor and had to get a nebulizer treatment. Note that I am NOT asthmatic and have never had any kind of reaction like this.
March 5, 2013 at 3:48 pm |
I usually make my own kitchen cleaner, but my cheap spray bottle keeps breaking. I originally bought the countertop spray with the thought of, use a natural product now, and when it’s empty I have a great spray bottle to use for my DIY cleaner. I’m about halfway through the bottle and very close to dumping it down the drain. The lavender smells exactly like the avon product everyone use to use as bug repellent. Skin so soft? Not sure, I digress. Back to vinegar, water, and essential oils for me!
April 8, 2013 at 7:40 pm |
I agree with you on the products from Mrs. Meyers. So many companies claim to be green or all natural but really fall short. My kids also have sensitive skin which complicates matters even more. My favorite products that I have come across are from Better Life. I found them at Whole Foods and won’t buy anything but their products. The only product they don’t have available on their website (which is CleanHappens which was confusing for me to find) is a Laundry detergent…Does someone have a good recommendation on a great all natural laundry detergent that ACTUALLY CLEANS!?!?
April 9, 2013 at 7:40 pm |
Thanks for your comment. I keep hearing great things about Better Life. As far as laundry detergent, the most effective “natural” soap I’ve used is homemade. It contains 1 cup of each: Castile soap (like Dr Bronner’s), vinegar, baking soda, washing soda (optional), borax (optional). Mix together dry ingredients and soap until it’s pasty. Then add vinegar. After it’s done foaming up, add 2 qt boiling water. Once it’s all incorporated, add up to a gallon of water. I funnel it all into an empty detergent container (like Ecos or Seventh Generation, which are the two I use in a pinch). You could also add essential oils once it has cooled.
I’ve heard good things about Charlie’s Soap and Soap Nuts, but haven’t tried either one.
September 16, 2013 at 2:42 pm |
A part of me wonders if there is some kind of genetic factor when it comes to Mrs. Meyer’s.
My father and I absolutely can’t stand the stuff. There is some kind of awful, nauseating scent that I can pick up (especially with the Lavender scented stuff) and I can’t handle even a whiff.
Meanwhile, my mother, sister, and boyfriend look at us like we’re crazy. They don’t get what the problem is, and though they admit the scent is strong, they think it smells like flowers.
There has to be some kind of smell receptor thing going on here, because the difference in reactions is just too crazy!
September 18, 2013 at 11:10 am |
You might be right, Maddie! I’d be curious to know if there was any research on the topic.
October 21, 2013 at 12:21 am |
I am probably one of the luckiest consumers around as I try to investigate anything I will use in my home.
All of the information by those ahead of me here have been very helpful. I have always used Baking Soda, White Vinegar, etc., sooooooo I guess I will stick to the SAFE ingredients that are available.
December 25, 2013 at 9:21 pm |
Natural is a relative term. Foxglove is natural but will kill you if ingested. Apple seeds are natural but contain anthracycline which is metabolized to cyanide. I use these products daily as does my cleaning lady. No headaches, rashes etc. have you seen Todd Haynes’s movie “Safe” Drama. Everyt company is trying to kill me! Start your own freaking cleaning product company and stop complaining
Have a Pepsi day
December 27, 2013 at 9:52 pm |
Haha, Jim, you sound like my dad. Dose makes the poison. Water can kill you if you drink too much.
And I did start my own cleaning product company! 🙂
Happy New Year! Peace _/|_
January 25, 2014 at 4:04 pm |
Ms. Liz, (it is presumed), thank you for your hard work. Especially appreciate your humor, and sense of “matter of fact-ness”. Showing such drive from the heart is rare, but so great to witness. it becomes evident in how you express yourself, and that it is a part of Your fire. Those are the fires that a person who tries to convince themselves that they are contented instead of actually feeling them. The fires that burn into the evening and as if by some strange unquenchable well, it just burns on. Not a fire that has to be gently nurtured and weened into life upon every waking.
Looking very much forward to seeing your work and learning from your expeditionary segment of a newer economic infrastructure, quite a nice sized niché! And it’s return on investment for the species is paramount! To sum up, looking forward to learning how you managed to make it happen.
Also thank you for being a pioneer!
January 25, 2014 at 5:27 pm |
So glad to read this. Mrs. Meyers makes me so sick. Once I bought on of the products (s spray cleaners) and after one use I poured it down the drain with one hand while holding my nose with the other. In stores, I hold my breath if I have to pass Mrs. Meyers products. I’m chemically sensitive and have a terrible reaction to synthetic fragrances. Even if I LIKED the smell of Mrs. Meyers products, the fragrance is WAY too strong. Dr. Bronner’s is the way to go. Great soap.
March 18, 2015 at 5:13 am |
Thanks for calling this company out onto the carpet. This product was pushed by a health food sales clerk onto my elderly mother as an all natural product. I did not know she had even bought this product and was using it when I got a whiff of some strange smell that immediately gave me a pounding headache. I asked her what she was using to wash the dishes and she handed me the basil scented Meyers dishwashing soap, the stuff had the most vile chemical laden smell for a supposedly natural product. I immediately told her to discontinue its use but the damage had been done by some of the dishes that had been washed with this stuff. Needless, to say I got to feeling really sick with pounding headaches ( I never get headaches) after eating off the dishes that had been washed with Meyers so I decided to investigate as to what could have caused my issues and I found your blog. Thank you for sharing the truth about this dangerous and unethical company. After reading all these comments, I can see I am not alone in how this product severely started to affect my health, as I am a rather healthy person overall and am very strict on the products I use and foods I will eat. When I complained to the clerk at the health market that the product made me sick, she acted like I was crazy. It is sad that some people cannot accept the truth. I do think more people need to be warned about Mrs. Meyers products so thanks for the validation.
September 14, 2015 at 1:48 am |
I would never use this product again.It left a nasty white film on the dishes.The glasses were so bad I had to hand wiash and scrub.
I wish I had checked before I wasted my money.
September 21, 2015 at 6:44 pm |
These products are NOT natural products. There should be a Consumer Reports investigation. The BASIL scent makes me absolutely sick to my stomach, gives me a headache, and sends me into mild anxiety. It’s SO bizarre. Other people do not have this reaction to the basil. I cannot be anywhere near it. The dish soap, the hand soap, the candles – I run. Strangely, the other scents do not bother me and I like them, but I will avoid all the Meyers products now because maybe ALL the scents are toxic and I can’t detect it. I also hate cilantro. 😉
October 5, 2015 at 4:19 am |
I don’t think it’s fragrance, it’s what fragrance cover. I’m not allergic to any fragrances. only chemicals give me headaches like Meyers products, I tried 5 scents, result is the same very strong headache.
Only Murphy soap has the same effect and all petroleum products.
Citronella oil is in Murphy soap. Stay away from all products like this. If you are not sensitive you will be.
October 12, 2015 at 5:07 pm |
I could not breath and found the culprit. My husband cleaned the bathroom sink with Meyers hand soap. We placed it in a plastic bag knotted it and threw it in trash! Bad stuff in the scent!
October 30, 2015 at 4:20 am |
Hello-
I am chemically sensitive and I can judge how toxic something is by how badly I react to it. I simply cannot tolerate Meyers products. So I know there is something really bad in their “fragrance”. I don’t recommend anyone use these products. They are green washing and it’s sad because people are trying to make healthy choices and companies like this one are conning people into believing they are using an ECO option. When in reality they’re fragrance has chemicals!!! Not okay Mrs. Meyers. Not okay.
November 4, 2015 at 9:31 pm |
I too, make homemade cleaning solutions using vinegar, water, essential oils, baking soda etc. By purchasing one product for the toilet, one for the kitchen, one for laundry, etc. etc. you’re polluting the earth with more plastic than gets recycled.
I just wish vinegar came in a powder form and sold in a box – no plastics for me!
January 12, 2016 at 3:11 am |
I am desperately looking for a product which can remove the annoying odor created from using Miss Meyers products
Thanks
January 13, 2016 at 8:22 am |
While I understand your concern, I have to say I absolutely Love their basil scent cleaners. Granted it’s not 100% all natural, it’s still a heck of a lot better than most of the other cleaning products (Fabuloso, Mr,Clean, Pine sol, etc). My favorite thing about them is their products don’t have that fake chemical smell to them. Even knowing it’s not a 100%, I would still recommend it for people who are trying to do right by the earth, but still want the clean smell without the added chemical smell. I really wish you wouldn’t paint them as all bad. They are at least trying to lesson the amount of chemicals that are introduced into our homes.That’s got to count for something.
January 23, 2016 at 9:42 pm |
I just rescued a bird and was told to use apple cider vinegar and water (1/2 & 1/2) to clean. Well, I see now my Mrs. Meyers is no good and have not used it, but here is my issue. The mixture I made of ACv & water smells moldy. I noticed there was mold growing on the inside of the plastic spray bottle in a matter of days. (I use Braggs Organic ACV). Can someone please advise what I can put this mix in to clean with easily? Do they make a glass spray bottle or does anyone have good ideas they can share? I allow my bird to fly around in his room, so this cleaning idea will be in his proximity. Mrs. Meyers will only be used in about 10 feet or more away from him in the kitchen. Thank you!
February 29, 2016 at 9:02 pm |
I totally agree!!! Meyer’s Clean Day products not only make me sick, but they also don’t smell like what they say they smell like. Lavendar is the worst, as it smells like poison and I can taste it in the air after someone uses it. The only exception I’ve found is Iowa Pine, which is seasonal; I would accept that it still contains artifical components, though.
March 7, 2016 at 3:21 pm |
I came across this looking for what happened to the radish scent that I love, I found out it’s discontinued. I see that this was posted 5 years ago, but wanted to comment.
I am put off by a couple of the fragrances because they are too overpowering but there are some that I really love.
However, please note, that just because something is all natural doesn’t mean it is safe or hypo-allergenic. Many people including myself can be sensitive or allergic to natural things – pollen, certain plants and animals, some ‘natural’ foods like dairy, eggs, shellfish. My mother is very allergic to cats and roses.
I have also had reactions to certain “natural” cosmetics. I use a high quality line of skin care that is not “natural” or organic and I have no reaction to it except better skin.
So natural things can have an ill-effect on people too. And plenty of synthetic are completely harmless. Please that that into account.
July 10, 2018 at 10:17 pm |
Synthetic ingredients are not harmless…..
May 2, 2016 at 6:14 pm |
I am glad to see that I am not the only person who gets sick from the nasty perfume so many so called healthy products have.
September 20, 2016 at 4:55 pm |
I recently had a severe reaction to Mrs Meyer’s Fabric Softener Lavender that caused me to have significant allergy symptoms. I don’t generally have allergy symptoms or use fabric softener. It took me two weeks to realize that only when I went to bed I was getting sick, hacking, drainage, itchy throat and crusted shut eyes. I had to find blankets and pillows that weren’t washed in that and sleep in a different room with them. I was fine as soon as I got on in the new bedding. Yesterday I re-washed everything I have and with a rinse and then and know softener. I felt much better, but now have a sinus infection from being sick for so long.
October 18, 2016 at 3:20 am |
Ohhhhhhh…. don’t get me started! Where is your “attach photo” option?!?! After spraying the Meyer’s Lavender scented room freshener I woke up the next morning with my eyes swollen shut! Never ever have I had a reaction like this to anything in the world and I’m almost 40! Needless to say I contacted the company and they did a lot of beating around the bush in explaining their “safe synthetic fragrance”. I’m not done bitching, just completed an FDA complaint form. A lot of people on their Facebook Page seem equally displeased. Yeah, thanks for giving me my $4.99 back. What about a weeks worth of steroids I have to take? Grrrrr SC JOHNSON!!!
October 28, 2016 at 1:22 am |
[…] It wasn’t safe for me, since it gave me a headache. I did some googling, and found this: Why I think Mrs. Meyers Stinks I’m not the only one who has a reaction to Mrs. […]
December 3, 2016 at 11:09 pm |
Hello!
I am glad I have found your article that confirmed my suspicion about their product. I am very very sensitive to the synthetic chemicals – fragrances and such. Myers’ product makes me sick and I cannot breath normally.
Also after I inhale it I have tight and not pleasant sensation in my nose and even seems in my lungs.
For sure it’s toxic.
July 11, 2017 at 1:46 am |
My daughter bought Mrs.Meyers Clean Day all surface cleaner. The fragrance is nice but after a few squirts on the kitchen counters I am feeling my asthma starting up. The fragrance lady’s a long time too, like over night. I’m tossing this poison. It might smell good but I am convinced it is as poisonous as anything else on the market. If you have asthma stay away from this product.
September 4, 2017 at 12:30 pm |
List of things which give me instant headaches: Formula 409 spray cleaner, Fantastic spray cleaner, White Diamonds Fragrance, and Mrs Meyers Basil Essential Oil liquid hand soap. And I didn’t even use the Meyers liquid hand soap–it was a gift which was used by others twice before I had to remove it from my home because it induced a terrible headache. It smells like musk. Boyfriend could not detect that fragrance and thought it smelled good. I will get to the bottom of this.
October 9, 2017 at 9:22 pm |
Some people saying the products must be synthetic and toxic because of the allergic responses they had. I am allergic to Russian thistle (tumble weed) which is natural and grows all over here in the west. I’m allergic to every part of it, the pollen and even the juices when I pulled some up once. I was covered in big welts where I touched it. There are many naturally occurring plants we are can be individually allergic to. I also break out in hives if I touch cayenne pepper and even baby powder. This doesn’t mean they are bad for everybody.
February 17, 2018 at 3:31 am |
I’ve purchased the Meyers detergent a couple of times, unfortunately. In each case, the smell was so strong it caused my throat and nose to feel scratchy. When I used it to wash my hands while preparing food in the kitchen, my hands smelled so bad it ruined any food I picked up to eat at dinner time. I could not get the smell off my hands and it thus followed me everywhere, continuing to irritate my respiratory system. Finally I dumped the entire container down the toilet and begged my significant other to run buy some decent detergent. I will never, ever buy Meyers again. Too bad I didn’t learn on the first try, and it took two purchases for me to learn that I cannot tolerate the smell.
June 22, 2018 at 8:09 pm |
I definitely ha e allergic reactions to whatever the overall fragrance is in their products. I just left a pet store barely able to breathe. It’s been ten minutes and my throat and lungs still hurt. People gave me products of theirs and I had to throw them away for the same reason. There is no other fragrance I’m aware of that I’m allergic to like their products.
July 10, 2018 at 10:16 pm |
Mrs Meyers products are toxic, and I thank you for spreading the word. It’s not really about “slamming products” as it is about educating the world. Companies like Mrs Meyers are selling products that people think are natural but they aren’t. The world “safe” and synthetic fragrance does not go together. Synthetic fragrances are toxic. Thanks for sharing so more people become aware and can make more informed decisions when it comes to products they put on their bodies and products they breathe.
December 7, 2018 at 2:51 pm |
All Mrs.meyers smell terrible. Lavender shouldn’t smell like anything other than lavender. To me, it smells like applesauce. Anyway, thanks for more info.
January 23, 2019 at 6:59 pm |
Does anyone have anything to say regarding pure selects it’s fragrance free but does offer fragrances that you can insert. Thanks
February 21, 2019 at 3:41 pm |
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March 4, 2019 at 12:58 pm |
Part 2?
April 23, 2019 at 11:00 am |
One of my kitty’s was having difficulty breathing after I used Lemon Verbena scented Mrs Meyers, figured it was the citrus. So I switched to Lavender and Basil after finding these plants non toxic to cats, he’s having the same cough and trouble breathing! Therefore O did this search & with your help noticed that all Mrs Meyers products are no good for my sensitive kitty!
June 2, 2019 at 10:48 pm |
[…] contains synthetic fragrances and other not-so-good-for-us ingredients, as described here in Why I Think Mrs. Meyer’s Stinks. The owners were unaware and glad I told them, so they discontinued the […]
June 3, 2019 at 11:33 pm |
Thank you so much for writing this. I just started trying Mrs. Meyer’s cleaners this past year and I hate the way it smells and the way the smell stays around for days. I feel like I can taste soap in my mouth. My search about it lead me to your article.
June 30, 2019 at 4:03 pm |
I tried Mrs. Myers basil dish soap and it ruined 2 of my Zojirushi thermal travel mugs. The chemicals in the soap penetrated the gaskets and interior coatings of the travel mugs leaving a disgusting taste in coffee used in one and and water used in the other. It would be as if I had put gasoline in these bottles. I tried to wash this out using my regular soap and water about 10 times to no effect. I tried soaking in vinegar to no effect. I tried to boil the taste out and this didn’t work either. The “crisp scent of basil” must be some kind of petroleum product. Not many of us would want to wash our dishes in gasoline or WD-40.
The replacement cost of the mugs on Amazon is approximately $100.00. I brought this up with Mrs. Myers customer support and got a response that they acknowledged the email but no action or apology was issued. These people are irresponsible and are marketing what I believe is a substance completely unsuitable for the intended use. Maybe as a garage floor cleaner but definitely not for things we put in our mouths.
September 1, 2019 at 10:07 am |
I’ve never purchased mrs Meyers, but when I was a home health aide I came across some of these products in people’s homes. The lavender scent gave me the biggest headache every time I had to use it!! I’ve smelled the mrs Meyers hand soaps at Walmart out of curiosity and I really didn’t care for any of the scents, some were downright nasty. I don’t understand why this brand is so popular… it’s like every cleaning video channel on YouTube uses these products like it’s a fashion trend everyone trying to be all cutesy and I think it’s sucks! I mean I enjoy yummy smelling and new products too, but I have a messy man 2messy kids, and pets…. and when it comes down to it nothing cleans like dawn dish soap and bleach and vinegar (um.. not all mixed, but I do mix bleach and dawn to clean a lot of things)