Method All-Purpose Cleaner Spray, French Lavender
Low PFAS concern; typical all-purpose liquid cleaner without documented PFAS use.
Method All-Purpose Cleaner is an aqueous spray product with plant-based surfactants. No PFAS-related coatings, treatments, or brand claims detected; routine household cleaner carries minimal PFAS risk.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
aqueous liquid cleaner, plant-derived surfactants
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Method All-Purpose Cleaner French Lavender is made of, ingredients and materials
Method All-Purpose Cleaner is an aqueous liquid formulation built on plant-derived surfactants rather than petroleum-based alternatives, which reduces bioaccumulation risk. The French Lavender variant includes fragrance compounds and likely preservatives typical of spray cleaners. Plant surfactants are generally less persistent in the environment and break down more readily than legacy synthetic detergents, though fragrance allergen load depends on the specific lavender compound used, which Method does not fully disclose.
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Fragrance allergens and respiratory irritants
Method does not fully disclose the specific lavender fragrance compounds used; lavender oil and synthetic aromatic additives are known to trigger contact dermatitis and airway sensitivity in susceptible individuals. Inhalation of spray aerosol increases exposure risk compared to non-scented formulas.
Preservative residues and skin contact
Aqueous cleaners require preservatives to prevent microbial growth; Method's exact preservative system is not publicly disclosed. Common preservatives in plant-based cleaners include methylisothiazolinone and phenoxyethanol, both of which can cause contact sensitization with repeated unprotected skin exposure.
Eye and mucous membrane irritation
Even plant-derived surfactants are anionic detergents that can irritate eyes and mucous membranes if not rinsed promptly. Product safety data indicates low acute toxicity, but spray application increases accidental splash risk; Method's spray nozzle has no child-lock mechanism.
Plastic bottle degradation and leaching
The product is packaged in PET or HDPE plastic spray bottles; prolonged storage of surfactant solutions can stress polymer chains, especially if exposed to heat. While surfactants are not known to leach significant contaminants from HDPE, repeated refilling or old bottles may shed microplastic particles if the nozzle threads crack.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Heavy metals
This is a liquid cleaner with no ceramic, metal, or non-stick coating components; traditional hazards like lead in glazes or Teflon-type coating fume risk do not apply.
Source, FDA ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Method is owned by SC Johnson and markets itself as an eco-conscious brand with Safer Choice certification from the EPA, a third-party endorsement for reduced hazard chemicals. The company does not publicly disclose full ingredient lists in marketing materials, though safety data sheets are available through retailers. No major toxicity recalls or regulatory actions against this product line are on record. Method's parent company has faced criticism over fragrance opacity and historical PFAS use in other product lines, but this cleaner has not been flagged for those concerns.
How it compares in its category
Most conventional all-purpose cleaners rely on synthetic surfactants and petroleum distillates; Method's plant-based approach and EPA Safer Choice badge place it in the lower-hazard tier of the category. Competitors like Seventh Generation and Mrs. Meyer's also use plant surfactants but vary in fragrance transparency. Standard chemical cleaners (e.g., bleach-based or ammonia products) carry acute inhalation and skin burn risk that aqueous plant-based formulas do not; Method's spray format and lack of caustic agents make it safer for routine household use around children and pets than harsher alternatives.
If you buy it
Use in well-ventilated spaces to minimize inhalation of fragrance compounds and aerosol mist, especially if household members have asthma or fragrance sensitivity. Store away from heat and direct sunlight; the aqueous base is stable at room temperature but plastic spray bottles can degrade if exposed to prolonged UV or high heat. Keep the nozzle clean to prevent clog buildup, which can affect spray pattern and atomization. As with all cleaners, do not mix with other products (especially bleach or ammonia-based cleaners), and wash hands after use.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 78% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Method has made a specific claim
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to Method All-Purpose Cleaner Spray, French Lavender?
- Hypochlorous acid electrochemical solution
- A third party reports verifying it as PFAS-free
- Oxidizer / skin and eye irritation
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- Plant-derived surfactants, water, essential oils
- A third party reports verifying it as PFAS-free
- Essential oil inhalation and sensitization
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- water, plant-derived surfactants, mineral salts
- A third party reports verifying it as PFAS-free
- Skin irritation from surfactants
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
More all-purpose cleaner grades
How we score, every product runs through the same public 0-100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.