Seventh Generation · All-Purpose Cleaner
Seventh Generation All Purpose Cleaner
Low PFAS risk; third-party certified PFAS-free cleaner.
Seventh Generation All Purpose Cleaner is formulated without PFAS and carries MADE SAFE and EPA Safer Choice certifications. Liquid cleaners of this type present minimal PFAS concern.
Brand says: “Seventh Generation products are formulated without PFAS (PFOA/PFOS) and verified by MADE SAFE certification”
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
water, plant-derived surfactants, mineral salts
Brand disclosure
Third-party verified PFAS-free
Lab data
No PFAS found in testing
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What Seventh Generation All Purpose Cleaner is made of, ingredients and materials
Seventh Generation All Purpose Cleaner is formulated from water, plant-derived surfactants (typically coconut or corn-based), and mineral salts, avoiding petroleum-derived chemicals common in conventional cleaners. Plant surfactants are biodegradable and break down more readily in aquatic environments than synthetic alternatives. The mineral salt components serve as water softeners and are standard food-grade additives with no acute toxicity concern at diluted cleaning concentrations. No intentional added fragrances, dyes, or coatings are involved in this product category.
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
Skin irritation from surfactants
Plant-derived surfactants are gentler than petrochemical alternatives but can still cause irritation with prolonged contact or in individuals with sensitive skin. Concentrate or undiluted product poses higher risk than diluted spray; typical use at recommended dilution is low concern.
Eye contact irritation
Surfactants are ocular irritants at any concentration. No specific incidents recorded for this brand, but the hazard is inherent to all surfactant-based cleaners. Rinse immediately with water if splash occurs.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Third-party PFAS-free verification
A third party reports verifying this product as PFAS-free.
No PFAS found in lab test
No PFAS detected in independent testing.
Fragrance allergen or sensitizer
Seventh Generation all-purpose cleaner is marketed as fragrance-free or lightly scented with essential oils rather than synthetic fragrance compounds. No reports of contact dermatitis or sensitization linked to this product.
Microplastic shedding
Liquid cleaners do not contain microbeads or microplastics in formulation. No grinding, heating, or mechanical stress occurs during normal use that would generate particulate concern.
Heavy metals
Mineral salts in the formulation are water-soluble and do not bioaccumulate. At typical household dilution and discharge volumes, environmental buildup is not documented as a concern for this product class.
Source, FDA ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Seventh Generation is majority-owned by Unilever but maintains a public commitment to ingredient transparency and third-party PFAS certification. The brand publishes full ingredient lists and has undergone independent verification for PFAS-free formulation (graded Excellent, 100/100). No significant product recalls, contamination incidents, or undisclosed ingredient controversies have been reported for this specific cleaner. Brand marketing claims align with verifiable certifications rather than unsubstantiated 'green' language.
How it compares in its category
Most conventional all-purpose cleaners rely on synthetic surfactants and frequently contain fragrance allergens or undisclosed fragrance chemicals; Seventh Generation avoids this. Plant-derived surfactants are more expensive to produce, which is reflected in higher per-ounce cost versus mass-market brands. Efficacy on grease or heavy soil is typically lower than surfactant-boosted products, requiring slightly longer dwell time or more product. The PFAS-free status is a material advantage over many commercial cleaners, which may contain fluorinated compounds in wax or polish additives.
If you buy it
Dilute with water as directed on label; undiluted concentrate contact with skin or eyes should be rinsed immediately, though plant surfactants are milder than industrial alternatives. Store in original container away from extreme heat (above 85 degrees F risks emulsion breakdown) and out of reach of children. Shelf life is typically 2-3 years unopened; discard if the product separates or develops odor after opening. No special disposal concerns beyond standard municipal wastewater; rinse containers and recycle or dispose per local guidelines.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 88% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- Independent test found none
- Brand statement
- Seventh Generation has made a specific claim
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
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.