Zum All-Purpose Cleaner
Lower concern; plant-based cleaner without PFAS-prone coatings.
Zum All-Purpose Cleaner is a liquid cleaner made with plant-based ingredients and essential oils. No PFAS-prone coatings, treatments, or known PFAS detection in public literature.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Plant-based surfactants, essential oils, water
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Zum All-Purpose Cleaner is made of, ingredients and materials
Zum All-Purpose Cleaner is formulated with plant-based surfactants, essential oils, and water as its primary active ingredients. Plant-derived surfactants (typically from sources like coconut or corn) are designed to break down oils and grime without synthetic detergent residues. This formulation avoids chlorinated compounds, ammonia, and petroleum-derived surfactants common in conventional all-purpose cleaners, which reduces exposure to volatile organic compounds and persistent chemical residues on surfaces.
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.
Essential oil skin irritation or sensitization
Plant-based cleaner contains essential oils, which can cause allergic contact dermatitis or skin irritation in sensitive individuals with repeated or prolonged exposure. This is a known property of essential oils and not specific to Zum, but concentration and specific oils used are not detailed on typical retail labels.
Eye or mucous membrane irritation
Plant-based surfactants are milder than synthetic detergents but can still cause irritation if splashed into eyes or ingested; no specific adverse event reports for Zum are on record, but standard precautions apply as with any cleaner.
Inhalation of essential oil vapors
Use in poorly ventilated spaces may lead to inhaled essential oil compounds; risk is lower than with VOC-heavy synthetic cleaners, but individuals with respiratory sensitivity or asthma should ensure adequate airflow.
Microbial growth if concentrate remains in spray bottle
Plant-based formulations without synthetic preservatives may support bacterial or mold growth if diluted concentrate is stored in an open or damp container for extended periods; typical storage best practice is to use within recommended timeframe and keep cap sealed.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Degradation or residue buildup on porous surfaces
No specific record of surface damage or incompatibility with common household materials (tile, stone, laminate, wood). Plant-based surfactants are generally rinsable and do not leave hardened film typical of some conventional cleaners, but performance on delicate or waxed finishes is not detailed in available literature.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Zum is known for plant-based personal care and home cleaning products marketed toward eco-conscious consumers. The brand does not publicly disclose PFAS testing or stance despite the product category having lower inherent PFAS risk. No recalls, safety violations, or toxicology controversies are on record for this product. Ingredient transparency on labels is typical for the brand, though third-party certifications (such as EPA Safer Choice or Green Seal) are not consistently held across their product line.
How it compares in its category
Plant-based all-purpose cleaners like Zum occupy a lower-hazard segment compared to conventional petroleum-based or chlorinated alternatives (e.g., Lysol, Clorox). This product avoids high VOC emissions and synthetic surfactant buildup that typical multipurpose cleaners leave behind. Trade-offs include potentially lower disinfection capability and efficacy on heavy grease or mold, which may require longer contact time or higher concentration than synthetic formulations.
If you buy it
Use diluted or concentrate as directed on the label; plant-based surfactants are mild and skin contact is low-risk but not risk-free for prolonged exposure or ingestion. Store in a cool, dry location away from sunlight to preserve essential oil integrity; exposure to heat or direct light may cause component separation or odor changes over time. Do not mix with other cleaners (especially bleach or ammonia products) as this negates the safety profile and can produce hazardous vapors. Plant-based formulations are generally low concern for food-contact surfaces when rinsed thoroughly; no special precautions beyond standard cleaner use are needed.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Zum has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to Zum All-Purpose Cleaner?
- Hypochlorous acid electrochemical solution
- A third party reports verifying it as PFAS-free
- Oxidizer / skin and eye irritation
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- 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.
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