What the EWG Carpet Cleaner Ratings Mean for Your Home
EWG carpet cleaner ratings are a fast, reliable way to find out if your floor cleaner is actually safe — or secretly harmful. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) rates over 40 carpet cleaners on a scale from A (safest) to F (most hazardous), based on ingredient transparency and toxicity data.
Here are the top EWG-rated carpet cleaners to know about:
| Product | EWG Grade |
|---|---|
| Simple Green Naturals Carpet Care | A |
| Fit Organic Laundry & Carpet Stain Remover | A |
| Martha Stewart Clean Carpet Stain Remover | A |
| KisClean Carpet Cleaner | B |
| biokleen Carpet & Rug Shampoo | B |
| Bissell 2X Advanced Formula (most variants) | D |
| Woolite carpet cleaners | F |
| RESOLVE Carpet Spot Cleaner | D |
Most homeowners assume popular brands like Woolite or Bissell are safe. But according to EWG’s database, many of these products score D or F — raising concerns about skin irritation, respiratory issues, and even cancer risk.
Meanwhile, plant-based options like Simple Green Naturals score an A — and they still clean effectively.
The difference often comes down to two things: what’s in the formula and how honestly the brand discloses it.
I’m marlen, and I’ve spent years researching non-toxic home cleaning products — including diving deep into ewg carpet cleaner ratings to help families make safer, smarter choices. In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly which products to trust and which to skip.
Understanding the EWG Carpet Cleaner Rating System
When we look at a bottle of carpet shampoo, we usually see claims like “tough on stains” or “fresh scent.” What we don’t always see is a clear list of chemicals that could affect our health. That’s where the ewg carpet cleaner database comes in. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) acts as a scientific watchdog, peeling back the label to see what’s really inside.
The EWG uses a “weight-of-evidence” approach. This means they don’t just look at one ingredient in isolation; they look at the entire formulation and how those chemicals interact with human health and the environment. They pull data from government toxicity databases, scientific literature, and the companies’ own disclosures.
One of the biggest factors in a product’s grade is ingredient transparency. If a company lists “surfactants” or “fragrance” without saying what those actually are, the EWG penalizes them. Why? Because “fragrance” can be a cocktail of hundreds of undisclosed chemicals, some of which are linked to hormone disruption or allergies.
To help you navigate the EWG’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning | Floor Care, here is a breakdown of what those grades actually signify:
| Criteria | Grade A (Highest) | Grade F (Lowest) |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredient Disclosure | Full and specific disclosure of all ingredients. | Poor or non-specific disclosure (e.g., “fragrance”). |
| Health Risks | Low to no concern for cancer or toxicity. | High concern for respiratory, skin, or reproductive health. |
| Environmental Impact | Biodegradable; safe for aquatic life. | High aquatic toxicity; persistent in the environment. |
| Certifications | Often EWG VERIFIED® or Green Seal. | No third-party safety certifications. |
What Does EWG VERIFIED® Mean for Your Floors?
You might notice a special seal on some products: the EWG VERIFIED® mark. This is the gold standard of the ewg carpet cleaner universe. While an “A” rating is excellent, being “Verified” means the company has gone a step further.
To earn this seal, a product must avoid all ingredients on EWG’s “unacceptable” list and meet strict criteria for transparency. It means the manufacturer has shared their full manufacturing processes and confirmed that their products are free from contaminants. When you see this on a carpet stain prevention product, you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing it has undergone a rigorous scientific review.
How to Use the EWG Carpet Cleaner App
We live in a busy world, and standing in the cleaning aisle reading tiny fonts isn’t exactly a hobby for most of us. This is where the EWG Healthy Living App becomes your best friend. You can scan the barcode of a carpet cleaner right in the store to see its hazard rating instantly.
If the product you’re holding has a “D” or “F,” the app will often suggest cleaner alternatives. This mobile research tool empowers us to make better decisions on the fly. For more ways to keep your home green, check out our eco-friendly-carpet-cleaning-tips to complement your choice of non-toxic shampoos.
Top-Rated Non-Toxic Carpet Shampoos (Grades A & B)
Finding a high-performing, low-hazard ewg carpet cleaner used to be like finding a needle in a haystack. Today, there are several fantastic options that prove you don’t need harsh chemicals to get rid of that red wine spill or muddy paw prints.
Top A-Rated EWG Carpet Cleaner Options
The “A” list is reserved for the best of the best. These products typically use plant-based surfactants (cleansing agents) and natural minerals instead of petroleum-based chemicals.
- Simple Green Naturals Carpet Care: This product stands out for its stellar “A” rating. It uses ingredients derived from plants and minerals, avoiding the synthetic dyes and heavy fragrances that plague other brands.
- Fit Organic Laundry & Carpet Stain Remover: Another “A” student, Fit Organic is known for its very high ingredient transparency. It’s a great choice for spot treating.
- Martha Stewart Clean Carpet Stain Remover: Don’t let the lifestyle branding fool you; this formula is scientifically sound, earning an “A” for its low hazard profile.
These products are proof that “non-toxic” doesn’t mean “doesn’t work.” By using plant-derived surfactants, they break down oils and dirt without leaving behind residues that can trigger asthma or irritate skin.
Biokleen Carpet & Rug Shampoo: A Deep Dive
If you’re looking for a heavy-duty solution for a carpet cleaning machine, biokleen Carpet & Rug Shampoo is a top contender with an overall Grade B.
What makes Biokleen stand out is its concentrated formula. It uses grapefruit seed extract and plant-based surfactants to tackle deep-seated dirt. According to the Biokleen Cleaner Rating, the product is highly rated for its disclosure.
However, it’s important to note that even within a “B” rated product, the EWG highlights some minor concerns. For Biokleen, some ingredients have low-level concerns for aquatic toxicity and skin irritation. This is why it’s a “B” and not an “A,” but it remains significantly safer than 90% of the products on the market. You can find it easily through an Amazon Search for Biokleen Carpet & Rug Shampoo.
Why Popular Brands Often Fail the EWG Carpet Cleaner Test
It can be a bit of a shock to see household names like Bissell, Woolite, and RESOLVE scoring so poorly in the ewg carpet cleaner database. We grew up with these brands, but the EWG’s scientific analysis tells a different story.
Health and Environmental Concerns of Low-Rated Products
Why do these brands fail? It usually boils down to a few key “red flag” ingredients and poor disclosure.
- Bissell: Many Bissell formulations, like the 2X Advanced Formula, receive a Grade D. The concerns here often involve ingredients linked to developmental and reproductive toxicity. For example, their Pet Pro OXY Stain Destroyer even hit a Grade F due to high hazard scores for specific chemicals.
- Woolite: This brand consistently struggles, with products like the Woolite Heavy Traffic Carpet Cleaner receiving an F. The EWG points to high concerns for skin allergies and irritation, as well as moderate concerns for cancer risks based on the ingredients used.
- RESOLVE: Many RESOLVE products score C or D. The Woolite Carpet Stain & Odor Remover Rating also sits at an F due to poor disclosure of surfactants and the presence of synthetic fragrances.
The “F” grade isn’t just a slap on the wrist. It represents products containing ingredients that are known asthma triggers, potential carcinogens, or toxic to aquatic life when they eventually wash down the drain.
The Difference Between Cleaners and Stain Protectors
It’s also worth noting the difference in ratings between cleaners and protectors. According to the EWG’s Guide to Carpet Stain Prevention, stain protectors often score even worse than shampoos.
These products are designed to coat the carpet fibers in a chemical shield to repel liquids. Unfortunately, those coatings often involve “forever chemicals” (PFAS) or other persistent resins that stay in your home’s dust and air for years. While 4 out of 21 prevention products rated by EWG scored an “A” (like Fit Organic), many others from big-name brands languish in the “D” category.
Choosing Safer Ingredients for Your Home
When we choose a carpet cleaner, we aren’t just cleaning a floor; we are setting the stage for where our children crawl and our pets nap. Understanding which ingredients to look for — and which to avoid — is key to a healthy home.
Avoiding Hidden Hazards in Fragrances and Preservatives
The word “fragrance” on a label is often a mask for phthalates, which are linked to hormone disruption. Similarly, preservatives like methylisothiazolinone (often found in “D” and “F” rated cleaners) are potent skin allergens.
Instead, look for:
- Plant-based surfactants: Derived from coconut or corn.
- Natural Enzymes: These “eat” organic stains like pet urine without using harsh acids.
- Essential Oils: If you want a scent, look for products that use pure essential oils rather than “fragrance.”
To ensure your products are truly ethical, look for the Leaping Bunny Certification or check the PETA Cruelty-Free List. These certifications ensure that no animals were harmed in the testing of your cleaning products. For a quick refresh between deep cleans, you can also check out our quick-guide-to-eco-friendly-carpet-fresheners.
Frequently Asked Questions about EWG Carpet Cleaner Ratings
Which carpet cleaner has the highest EWG rating?
Currently, Simple Green Naturals Carpet Care and Fit Organic Laundry & Carpet Stain Remover hold the coveted Grade A rating. These products offer the best balance of ingredient transparency and safety.
Why do some “green” cleaners receive a Grade F?
This is a classic case of “greenwashing.” Some products use natural-sounding names or green packaging but still contain undisclosed “natural enzymes” or “plant-derived surfactants” that the EWG cannot verify as safe. If a company doesn’t provide a full, specific ingredient list, the EWG cannot give them a passing grade. A prime example is Earthworm Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner, which received an F primarily due to poor ingredient disclosure.
Are EWG VERIFIED® carpet cleaners safe for pets?
Generally, yes. Because EWG VERIFIED® products must meet the strictest standards for health and toxicity, they are significantly safer for pets who spend their time close to the floor. However, always ensure the carpet is completely dry before letting your furry friends back into the room, as even natural soaps can sometimes cause mild stomach upset if licked.
Conclusion
At MoneyFinPro, we believe that a clean home shouldn’t come at the cost of your family’s health. Navigating ewg carpet cleaner ratings might seem daunting at first, but it’s one of the most impactful steps you can take toward a non-toxic lifestyle. By swapping out those “F” rated bottles for safer, plant-based alternatives, you’re reducing the chemical load in your home and protecting the environment.
Ready to take the next step in your green living journey? Start your journey to a sustainable home today and discover more ways to live healthily and responsibly. Your rugs—and your lungs—will thank you!
