Learn the secret about Mrs. Meyer's 'natural' claims. Check out this simple solution for truly non-toxic and clean ingredients.
*This post may contain affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Non Toxic Body Approved ✪
✔︎ Ingredient Quality
7.91
✔︎ Results
8.23
✔︎ Enjoyment
9.45
✔︎ Value
9.45
✔︎ Sustainability
7.78
Our ratings are powered by advanced AI that synthesizes insights from a wide range of sources.
Water, Decyl Glucoside, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Citrate, Glycerin, Fragrance (including essential oils), Citric Acid, Preservatives (e.g., Methylisothiazolinone). (Varies by scent.)
*Ingredients may change. Please verify ingredients on product packaging.
Mrs. Meyer's Multi-Surface Cleaner is highly praised for its array of strong, garden-inspired scents, making cleaning a more enjoyable experience for many users. The product is generally viewed as an effective daily cleaner for non-porous surfaces like countertops and floors, though some users find its cleaning power 'mid' for heavy grease or stuck-on messes, sometimes leaving a slight residue. While the brand is considered a less-toxic alternative to conventional cleaners, ingredient scrutiny reveals the presence of preservatives and undisclosed fragrance components, which raise some concerns for the most conscious consumers. The concentrate format is frequently noted for its excellent long-term value.
Mrs. Meyer's cleaning products line the shelves of nearly every major retailer, marketed as a natural, garden-inspired alternative to harsh chemical cleaners. The cheerful packaging and essential oil scents promise a healthier home, but you're right to question whether "natural" automatically means non-toxic. With increasing awareness about hidden chemicals in everyday products, understanding what's really in your cleaning supplies matters more than ever.
This comprehensive review digs beneath the marketing to examine whether Mrs. Meyer's is truly non-toxic. You'll discover the science behind the ingredients, learn which components raise red flags, and understand how this popular brand compares to genuinely clean alternatives. We'll explore real user experiences, safety concerns for families with children, and whether the "natural" label delivers on its promises. If you're working to reduce toxins in your home, this honest assessment will help you make an informed decision about Mrs. Meyer's place in your cleaning routine.
Mrs. Meyer's was founded on the idea that cleaning products could be effective while incorporating plant-derived ingredients and essential oils. The brand positions itself as aromatherapeutic and inspired by the garden, creating a wholesome image. Thelma A. Meyer, the fictional founder's namesake, represents traditional homemaking values. This nostalgic marketing appeals to consumers seeking gentler cleaning options.
The promise centers on plant-derived ingredients and essential oil fragrances. Mrs. Meyer's claims to avoid harsh chemicals like parabens, phthalates, and chlorine bleach. The colorful labels highlight ingredients like lavender, lemon verbena, and basil. This garden-to-bottle narrative suggests purity and simplicity that resonates with health-conscious shoppers.
However, "plant-derived" doesn't automatically equal safe or non-toxic. Many concerning ingredients start with plant materials but undergo extensive chemical processing. The scientific reality is more complex than the charming packaging suggests. Understanding what's actually in these cleaners requires looking beyond the natural marketing.
Mrs. Meyer's products contain a mixture of plant-derived and synthetic ingredients. Most formulas include water, essential oils for fragrance, and various surfactants for cleaning power. The specific ingredients vary by product line, but certain components appear consistently across their range. Sodium methyl 2-sulfolaurate and lauryl glucoside serve as primary cleaning agents.
Preservatives like methylisothiazolinone and benzisothiazolinone appear in many Mrs. Meyer's formulas. These synthetic preservatives prevent bacterial growth in the bottles. While effective at preservation, they're known allergens and skin sensitizers. The Environmental Working Group rates these ingredients as high concern for allergies and immunotoxicity. This contradicts the natural, gentle image.
Fragrance is another concerning ingredient. Even though Mrs. Meyer's uses essential oils, they also include undisclosed "fragrance" components. Federal regulations don't require companies to disclose fragrance ingredients, which can contain dozens of synthetic chemicals. These hidden ingredients may include phthalates and other hormone disruptors despite claims otherwise. The lack of transparency around fragrance undermines trust.
The cleaning mechanism relies on surfactants that break down grease and dirt. Surfactants reduce water's surface tension, allowing it to penetrate and lift away grime. Mrs. Meyer's uses both plant-derived surfactants like lauryl glucoside and synthetic options. These work together to provide cleaning power comparable to conventional products. The essential oils add pleasant scent but contribute minimally to cleaning.
The science shows these cleaners work effectively for everyday messes. Surfactants surround oil and dirt particles, allowing them to be rinsed away. This fundamental cleaning chemistry works whether ingredients are plant-derived or fully synthetic. The question isn't whether Mrs. Meyer's cleans—it's whether the formula is genuinely non-toxic as implied by natural marketing.
Testing Mrs. Meyer's products across various household surfaces reveals solid performance for everyday cleaning. The dish soap cuts through grease on plates and pans reasonably well, though not as powerfully as conventional Dawn. You'll notice the pleasant essential oil scent during use, which dissipates fairly quickly. The formula creates moderate suds without being overly bubbly.
The multi-surface cleaner handles kitchen counters, bathroom sinks, and general messes adequately. For light to moderate dirt, it performs comparably to other spray cleaners. However, tough baked-on kitchen grime or soap scum requires more scrubbing effort. This natural cleaner works best for regular maintenance rather than deep cleaning challenges.
The signature feature of Mrs. Meyer's is the essential oil-based scents. Popular varieties like Lavender, Lemon Verbena, and Basil create distinct aromatic experiences. Some users love the spa-like feeling these fragrances provide. Others find them overpowering, especially in smaller spaces with limited ventilation. The scent intensity varies between product lines and fragrance options.
For people with chemical sensitivities, reactions to Mrs. Meyer's are mixed. While some tolerate the essential oil fragrances better than synthetic scents, others report headaches or respiratory irritation. The undisclosed fragrance ingredients likely contribute to these reactions. This variability in tolerance suggests the formula isn't as gentle as marketed.
The dish soap has a pleasant, slightly thicker consistency than water-thin formulas. It spreads easily on sponges and creates enough foam for satisfying dishwashing. Your hands don't feel stripped or overly dry immediately after use. However, with repeated exposure throughout the day, some dryness occurs despite moisturizing claims.
Spray cleaners dispense smoothly with good coverage. The liquid doesn't run immediately, giving you time to wipe surfaces. No sticky residue remains after cleaning, which is a positive. The overall feel during use is similar to conventional cleaners—nothing dramatically different in texture or application despite the natural positioning.
Amazon reviews for Mrs. Meyer's products average 4 to 4.5 stars, indicating general satisfaction. Positive reviewers praise the pleasant scents and adequate cleaning power. Many appreciate finding these cleaners at mainstream stores rather than specialty retailers. The accessible price point compared to premium natural brands also earns approval.
Critical reviews consistently mention skin irritation, allergic reactions, and disappointing cleaning performance on tough jobs. Reddit discussions about Mrs. Meyer's often question whether it's truly non-toxic. Users researching clean ingredients express disappointment upon discovering problematic preservatives and undisclosed fragrance components. The gap between marketing and actual formula ingredients frustrates health-conscious consumers.
Mrs. Meyer's delivers acceptable cleaning results for routine household tasks. The essential oil scents create a pleasant experience for those who tolerate them well. However, cleaning performance doesn't exceed conventional cleaners despite premium pricing. For genuinely tough cleaning challenges, you'll likely reach for something stronger. This natural cleaner works adequately but doesn't wow.
Understanding the difference between natural and non-toxic is crucial when evaluating Mrs. Meyer's. Natural simply means ingredients originate from plant, mineral, or animal sources. It says nothing about safety or processing. Poison ivy is natural, but you wouldn't want it in your cleaning products. The natural label lacks regulatory definition in cleaning products.
Non-toxic means a substance doesn't cause harm at normal exposure levels. Truly non-toxic cleaners contain ingredients with excellent safety profiles for human health and the environment. Mrs. Meyer's markets itself as natural but never explicitly claims to be non-toxic. This careful wording protects the company from scrutiny while allowing consumers to assume safety.
The most concerning ingredient in many Mrs. Meyer's products is methylisothiazolinone (MIT). This synthetic preservative causes allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. European regulations restrict its use due to safety concerns. The concentration in Mrs. Meyer's falls within legal limits, but "legal" doesn't mean ideal for health-conscious consumers seeking chemical-free alternatives.
Benzisothiazolinone (BIT) appears alongside MIT in some formulas. This preservative also triggers skin sensitization and allergic reactions. Together, these isothiazolinone preservatives contradict the gentle, natural image Mrs. Meyer's cultivates. For individuals avoiding synthetic chemicals, their presence is a dealbreaker regardless of the plant-derived surfactants.
Undisclosed fragrance ingredients represent another transparency issue. The term "fragrance" on labels can hide hundreds of chemicals, including phthalates, synthetic musks, and allergens. While Mrs. Meyer's emphasizes essential oil content, they don't fully disclose all fragrance components. This lack of transparency prevents truly informed consumer decisions about these cleaners.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) rates Mrs. Meyer's products inconsistently. Some receive moderate scores (C or D), while others score worse due to preservative concerns. No Mrs. Meyer's product achieves an A rating from EWG. The organization specifically flags fragrance, MIT, and BIT as problematic ingredients. These ratings contradict the natural, safer alternative positioning.
Think Dirty, another product safety app, similarly gives Mrs. Meyer's moderate to concerning ratings. The app highlights allergen risks and lack of ingredient transparency. For consumers using these tools to avoid toxic chemicals, Mrs. Meyer's doesn't meet clean standards. The natural marketing doesn't align with independent safety assessments.
Genuinely non-toxic cleaning brands like Branch Basics, ECOS, or Blueland avoid problematic preservatives entirely. They use safer alternatives like sodium benzoate or potassium sorbate. These brands provide complete ingredient transparency, including all fragrance components. They pursue third-party certifications like EWG Verified or Made Safe to prove their clean credentials.
Mrs. Meyer's falls into a middle category: better than conventional cleaners like Clorox or Ajax, but far from truly clean brands. The natural cleaner positioning creates an illusion of safety without delivering on that promise. For consumers serious about reducing toxic exposure, Mrs. Meyer's doesn't meet the standard despite being widely available and affordable.
When young children are in your home, every product safety concern magnifies. Kids touch everything, put hands in mouths, and have developing immune systems. Mrs. Meyer's products aren't specifically formulated for child safety despite the wholesome marketing. The preservatives that cause adult skin reactions can trigger worse responses in children with sensitive skin.
The fragrance intensity in Mrs. Meyer's may overwhelm children's developing respiratory systems. Essential oils, while natural, can be irritating at high concentrations. Some essential oils aren't recommended for young children at all. The undisclosed fragrance components pose unknown risks for kids. Truly child-safe cleaners would avoid heavy fragrances altogether.
Pregnant women and those trying to conceive should be especially cautious about chemical exposures. The undisclosed fragrance ingredients in Mrs. Meyer's potentially include hormone disruptors. Even small exposures to endocrine-disrupting chemicals matter during pregnancy and fetal development. The lack of complete ingredient disclosure makes informed decision-making impossible for expectant mothers.
Essential oils themselves require caution during pregnancy. Certain oils can affect hormone levels or uterine contractions. While the concentrations in cleaning products are lower than therapeutic doses, cumulative exposure matters. A truly pregnancy-safe cleaner would use minimal fragrances and complete transparency about all ingredients, which Mrs. Meyer's doesn't provide.
People with chemical sensitivities, asthma, or allergies often react to Mrs. Meyer's despite its natural positioning. The MIT and BIT preservatives are known allergens that trigger reactions ranging from skin rashes to respiratory symptoms. Essential oils themselves can cause allergic responses in sensitive individuals. The combination creates multiple potential trigger points for reactive people.
Reddit threads about Mrs. Meyer's frequently mention allergic reactions and headaches. Users with multiple chemical sensitivity consistently report negative reactions to these cleaners. The natural ingredients don't protect sensitive individuals from adverse effects. In fact, the heavy fragrances may cause more problems than unscented synthetic cleaners for some people.
For families with children, pregnant members, or chemically sensitive individuals, truly clean alternatives perform better:
These brands prioritize safety over sensory experience. They avoid problematic preservatives and fully disclose ingredients. For vulnerable family members, the extra cost or reduced availability is worth the genuine non-toxic formulation. Mrs. Meyer's simply doesn't meet the safety standards necessary for these households.
Mrs. Meyer's is widely available at Target, Walmart, grocery stores, and online retailers like Amazon. This accessibility is a major selling point—you don't need specialty stores for these natural cleaners. Prices are consistent across retailers, with occasional sales and promotions. The mainstream availability makes trying Mrs. Meyer's convenient for most consumers.
A 16-ounce bottle of Mrs. Meyer's dish soap typically costs $4 to $5. Multi-surface cleaners in 16-ounce spray bottles run $4 to $6. Hand soap refills cost around $8 for 33 ounces. These prices position Mrs. Meyer's as a premium option compared to conventional cleaners but affordable relative to truly natural brands.
Calculating the actual cost per use reveals whether Mrs. Meyer's provides good value. The dish soap requires similar amounts to conventional brands—about a teaspoon per sink of dishes. A 16-ounce bottle provides approximately 50-60 dishwashing sessions. This works out to $0.08-$0.10 per use, which is reasonable but not exceptional.
Multi-surface spray cleaners cost approximately $0.15-$0.20 per use based on typical spraying for counter cleaning. A bottle lasts about a month with regular household use. Monthly spending on Mrs. Meyer's for basic cleaning supplies runs $15 to $25 for an average household. This exceeds conventional cleaner costs but falls below premium natural brands.
The question becomes whether Mrs. Meyer's delivers value proportional to its premium price. You're paying extra for natural marketing, pleasant essential oil scents, and plant-derived ingredients. However, you're not getting truly non-toxic formulas or complete ingredient transparency. The value proposition weakens when compared to genuinely clean alternatives at similar or slightly higher prices.
If you prioritize pleasant scents and moderate improvements over conventional cleaners, Mrs. Meyer's offers decent value. For consumers specifically seeking non-toxic products to reduce family chemical exposure, the value disappears. You're paying premium prices without receiving premium safety. Better alternatives exist at comparable costs.
Over a year, a household might spend $200-$300 on Mrs. Meyer's cleaning products. This investment should deliver meaningful health benefits to justify the premium over conventional brands. However, the problematic preservatives and undisclosed fragrances mean you're not truly reducing toxic exposure despite higher spending. The long-term value diminishes when health outcomes don't improve.
Truly clean alternatives might cost 10-20% more annually but deliver genuine non-toxic formulations. That incremental cost difference provides actual health value. Mrs. Meyer's occupies an uncomfortable middle ground: too expensive to justify with conventional-quality ingredients, not clean enough to justify premium natural pricing. The value proposition simply doesn't hold up under scrutiny.
Method positions itself similarly to Mrs. Meyer's—natural-looking, pleasant-scented, and widely available. Both brands target mainstream consumers seeking gentler cleaning options. Method also uses plant-derived surfactants and essential oil fragrances. Pricing is comparable, with Method sometimes slightly cheaper. The aesthetic differences are notable: Method favors modern, minimalist design while Mrs. Meyer's embraces country charm.
Ingredient-wise, Method generally performs better in safety ratings. They avoid the problematic isothiazolinone preservatives that concern experts about Mrs. Meyer's. Method uses safer alternatives like phenoxyethanol. They're also a Certified B Corporation with stronger environmental commitments. For consumers weighing these natural cleaner options, Method edges ahead on ingredients despite similar marketing approaches.
Neither brand achieves truly clean status, but Method makes better choices on problematic ingredients. The cleaning performance is essentially equivalent—both handle everyday tasks adequately without excelling. If choosing between these two mainstream natural brands, Method's better preservative choices and environmental certifications make it the wiser pick despite similar limitations.
Branch Basics represents a genuinely non-toxic alternative that makes Mrs. Meyer's shortcomings obvious. Branch Basics uses a concentrated formula with just six ingredients: water, plant-based surfactant, chamomile, and essential oils. No preservatives are needed because you dilute concentrate immediately before use. Complete ingredient transparency leaves no questions about hidden chemicals.
The trade-offs are significant. Branch Basics costs considerably more upfront—a starter kit runs $75-$85 versus $20-$30 for comparable Mrs. Meyer's products. You must dilute concentrate yourself rather than using ready-made formulas. The scent options are minimal, and you won't find Branch Basics at Target. These accessibility and convenience factors favor Mrs. Meyer's for many consumers.
However, for health-conscious families serious about eliminating toxins, Branch Basics delivers what Mrs. Meyer's only markets. The ingredient quality justifies the higher cost for those prioritizing genuine non-toxic cleaning. Mrs. Meyer's can't compete on safety despite being more convenient. The comparison highlights that Mrs. Meyer's serves consumers wanting to feel healthier without fully committing to clean living.
Compared to conventional brands like Ajax, Comet, or Clorox, Mrs. Meyer's does offer improvements. The plant-derived surfactants and essential oil fragrances create a more pleasant experience than harsh chemical scents. Mrs. Meyer's avoids chlorine bleach, phosphates, and some other concerning conventional ingredients. For someone transitioning from conventional cleaners, Mrs. Meyer's represents a step toward natural products.
The price difference is significant—Mrs. Meyer's costs two to three times more than conventional alternatives. Cleaning performance is often inferior, especially for tough jobs. You're paying premium prices for incremental improvements and better marketing. If budget is the primary concern, conventional cleaners provide better value. If health is the priority, Mrs. Meyer's doesn't go far enough to justify the premium.
Mrs. Meyer's occupies a middle ground that serves consumers wanting easy, accessible improvements without major lifestyle changes. It's better than conventional but falls short of truly clean. Method offers similar positioning with slightly better ingredients. Branch Basics and other genuinely non-toxic brands provide real health benefits at higher costs. Your choice depends on priorities: convenience and accessibility favor Mrs. Meyer's, while health and transparency demand alternatives.
The brand succeeds at making natural cleaning products accessible and appealing to mainstream consumers. You can find Mrs. Meyer's anywhere, from Target to your local grocery store. This availability democratizes access to plant-derived cleaning products beyond specialty health stores. The essential oil-based scents create pleasant sensory experiences that make cleaning less of a chore.
Mrs. Meyer's does avoid some problematic ingredients found in conventional cleaners. There's no chlorine bleach, phosphates, or ammonia in their formulas. The plant-derived surfactants reduce petroleum dependence compared to fully synthetic cleaners. For consumers beginning to explore natural alternatives, Mrs. Meyer's provides an easy entry point without overwhelming changes or hard-to-find products.
Key Strengths:
The fundamental problem is that natural marketing doesn't match the actual ingredient safety profile. Problematic preservatives like methylisothiazolinone and benzisothiazolinone contradict the gentle, natural image. These synthetic chemicals cause allergic reactions and receive poor ratings from independent safety organizations. The inclusion of undisclosed fragrance ingredients further undermines transparency and trust.
Mrs. Meyer's isn't truly non-toxic despite marketing that encourages this assumption. The brand occupies an uncomfortable middle ground—too expensive to compete with conventional cleaners, not clean enough to satisfy health-conscious consumers seeking genuine toxin reduction. For families with children, pregnant women, or chemically sensitive individuals, Mrs. Meyer's doesn't provide the safety necessary despite premium pricing.
Significant Limitations:
Mrs. Meyer's works for consumers seeking incremental improvements without major commitments. If you love essential oil scents and want something more natural-feeling than conventional cleaners, these products deliver that experience. For households without specific health concerns, allergies, or chemical sensitivities, Mrs. Meyer's provides adequate cleaning with pleasant fragrances. The convenience of mainstream availability matters to busy families.
However, if you're genuinely working to reduce toxic exposure, Mrs. Meyer's isn't the answer. The natural cleaner positioning creates false confidence about ingredient safety. For families with young children, pregnant members, or individuals with allergies and sensitivities, the problematic preservatives and undisclosed fragrances pose unacceptable risks. The premium price doesn't deliver premium safety in these situations.
Mrs. Meyer's represents successful marketing more than meaningful health improvements. While better than conventional cleaners in some ways, it doesn't deliver the non-toxic formula health-conscious consumers need. The natural positioning is misleading given problematic synthetic preservatives and lack of complete transparency. If you're serious about reducing toxins, invest slightly more in genuinely clean brands.
For those prioritizing convenience and pleasant scents over rigorous ingredient safety, Mrs. Meyer's serves adequately. Just understand what you're actually getting—a pleasant experience with some natural ingredients, not a truly non-toxic cleaning solution. The brand fills a market niche but doesn't earn a recommendation for families prioritizing health. Consider Method for slightly better formulations at similar prices, or commit to genuinely clean brands like Branch Basics or ECOS for real toxin reduction. Mrs. Meyer's charming packaging and garden-fresh marketing shouldn't distract from ingredient reality.
*AI Disclosure: This article was developed with the assistance of AI language models, which aided in research, drafting, and/or editing. We strive for accuracy, but AI-generated content can occasionally contain errors. We recommend you double-check and verify information before making decisions based on this content.
