Ask an Expert FAQs

Knowing the facts is the basis of effective cleaning.

Here you will find a list of common cleaning questions and the answers from experts.

If you have a specific question that isn’t covered here, please contact us.

Endocrine disruptors

What are endocrine disruptors exactly?

Could endocrine disruptors adversely affect people?

Are there endocrine disruptors in my cleaning products?

How do we identify ‘endocrine disruptors’ so we can control our exposure to them?

Do I need to worry about my total dose of ‘endocrine disruptors’?

What are ‘endocrine disruptors’ and are they in my cleaning products?

Cleaning products – what they are how they work

How do cleaning products work?

What’s in my cleaning product?

Safe Cleaning

Do I need to choose a ‘green’ or ‘eco’ brand to clean safely?

Do I need to choose a natural product to clean safely?

Do I need biodegradable products to be safe for the environment?

Should I go back to traditional or home-made products to clean safely?

Cleaning for health

Are cleaning products and ingredients harmful to health?

Do anti-bacterial and disinfectant products promote the spread of superbugs?

Do anti-bacterial products really work?

Does being clean weaken our immunity so we become more prone to infection?

Don’t anti-bacterial products and disinfectants contain biocides that can harm people and the environment?

Can antibacterial ingredients affect resistance to antibiotics?

Are the enzymes in ‘biological’ laundry detergents a source of skin rashes?

Sustainable Cleaning

Don’t I need a biodegradable product to clean sustainably?

Don’t I need to choose a natural product to clean sustainably?

Shouldn’t I look for a product made from renewable raw material

Do I need to choose a ‘green’ or ‘eco’ brand to clean safely?

Should I go back to traditional or home-made products to clean safely?

Animal testing

Are cleaning products tested on animals?

Contact the UKCPI on ukcpi@ukcpi.org or call 07843 199397.