Are your household cleaners gluten-free? Does it matter?
Categories: Gluten Free 101, News
Tags: , Cleaning Solutions, Cross Contamination, Dish Detergent, Dish Soap, Household Cleaners, Laundry Detergent
The holidays are a crazy time for everyone, and now that January is here (ok, it’s already mid-January, but I’m doing the best I can!), I am hoping that I can make serious headway into the stacks of papers covering my desk. I got a new computer (mine was threatening to die at any moment) and two giant (to me) monitors, so I thought I was set – ready to tackle the backlog of work and resolved to have a clean desk!
Did I mention we also got 2 kittens for Christmas? Yeah.
So, one or the other of them is now on my lap, lying across my typing arms, and the other is invariably sitting smack dab in the middle of my desk, right in front of my monitor! Not the picture of efficiency I’d envisioned, but at least someone’s happy!
Well, all this brings me to one of these stacks of paper — one I’ve been working on for awhile and could never seem to get all the way through. I picked the stack to tackle after I read a recent post from my friend Linda over at The Gluten-Free Homemaker, challenging everyone to do a really thorough cleaning of their kitchens.
I had started a post to answer questions on gluten-free cleaning agents last year, but had never gotten around to finishing it, so I figured, I’m leaving on a plane in a few hours and haven’t packed, so this is the perfect time to scratch this off my to-do list, right?
A few readers have inquired about rumors they’d heard that dishwashing detergent contains gluten. This could be serious, as you know, for anyone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. I’m not so concerned if there was gluten in my laundry detergent, as I don’t typically lick my clothes, but my forks? Yes. (Note- if you are gluten sensitive or have other allergies, you could have issues with gluten-containing soaps, shampoo, laundry detergent, lotions and the like – you’ll know because it will bother your skin; celiacs must ingest gluten to get sick from the contamination).
While we’re on the subject, what about our counters? I’ve been known to put food on my counters now and again, I don’t want to clean those surfaces with a cleaner containing gluten either (and with cats now, I’ll be washing my counters even more frequently!). If you have a kitchen that still has gluten in it, this is another concern as well. Amy at the Savvy Celiac wrote an interesting post on “washing away” gluten in your kitchen. Comparing some studies done on removing peanut protein, she speculates that some household cleaners would do better than hand sanitizer or even soap and water to wash surfaces clean of gluten.
I started my search and emailed many companies for answers. (I always suggest that folks do this about any product - food or otherwise - if they have questions. You will get a satisfactory answer from the companies, or you won’t, and that’s your answer.)
By way of example, here are a couple of helpful emails I received from companies in response to my inquiries:
Dear Jules,
Thank you for your interest in Mrs. Meyer’s, and for taking the time to write us. I apologize for the delay in getting back to you. Our products are wheat and gluten free. That being said, the equipment used to manufacture our products is not dedicated equipment, so there is a very slim chance of cross contamination. Good sterilization and separation practices are employed to avoid cross contamination.
Because our products are richly fragranced, and comprised of plant sourced ingredients, we would not say that our products are “allergy free”. While allergic responses to our products are rare, people can be allergic to anything. We are happy to provide dish soap samples of our different fragrances for you to try before you buy if you are interested. I hope that this information is helpful. Please let me know if I can be of further assistance.
With clean and kind regards,
Krista Yurik-Zientara
Customer Service Representative
Toll free at: 877-576-8808
Caldrea / Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day
T 612-436-7309
F 612-371-9995
www.caldrea.com / www.mrsmeyers.com
Hi Jules,
Thanks for writing to us.
I’m happy to say that all our cleaning products are gluten free. The only products that we have with any gluten ingredients would be our Feminine Care pads(pantyliners and maxi pads). They use an absorbent material derived from wheat. Please know that the Feminine care products are made in a different facility all together.
Hopefully this can help you find the right products for your home. Please let me know if I can do anything further to help.
Sefton Hirsch
Customer Service
Seventh Generation
The gist of what I’ve learned is that there are some really good, gluten-free options for cleaning agents out there. As with any product, formulas can change, so to be doubly sure, check for yourself before purchasing. Below is a partial list of gluten-free cleaners — when it comes to my counters and my dishes, these are the ones I’ll be choosing.
Gluten-Free Cleaning Products (gathered from company websites and direct responses to my inquiries):
- All BioKleen products are gluten-free
- All Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day products are gluten-free
- All Seventh Generation cleaning products are gluten-free
GF Proctor & Gamble products:
- Cascade Complete® Gel with and without bleach
- Cascade Complete® ActionPacs
- Cascade Complete® Powder
- Complete® with Bleach Powder
- Crystal Clear® Rinse Aid
- Cascade with Dawn® ActionPacs
- Dawn® Gel
- Dawn® Powder
- Dawn® Dishwashing Detergent
- Tide® Laundry Detergent (liquid or powder)
GF Colgate Palmolive products:
- Crystal White Octagon Lemon Dish Liquid
- Ajax Cleanser with bleach
- Murphy Oil Soap
One more thing …
If all this is making your head spin and you’re inclined to want to make your own dish detergent recipe, check out Heidi’s recipe at Adventures of a Gluten-Free Mom.
35 Comments
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04. Nov, 2011
[...] What we do know for sure, is that accidental and inadvertent exposure to gluten can come from using gluten-containing lotions, lipsticks, or other products if the product is used around the mouth. It’s also wise to check the gluten-free status of your dental products, like mouthwash and toothpaste (although it’s not common). Some household cleaners may contain gluten and pose a threat as well (click here to read an article on gluten-free cleaners). [...]
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04. May, 2013
[...] Other products like dishsoap can be even more confusing. Obviously you aren’t eating it, but is it possible that soap contaminated with gluten during processing could leave a residue on your dishes that could make you sick? Well, maybe. One study on wheat allergies found that soaps using hydrolyzed wheat protein could trigger anaphyalxis in severely wheat-allergic patients eating off the dishes later, so it’s possible gluten could be left behind. Some people claim it doesn’t make a difference, while others swear by gluten-free cleaning products. [...]
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Michele Burnard said: on January 15, 2011
Another brand for you to try in ENJO. They do home parties. You just use their product (a fabric mitt of sorts) and water…talk about no chemicals, this is it. I bought a bathroom “kit” at my friends demo and have not had my bathroom sparkle this much…ever. Just thought I would mention it. Thanks for all your great ideas and recipes. Would love to buy your products, but being Canadian prevents me. Cheers from North of the border!
hailey-cakes said: on January 19, 2011
Jules please be careful with your kitties food, most animal food has wheat. We learned the hard way when my daughter kept breaking out after feeding kitty. We can’t find a gf food, so I just wore gloves to feed “rat-cat” as the kids named him.
Jules said: on January 19, 2011
Thanks – I’ll have to pay more attention to the cat food! I have been using a scoop and not touching it, but I’ll look at the ingredients just so I know!
Tam said: on January 20, 2011
There is a “Diamond” brand kitten food
that (just from reading the label)
seems to not contain any gluten grains.
Some of the others Diamond pet foods contain barley and so there could be cross contamination at the plant…….
I haven’t contacted the company but just
did a giant search through the pet food
store, reading labels. They also have at
least one dog food-I think it is an older dog diet- chicken and rice? that (according to the label) doesn’t contain
any gluten grain ingredients.
We use both and our pets love them.
Not employed by the company or anything-just another mom trying to
make the house safer!
Diana Kane said: on February 22, 2011
My partner and I had to switch our kitties over to Gf. Fancy Feast wet food in the classic variety only, is Gf. Also their dry Gourmet Cat food is Gf. Hope that helps you out!
Hajo said: on January 19, 2011
When we started out with our custom gluten-free cereal operations we learned our lesson about dish soaps: the evil gluten is everywhere!
I don’t remember the exact kind but the carelessly purchased Mr. Clean dishwashing detergent did contain wheat. We called the hotline that was given on the bottle, and they confirmed it. So watch out there!
We have since then been very happy with Mrs. Meyer’s cleaning products and use them throughout our dedicated gluten-free facility.
Jules said: on January 19, 2011
Thanks for the tip, Hajo!
Shannon Carter said: on January 19, 2011
After a quick review of the ingredients list, I think the dry Nutripet Cat Food from Amway is GF. (There’s no wheat, at least.) The canned foods contain rolled oats. Looks like both the wet and dry dog foods contain oats. Not sure if the oats they use are GF (not cross-contaminated), though, which is why I point it out. I’ll contact the company to clarify and repost when I get a response.
If you’re interested in looking at the ingredients list yourself, click the “Visit my website” link and search for “Nutripet”. The nutritional info is contained in a PDF file linked on the product pages.
Shannon Carter said: on January 21, 2011
Well, bummer… Standard corporate policy, I suppose… Here’s the response I received:
Thank you for contacting Amway regarding the Nutripet products. At this time, we are not able to certify that all products available through Amway are gluten free. Please note that there are currently no U.S. FDA regulations regarding the use of the term “gluten-free.” A product label may say “gluten-free” if there is no known source of gluten added to the product. However, this does not guarantee that the product is actually free of any trace amounts of gluten.
We have had the question asked “Why does our advertisement state, no corn by products, but have corn gluten meal listed on the label?
Corn Gluten Meal is used in cat food formulas for its high protein and its low ash and magnesium (important for cats urinary tract health). The term “by-product” is usually used in the description of meat meal proteins or is the manufacturer was using corn husks. Corn gluten meal is not sourced from the husk or cob, but rather the inner ear of the corn. This ingredient is even higher in protein content than fish meal.
Bjohn said: on January 19, 2011
Our household consists of me, my 89 year old mother, and my husband. I have a ‘split kitchen.’ Jules’ flour is the only flour in my house, so when I cook from scratch we all eat GF. However, my husband and mother still eat many store-bought ‘prepared’ foods, including cookies,bread, and bagles. I have my own toaster and waffle iron. We’re all careful with food handling. My husband usually prepares any gluttened food they eat (ie. Stove Top Stuffing) but not always. I always wash my hands one last time before eating, just in case I might have contaminated my hands with gluten from their food or the kitchen counter etc. So here’s my question….how worried should I be about shared hand towels or washcloths that people may have used to dry their hands or wipe down gluten exposed countertops? As Jules pointed out, I don’t put these cloths in my mouth and I wash my hands just before I eat anyway, so am I probably ok? If I feel well in spite of my split kitchen, is it necessary to ban all non-GF foods for the rest of my family? Is my lack of abdominal symptoms proof enough that I’m not being cross contaminated, or am I kidding myself? Some days I am more paranoid than others. One day I was dumping store bought cookies (my mother’s favorites) into ‘their’ cookie jar, and I found myself wondering if I could be INHALING unseen gluten particples from the cookie dust!!
Jules said: on January 19, 2011
Celiacs only have an autoimmune reaction to gluten exposure if it’s ingested, so while inhaling gluten might cause some folks other problems, it’s not celiac. We can’t live in a bubble and we also can’t drive ourselves crazy thinking that we’re being contaminated every which way we turn. It sounds like you’re doing a darn good job of preventing contamination in a kitchen that still has gluten in it. Keep up the good work, and just make it as easy on yourself as possible… maybe you could treat yourself to some special GLUTEN-FREE only dish towels! : )
Shannon Carter said: on January 21, 2011
Jules, I beg to differ on your comment about inhaling gluten. I used to think the same, but think about this: When you inhale something (dust, etc.), what happens? It goes into your nose, and any particles are caught on your mucus membranes. Then what happens? After awhile, the mucus buildup is either expelled by blowing your nose, or it is SWALLOWED. Then it ends up in your digestive tract, thus causing a gluten contamination. Maybe not a really big deal for some, but I have heard of someone who had to quit their job in a bakery or factory or something (it’s been a long time since I read the article) because of the airborne wheat particles constantly making them sick.
Jules said: on January 21, 2011
Shannon, yes, there are lots of instances of folks having to quit their jobs due to “baker’s asthma” and dermatological sensitivities as well. Physicians will tell you though, that the wheat must be ingested to cause a celiac reaction and that what you are describing wouldn’t cause that. I see your point though, and I would never dispute that individuals may have reactions — be they celiac or not — to inhaled wheat, and regardless of the reason for the reaction or discomfort, for them, it can be very real and hazardous.
Janet said: on January 19, 2011
I checked with the manufacturer of the Cascade dishwasher detergent I use after someone made a blanket statement that powdered detergents have gluten. I was assured that their products (or at least the ones I was interested in) were gluten free.
I had switched my cat’s food to a grain free kibble even before being diagnosed because cats really shouldn’t be getting grains. It’s not something they would normally eat (though they do occasionally eat fresh grass leaves). Sources have stated that both corn and other grain products are bad for cats. They are full of empty calories and contributes to them being over weight. Regardless, I always wash my hands after handling their food.
Sanitary pads? Really? Guess I need to go contact the manufacturer about the brand I’ve been using.
Re: Cats and computers
One of my cats, Galen, likes to lie across my arms as I type. I have found smothering him with kisses, particularly on his nose, helps dislodge him from my lap. He also likes knocking small items off the desk and turning them into “cat toys”.
Janet said: on January 21, 2011
Well, I just called the manufacturer of the StayFree products. I can at least say that their ultra thin with wings (both regular and long) are gluten free. I went to their website and sent them my question via their web form. They emailed me back and said, “Our line of products is quite extensive, and we do not have a specific list. If you would like to discuss a specific product’s ingredients in detail, please contact us at 1-800-582-4048 Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 AM to 5 PM, Eastern Time. Any of our specialists would be happy to assist you with your inquiry.”
BTW, the parent company of StayFree is Neutrogena. When I called the 800 number, I found that most of their menu options relate to skin and hair products. But if you select 0, it will take you to a live person who can answer your question. You need to provide them with the specific type of sanitary pad and they can look it up for you.
Leslie said: on February 2, 2011
Just wanted to add another note on the pet food — the Diamond Pet Food plant has been under a lot of scrutiny for their quality control issues. I quit buying anything made at that plant. They make a lot of different brands — Wellness was the one we used most often, which I always thought was a high quality food, but then they were bought out by a larger corporation. Hate it when that happens! A completely grain free/gluten free pet food is Orijen. It is a very high quality food. Made in Canada with only local ingredients — NOTHING comes from China! Which is extremely rare! Now I don’t have to worry about when our dogs – or cats — lick our faces! We won’t get any gluten kisses! Stinky kisses – but at least they’re gluten free stinky kisses!
Jules said: on February 2, 2011
Thanks much for sharing all your research, Leslie!
Leslie said: on February 2, 2011
Oops – meant to add that Method brand cleaners and toiletry items are all gluten free also! Love their stuff — less expensive than Mrs. Meyers!
Kayla said: on February 14, 2011
another chemical-free cleaning product is called NORWEX. There are actual cleaners (unsure of their gluten status) but they have numerous microfiber clothes that are actually antibacterial and for every use imaginable, from cloths for your body, to countertops, bathrooms, floors. I use them, and they are EXCELLENT! They are also one of those home party things, and I’m so happy I got their products!
Sandra @ Diathermy said: on May 2, 2011
I never heard of gluten free household cleaners before. Great article.
Michelle said: on September 28, 2011
Whenever I see an article like this, that lists the products verified to be gluten-free, I can’t help but want to know which ones DID have gluten! Thanks so much for this article. I’ll have to check on some of mine.
Jules said: on September 29, 2011
Michelle – I just met with Mrs. Meyer’s and BioKleen at Natural Products Expo East and they both confirmed that ALL of their products are gluten-free. Hope that helps!
Cara said: on December 11, 2011
I had been using Ecover dish soap for at least a year, because my husband, who does the dishes, was having trouble with the scents in the supermarket brand-name dish soaps.
ONLY TWO WEEKS AGO I finally looked at the lable and saw that Ecover includes wheat protien!! Actually, I really think I read the label when I started buying their products, because ‘plant based’ is pretty vague.
I bought 7th generation last week, and just caught dh sneezing in the dishes. He says it could be a cold . . but maybe i’ll try mrs meyers unscented?
Jules said: on December 12, 2011
Wow Cara – guess it goes to show that it does matter to many folks whether gluten is in their household cleaners! Thanks for sharing your experiences! Hope your hubbie is feeling better with other products – we can’t have him quitting dish-duty now!!!
Christine Diaz said: on January 15, 2012
Just re-checked the Seventh Generation website before buying more cleaner and noticed they no longer state their products are gluten free. Darn! I will be trying Mrs. Meyer’s products now.
Jules said: on January 16, 2012
Christine – that’s odd, and too bad! I wonder why? Thanks for the info, though!
Charity said: on February 8, 2012
I do have one thing to say about celiacs having to ingest the gluten. My daughter has celiac with dermatitis herpetiformis. She does not have to ingest the item before she breaks out terribly with a rash and welts. Please, if you’re celiac, be careful. You do not have to ingest it to have a reaction.
Christine said: on June 16, 2012
Yes, we are porous. Ha. Recently an infant was washed with a certain brand and the urine tested positive for marijuana, now it was an infant care product line…we can absolutely inhail and be affected vis the cell lining in the nasal passages or via and opening in the skin. Doctors… do not know everything… and are on a learning curve, we are the guniea pigs… we have to do most of our own sleuthing here if we want longevity. That’s reality.
Christine Diaz said: on December 6, 2012
I just called Proctor and Gamble to check on a new formulation of Cascade being sold at Costco. I was told they no longer consider ANY product they sell to be gluten free. I was read a formal statement about ingredients being sourced from all over the world and the company having no idea of the sources or conditions.
Jules said: on December 7, 2012
Wow, Christine, that’s mighty disappointing! Thanks for the heads-up.
Georgeanne Zvodar said: on March 25, 2013
hi! i just wanted to share that i am a Marketing Executive with Melaleuca:The Wellness Company and our laundry and cleaning products are gluten free & use no toxic chemicals. just a fantastic company with a fantastic business model that rewards customers for sharing about the product they love with others. i’m so thankful for my ability to work from home & that our family has started dreaming again. and we’re healthier too! Melaleuca has over 350+ consumable products that we’re all already buying somewhere. ~georgeanne
Jules said: on March 26, 2013
Thanks for the information on Melaleuca, Georgeanne!
Tonya said: on May 18, 2013
I have friends with Celiacs. One of my friends only got diagnosed about 1 1/2 yrs ago. Her physician watched her numbers closely, and while she was avoiding EATING anything with gluten in it, her numbers were still too high! Her physician told her to get rid of everything in her house that contained gluten. He said you can absorb it through your skin and, breath it in -when its airborn. He told her to switch laundry soap, dish detergent, lotion, shampoo, cleaners, vitamins, everything!! (Although you don’t lick your clothing… When you wash it with gluten-containing soap, then sweat while wearing it… This will allow it to be absorbed into your skin. It’s what also causes allergies and we absorb about 40% of everything we put on our skin).
So… I know there is condescending views on whether folks with Celiacs are only in trouble if they ingest gluten… But this physician said otherwise.
After removing ALL gluten from her home…. Her numbers (blood work) plummeted drastically into a safe range!
If any of you are interested… I own my own marketing business, and I advertise for an AMERICAN company (unlike Other companies that outsource production oversees….Colgate Palmolive, Johnson & Johnson, proctor & Gamble, etc).
I’m not a consultant and I don’t sell anything. I just advertise.
I wanted to mention this, because over 220 of their products are GLUTEN FREE. Including shampoo, lotion, deodorant, laundry products, dish soap, vitamins, exercise & weight loss products, cosmetics, cleaners, (also all chemical-free)! They work. They’re safe! They’re green & Eco-friendly! They’re better value than grocery store brands, and I would never ever use anything else in my home again. Both of my celiac friends have converted their homes, as well!
PM me if you’d like more information.