Method isn’t just known for their vibrant packaging and cheeky ad campaigns — the brand has become a symbol of modern, sustainable cleaning. Since launching in the early 2000s, co-founders Adam Lowry and Eric Ryan have grown Method into a $100M+ company that challenges the notion that cleaning has to be boring — or bad for the planet.
As a certified B Corporation, Method cleaning products commit to high standards of environmental and social responsibility. Their marketing campaigns even break stereotypes, like their inclusive drag queen ads that flipped traditional ideas about domestic labor.
But beyond the clever branding, how eco-friendly is Method — really? Let’s take a closer look.
Do Method Cleaning Supplies Contain Harmful Chemicals?
Method’s founders wanted to create products free from harmful chemicals, so they created a paraben-free and non-toxic cleaning range.
But I wanted to check how chemical-free they really are. A lot of times, green and naturally derived ingredients don’t mean the product is safe and free from chemicals. It actually means that ingredients don’t come from petroleum but coconut oil.
But, even when the ingredient comes from a natural source such as coconut oil, the manufacturing process can contain many other chemicals, so I checked other ingredients as well.
I found their products have no preservatives, but there are some other concerning ingredients, such as fragrance, surfactants, and colorant. The colorant is especially concerning, as it can contain residues from heavy metals and petroleum-based carcinogenic contaminants.
While I don’t think there are enough amounts of these chemicals to be harmful, body care and household products should be made without carcinogenic chemicals.
Are Method Cleaning Products Safe for Your Health?
I also checked other ingredients apart from chemicals. I started with the pH clarity of Method products. For example, the all-purpose cleaner has a pH clarity of 10.5 to 11.5, which is high enough to preserve the product without the need for preservatives, so there’s no issue there.
Method products also have fragrances. The fragrance is actually a blend of ingredients, and many of them can cause allergies, sensitization, and even cancer in some cases, so this isn’t ideal.
For example, one of the fragrant ingredients is Galaxolide, which the EU is assessing for endocrine disruption. Another ingredient is Hexyl Cinnamic Aldehyde which the EU states can cause allergic reactions.
As for the surfactants, there are Decyl Glucoside and Lauryl Glucoside. These are mild and are often used in baby washes, so they won’t cause you any health issues.
So, the answer to “Are Method cleaning products safe for your health?” is unclear. There are a lot of safe ingredients, but there are also some that could potentially cause health issues. Overall, if you have sensitive skin that’s easily irritated, you may have an issue with these products.
Do They Come In Biodegradable Packaging?
The first thing I noticed upon seeing Method’s products is how visually appealing they are. All the products are bright and beautiful, and it’s the kind of package you’d be proud to display on your counters. However, this doesn’t mean a lot if they aren’t eco-friendly.
All the bottles are made from recycled plastics and are recyclable. Some of the products, such as the new hand wash bottles, are made of aluminum, which makes them extra durable.
Moreover, I liked that the company encourages its customers to buy refills. This cuts down on plastic packaging. As the company states on its website, “refill, reuse, repeat.”
They also recently replaced refill pouches with savvy new tubs, which are made with 50% recycled plastic, and can be recycled again.
Method knows what they are doing in terms of both customer appeal and eco-friendliness when it comes to packaging.
A Peek Inside Method’s Green Factory
Method’s factory is the first green factory with a LEED Platinum certification. Their factory is known as the Soapbox and has an innovative design that creates less waste and uses less energy. For example, it has natural lighting access for workers and a 75,000-square-foot greenhouse. The greenhouse is located on the roof and produces 500 tons of fresh, pesticide-free produce.
There’s also a 1,520-foot rooftop canopy, which helps decrease energy use and improve air quality.
There’s even a turbine that provides half of the factory’s annual electric energy. The rest of the energy comes from a set of solar trees located in the parking lot and renewable energy from the grid. The solar trees are tracking trees, which means they don’t need the sun to be straight overhead, but they track its movements all day long.
Finally, the factory is located on land that’s been restored to native prairie land and is open to the community. You can go on a tour to discover the soap-making process and learn more about how eco-friendly the factory is.
Method: A Deeper Dive into the Brand’s Quality, Reputation, and Sustainability
Method isn’t just another name on the eco-friendly shelf — it’s a brand built entirely around the idea that cleaning can be both highly effective and environmentally responsible. Founded in 2000 by Eric Ryan and Adam Lowry in San Francisco, Method was born from a simple yet radical idea: to create cleaning products that people would love to use, without exposing themselves or the planet to harsh chemicals.
From the beginning, Method’s mission has been tightly linked to innovation. They pioneered the use of plant-based and biodegradable ingredients at a time when “green cleaning” was still a niche movement. Their signature bright, modern packaging — often made with 100% post-consumer recycled plastic — quickly became a visual symbol of eco-chic living.
In terms of manufacturing, Method takes sustainability seriously. Their South Side Soapbox factory in Chicago is a LEED-Platinum certified facility, powered by renewable energy and equipped with advanced water recycling systems. This factory isn’t just about making soap — it’s a model for what sustainable manufacturing should look like in the 21st century.
When it comes to product quality, Method strikes an important balance: their cleaning products work as well as (and sometimes better than) conventional brands, without relying on toxic ingredients. Their fragrances are carefully crafted from a mix of natural and safe synthetic components, offering fresh scents that feel intentional and modern — never overwhelming.
Method’s reputation is rock-solid in both green and mainstream markets. They were one of the first brands to prove that eco-friendly products don’t have to mean sacrificing performance or design. Today, Method is part of the SC Johnson family, which has given them greater resources while still preserving their original brand values. They continue to be a Certified B Corporation, meeting rigorous standards of environmental and social responsibility.
If you’re someone who values transparency, sustainability, and beautifully designed products that get the job done, Method is a brand that lives up to its promises. Their playful yet serious approach to eco-conscious living makes them a smart and stylish choice for any home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, Method’s cleaning products tend to be very good at cleaning various surfaces, from stainless steel to glass and wooden floors. And not only are they effective; they’re also safer for the environment and your health.
While the regular Method All Purpose Cleaner is not antibacterial, they do sell a specific Antibacterial Cleaner that is designed to kill 99.9% of germs, including influenza and rhinovirus.
Method’s All Purpose Cleaner is safe for adults, children, pets, and the environment. The ingredients are non-toxic, so exposure won’t harm your body. Once you’ve cleaned, there is no toxic residue left, so your household is totally clean and safe.
Regular Method bathroom cleaner does not kill germs and bacteria, as it’s designed to clean away bathroom mold and mildew. However, you could use Method’s Antibacterial Cleaner afterward to make sure that the bathroom germs are dead.
You should not use Method All Purpose Cleaner on granite. However, Method has a Daily Granite Cleaner that you can use on granite. You may want to look into a granite sealing spray as well if you’re looking to preserve and clean granite countertops.
Should You Buy Method Cleaning Products?
Method Cleaning Products get my seal of approval. While there are some things I wish they would change, overall, these products are much better compared to many of their competitors, both who market themselves as eco-friendly and especially those who don’t.
Method pays a lot of attention to our environment, which can be seen in their factory, product packaging, and ingredients.
No matter what kind of product you need: from laundry detergents, hand soap, and dishwasher tablets, they have you covered. Check them out, and start using eco-friendly products for the betterment of our planet.
