What's in Charlie's Soap?

Our formulas are what make us special. They have been fully tested for non-toxicity (Duke University) and biodegradability (Japan Food Research Labs) and effectiveness (SGS US Testing Labs).

They are unique and (following the practices of Coca-Cola) secret. Their formula is secret too, but that doesn't keep folks from drinking it.

However, we feel that in the best interest of the public, it is necessary to reveal the class of ingredients so that folks can better make up their minds whether or not they want to use our products.

The detergent parts of all of our products come from a coconut oil base, a unique blend of biodegradable surfactants that has come from years of research. They also contain pure, highest grade, completely soluble, Green River, WY soda ash (washing soda).

The Indoor/Outdoor and Kitchen & Bath cleaners contain water and in addition to the above, a small amount of biodegradable solvent that, in the final formula, the Duke University Department of Environmental Medicine says is safe to be used in children's crafts for cleaning paint brushes. So it can't be too bad, eh?

The Laundry Liquid is similar to the cleaners, but contains no solvent (aside from water, of course) and more of the detergent blend. This makes it a bit thicker than the cleaners and better for laundry.

The Laundry Powder is similar to the Laundry Liquid, but contains a lot more of the soda ash and no water. It also contains a bit of sodium silicate to help with grease stains and help keep the powder dry in wet environments.

Charlie Sutherland
Founder, Charlie's Soap, Inc

Test by SGS US Testing Labs, Life Science Services
Test ASTM D 426b Stain Removal
Title Charlie's Soap tested on a Wide Variety of Soils

Test fabrics (bleached 100% cotton) were washed with Charlie's Soap Laundry Powder and dried before staining. The fabrics were then stained and allowed to sit for 30 minutes. The stained fabrics were then pre-sprayed with Charlie's Soap All Purpose Cleaner and agitated till all parts of the stains were exposed and allowed to sit for another 30 minutes. The fabrics were then rewashed with Charlie's Soap Laundry Powder and air dried. Results were determined by light reflectance difference before staining and after washing the second time.

Test by ASTM
Test Consumer Product Safety Commission's Test 16 CFR 1615/1616 and ASTM Test D4723
Title Flammability of Children's Polyester Sleepwear

Procedure: Test fabrics (manufactured already resistant to fire) submitted by Carter Manufacturing © were washed with various detergents, dried and exposed to open flame for 50 cycles. Results were measured by char length at each cycle.
Results: Charlie's Soap continued to improve the flame retardant properties after each washing to the point where the fabric would not catch fire at all. No other detergent tested improved the flame retardant properties of children's sleepwear at all.

Test by AATCC
Test Variation of AATCC Test Method #61 2A Scour
Title Charlie's Soap Compared to Tide Liquid

This test was performed with 100% cotton cloth diapers. Poor rinsability was indicated by a weight gain after controlled washing and drying. Diapers washed in Tide Liquid (at recommended levels) gained nearly 2% in weight after only 8 washings. Those washed in Charlie's Soap (at recommended levels and 4 times recommended levels) gained no measurable weight at all. It is reasonable to assume that hypo-allergenic fabrics washed in Charlie's Soap Laundry Liquid, which is shown to leave no irritating residues, will surely remain so when washed with Charlie's Soap.

Test by Japan Food Research Laboratories, Tokyo
Test OECD Chemical Test Guideline
301A DOC Die Away Test
Title Charlie's Soap Biodegradability in Soil

To qualify as biodegradable, a substance must be 80% degraded in 28 days. Charlie's Soap degraded over 97% in soil in 28 days and is certified safe for use in small lakes and streams.

Test by Jessica, Chickaominy Middle School,
Hanover, VA
Test "The Effects of Cleaning Agents on Stained Carpet"
Title Charlie's Soap Out Cleans Leading Brands

The three cleaners tested were Charlie's Soap - All Purpose, 409 and a generic Food Lion cleaner. Red fruit juice was used to stain three squares of carpet for each of the three cleaners: a total of nine squares. The researcher treated three carpet squares per cleaner for each cleaner and allowed the cleaners to soak in for 5 minutes. Then each carpet square was scrubbed with a rag for 2 minutes. The average amount cleaned for each brand of cleaning agent greatest to least is Charlie's Soap-5, Food Lion-3, and 409 Carpet-4.

That's Jessica at left.