FAQs
Please click on any question below for answers to some very common inquiries about
Universal Botanicals, its products and environmental questions.
Universal Botanicals’ Products
Benefect Disinfectant
The Meaning of Green
Other Questions
Universal Botanicals’ Products
Why should my family switch to Universal Botanicals’ Products?
Simply put, there are no other products on the market that are safer and more eco-friendly than our product line. Universal Botanicals is committed to delivering the most environmentally-responsible cleaning products in the world!
Benefect Disinfectant
Why should I disinfect?
Many germs, such as Strep, Staph, E-coli, as well as Athlete’s Foot fungus, and mold & mildew, can contribute to severe or dangerous health problems. Germs can live up to 3 days on surfaces that you and your children touch. Desks, phones, and keyboards have an average of over 20,000 germs per square inch. Toilet seats average 50 germs per square inch. People don’t get sick from the cold; they get sick from bacteria, viruses, fungus, mold and mildew as well as acquiring respiratory problems from germs. Disinfecting with Benefect Disinfectant can kill those germs without using any dangerous chemicals.
When should I disinfect?
The general rule of thumb: clean if it’s dirty, disinfect if you think there are harmful germs.
What will Benefect kill?
Benefect has been proven to kill 99.99% of tested bacteria, virus, fungus, plus mold, mildew and odors. The EPA classifies it as “broad spectrum” or hospital grade (#74771-1).
What is the EPA?
The EPA, or Environmental Protection Agency, is the U.S. government agency that regulates chemical products such as insecticides and pesticides. The EPA is responsible for registering the tested effectiveness and classifying the safety of each product for use for both the consumer and the environment. Before an insecticide, pesticide (disinfectant) may be sold; it must be registered and approved by the EPA for kill claims and safety.
What does it mean when you say hospital grade?
The EPA’s definition of a “broad spectrum” disinfectant is one that has shown to kill all three of the major classes of organisms.
Bacteria – kills both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, including: Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella cholerasuis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Fungi – kills at least one pathogenic fungi
Viruses – kills pathogenic viruses
(Sanitizers are not broad spectrum since they are only meant to reduce bacteria levels.)
Is Benefect safe?
It’s a disinfectant, and so by definition, it kills germs. The EPA is very clear that a “killer” should never be classified as “safe.” However, The EPA has four toxicity categories. Toxic means able to cause harmful health effects. Because Benefect has the unusual classification of Toxicity Category IV, no first aid statements are required.
Toxicity Category I …………………….DANGER
Toxicity Category II ………………….. WARNING
Toxicity Category III …………………..CAUTION
Toxicity Category IV…………………. None Require- Benefect Disinfectant’s Category
What happens if our child accidentally gets it in her eyes or mouth?
See the Benefect Disinfectant Material Safety Data Sheet, easily found on our website under Product Info, has the following information:
EFFECTS OF ACUTE EXPOSURE: none known
Eye: No effect as per FIFRA CFR 10 Part 162.10
Skin: No effect as per FIFRA CFR 10 Part 162.10
Ingestion: No effect as per FIFRA CFR 10 Part 162.10
Inhalation: No effect as per FIFRA CFR 10 Part 162.10
Who discovered Benefect?
Benefect was developed in Canada about 8 years ago. A big chemical manufacturer did not develop it. A concerned father and grandmother of a chemically sensitive, immune-suppressed child developed Benefect. Because it is so groundbreaking, it took a while to make sure it passed the proper rigorous testing necessary to classify it as a hospital-grade disinfectant. Prior to Benefect, the EPA had never approved a 100% botanical disinfectant. Benefect’s unique, patented technology continues to hold that unique distinction today.
If Benefect is so great, why haven’t I heard about it?
Universal Botanicals just opened our consumer division in 2007. Benefect is well known in Canada, (it is the only disinfectant approved by the Canadian Government’s Health Canada and Environment Canada) but it has only been in the United States for a few years. It was first brought to the USA as a mold & mildew killer.
Will it really kill mold and mildew in my shower, tub, & bathroom?
Yes. Benefect will kill mold & mildew in those places as well as basements, garages, kitchens and other places. For all germ killing regardless of products, the proper steps are: clean first, then disinfect. So, mold and mildew should be cleaned first. We are getting numerous calls these days by mold and mildew remediation companies telling us that insurance companies are starting to insist on Benefect being used in the process to kill a mold problem.
What’s the difference between Benefect Disinfectant and hand sanitizers?
Most hand sanitizers are ethyl alcohols, which can cause intoxication, or alcohol poisoning. The warnings are very clear: “If swallowed contact Poison control immediately.” With Benefect, the MSDS says if swallowed there is no effect. The instructions suggest drink a glass of water. You can carry the travel size spray bottle to disinfect toilet seats, faucets, toys, shopping carts, doctor’s office doorknobs, or any place that concerns you.
The Meaning of Green
What’s a green certification?
Environmental Choice (Canada) and Green Seal (USA) provide independent, transparent, and science-based environmental standards. Certifications are awarded for products and services that have reduced the environmental impact of that product or service compared to other common products, such as cleaners, paints, hotels, and windows. These are essential in today’s educated and competitive market.
Why do so many companies claim their products are non-toxic?
Go to Consumer Reports site concerning label information: http://www.eco-labels.org/labelIndex.cfm. Non-toxic is a non-regulated term. Some label words and phrases that have little meaning, and their use on a label are not verified, include:
Earth Smart
Eco Safe
Environmentally friendly
Environmentally preferable
Environmentally safe
Fragrance free
Green
Nature’s friend
Non-toxic
Some terms are very meaningful:
Our products that have specific, independent certifications are very meaningful. Some of these certifications include:
EPA-Registered
Broad Spectrum Disinfectant (74771-1): http://www.epa.gov/oppad001/ad_info.htm
EPA Category IV disinfectant: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/health/tox_categories.htm
Green-certified with Environmental Choice (CCD 146-I) http://www.environmentalchoice.com/English/Home/
Carpet & Rug Institute certified: http://www.carpet-rug.org/commercial-customers/cleaning-and-maintenance/seal-of-approval-products/cleaning-solutions.cfm
Other Questions
Does your disinfectant have a scent to it?
Yes, the natural lemon and thyme in Benefect smell like lemon and thyme. It is well tolerated and even liked by the majority of our customers.
Is your packaging recyclable?
Yes, all our bottles and boxes are recyclable.
I am a boat owner. How will Universal Botanicals’ products work on my boat?
MPC is very specifically safe in aquatic situations. Benefect Disinfectant is approved for cavity and surface use on boats. Unlike every other disinfectant, you can comfortable that you are not putting any chemicals into the water.
What will the effect be on my animals if I use this on their cages, houses etc.?
Benefect Disinfectant and MPC are very safe for your pet cages, and other pet areas.
Why does it look like something has settled on top of the disinfectant?
Benefect Disinfectant is a “Shake before use product.” The thyme will separate over time. Just shake, and it will be good as new.
Why do you suggest using a microfiber cloth?
Unlike cotton cloth towels, microfiber cloths will kill bacteria. Together with Benefect Disinfectant or even MPC, it helps keep surfaces clean and & germ free.
Why should I use your green cleaners over Seventh Generation, Green Works and other leading brands?
Our Multi Purpose Cleaner carries the safest green certification for environmental safety, aquatic safety, and hypersensitivity, Environmental Choice CCD 146-i. No other formulation has this certification.
Universal Botanicals Products require no warning labels.
Universal Botanicals Green Cleaners are packaged in Biodegradable Bottles.
