Counter Culture Probiotic Cleaners FAQ
From the Counter Culture Clean website:
Counter Culture does not use traditional chemical cleaning agents. Our products contain a strategic grouping of beneficial microbes which, when inhabiting the same space, create bio-detergents that clean and detox surfaces the way nature has been doing for millennia. We feed our probiotic cultures to help them live and grow, and we add essential oils to create fresh, clean scents.
We test our products to the highest standards. We have microbial tests to show they are effective. Also, our sister products have been listed on the US Federal Government’s “Bio-Preferred” listing.
Yes. Other than unsealed wood or stone surfaces, which can take on the color of the product, we have yet to find a surface that doesn’t benefit from a little bit of probiotic love. Try it out on leather, glass, porcelain, carpet, vinyl, plastic, tiles, shower curtains, stainless steel—the list is endless.
Yes. Not only are they SUITABLE for septic and grey water systems, they’re RECOMMENDED! In fact, the microbes found in our cleaning range are also used to decontaminate water bodies.
Yes. Our products are non-toxic, non-carcinogenic and non-allergenic. They contain no harmful chemicals. We do NOT recommend drinking our products, however aside from the fairly unusual taste, there are no negative effects from consuming, sniffing or spilling our products.
Yes. They are made from naturally occurring, non-genetically modified microbes and wherever possible, organic food grade materials are used to feed the bugs. They are entirely biodegradable and safe to use, store, and dispose of.
No, our products are infused with organic essential oils to give your surfaces and rooms a fresh, clean smell. Our products do not off-gas any VOCs which have been associated with eye irritation, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and/or impaired memory and other health complications. Our products are free from toxic fumes.
As our products contain no harsh chemicals and are created naturally, they are unlikely to cause skin irritations. Test and learn has always been our successful approach.
Our All Purpose cleaner is designed to keep your home clean and safe, but it is not designed to be a mould remover. Be patient, it’s coming!
No, our smart scientists have figured out how to keep the bacteria viable within a huge range of temperatures. Best practice is to keep them out of direct sunlight.
Because we ferment our products, much of the outputs are the same, but the dilutions are specific to the job at hand.
Yes. Our probiotic partner also produces a number of products for humans, including health drinks and cleaners, using the same fermentation platform as Counter Culture.
Yes, skin safety and irritation tests indicate no irritation. Also, our personal care products in Australia (and hopefully someday in the US) are used topically for personal hygiene by many customers.
Yes. Our probiotic brew is manufactured according to GMP standards of the US FDA.
Standard quality control testing includes indicators of pathogens or undesirable microbes, mycotoxins, heavy metals, etc. These tests are routinely done, and are always negative (no sign of toxicity).
Our products are based on a combination of probiotic bacteria (and their essential by-products) including:
• Bacillus subtilis
• Bifidobacteriumanimalis
• Bifidobacteriumbifidum
• Bifidobacteriumlongum
• Lactobacillus acidophilus
• Lactobacillus casei
• Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus (Synonym: Lactobacillus bulgaricus)
• Lactobacillus fermentum
• Lactobacillus plantarum
• Lactococcus lactis subsp. Lactis (Synonym: Streptococcus lactis)*
• Rhodopseudomonaspalustris
• Saccharomyces cerevisiae
We only use a small amount of essential oils purely for fragrance. In these quantities essential oils aren’t harmful to our well bred microbes.