Is Scrubbing Bubbles Safe?

The Short Answer

Avoid Scrubbing Bubbles. While the "Scrubbing Bubbles" mascot is friendly, the ingredients are aggressive. Most products in the line score a D or F from the EWG due to respiratory irritants, environmental toxicity, and lack of ingredient transparency.

The aerosol versions (like the Mega Shower Foamer) are particularly concerning because they mist hazardous chemicals directly into the air you breathe. If you have pets, children, or anyone with asthma in your home, this product should not be in your bathroom cabinet.

Why This Matters

Your bathroom is a confined space. When you spray aerosols or volatile chemicals in a small, often poorly ventilated room, the concentration of toxins spikes immediately. You aren't just cleaning the tile; you're coating your lungs with the same compounds used to dissolve grime.

"Quats" are a major respiratory threat. The active disinfecting ingredients in Scrubbing Bubbles are often quaternary ammonium compounds (quats). Research links quats to reproductive toxicity in mice and occupational asthma in humans. In fact, cleaning professionals who use these chemicals daily have significantly higher rates of COPD and asthma. Are Quats In Cleaners Safe

Pets absorb what's on the floor. If you use the toilet gel or floor cleaners, your pets are walking on those chemicals. When they lick their paws later, they are ingesting industrial surfactants.

What's Actually In Scrubbing Bubbles

The formula relies on harsh solvents and surfactants to melt soap scum without scrubbing.

Alkyl Dimethyl Benzyl Ammonium Chloride — A "quat" used for disinfecting. It is a known asthmagens and skin irritant that can remain on surfaces long after drying. Are Quats In Cleaners Safe
Isobutane / Propane — Flammable gases used as propellants in the aerosol cans. They contribute to indoor air pollution and can cause dizziness or headaches in high concentrations.
DEGBE (Butoxydiglycol) — A solvent often found in heavy-duty foamers. It has been banned in the EU for use in aerosol cleaners at concentrations over 3% due to lung inflammation risks.
Sodium Hypochlorite — Found in the "Bubbly Bleach" line. This is standard bleach, which is corrosive to eyes and skin and creates toxic chloramine gas if accidentally mixed with ammonia or vinegar. Is Bleach Safe
Fragrance — A catch-all term that can hide hundreds of undisclosed chemicals, including hormone-disrupting phthalates. Are Fragrances In Cleaners Bad

What to Look For

Green Flags:

Ingredient Transparency — Brands that list every single ingredient on the bottle, not just "cleaning agents."
Non-Aerosol — Trigger sprays or concentrates reduce the amount of chemical mist you inhale.
EPA Safer Choice Label — Indicates the product uses ingredients with a lower safety profile (though still check the details).

Red Flags:

"Danger" or "Corrosive" Warnings — If a product can burn your skin, it's too harsh for daily home use.
Aerosol Cans — Almost always contain propellants and encourage inhalation of the product.
"Kills 99.9% of Bacteria" — Often indicates the presence of pesticides like quats or bleach, which are unnecessary for general cleaning. Are Disinfectants Necessary

The Best Options

You don't need toxic foam to fight soap scum.

Brand	Product	Verdict	Why
Branch Basics	Bathroom Solution	✅	Plant-based concentrate that cuts scum effectively without fumes. Is Branch Basics Safe
Force of Nature	Multi-Purpose Cleaner	✅	Uses electricity to create a safe disinfectant (HOCl) that kills mold/germs. Is Force Of Nature Safe
Bon Ami	Powder Cleanser	✅	Gentle abrasive powder that scrubs away grime physically, not chemically.
Scrubbing Bubbles	Mega Shower Foamer	🚫	Aerosol mist loads the air with lung irritants and synthetic solvents.

The Bottom Line

1. Stop buying the aerosols. The convenience of "spray and walk away" comes at the cost of your indoor air quality.

2. Use mechanical power, not chemical. A good stiff brush or electric scrubber cleans soap scum better than harsh solvents ever will.

3. Ventilate. If you must use up what you have, turn on the fan, open the window, and leave the room immediately after spraying.

FAQ