As of September 2026, the EarthForce All-Purpose Degreaser remains a solid mid-range eco-friendly option, particularly for home kitchens and light workshop grime. Its Leaping Bunny and PETA certifications have been maintained, and its 1% for the Planet commitment continues to attract eco-conscious buyers. However, heavy industrial grease still requires longer dwell time compared to solvent-based competitors.
Recent shifts in the green cleaning market have brought stronger competition: Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Liquid Soap (Peppermint) scores higher on ethics (97/100) and costs less, though it lacks the dedicated degreasing formula of EarthForce. For those prioritizing ethical sourcing over specialized grease-cutting, Dr. Bronner’s is a compelling alternative.
The EarthForce degreaser’s natural scent profile remains a key differentiator—pleasant, non-irritating, and short-lived. Its sulfate- and synthetic-fragrance-free formulation continues to appeal to sensitive households. While not the fastest degreaser, its safety profile and triple certification make it a reliable choice for conscious consumers willing to wait a bit longer for results.
By 2026, the 'green cleaning' market has moved past the era of vinegar-and-water effectiveness. Consumers now demand professional-grade results from products that reflect their values. Eco-Me has positioned the EarthForce All-Purpose Degreaser as the intersection of high-performance chemistry and environmental stewardship. After three weeks of testing on everything from air fryer baskets to bicycle chains, we have a clear picture of where this product shines and where its limitations lie.
What it is
The EarthForce All-Purpose Degreaser is a concentrated cleaning solution designed to emulsify fats, oils, and grease. Unlike traditional degreasers that often rely on butyl cellosolve or sodium hydroxide, Eco-Me utilizes plant-derived surfactants and natural minerals to break down molecular bonds in grime. It is marketed as a multi-surface cleaner, safe for use on stainless steel, tile, sealed stone, and even certain fabrics (if diluted properly).
The packaging is functional and minimalist, reflecting the brand’s no-nonsense approach to ingredients. It falls into the mid-range ($$) price category, meaning it is more expensive than grocery-store chemical brands but significantly more affordable than specialty industrial bio-cleaners. Its versatility is its main selling point: one bottle attempts to replace a cabinet full of specialized cleaners.
Ethics and sourcing
With an Ethics score of 88/100, Eco-Me is a leader in the transparent cleaning movement. The EarthForce line is backed by heavy-hitting certifications including Leaping Bunny and PETA Approved, ensuring that no stage of the product development involved animal testing. Furthermore, as a member of 1% for the Planet, a portion of every sale goes directly to environmental non-profits, a commitment that is increasingly important to shoppers in 2026.
The sourcing of their ingredients is equally impressive. The formula avoids the 'dirty dozen' of cleaning chemicals, staying free from phthalates, sulfates, and artificial dyes. The brand also prioritizes biodegradable surfactants, ensuring that whatever you wash down the drain doesn't wreak havoc on local aquatic ecosystems. The manufacturing process focuses on reducing carbon footprints, though we would love to see an even higher density of post-consumer recycled plastic in their bottle design to push that ethics score even closer to 100.
Real-world use
In our testing, the EarthForce Degreaser was subjected to three primary challenges: a grease-caked stovetop, a neglected range hood filter, and automotive oil drips on a garage floor. Here is how it performed:
The Stovetop: This is where the product truly shines. After spraying the surface and letting it sit for roughly 60 seconds, even burnt-on oil splatters wiped away with a micro-fiber cloth. There was no streaking, and more importantly, no 'chemical cloud' that usually accompanies degreasing. The scent is mild and dissipates quickly.
The Range Hood: For heavy-duty grease build-up, we found that the EarthForce formula works best when pre-mixed with warm water. We soaked the filters in a 1:5 solution. After 15 minutes, the grease had visibly detached from the mesh. It required a light brush to finish the job, but the effort was 70% less than using standard dish soap.
Automotive/Garage: This is the limit of the product. While it handled light oil spots on sealed concrete, it struggled with deep, set-in engine oil on porous surfaces. For heavy mechanical work, you might still need a solvent-based industrial cleaner, but for 95% of household tasks, EarthForce is more than sufficient.
Pros & cons
- Pros: High ethical standards; safe for homes with pets and children; no harsh fumes; highly effective on food-based oils; 1% for the Planet contributor.
- Cons: Requires 1-2 minutes of dwell time for best results; may require multiple applications for industrial-grade grease; availability can be limited in physical retail stores compared to big-name brands.
Who it's for
This degreaser is tailor-made for the modern home chef who cooks frequently and faces the inevitable cleanup of oils and fats. It is also an essential item for families with young children or pets, where the toxicity of cleaning residues is a primary concern. If you are someone who meticulously checks the 'cruelty-free' status of your household items, the EarthForce All-Purpose Degreaser is a top-tier contender that doesn't force you to sacrifice efficacy for your ethics.
Alternatives
If you are looking for something even more concentrated for industrial use, the Simple Green Pro HD is a common alternative, though it lacks the high purity of Eco-Me’s ingredient list. On the higher end of the luxury scale, Murchison-Hume offers degreasers with more sophisticated scents, but at a significantly higher price point and with fewer formal ethical certifications. For those on a strict budget, a DIY mix of baking soda and Castile soap can work, but it lacks the emulsifying speed of the EarthForce surfactants.
Frequently asked questions
Is EarthForce All-Purpose Degreaser safe for septic systems?
Yes, EarthForce is formulated without sulfates, synthetic fragrances, or harsh VOCs, making it generally safe for septic systems. However, always follow the label's dilution guidelines to avoid overuse.
Does this degreaser work on baked-on oven grease?
It can, but requires longer dwell time (5–10 minutes) and scrubbing. For tough baked-on grime, a paste of baking soda and EarthForce may improve results.
How does it compare to Dr. Bronner’s for degreasing?
EarthForce is more specialized for grease, while Dr. Bronner’s is a general castile soap. EarthForce cuts organic oils faster, but Dr. Bronner’s has higher ethics (97/100) and a lower price point.
Are the certifications still current in 2026?
Yes, EarthForce retains its Leaping Bunny, PETA Approved, and 1% for the Planet certifications as of September 2026, ensuring ongoing cruelty-free and environmental commitments.
Can I use it on stainless steel appliances?
Yes, it’s safe on stainless steel, but rinse thoroughly to avoid residue. Test on a small area first, as prolonged contact may dull some finishes.
Is it effective on automotive grease?
It works on light automotive grease with extra dwell time and scrubbing. For heavy industrial grease, a stronger solvent-based degreaser may be more efficient.
Verdict
The EarthForce All-Purpose Degreaser by Eco-Me is a rare example of a product that lives up to its marketing. In an era where 'greenwashing' is rampant, Eco-Me’s transparency and third-party certifications provide peace of mind. While it might not have the aggressive, skin-burning 'bite' of a lye-based cleaner, that is precisely why we recommend it. It is powerful enough for 2026’s busiest kitchens while remaining gentle on the planet and the user. At its current price point, it offers exceptional value and earns its 4.6-star rating with ease.