Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should I Replace My Home Cleaning Products?
While all of the home cleaning products we produce are made from plant-based ingredients- nearly all of them have a shelf life of just over three years. Our products are made to last and stay effective and smelling great- so you don’t have to worry about constantly buying more. If you do end up using them all- and loving them- we highly recommend trying out our refill concentrates for the second time around. Save the plastic bottles from your first purchase (trust us, they’re sturdy) and add water to the concentrated formula. You’ll be saving the environment and a fair chunk of change.
What are The Most Common Ingredients in Sustainable Home Cleaning?
While each of our products have a specific formula designed The most common ingredient in Murchison-Hume cleaning products is Decyl Glucoside. This compound is completely derived from plants and is so mild that it’s commonly used in baby shampoo and personal care products for those with sensitive skin. While we hate to give away our secrets, we found out that it’s also quite the effective surface cleaner and doesn’t muck up surfaces. It’s also completely biodegradable so it’s good for both you and the planet.
What Are The Most Important Ingredients To Avoid In Home Cleaners?
While there are almost too many creepy chemicals to count (much less try and pronounce), the big ones we try to avoid are bleach, ammonia, potassium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide. These chemicals are not only quite caustic, but you need to be extra careful about what you mix them with: you don’t want to accidentally create a cloud of noxious fumes. Unfortunately, this stuff is found in your everyday grocery store cleaners like Lysol and Clorox, which is why we do what we do.
What Is The Best Natural Cleaning Spray For Bathtubs?
We recommend our all natural Bathroom Cleaner, which comes in a spray bottle, as well as a concentrated formula if you prefer to use your own container and help reduce plastic use.
What Is The Best Natural Cleaning Spray For My Kitchen?
Our All-Purpose Cleaner is the ideal sidearm to start tackling a messy kitchen. It works great on all types of surfaces including countertops, stainless steel, and more.
Are Natural Fragrances Important In Cleaning Spray?
Natural cleaning sprays walk a fine line between being tough on dirt and grime, but gentle enough for the human body. While some natural fragrances work great with a sustainable cleaning formula, there are plenty of synthetic fragrances that are perfectly healthy to be around and smell incredible as well.
Can I Make Natural Cleaning Products At Home? How To Make Natural Cleaning Products?
Some swear by the classic combination of vinegar and baking soda, and while we love the enginuity, there’s one thing we just cannot live with- the lingering smell of vinegar all over our kitchens. Let’s save the vinegar for the salad dressing and your mother’s favorite baked chicken recipe. Cleaning products shouldn’t bring down the fragrance of your home, they should elevate it. We’re absolutely obsessed with our Original Fig and Australian White Grapefruit Scents, they have become a staple in our home fragrance lineup.
Where to Buy Natural Cleaning Products in the U.S.
In the United States and Canada, you can order completely natural cleaning products from our online store here. If you prefer to shop in person, you can find a retailer here.
Where to Buy Natural Cleaning Products in Australia.
In Australia and New Zealand, you can order completely natural cleaning products from our online store here. If you prefer to shop in person, you can find a retailer here.
How Long Has Murchison-Hume Been in Business?
The company was launched in Sydney, Australia in 2008. We opened in the United States in 2012. Max & Peter Kater developed the range when their son developed allergies to most common household cleaning products. Visit our About Us page to learn more.
Where Did You Get The Name For The Company?
The company is named for Max’s Father-in-Law, Dr. Roderick Murchison-Hume Kater: a sustainable farmer and free-range beef producer. Read the full story here.
Where Are Your Products Made?
Our products are manufactured in Australia for Murchison-Hume, Los Angeles, CA 91401.
Are Your Products Antibacterial?
Our products are not “anti-bacterial” in the traditional context (i.e., full of harsh chemicals such as ammonia and bleach that kill the bacteria). Instead, our products remove bacteria and the grime they feed on (so bacteria can no longer grow), without the use of harsh chemicals.
Are Your Products Chemical-Free?
No. Remember water is a chemical. Instead, we do not use “harsh” chemicals, which we define on Our Ingredients page.
What Surfaces Can I Use All Purpose Cleaner On?
All of our cleaning products are safe for any surface not harmed by water.
What Types Of Floors Can I Use Your Floor Cleaner Concentrate On?
Any floor type not harmed by water including marble, wood, terrazzo & tile. This product is highly concentrated, we recommend mixing it with warm water before use
How Do Orders Ship?
Most of our orders ship with UPS, but occasionally we use other carriers like USPS, FedEx or DHL if the rates are better. By default signature is not required for delivery. Murchison-Hume is not responsible for items delivered by the carrier and never received by the recipient. Use the tracking information in the shipping confirmation email to track your order on the carrier’s website and ensure receipt.
Do You Offer Free Shipping?
Most of our products are water-based, and too heavy for us to be able to offer Free Shipping, but we don't make any profits from shipping charges, the rates you see are discounted shipping prices for our customers.
When Do Orders Ship?
Orders can take anywhere from 7-10 business days to arrive depending on how far away your address is and which shipping method you’ve chosen.
Can I Ship To Multiple Addresses On The Same Order?
Currently, our fulfillment vendor cannot accept multiple shipping addresses. If you need to send items to multiple addresses, please place separate orders.
When Do International Orders Ship?
Most international orders ship to our international shipping facility within 2-4 business days after you place your order. Upon receipt at the international facility, a shipping confirmation will be sent with tracking information for the home delivery. The home delivery timeframe will vary according to the destination.
What About International Charges, Taxes And Duties/ What Are The International Rates Based On?
International shipping rates are calculated during checkout based on the total weight of your order and the destination’s postal code. These charges are available for review before you complete your purchase. Any additional charges or duties upon delivery is the responsibility of the customer.
Orders, Returns, Refunds & Exchanges
Can I change or cancel my order? Since we have a very small time frame between receiving and fulfilling your order, cancellations of orders are not possible. The customer is required to receive the order. If you would like to attempt to change address, please email us immediately at hello@murchison-hume.com.
What Is Your Return Policy?
If you received a damaged, defective, or wrong item from your online order, please email Customer Care at hello@murchison-hume.com and we can offer you a replacement. To be eligible for a return, items must be unused, damaged, defective, or is the wrong item in the original packaging and accompanied by a proof of purchase. We are unable to refund your original shipping costs. Sales of Murchison-Hume products from retailers must be returned to the retailer where the products were purchased. Retailer-specific return policies will apply. Alaska, Hawaii or International: Orders are not eligible for return. Please note we cannot accept returns from third-party vendors featured in the Beauty + Wellness and Pantry collection. If you have any questions pertaining to your order please email Customer Care at hello@murchison-hume.com
What If The Box Arrives Crushed/Damaged?
If you see obvious damage to your order’s shipping box or packaging, refuse the shipment and write, "Refused due to damage" on the delivery receipt. Keep a copy of the delivery receipt and contact us at hello@murchison-hume.com immediately so we may help to process a replacement.
What If I Notice The Damage After The Delivery?
Contact us at hello@murchison-hume.com so we may work to resolve the issue and, in our sole discretion, we may: Authorize a return, Issue a replacement, and/or Provide a refund.
How Can I Contact Customer Service?
Email us at hello@murchison-hume.com. Customer Service hours are Monday - Friday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM PST.
Subscription Policy
Murchison-Hume sells cleaning products and supplies to end-user customers who purchase monthly subscriptions to receive the products only for their own personal, non-commercial use. You may not purchase products for further distribution or resale or for any other commercial or business purpose.
Payment Methods
Murchison-Hume accepts various Payment Methods. You agree to pay all fees charged to your account based on Murchison-Hume’s fees, charges, and billing terms in effect as shown on the payment page upon your first Subscription purchase. You are also responsible for paying any sales and use taxes and shipping and handling fees that may apply to your purchase of Products based on the address that you provide as the shipping address when you register your Subscription. You also authorize Murchison-Hume or the third party payment processing service provider that we engage to charge your Payment Method for any such taxes and fees. All payments shall be made by your selected Payment Method in advance prior to shipping the Products. If you do not pay on time or if your Payment Method cannot be charged for any reason, Murchison-Hume reserves the right to either suspend or terminate your Subscription and terminate these Terms of Service. All sales and payments will be in US dollars.
Murchison-Hume and Murchison-Hume's third party payment service provider may receive updated Payment Method information from your credit card or payment method issuer. The disbursement of the updated Payment Method information is provided to Murchison-Hume and Murchison-Hume's third party payment service provider at the election of your credit card and payment method issuer. Neither Murchison-Hume and Murchison-Hume's third party payment service provider is responsible for the distribution of your credit card or payment method information. It is at the sole election of your credit card or payment method issuer. Your credit card or payment method issuer may give you the right to opt out of the update service. It is your responsibility to contact your credit card or payment method issuer with regards to your right to opt out of the update service. SUBSCRIPTION ORDERS WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY CHARGED TO YOUR CARD ON FILE EACH MONTH. Murchison-Hume will automatically renew your Subscription on each monthly anniversary date of the Subscription (or bi-monthly anniversary date, depending on the subscription selections you make) and, as authorized by you by checking the box demonstrating your consent for automatic monthly renewal of your Subscription during the checkout process, we will charge your Payment Method with the applicable Subscription cost and any shipping and handling costs and sales or similar taxes that may be imposed on your Membership fee payments. Each Membership renewal period is for one month.
Subscription Cancellation.
You may cancel your Subscription at any time, however, by clicking the “Subscribe and Save” option, you will be charged for one complete subscription cycle (or two deliveries of subscription). You may, however, adjust the delivery schedule at any time.
To CANCEL subscriptions or to change the frequency of delivery click HERE: Manage Subscriptions
If you have any issues with your subscriptions, just send an email to hello@murchison-hume.com. Cancellation requests submitted in this manner must be received 3 working days prior to your next shipping date to avoid being charged for that shipment. Cancellation requests received after that shall take effect the following month.