Clean, Conscious, and Cutting-Edge: How Carol Mehas Is Transforming the Cleaning Aisle With arbOUR

In a market saturated with synthetic scents, vague ingredient lists, and surface-level sustainability claims, arbOUR stands out by going deeper—both scientifically and ethically. Founded by former beauty industry executive Carol Mehas, arbOUR is a non-toxic, vegan, and biodegradable cleaning brand built on a simple but powerful question: “If commercial-grade products can be safe enough for schools and hospitals, why can’t we use them at home?”

Carol’s journey from executive suites at L’Oréal, Estée Lauder, and Sephora to launching her own conscious cleaning brand is impressive on its own. But what truly sets her apart is her unwavering commitment to product integrity, science-backed solutions, and redefining what it means to be “clean.”

Rethinking the Cleaning Standard

The current home cleaning industry still relies heavily on marketing tactics that mask poor formulations. Artificial dyes and synthetic fragrances dominate mainstream products, giving consumers a sensory illusion of cleanliness—blue sprays that “look” sterile, lavender perfumes that “smell” sanitized. Carol recognized how this pattern trained consumers to associate harshness with efficacy.

arbOUR challenges this deeply ingrained narrative. Rather than leaning on outdated tropes of “clean smell” and chemical strength, Carol’s formulations use naturally derived ingredients that are scientifically proven to work—without harming people, pets, or the planet.

From Beauty Labs to Biodegradable Breakthroughs

With decades of experience leading product development in the beauty space, Carol brought an insider’s understanding of what goes into a formulation—and just as importantly, what gets left out. She applied the same rigor and performance standards to arbOUR’s cleaning products, but with a bold shift toward non-toxic chemistry and sustainable sourcing.

One of the brand’s core innovations is its use of soapbark, derived from the Quillaja Saponaria tree. This centuries-old botanical extract forms the base of arbOUR’s hero product, the Everyday Spray. The soapbark extract not only lifts dirt and grime off surfaces but also creates a protective antimicrobial barrier—a critical distinction from the typical antibacterial sprays found on store shelves.

While antibacterial products kill existing germs, antimicrobial formulas prevent future bacterial growth. It’s the same principle used in hospitals, yet rarely available in home cleaning products. arbOUR bridges that gap with a formulation that is effective, safe, and sustainable.

Water-Thin Technology for Modern Fabrics

arbOUR’s innovation doesn’t stop at surface cleaners. Their laundry products are designed with today’s performance wear in mind. Most detergents on the market—especially pods and gels—sit on top of fabrics and often fail to penetrate the tightly woven synthetic materials found in athleisure and athletic gear.

Carol’s team developed a “water-thin” technology that flows through tight-knit fabrics, pulling out bacteria, pet dander, sweat, and embedded dirt. This technology is not only more effective at removing deep-set grime, but it also rinses cleanly, maintaining a pH-neutral profile that’s essential for preserving both clothing and the earth’s delicate water systems.

arbOUR’s activewear detergent and stain remover—originally developed from commercial-grade formulations used by professional sports teams—have become consumer favorites. Their success highlights an unmet demand in the marketplace: effective laundry solutions that respect the materials people invest in and the environment they wash them in.

Clean With Purpose

For Carol, this work is deeply personal. As a mother of three, she wanted to create products safe enough for her own family—ones that wouldn’t harm children, pets, plants, or the environment. Her experience living outside major metropolitan hubs like New York and L.A. revealed a troubling truth: many families in mid-sized and rural communities don’t have access to truly clean, safe products.

That disconnect became Carol’s call to action. arbOUR isn’t just a brand—it’s a vehicle for consumer education and environmental responsibility. From day one, Carol built arbOUR with full transparency, including front-and-center ingredient labeling and packaging designed to be both joyful and understandable. The brand even features curated Spotify playlists to help customers turn their cleaning routines into rituals of mindfulness and movement.

More Than a Mission—A Movement

What drives Carol isn’t just the desire to sell a better cleaning product. It’s the belief that every household deserves access to products that work and uphold ethical standards. That clean should never come at the cost of health. That “sustainable” must go beyond the buzzword.

In an industry still dominated by legacy brands and surface-level greenwashing, arbOUR offers something truly rare: transparency, efficacy, and heart.

As Carol puts it, “The real reward is when customers come back again. Anyone might try something once—but when they repurchase, that’s when I know we’ve built something meaningful.”

For those seeking a brand that blends science, sustainability, and soulful entrepreneurship, arbOUR isn’t just a cleaner choice. It’s the future of clean.

🎧 Listen to Carol’s full episode on The Wild Party Podcast on your favorite podcast platform
📺 Watch the interview on YouTube
🌿 Explore arbOUR’s product line at arbourproducts.com