What Does the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval Mean?

What is Good Housekeeping?

Good Housekeeping (GH) started in 1885 as a magazine with a mission. “A mission to fulfill compounded of about equal portions of public duty and private enterprise… to produce and perpetuate perfection as may be obtained in the household.” To achieve those high standards, GH Magazine made a commitment to only advertising the very best products. Still to this day, for GH to even accept advertising from any product, the GH Research Institute must first approve. From that point it has the opportunity to receive the ultimate vote of confidence – The GH Seal.

What is a Good Housekeeping Seal & What Does it Mean?

Since 1909, the Seal has backed worthy products while simultaneously validating consumer purchases. According to GH, its seal is “an emblem of the magazine’s consumer policy.” That consumer policy promises a full refund or replacement of a defective product within two years of its purchase, given that the product has been backed with a Seal. That’s one heck of a promise, considering that GH, and not the company that created the product, is picking up the cost of a refund or replacement. That being said, GH doesn’t just go handing out their stamp of approval to just any old product.

How does a Product Earn the Good Housekeeping Seal?

The first step in receiving a GH Seal is to apply. If accepted, the product and its promises will now be tested at the GH Research Institute (GHRI) by researchers, scientists, engineers and nutritionists according to its area for intended use. The GHRI is a product-evaluation laboratory that tests everything from electronics to cosmetics, to the very recipes they print in their magazine.

The Green Good Housekeeping Seal

Keeping up with the energy conservation movement, GH added a new kind of seal in 2009. The Green GH Seal is intended to help consumers, wishing to make strides towards an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly household, in finding the products that actually back up their “green” claims. Once a product receives the Seal, it could then apply for the Green GH Seal. From a product’s manufacturing, all the way to its packaging and performance, the GHRI rigorously tests applicants according to their category’s requirements. Electronics, paper goods, beauty and cleaning products, food, beverages, paint and coatings can all be tested for environmental responsibility and impact, as well as social responsibility.

Why GH Seal Products?

Trusting the Seal is an especially good idea when remodeling or renovating your home. A Seal guarantees longevity and as-promised performance. Windows, doors and large appliances can all be found with both the GH and Green GH Seal. When you choose a product with the Seal, you’re choosing a product backed by a company with over 100 years of consumer advocacy. Look for the seal. Shop confidently.