Calcium Lime Cleaner (Zep) – Safety Issue (2001)
Hazard assessment based on recall description.
This AI-generated summary is provided for general informational purposes only and is derived from publicly available recall notices. It supplements but does not replace official agency classifications or safety instructions.
Check Your Product
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
Product
Zep Commercial Calcium Lime & Rust Stain Remover
Brand
Home Depot
Lot Codes / Batch Numbers
Not specified in CPSC notice. Check official source for details.
Home Depot is recalling Zep Commercial Calcium Lime & Rust Stain Remover. The hazard is: Burn - Not Fire-Related. Based on CPSC recall notice.
Summary derived from CPSC notice
The following details were not provided by CPSC: remedy information, UPC codes.
Reason for Recall
As stated by CPSC
March 9, 2001Release # 01-102 Zep Recall Hotline: (888) 805-HELP CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Scott Wolfson, (301) 504-7051 NSI Contact: Cathy Tyler, (404) 853-1150 CPSC, National Service Industries Inc. Announce Recall of Zep Commercial Cleaners Sold at The Home Depot WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), National Service Industries Inc. (NSI), of Atlanta, Ga., is voluntarily recalling about 1.4 million bottles of Zep Commercial cleaner sold in 32 oz. bottles. Some of these bottles can leak through the cap when turned on their side, allowing the contents of the cleaner to come into contact with consumers. These cleaners can cause irritation and burns to the skin and eyes. NSI has received 10 reports from consumers of the bottles of these cleaners leaking, including three injuries consisting of one report of a chemical burn to a consumer's forearm and two reports of the cleaner getting into consumers' eyes.Only the 32-ounce bottles of four types of Zep Commercial cleaners are part of this recall. They are the Acidic Toilet Bowl Cleaner; Calcium Lime and Rust Stain Remover; Grout Cleaner and Whitener; and Driveway, Concrete and Masonry Cleaner. The word "COMMERCIAL" is written before "ZEP" on the top of the labels on the white, plastic bottles, and the product names are written below the brand name. The Home Depot stores nationwide exclusively sold these cleaners from January 1998 through February 2001 for between $3 and $4.Consumers should stop using the recalled cleaners immediately since the bottles can leak, and call the Zep Commercial hotline. The hotline will help consumers determine if their cleaner bottle is leaking, and provide instructions on how to dispose of leaking bottles and get a refund. For more information, call Zep Commercial toll-free at (888) 805-HELP between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's web site at www.zepcommercial.com, or e-mail the firm at zephelp@zepcommercial.com.Consumers should not return recalled cleaner to The Home Depot, but should call the hotline for instructions
Reported concern (CPSC)
Burn - Not Fire-Related
Recommended Action
Per CPSC guidance
The CPSC advises consumers to stop using the product. Contact the manufacturer or return the product to the place of purchase.
Verify this information on the official source
For complete details and official instructions, check the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) directly.
View official CPSC recall noticePage updated: Jan 6, 2026