This or That: Cleaning Products

For a while now, I have been wanting to make a switch with the products we are using. I have known for a time that certain cleaning supplies, soaps and makeup that I have been using are probably not good for me or my family but I’ve been afraid to switch due to convenience and affordability. It took watching Netflix’s documentary called, “Stink” to get me motivated to change now.

I started with cleaning products. Now, I know the products I list below are not totally natural or harmless. They do still contain some toxic chemicals, however, they are better than the alternative. I am still going to try new products as I go and hopefully come across more options; mainly to find products that are “fragrance-free”.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that the switch to natural cleaning supplies was not that much more expensive. It was also very easy to find. Each of the 5 cleaning products that I’ve purchased have won me over. I 100% love the packaging, smell, and effectiveness of each item. Time to throw away all those harsh and nasty chemically based cleaners and welcome in naturally-based products. Now to continue on with the first post of my new series…

This or That:

#1 – Laundry Detergent

Confession: I LOVE the smell of my laundry after using Tide. Thus, I was very hesitant to give something else a try. My fear was that my clothes would not smell clean if I used a natural product. Seventh Generation proved me wrong! While switching my clothes from the washer to the dryer, I was smitten with the clean and fresh smell that filled my laundry room. I tried the Ultra Power Plus version that smells like citrus. All my laundry loads came out clean and smelling fresh. I am now never going back to Tide. The toxic chemicals that are in it scare me and I’m so glad I’ve made the switch to something that does in fact work!

*Fun fact: the ingredients in Tide are not listed on the container although Seventh Generation does list the ingredients; which are mostly plant-derived.

#2. Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Have you ever cleaned your toilet bowl with Lysol cleaner? It is definitely a strong cleaner that does it’s job – disinfect and make your toilet shine! – but is something this strong that you have to ventilate your bathroom hours after using safe? If you look on the back of the Lysol bottle you will see lots of warning signs “if swallowed, contact poison control immediately” that’s because it uses hydrochloric acid which is highly toxic. I would imagine these ingredients aren’t great for our septic system either.

I would much rather use Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Toilet Bowl Cleaner! This cleaner smells like lavender. I don’t normally gravitate toward lavender scents but this one is very pleasant. The only downside to using this is it doesn’t have any color so it’s difficult to see how much product you’ve used. Once you start scrubbing with a brush it starts to form suds which signifies there is in fact cleaner in there and it’s working. I am very happy with this product. I love that my bathroom smells like lavender vs harsh chemicals after cleaning my toilets.

#3. All-Purpose Cleaner

Disclaimer: I have rarely used an all-purpose cleaner. I normally use Clorox wipes which I didn’t have on hand because I am not planning on buying those anymore. While I am still on the lookout for a disposable wipe that is safe, I will be using this All-Purpose Cleaner by Method. I was disappointed to see that “fragrance” is still in this product but I’d like to think it is a naturally derived fragrance. It smells like pink grapefruit which I love! I used this on my quartz kitchen counter, bathroom tile and granite countertops. I am confident using this on such surfaces because it is a natural cleaner. Afterwards my kitchen and bathroom smelled like I had just lit a candle. I love having a candle lit (more on safer candle alternatives later) so the lingering grapefruit smell was wonderful. At a price of $2.99 it’s a no-brainer. Highly recommend!

#4. Bathtub Cleaner

Truth: we have used Clorox Bleach to clean our shower. We have very stingy yellow grout in our master shower and bleach is the only thing that we thought would get it out. Mrs. Meyer’s Tub and Tile works just as great but needs a little more elbow grease to get out the mildew. It’s is much safer than inhaling bleach so I think it’s worth it! The nozzle sprays out a generous amount, but a little goes a long way as well. It’s smells like lemon and does a great job getting off soap-scum. Adios bleach!

*I am very interested in ordering this bundle since the lemon scent is so fantastic. This is a great deal too!

#5. Window Cleaner

Last but not least, my favorite scent of all MINT! This mint window cleaner is amazing. I did not know until recently that traditional window cleaners contain 2-Butoxyethanol and Ammonia which are irritants that lead to sore throats, allergic reactions and worst-case; liver and kidney damage if used in high levels with poor ventilated areas. Now I know why my throat and nose flares up when I use glass cleaner. Method’s mint glass cleaner is a dream. It works just as well but smells so much better! Not to mention the packaging is perfect. I love this brand.

I am very excited about my new series This or That and hope my readers can benefit from my experience and research. It’s very important to know what chemicals and ingredients you are bringing into your household. I am pleased to know I can use naturally-derived products at an affordable cost. I believe it is worth the effort to make a switch to these products but I also know there are many opinions out there on what is “safe” and what is “harmful”. Do your own research and use what works for your family. I would love to know more about what has worked for you!