Eco Friendly Household Cleaners

**Libby** · 06-05-2010, 03:05 PM

Anyone here tried the 'Method' or 'Seventh Generation' eco cleaning products? Are they just as strong as the nasty smelling chemicals? Do you need to put more elbow into it when using these? The reviews I've found all say the same thing...smells great, pleasant to use and works but not as well as they suspected.

I know Eco Friendly can include homemade but I was looking for reviews for these brands or other big name eco cleaning brands.

Thanks!

**KeithBC** · 06-05-2010, 08:42 PM

I don't know those brands specifically, but we've noticed the same thing.

When you think about it, it makes sense. A strong cleaner is strong because it is so toxic it rips the snot out of any dirt and bugs. If you make it more environmentally friendly, you can't hae it quite so toxic, so you are going to lose some of that cleaning effectiveness.

DW has agreed that, if my sinus are burning the morning after she puts fresh sheets on the bed, then the detergent is too strong. So we use an eco-friendly detergent that doesn't make the sheets glow in the dark, but doesn't burn my sinuses either.

To protect our septic system, we use only baking soda for cleaning sinks. It takes a bit more muscle than fancy cleaners, but it won't kill the septic system either. For clogged drains, we open up the pipe and snake it clean. No Drano in the septic system.

Yes, eco-friendly cleaners are a bit more work, but in the long run, it is worth it.

**IntlMom** · 06-05-2010, 10:29 PM

I am happy to speak for the Method brand. I LOVE THEM... all of them. They work great and smell great too! My favourites are the bathroom, and the dusting spray, and the all purpose..... oh what the heck - I love them ALL!

**Libby** · 06-05-2010, 10:37 PM

I did cave and buy a few of them today - hopefully I won't be disappointed. I sniffed both METHOD and Seventh Generation and the Seventh Generation one smelled just as toxic as the regular chemical type cleaner. That's how METHOD won the right to come home with me.

I have used the all purpose spray cleaner throughout the kitchen and OMG I am impressed - no need to scrub the grease off of anything...let it sit for a few seconds and everything wipes off! Better then the chemical types! So far I'm liking it. Bathroom cleaners will be tried next week when its time to clean again.

Traci - question for you - re: Wood spray cleaner? It says its no wax and doesn't leave a film behind. Have you used it and would you recommend it for use on stairs? Or would the all purpose spray be fine on wooden stairs?

**IntlMom** · 06-05-2010, 10:53 PM

I just went and grabbed the bottle. it's called "wood for good". I love it!! smells kinda like almonds. I use it for dusting....and although it does say "not for floors", I do spray my dust mop and give my floors a quick once over with it. It might make you stairs too slippery. Maybe try it with just a tiny bit on the rag and do just the bottom stairs (in case it becomes too slippery) and see what you think. I love LOVE this product.

**Libby** · 06-05-2010, 11:15 PM

Thats perfect! I was wondering what it says on the bottle b/c the reviews and Method website dont mention a thing about using it on floors. I'll have to pass on that one and for now and use the all purpose pink grapefruit on the stairs - just for a quick wiping, not often. I was worried it'd do something to the wood but if its sealed which my stairs are the pink grapefruit should be fine.

Thanks so much!

**IntlMom** · 06-05-2010, 11:38 PM

love the pink grapefruit.....it's my all purpose kitchen cleaner!

**Neeley** · 06-06-2010, 01:00 AM

I use the Seventh Generation wipes for my toilet and counters. They seem to work fine.

I cannot say I like the smell, it is an odd smell to me and not necessarily in a good way.

**leighcat** · 06-06-2010, 06:12 AM

I got some of the lavender Method cleaner at Biglots. I like it. I sometimes use baking soda with it if I need some scrubbing action. I also have purchased some essential oils, sal's suds, castile soap, borax, and vinegar for cleaning. I put vinegar in my sink and the reddish stains from juice came right out!

**Libby** · 06-10-2010, 06:13 PM

Originally Posted by Neeley

I use the Seventh Generation wipes for my toilet and counters. They seem to work fine.

I cannot say I like the smell, it is an odd smell to me and not necessarily in a good way.

This is what totally put me off from buying them, no matter how 'green' they were. I understand if you're using something 'natural' or 'eco' it won't be as effective but this honestly smelled worse then the chemicals out there. My nose and lungs just can't take it anymore.

So far - opened up the Cucumber all purpose spray - house smells like a spa now and I do notice that their no scrub daily shower spray is effective and smells floraly and spa like too - not a fan of ylang-ylang but its not overpowering either.

Will update over the wknd once I crack open the last 2 products of theirs that I purchased (Method): tub & tile cleaner and toilet bowl one. Once my stockpile runs out I'd consider trying their dishsoap and laundry detergent next. But thats a good 3-6 months away.

**pita1213** · 06-10-2010, 09:14 PM

I have only tried the 7th generation dish liquid. It works fine if I am doing the dishes, but the kids aren't as thorough about scrubbing greasy dishes and the 7th gen. stuff doesn't seem to be helping them with that like dawn does.
Ds will be getting cleaning supplies as an end of the year gift (long story) and most of them will be the homemade variety. Baking soda, vinegar,etc and will be learning how to use them all.

**Mrs K** · 06-24-2010, 08:31 AM

After lots of trials and errors with green dishwasher detergent (you know, having to wash the whole load by hand AFTER it came out of the dishwasher!) we found 7th generation powder detergent for dishwasher. It seems to be the best of the green products for dishwasher. Of course, I boost it a little by sprinkling a little baking soda in the door before running a load, but everything comes out clean.
Over here we have a brand called Attitude, I don't know if they sell it outside Quebec, but it workes pretty well. I've even started using their window and glass cleaner after I got a free trial bottle (used vinegar before that) Will definitely be buying more. Really effective and none of that agressive Windex smell.

**Libby** · 06-24-2010, 08:03 PM

Hehehe - I did get to use the tub & tile and toilet bowl cleaner. The daily shower cleaner kept my shower so clean that the tub & tile wasn't really necessary but I did use it and I must say - my tub looks fabulous!!!