My Top 9 (cleaning products)

I have done a lot of research on safer cleaning products that actually work.  I use the Environmental Working Group's website ewg.org as a guide to find the safest products to use in my home.  I love this resource.  It is extremely important to read your labels and research each individual product.  Don't assume that a product from a certain "green" company is safe, ingredients vary in each product so check your labels and use the EWG as a resource.  You can find guides for food, personal care products, sunscreen, and more!  Vinegar, baking soda, Castile soap, and lemon go a long way but for specific tasks I have created a list of my favorites.  

1. Favorite Dishwasher Detergent: Seventh Generation Dishwasher Packs 

I used to use Cascade (ugh, I know) and hated when I would open the dishwasher and there would be a harsh chemical smell.  It truly smelled toxic.  I became really aware of this once I had my daughter. I absolutely love these Seventh Generation packs! What we use to clean our dishes is really important.  Chlorine bleach, fragrance, and sulfuric acid are all common ingredients in many dishwasher detergents.  READ YOUR LABELS! 

2. Favorite Carpet and Upholstery Stain Remover: BioKleen

This is a great solution for carpets, sofas and even clothes.  I use it mostly for carpet stains.  With having two little ones running around it is important to have a safe stain remover.  BioKleen uses plant-based formulas and essential oils in their products.  There is no artificial fragrance or colors. 

3. Favorite Dish Soap: Honest Co Honest Dish Soap, white grapefruit

I am a big fan of the Honest Company.  I started with their diapers and wipes and now also get their essentials bundle.  I love the dish soap, its gentle and mild but actually works.  My favorite is white grapefruit.  I also really love Seventh Generation dish soap, this one may be a tie. 

4. Floor Cleaner (both tile and hardwood): evover floor soap

I became very aware about what I was using to clean my floors once I had kids.  I would watch my daughter crawl all over the floor and then stick her fingers in her mouth.   I started wondering what chemicals were in my current floor cleaner, two words, not good!  I have used a variety of floor cleaners in the past and have made my own.  I really like ecover because it works well on hardwood and tile floors.  It is very concentrated so you just add a small amount to water and you are all set! 

5. Laundry Stain Remover: Good old OxiClean  

I almost always have a bucket filled with OxiClean and water in our laundry room soaking with kids clothes.  I am always amazed that after soaking and being thrown in the laundry the stains have disappeared, it is seriously magic.

6. Laundry Detergent: Honest Company 4 in 1 Laundry Pods Free and Clear

I remember when I was pregnant and my mom suggested Dreft detergent to wash all of my newborn clothes in.  That is what she believed to be safe and why not? It is marketed to brand new babies.  I wish I knew then what I know now.  All I can do is move forward and continue to educate myself and my daughters. I have tried a few different safe laundry detergents and so far this is my favorite.  It also received an A on ewg.org. Not all Honest Company products are as clean, but these are a keeper!

7.  Wood Cleaner:  Seventh Generation wood cleaner

I love this wood cleaner.  It smells refreshing and works well on our wood table.  It is coconut oil based and uses lemon and chamomile essential oils for scent.  It is non-toxic, biodegradable, and contains no phosphates.  I also use it to clean our cherry cabinets.  Can't say enough about this product. 

8.  Bathroom Cleaner: Seventh Generation Tub and Tile Natural Cleaner

This works great on tubs, tile, and sinks.  Literally just spray and wipe.  The ingredients are nontoxic and biodegradable.  NO fumes, chlorine, petroleum baed solvents, glycol ethers, phosphates, dyes or strong acids. 

9.  Honest Company Wet Mopping Pads

I love these for a quick floor clean.  These fit perfectly on my old Swiffer (eeeeek) mop.  I also use these for our mudroom floor in the winter that is constantly dirty.  They work well on tile and won and smell wonderful.