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Non-Toxic Cleaning Series: Product Review & Giveaway

July 12th, 2012

The non-toxic cleaning series continues, I’ve been busy testing a few homemade recipes for items like rug cleaners and mildew busters. When I first started the series I had a few different companies contact me about testing their products. I told Better Life I would because their products sounded great. I know many of you don’t necessarily want to be making your own cleaning products and would rather purchase a good non-toxic alternative. So I figured I’d test them out for those of you who do.

They sent me a box with 6 different cleaners. Last weekend, when we set off the clean the house in a jiffy for some potential buyers, I put these products to the test. I was fully ready to not like them as much as my homemade cleaners. Generally I find myself disappointed in purchased products, especially with the price! I was pleasantly surprised, however and really liked these.

The what-EVER cleaner was great for cleaning cabinets and other areas with greasy/oily buildup. After using them to clean my kitchen cabinets they looked amazing. This product really does clean very well, so well in fact that I’m thinking I’ll always have a bottle on hand for those tougher jobs that my homemade multi-purpose cleaner doesn’t work as well on.

The stainless steel cleaner EINSHINE working wonderfully on my appliances. Those of you who asked about cleaning stainless steel will be happy about this product as it can be difficult to find a product that cleans it well. I’ll definitely be keeping a bottle of this on hand for shining up that beautiful stove of mine.

SIMPLY FLOORED was another hit here at Chiot’s Run. Since the entire house is hardwood flooring, we use a mop for everything. I loved that this product has just a touch of sage scent, just barely enough to detect. One of the reasons I do not like store-bought cleaners is I find the heavy scent to be very offensive to my very sensitive nose. That’s one thing I appreciated about all the Better Life Products, no overpowering scents that scream “I JUST CLEANED MY HOUSE”.

The one product I wasn’t super excited about was the glass cleaner I CAN SEE CLEARLY. I didn’t find that it cleaned my windows any better than using the window cleaner or vinegar. I also received a bottle of granite cleaner which I haven’t used since I don’t have stone in my house. The wood polish was used, but I haven’t yet decided if I like it more than simply using my homemade multi-purpose cleaner.

Lucky for you, Better Life will be giving one lucky reader a You Pick 6 box. You can choose which 6 products you’d like to try; simply comment below for your chance to win. Here at Chiot’s Run I’ll be keeping some of the what-EVER cleaner on hand from now on, and I might try their Knock-Out clothes spot treatment as well.

Which cleaning product are you least likely to make yourself at home?

NON-TOXIC CLEANING SERIES
Stocking Your Non-Toxic Cleaning Kit
Learning to Love Castile Soap
Make Your Own: Foaming Soap
Make Your Own: Infused Vinegar
Make Your Own: Multi-Purpose Cleaner
Make Your Own: Color Safe Oxygen Bleach
Non-Toxic Bathroom Cleaning
Friday Favorite: Charlie’s Soap
Friday Favorite: Twist Sponges
Homemade Whitening Scrub

We have a winner:

Disclaimer – Better life sent me products to try to free, but I did not get paid to write this review or to talk about their products.

89 Comments to “Non-Toxic Cleaning Series: Product Review & Giveaway”
  1. Deborahjean on July 12, 2012 at 6:52 am

    I would LOVE to try these products,they look amazing.I have been looking for a line like this…..

    Reply to Deborahjean's comment

  2. Canned Quilter on July 12, 2012 at 7:02 am

    Wow I could use a good green stainless steel cleaner as all my appliances are stainless.

    Reply to Canned Quilter's comment

  3. Dawnmarie on July 12, 2012 at 7:13 am

    Thanks for such a great review. I’m not ready to start making all of my cleaning supplies just yet but since I have asthma, I’m always looking for less toxic lower scent cleaners that do the job without irritating my airways or my sensitive skin.

    I’m taking from your review that these don’t have strong smells that are likely to trigger asthma or allergy in those of us that are sensitive. Is that a fair conclusion?

    Reply to Dawnmarie's comment

    • Susy on July 12, 2012 at 7:56 am

      Yes no strong smell at all – barely detectible as far as the scent in concerned. I have issues with scents causing headaches/migraines so scent (and lack of it) is very important to me.

      Reply to Susy's comment

  4. Lisa@The Cutting Edge of Ordinary on July 12, 2012 at 7:14 am

    The stainless steel cleaner would go a long way here. We have lots of stainless in the kitchen. I’m least likely to make window cleaner. I still use vinegar! Thanks for the chance.

    Reply to Lisa@The Cutting Edge of Ordinary's comment

  5. aruna on July 12, 2012 at 7:16 am

    I am probably would not make most of the cleaning products. I have made my own glass cleaner but that’s about it. I would love to receive and try out these products as I am trying to move my home towards being chemical free. Thanks for the opportunity.

    Reply to aruna's comment

  6. Erin on July 12, 2012 at 7:17 am

    Ooooo I really love their labels. Those are neat.

    Reply to Erin's comment

  7. Joan on July 12, 2012 at 7:25 am

    The Whatever and window cleaners would be great, for when I actually get around to doing a cleaning! When will that be?

    Reply to Joan's comment

  8. Sherri on July 12, 2012 at 7:36 am

    I am always interested in trying new products. Especially ones that are better for the environment!

    Reply to Sherri's comment

  9. erika on July 12, 2012 at 7:37 am

    Sounds great to me.

    Erika

    Reply to erika's comment

  10. Sue Fiorentini on July 12, 2012 at 7:40 am

    I, too, have been trying to use more natural cleaners. My favorite is 1 cup white vinegar (warmed) added to 1 cup Dawn and mixed up in a spray bottle. I clean my shower and sinks with this and love the shine. Would love to try the wood floor cleaner as I am not happy with what I currently use. Where could you purchase these?

    Reply to Sue Fiorentini's comment

  11. Fawn on July 12, 2012 at 7:48 am

    Natural cleaning products that I don’t have to make nor do I have to pay for?? Sign me up! :)

    Reply to Fawn's comment

  12. Brad on July 12, 2012 at 7:52 am

    The product names are great! I dig your blog!

    Reply to Brad's comment

  13. Tamar on July 12, 2012 at 8:00 am

    I too use all my own home made cleaners simply because of the price of natural ones. But these are even packaged with beautiful labels—I love that!

    Reply to Tamar's comment

  14. Louisa on July 12, 2012 at 8:02 am

    Well, I make most of my cleaning products cause I am allergic to so many of the ingredients in commercial ones, so I have to say I make everything I use. It would be nice to try some safe commercial cleaners, though

    Reply to Louisa's comment

  15. Miranda on July 12, 2012 at 8:07 am

    I use vinegar on my windows and a steam mop with no cleaner on my wood floors, but I’m probably least likely to make any laundry soap or spot treatment.

    Reply to Miranda's comment

  16. kristin @ going country on July 12, 2012 at 8:08 am

    Honestly? Any of them. I was just thinking the other day that an excellent housewarming present would be a caddy like the one you use filled with bottles of pre-made homemade cleaners and including the recipes.

    Really, I wish someone would just give ME one, but since I’m not moving, nor do I know anyone who makes their own, I would love to try some of these. I especially would appreciate the lack of strong scent. Can’t stand that.

    Reply to kristin @ going country's comment

  17. Wendy on July 12, 2012 at 8:23 am

    I’m probably disqualified since i”m related to someone at this blog place – but I never heard of this product before. Sounds interesting. Maybe it’ll show up at the scratch and dent like Method products do with a $1.50 price tag on it and I can get it!!!

    Good deal!

    Wendy

    Reply to Wendy's comment

  18. Jodi Tork on July 12, 2012 at 8:30 am

    I would love to try these cleaners. I have made a some cleaners and vinegar does work well….but I don’t think I will ever get use to the smell *-*

    Reply to Jodi Tork's comment

  19. Navya on July 12, 2012 at 8:30 am

    I would like to try the stainless steel cleaner. I never seem to get my steel to sparkle.

    Reply to Navya's comment

  20. Ashley on July 12, 2012 at 8:40 am

    Thanks for reviewing these products. They have a great image and I would love to give them a go. Take care!

    Reply to Ashley's comment

  21. amber jackson on July 12, 2012 at 8:53 am

    I make some cleaners on the spot when cleaning but have not prepared cleaning products before cleaning much. I did make the bleach alternative posted here and it works great, I would really like to try these products, especially if they are natural, many “natural” products do not live up to their name…

    Reply to amber jackson's comment

  22. goatpod2 on July 12, 2012 at 9:01 am

    We’d probably use Einshine.

    Amy

    Reply to goatpod2's comment

  23. pam on July 12, 2012 at 9:03 am

    I make a lot of my cleaners, but have not come up with one for my hardwood floors or my granite counter tops.

    Reply to pam's comment

  24. Chas on July 12, 2012 at 9:08 am

    I’ve been making some of our products for a while now, but these look great. I would love a chance to try them out.
    Thanks!

    Reply to Chas's comment

  25. Peggy on July 12, 2012 at 9:10 am

    I do make a good deal of our cleaners but something that worked wonderfully on laminate floors which did not streak would greatly be appreciated! or the stainless steel cleaner to keep the dishwasher clean!!

    Reply to Peggy's comment

  26. molly on July 12, 2012 at 9:15 am

    I use a lot of baking soda and vinegar in my cleaning routine, but I tend to rely on bulk spray cleaners that I buy.

    Reply to molly's comment

  27. Lisa on July 12, 2012 at 9:16 am

    Would love to try these products and rid my home of store-bought cleaners.

    Reply to Lisa's comment

  28. Donna B. on July 12, 2012 at 9:18 am

    OoOooh! “Dish It Out” is yet another product I must try out! I’m on an endless search for a dish washing product that doesn’t destroy my poor boyfriend’s hands… Dr. Bronner’s/Sal Suds [your recipe!], Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day, and even those major brands labeled as “for sensitive skin” all make his hands cry out with rage! I like how it’s Citrus/Sage scented! Love love love! ♥

    Reply to Donna B.'s comment

  29. Erica A on July 12, 2012 at 9:20 am

    I’ve made laundry soap and general cleaners I’d love something to clean my stainless steel better.

    Reply to Erica A's comment

  30. whit on July 12, 2012 at 9:28 am

    Dishwasher and laundry detergent are the things i’m least likely to make, as i don’t think they work as well when i’ve tried.

    These products look fabulous. Thanks for the chance to share in the love.

    Reply to whit's comment

  31. Melissa on July 12, 2012 at 9:46 am

    A good stainless cleaner would be nice because vinegar doesn’t seem to get the grime off of mine.

    Reply to Melissa's comment

  32. liz on July 12, 2012 at 9:48 am

    I think these look great. I am a sucker for cute packaging and these really caught my eye. I also really liked your comment about the lack of smell. That is something we struggle with at our house. Perfume=migraines. Blech. Thanks for the great review.

    Reply to liz's comment

  33. DebbieB on July 12, 2012 at 9:55 am

    I’m glad to get your ‘scent review’ on these products. Strong scents give me headaches and a scratchy throat, so if these are low-scent, I’d like to try them too.

    Reply to DebbieB's comment

  34. Andrea Duke on July 12, 2012 at 10:27 am

    I am also someone who hates lots of smells, especially fake ones.

    I am least likely to continue making my own laudry detergent and might try the Charlie’s brand you recommended recently.

    Reply to Andrea Duke's comment

  35. Songbirdtiff on July 12, 2012 at 10:32 am

    Most of my cleaning is done with vinegar or Murphey’s Oil soap, but I could definitely use an all-natural degreaser!

    Reply to Songbirdtiff's comment

  36. Gayle on July 12, 2012 at 10:39 am

    I’ve been using homemade cleaners (most of them your recipes) for a while but would love to try these. The floor cleaner and the one you used on your cabinets would be awesome in this house. Thank you for this giveaway.

    Reply to Gayle's comment

  37. Emily on July 12, 2012 at 10:40 am

    I make my own but would love to try a new brand!

    Reply to Emily's comment

  38. Jenny on July 12, 2012 at 11:22 am

    I don’t tend to make products ahead of time, but often I’ll reach for the baking soda to scrub something (it did an amazing job of cleaning the outside of my toaster and toaster oven) or add vinegar to my mopping water. I can’t see myself making laundry detergent either. Instead, I just use way less than the recommended amount, and it works just as well. A large bottle of tide has lasted me almost a year and a half.

    I would love to try the whatever cleaner. I have lots of icky, greasy, dusty, cat hair encrusted buildup on the tops of my kitchen cupboards, and I haven’t found anything that will get through it. Also my boyfriend comes home with really dirty/greasy hands from work and leaves fingerprints on the walls, and I’d like to try this on them.

    Reply to Jenny's comment

  39. Sasha on July 12, 2012 at 11:31 am

    I try to use mostly all natural cleaners for my asthma and for the baby. Although I haven’t given up Clorox wipes. I would be least likely to try to make a wood cleaner as I’d be fearful of ruining any of the wood.

    Reply to Sasha's comment

  40. cynthia on July 12, 2012 at 12:34 pm

    I think I’d like the Whatever cleaner- sounds like the right one for
    the most problems. Thanks for sharing. Love your site!

    Reply to cynthia's comment

  41. Jessica on July 12, 2012 at 12:37 pm

    Interesting review. I hadn’t heard of this particular brand before.

    Reply to Jessica's comment

  42. brittney on July 12, 2012 at 1:03 pm

    We just purchased new stainless steel appliances and I would love to try their cleaners on them.

    Reply to brittney's comment

  43. janet on July 12, 2012 at 1:03 pm

    Awesome! We need a good stainless steel cleaner! I’d also like to try the all purpose cleaner, granite cleaner, the floor cleaner….

    Reply to janet's comment

  44. Pat L. on July 12, 2012 at 1:25 pm

    Great giveaway and a great way to try products that I haven’t used before. I don’t think I could master stainless steel cleaner and the fridge so needs it.

    Reply to Pat L.'s comment

  45. Linda on July 12, 2012 at 2:04 pm

    I would love to win the What-EVER….sounds like something I could really use around my home. Thank you for the review. That makes it so much easier to know about products….from someone who has tried it.

    Reply to Linda's comment

  46. Kathy L. on July 12, 2012 at 2:19 pm

    I would use the Take it for Granite & the Einshine for sure!

    Reply to Kathy L.'s comment

  47. Patti on July 12, 2012 at 2:21 pm

    What a great review! I use mostly vinegar and baking soda to clean. It would be so much fun to try these!

    Reply to Patti's comment

  48. Lottie on July 12, 2012 at 2:23 pm

    Thanks so much for testing these products. They sound just like what I have been looking for. I want non-toxic cleaners, but am too lazy to make them myself.

    Reply to Lottie's comment

  49. Christy on July 12, 2012 at 4:19 pm

    Very cool! Would love to try these out!

    Reply to Christy's comment

  50. Karen on July 12, 2012 at 4:31 pm

    Smells are a big thing for me, too. Fake smells linger forever, and give me a headache. I’ve started making scented vinegar, which I use for cleaning all sorts of things! I’d like to try to make some laundry detergent, but for right now, I’m just couponing to keep my costs low.
    How do these products’ prices compare to store-bought or homemade?

    Reply to Karen's comment

About

This is a daily journal of my efforts to cultivate a more simple life, through local eating, gardening and so many other things. We used to live in a small suburban neighborhood Ohio but moved to 153 acres in Liberty, Maine in 2012.

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