household cleaner

15 October 2020

review Fill steel and glass cleaner
(I purchased this product)

Cleaning is a chore but we all have to do it at some point. For years now I've been seeking out household cleaning products with plant based ingredients. I've always struggled with sensitivity to mainstream brands that are highly perfumed or overbearing with bleach.

I was having trouble re-purchasing Tincture London Glass, Mirror & Steel Cleaner during lockdown so I was looking for an alternative. I ended up buying Fill Steel and Glass Cleaner. What stood out to me with Fill products is there are fragrance free options

"WE MAKE EVERYTHING OURSELVES, AT OUR OWN FAMILY RUN FACTORY IN NORTHAMPTONSHIRE WITH REAL CHEMISTS… COMBINING BIODEGRADABLE INGREDIENTS TO CREATE SIMPLE, MODERN & EFFECTIVE ECO CLEANING & LAUNDRY PRODUCTS. NO DYES. NO HARSH CHEMICALS. NO PLASTIC BOTTLES. LESS WASTE."

You may wonder why I buy a specific glass and steel cleaner over using a multi purpose product. Well the reason is I have found that some surface sprays don't cut through the grease and leave streaks on the steel hob and my glass back splash. I've a shiny new home and like to keep it that way.

Fill Steel and Glass Cleaner makes light work of cleaning surface around my home. It doesn't take much elbow grease to get everything looking 'spick and span'. This cleaner is packaged in a glass bottle and I purchased with a spray nozzle which is plastic but if you re-purchase or re-fill you can hang onto this part and re-use it. I did opt for the fragrance version and the scent of geranium is pleasant and not over powering.

I've been happy to discover Fill. Their ethos looks great with options to bulk buy and refill, products are vegan and cruelty free, packaging is cardboard and glass, ingredients are biodegradable and you can support local business. If you would like to buy the steel and glass cleaner or explore the entire product range then visit fillrefill.co

Sarah x

11 August 2020

Ocean Saver All Purpose Floor Cleaner Eco Drop Rhubarb Coral
(I paid for this product, price correct at time of publication)

I've remained loyal to the same household cleaning products for years. I've been using a combination of Bio-D, Tincture LondonGreenscents and I have a favourite product from each brand. During lockdown and with the loss of my job I was seeking accessible and budget friendly options. I thought that might be mission impossible but I'm pleased to say I found Ocean Saver.

6 August 2019

Tincture London Eco Friendly Cleaning Products for around the home
I've been using eco friendly products around my home for years and I have some firm favourites on repeat purchase. I shall place links to my reviews at the end of this article. For me, one of the most common causes of allergic reactions has been household cleaning products. My allergy diagnosis to MI (Methylisothiazolinone) came much later in life but it certainly helped shed light on past situations. I'd reached the point where I had to ban the office cleaner from using their products on my desk due to experiencing itchy skin on my arms.

23 January 2018

Looking for Eco Friendly Laundry Products suitable for allergies and vegans
Ethical, cruelty and allergen free laundry products are the biggest headache in my daily life. I feel like the worst person ever for the products I currently use and I've beaten myself up about it but I'm stuck in this really difficult place. I desire a more natural formulation, I don't want it to be tested on animals, I'd like it to be Vegan, I want fragrance but need to avoid linalool, there is the dreaded MI (methylisothiazolinone) to avoid and accessibility is important.

I think the most eco-friendly laundry product available is soap nuts. I experimented with these some years ago but it just didn't suit me for the long term. I wasn't happy with the way my clothes were feeling and smelling over the long term so I ditched that plan.

When looking for ethical products available in supermarkets, most people think of Method and Ecover but both brands were acquired by S.C. Johnson & Son in 2017, a company not associated with ethical or cruelty free values. Seventh Generation has hit the shelves at Tesco, its a popular US brand but despite the claims of suitability for sensitive skin, I was shocked to see it contains methylisothiazolinone (MI). This can also be said for Tesco's own brand Eco Active. Astonish and own brands from Sainsbury's, Waitrose, Co-Op and Marks & Spencer carry the Leaping Bunny logo which gives reassurance for cruelty free but you're not getting a "natural" formulation and on my last inspection I was struggling over MI and linalool (I do need to re-visit this to check labels as things can change).

I know of Greenscents, Bio-D and Mangle & Wringer which are greener brands so tick all my boxes. I do use various cleaning supplies from their ranges and have repurchased from time to time.  Since I can only buy online (no local stockists) this leaves me agonising over courier charges and delivery slots which I find expensive and stressful. It also requires me to be organised and when you're down to the last drop it's much easier to pop to the supermarket. 

There are several brands on my list which I need to do further research on including Faith In Nature, Ecozone and The Gentle Label. I'd be interested in getting feedback from readers who have tried any of their products.

I guess I'm writing this as a personal rant because sometimes I think living your best "green" lifestyle can get a little stressful. I wanted to demonstrate that I don't have the answer to everything, I do struggle with decisions. I've spent months going round in circles but I determined to find a solution. Anyone else in the same position?

Sarah x

12 August 2014

Mangle & Wringer Natural Cleaning Products

(Gifted PR Samples)

UPDATE JUNE 2021 - Mangle & Wringer has put their company on hold

You know you are getting old when you find cleaning products exciting. Many of the mainstream cleaners found at the supermarket make me wheezy and I never have liked the thought of breathing in chemicals. I discovered Mangle & Wringer on Twitter and got in touch with them regarding their products. Mangle & Wringer have a range of traditional, non-toxic cleaning remedies. Products are also fragrance free and not tested on animals. There is a delightful back story to the company which you can read over on the website.

I have been lucky enough to put the entire range to the test - Spray & Go, Kitchen Cleanser, Laundry Powder, Good for Glass, Bathroom Balm and Natural Bleach. Each product has impressed me but there is one in particular which I can use to demonstrate the strength of these products. I gave the Kitchen Cleanser the ultimate test on my nasty kitchen sink. My sink should be a light grey colour but it always had a nasty tangerine brown stain thanks to previous tenants. No matter how hard I tried I have never been able to budge the discolouration, well that was until now. The Kitchen Cleanser is a paste, I scooped a little from the tin and then rubbed onto the sink using one of those cheap non stick washing up sponges. I worked at the sink for 5-10 minutes, reapplying product and rinsing in between. I started to notice a vast improvement in the colour almost immediately. The stain had faded and in some areas I have almost restored the original colour. What I like about the Mangle and Wringer Kitchen cleanser is it rinses away easily without leaving a noticeable chalkiness from dried paste. At the suggestion of Mangle & Wringer, I later filled the sink with hot water, added a scoop of natural bleach and left it for a few hours. Since taking the pictures below, I think my sink is looking even better with continued cleaning. I don't think it will ever be restored completely but it certainly makes me happy to see it look less disgusting. 
Mangle & Wringer Natural Cleaning Products
Just for guidance, the consistency of the Bathroom Balm is slightly different. It has a mousse like texture but it worked equally as well on soap scum. The Spray & Go is a multi purpose product which I make sure is on hand for quick clean ups on surfaces around my home. The only minor downside is lack of fragrance. Prior to trying this spray, my cleaner of choice is Greenscents in mint and I have missed the fresh scent. In my bedroom I have mirrored wardrobe doors and the glass cleaner made light work of finger prints. I found the task quick and easy without too much smearing. I have never used a bleach powder before now so I can't compare to anything else but I have been using it in the washing machine to brighten up white shirts.

I highly recommend Mangle & Wringer for eco-friendly household cleaning. I am not sure I would replace every product when they run out (e.g laundry powder & bleach) but I certainly wouldn't want to be without the kitchen cleanser.

Sarah x

14 January 2014

Bio-D fragrance free washing up liquid
I mentioned this washing up liquid in a Favourites
video. What can I say good eco-friendly washing up liquid is hard to find. Bio D has a wide range of household cleaning products and they are free from Phosphates, E.D.T.A. (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid), Enzymes, Optical Brighteners, Chlorine Bleach, Petroleum derived additives, chemical plasticisers, Formaldehyde, Glycerine (vegetable sourced not animal derived), lanolin, Sodium Tallowate, synthetic dyes, synthetic perfumes and titanium dioxide. Products are approved by The Vegan Society, Naturewatch Trust, BUAV and The World Wildlife Foundation. I note that laundry products carry Allergy UK logo on the website.

I stumbled across Bio D when I visited Vegfest and decided to buy the washing up liquid because at the time, I had been using and disliking one from Bentley Organics. The Bio D formula is concentrated so you do not need to use very much. The bottle is still going three months later and we wash up daily. It generates a nice amount of bubbles which do not disperse within five second of the dishes hitting the water. I'm not someone who cooks greasy food but this washing up liquid does clean up residue cooking oil on oven trays from chips or veggie burgers. I should point out this is an unscented product and should anyone prefer scented there are lavender and grapefruit options.

Bio D washing up liquid does what I require it to do and that makes me happy (it's the simple pleasures). I certainly feel as if I have got value for money as I paid £2.30* for this giant 1 litre bottle. I will be looking into the entire Bio D range when I am next requiring laundry liquid or loo cleaner.

Has anyone else tried Bio D products? Do any of you get excited about eco friendly washing up liquid? 

Sarah x

*Prices correct at time of publication

29 October 2013

Greenfrog Natural Cleaning Products
(Disclaimer - PR samples, links are not affiliated, opinions are my own, I was not compensated for this video)

I was recently asked to review products from Greenfrog, a UK company based in Brighton. Products are free from nasty ingredients, 100% biodegradable, not tested on animals and safe for aquatic life. 

I was sent trial size samples of handwash, washing up liquid, all purpose cleaner and a bag of soapnuts. The cleaning products are fragrance with essential oils and contain soapnut extract.

I hope you enjoy watching and if you have any questions leave a comment below or over on my YouTube channel - 
Click here to watch video

Sarah x

27 July 2012

Method Bathroom Cleaner
Cleaning your home when you have allergies can often cause a headache, quite literally. I try to limit chemical based cleansers in my home but I am not perfect. Yes, there are natural ingredients which work well on grease, grime and limescale (e.g bicarb, lemon and vinegar) but sometimes I want to have a back up available from the supermarket. I can always be tempted by a promotional offer so this time I picked up the 
Method Bathroom Cleaner.

Method have a range of products for your home, hands and laundry and all made with plant based, biodegradable cleaners. The aroma of the bathroom cleaner comes from eucalyptus and mint. It is pleasant and no too overwhelming which is good because I do not struggle with my breathing when spraying this around the bathroom. This can be a common problem with other household cleaners. Unfortunately, I have to be honest and say I do feel it lets me down in performance. This makes a perfectly adequate surface cleaner but despite the manufacturer's claim I do not feel it removes greasy soap scum. The problem with using balm and oil cleanser is they have a habit of building up residue round the sink (or is that just in my sink?). I often have a nice brown tan line from foundation and I feel this Method doesn't quite cut it with removing this type of grime.

What I do like about Method is they are approved by PETA as a cruelty free and vegan company. Products contain naturally derived ingredients and are environmentally friendly. I recommend you take time reading the website to learn more about their practices. Whilst this bathroom cleaner was not up to my standards I am happy to use for other purposes around the home.

Sarah x

4 May 2012

Review Astonish Oven & Cookware Cleaner
I would like to share something different with you and it's a product that I've been using for a few years. Most of us are probably doing housework from time to time but when you have allergies or sensitivities it can be a tricky to find cleaning products that don't trigger reactions.

Astonish Oven & Cookware cleaner is made from vegetable soap, costs under £2 for a 500g tub and works miracles on ovens and around the home. It is very simple to use. You scoop the desired amount from the tub and using a damp cloth scrub the area and then wipe clean. I use this on my oven but I have also found it great for the bathroom. If you use oil based cleansers and get a dirty tide mark on the sink then the Atonish cleaner removes it with ease.
Astonish Oven & Cookware Cleaner
Astonish products are Vegan and cruelty free which is fantastic because household items are still subject to testing. The oven cleaner doesn't contain a cocktail of questionable ingredients which makes me feel more at ease using around the home. Some oven cleaners take your breathe away with a noxious scent which can be overwhelming when scrubbing surfaces especially in a confined space like the oven. 

You can purchased Astonish Oven & Cookware cleaner at Lakeland, Robert Dyas or visit the Astonish website to find more stockists.

Sarah x

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