Product Trial and Error
Simplicity Dish Soap: Comes with the Certified Non-Toxic & Biodegradable seal. Hypoallergenic.
Ingredients list: “Contains plant based biodegradable anionic and non-anionic surfactants, salt, and a 100% biodegradable preservative.”
My thoughts: I like the fact that the scent (Citrus Fresh) is not overpowering. I noticed no difference in it’s cleaning capabilities vs. a petroleum based dish soap. My husband said he thinks it does not wash as well as other dish soaps, but he washes the dishes about once a month….
Palmolive eco +: Touts that it is a “unique formula, which is formulated without phosphates, is better for lakes and streams while still providing powerful cleaning performance”.
Ingredients list: none on bottle. http://www.colgate.com has info about how the company is seeking better, sustainable sources of palm oil. They say they will provide a list of contents for stakeholders upon request.
The Caution label states that it DOES contain chlorine bleach.
My Thoughts: So while it doesn’t contain phosphates, it still contains chlorine bleach, which is not a safe thing to have in our soil and ground water. I give it a ‘thumbs down’.
GreenWorks Toilet Bowl Cleaner by Clorox: uses a coconut-based cleaning agent, listed on the label as nonionic surfactant; alkyl polyglucosicde.
Ingredients List: Does not contain phosphates or chlorine bleach.
My Thoughts: I’d love to say that I’m hard-core about all my household cleaning, but baby, I don’t mess with the potty!! I’ve been pleased with all the GreenWorks products, and it’s nice to not have to change my habits as far as cleaning the tiolet.
Planet Ultra Dishwashing Liquid: Certified Biodegradable, not tested on animals, hypo-allergenic.
Ingredients LIst: None specific on the label, but says that “each of the ingredients we use has been independently certified as biodegradable, with discharges that are safe for all aquatic life”. Gives www.planetinc.com for more information.
My Thoughts: As with other dishwashing liquids, I’ve been pleased with its cleaning capability. Nothing out-of-the-ordinary to report; price was comprable to other similar items. Has a nice soapy scent.
Seventh Generation Automatic Dishwashing Gel: Non-toxic, no chlorine, no phosphates.
Ingredients List: non-toxic acrylic polymers and alkoxylated linear alcohol, soda ash and sodium citrate, sodium silicate, xanthan gum.
My Thoughts: I really like Seventh Generation products. This comes in a smaller bottle than most automatic dishwasher detergents, and costs a bit more, but you only fill your dishwasher with half the amount of detergent normally needed. Smells good. Takes up less space under my sink.
Hi Holly. Enjoying your blog. Interesting to follow your discovery of new things that are old and work great. Perhaps you would like to visit my Blog, AniVegiMini and trade links. I think your site certainly belongs in my Blogroll. Keep up the good work. I appreciate knowing that what used to be a bunch of “Hippie BS” is now becoming acceptable again. I will be doing a blog soon on Dr. Bonner’s Soaps and other household “buyables.” Cheers.
hello holly – as much as i would love to praise seventh generation up and down, it is important to also take note of the noted “sodium” on the labels. sodium is salt and you might already be aware that pouring or leaching salt into the ground is not good – it dries out the land and will kill plants if regularly exposed.
i’m sticking with dr. bronners and/or oasis products – they work great!
Great advice- and since I posted this review a while back, I learned about the dangers of ODing the garden on sodium. I have switched to Dr. Bronner’s!