Lilac & Ivy

To all you cleaning wizards out there; we all know Bleach works wonders in the bathroom. But what have you found to clean your shower that kills mildew and mold, makes it disappear and is safe for the environment? Please share!
Image: flickr

So it has been just over two months since Earth Day and I thought it was time to see how our resolutions are going.

If you remember, my resolution was to begin using only personal care and cleaning items that are safe for the environment. Well, this has proved a bit tougher than I originally thought. First, I have a hard time throwing out things that still have product left (shampoo/conditioner). Even if the new items are safe for the environment, it still is wasteful, to me, to throw away product. And, second, I’m particular about my products. I have oily skin that doesn’t need any more oil! And, to top it off, my skin is easily irritated.

So, here’s what I’m loving and here’s what I’m still searching for. I’d love your suggestions.

Dishwasher Detergent: I recently stumbled upon Method dishwasher detergent and so far I’m really loving it. My dishes come out clean and not spotty.

Laundry Detergent: I’m still on the hunt for one I absolutely love. I like for my clothes to have a slight fragrance but not be overpowering (like how I remember Tide being). I’ve used Seventh Generation, Method and Mrs. Myers. Right now I have Mrs. Myers and I love the scent in the bottle but I don’t smell anything on my towels or sheets (where I mostly want the scent.) Any suggestions?

Dish Soap: We don’t do a ton of stuff by hand so this isn’t a huge deal. But for the pots and glasses we don’t put in the dishwasher, this Mrs. Myers soap works great.

Fabric Softener: Do you know what’s in Downy? If you don’t, just google fabric softener and the word toxic to find out what exactly all those ingredients are. Then, start using laundry balls. We have a small dryer and two balls get rid of all the static cling. My mom has a larger dryer and invested in four. These balls definitely do the job without the chemicals.

Bleach: To help brighten my whites and help with stains, I’ve started using Borax. I’ve only used it about a week and none of the clothing was new, so it’s hard to tell if it will truly work until I wash something new. But, so far, I don’t have any complaints.

Floors: I’m pretty sure this is what my grandmothers used and guess what, it still works just as well! I create a mixture of white vinegar and hot water and it cleans tile floors wonderfully!

Dusting: I don’t use any product to dust. They leave a nasty film and can actually damage your wood. Instead, I use microfiber rags. They work great on all my furniture and my wood floors!

Windows & Mirrors: A mixture of room temperature water and white vinegar in a spray bottle leaves me with 100% streak free windows and mirrors. It doesn’t smell as great as Windex, but it isn’t hazardous either.

Toilet & Shower: With some elbow grease and a scrubbing brush, the abrasives in Bon Ami work just as well as Comet but again, without the chemicals.

Counter Spray: Occasionally, the counters need a spray down. I recently picked up this Method spray and it really cuts grease.

Hand Soap: I refill all of our soap dispensers with Method. I like the scent and the way it cleans.

Body Wash: I love the scent of the Method Body Wash. It moisturizes my skin and leaves a nice, subtle fragrance.

Shampoo/Conditioner: My stylist suggested Aveda and I do love the way it makes my hair feel and smell. But, I hate the price. Any other suggestions?

Toothpaste: As soon as we finish up our Crest, I’m picking up Tom’s of Maine.

Deodorant: This will be a toughie. There doesn’t seem to be antiperspirants on the market that are green, only deodorant. My sister-in-law uses Tom’s of Maine and said she likes the scent but not that she still sweats. Anyone have suggestions?

Lotion: Again, I’m on the hunt. I’ve used Burt’s Bees but the fragrance kind of bothered me i.e. I could smell it throughout the day and definitely didn’t like it. Any suggestions?

Image: flickr

For as long as I’ve been using green cleaning products I’ve wondered why Target didn’t carry Method dishwasher detergent. Now I know why- it wasn’t created yet!! Introducing Smarty Dish, non-toxic and phosphate free! Way to go Method!! {image via Method}