Jan 7, 2008

Switch to natural cleaners?

We have all heard how everyone is switching to natural cleaners. I often use vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice to clean in my home but I also love my bleach! I have no problem with natural cleaners as long as they work and do not cost a small fortune.


When I was told that Clorox had come out with Green works, a natural line of cleaners I was interested. I saw it at WalMart yesterday for a under $3 so I grabbed a bottle. I tried it on a few things today and was not impressed at all. So unimpressed that I did my own little cleaning experiment using it and my other two favorite cleaners that are not "green".
I started by throwing some red drink mix and coffee on my counter. I let it set for about 30 minutes then i grabbed all my cleaners.

Here are the results.....


I was very disappointed with the cleaning power of the Clorox Green Works and I will not be buying it again. I am willing to try others but for now I will stick with my bleach and Fantastik.

:) Yes, I know that I spelled Clorox wrong on the picture. :)

5 comments:

Rebecca said...

The only time I think about using natural cleaners is when I'm sneezing from my regular stuff. But it passes and I'd rather sneeze a little and have a clean house. It would be interesting to try other natural products though. I liked your experiment.

Bethany @ Gettin' It Pegged! said...

Great experiment! I like your hands on approach to figure out what you like and works the best. I came here from Top Mamma, because your pic of your little darling reminded me of my own at that age!...absolutely adorable! :)
Bethany~

Real World Martha said...

I was curious about the green works as I want to clean as naturally as possible given the toxic natures and cost of store bought cleaners. That is disappointing however I think most of these companies are just trying to be on the green bandwagon. Most homemade cleaners are easy, cheap, and effective. I love the Queen of Clean. She has many stain removers and uses little (but sometimes) chemical cleaners.

As-Is Chronicles of the Coagulated Mom said...

have to tell you...that stuff is "green washed" for those of us in the industry. For your alternative...you know were to find me.

Love your blog!

Lorna Marie Larson said...

Be careful not to combine your bleach and Fantastik, though, or it could be deadly. Make sure to rinse off any Fantastik residue before pouring bleach. For a milder and easier to control bleach option, I sometimes use a little dishwasher gel (most contain bleach) on counter top stains. A friend of mine put a bleach-based cleaner into a bottle that had formerly contained an all-purpose cleaner, and exposure for a few minutes to the bleach cleaner combining with the residue in the bottle and the amount in the sprayer tube nearly put her in the hospital. Chlorine of all kinds is also highly detrimental to people with thyroid disorders. Sometimes bright white isn't worth it, especially when hydrogen perodixe and baking soda will work.