Dishwashing products!
For your dishwasher, the Ecostore Dishwasher Powder - Lemon $13.95 is formulated using plant- and mineral-derived ingredients and includes biodegradable surfactants and enzymes (which make up less than 1%), and has it has also been independently tested and was shown to work as just as effectively as regular products.
For hand washing dishes, I recommend the Resparkle Organic Dishwashing Liquid $7.70, which is another ultra concentrated formula. It cleans even the toughest of stains and leaves your dishes sparkling. Plus it’s really softening on the skin! The Cinderella Dishwashing Liquid $8.95, removes stubborn dirt and has a beautiful watermelon scent. Your kids might actually want to do the dishes! This foaming liquid is kind to the environment, made without testing on animals and is gentle on the skin. If you have very sensitive skin however, I recommend trying the Abobe Fragrance Free Dish Liquid - Sensitive $7.95. It’s the most gentle formula available, using only plant based ingredients to effectively clean your dirty dishes. It’s also fragrance free and creates lots of bubbles!
Looking for a new scrubbing brush? I love using the Full Circle Suds Up Brush $12.35, because it simplifies the whole cleaning process! All you need to do is press the button at the top of the brush to dispense soap. The bristles are made using both natural and recycled plastic bristles which make scrubbing your dirty dishes a breeze! You can even stand up the brush on its bamboo handle, making it perfect for storage.
Cleaning sprays!
Whether you’re looking for a spray to clean your windows, stainless steel surfaces or kid’s toys... we have you covered! For wiping down benches (and sticky fingerprints!), I love using the Bondi Wash Bench Spray - Sydney Peppermint & Rosemary $22. With a fresh Eucalyptus scent, this spray is formulated with food grade ingredients and Australian bush oils including Rosemary and Peppermint to leave your surfaces smelling amazing! Completely toxin free, this spray kills 99.9% of bacteria and leaves an uplifting fragrance around the home. For bathroom cleaning, the Cinderella Bathroom Cleaner $8.95, works to effectively clean soap scum, calcium build up, dirt and limescale. It has a delicious coconut scent and will leave your bathroom sinks, taps, baths and toilets spotless and shiny!
There’s nothing worse than a beautiful, clean home with dirty windows! The Abobe Natural Window Cleaner $7.95, actually cleans better than any other glass cleaner I’ve ever used! Made using naturally derived plant and mineral based ingredients, this uniquely formulated product is free of any nasty chemicals including petrochemicals, d-Limonene, LABS acids and other semi synthetic plant surfactants. Another fantastic everyday cleaner that I recommend is the Resparkle Organic Nursery, Toy & Everyday Cleaner $5.20. Using plant based ingredients and essential oils, this spray is safe enough to use on your kid's toys! It’s a gentle formulation that works to remove stains, germs and sticky residues. Perfect for anyone with young kids!
Laundry detergents!
When it comes to laundry detergents, I can’t go past the Resparkle All-Natural Laundry Powder $13! Made with certified organic ingredients, this laundry powder uses revolutionary biotechnology to removes tough stains and stubborn odours. The best part? It cleans your washing machine while cleaning your clothes! If you or your kids have very sensitive skin, the Abobe Front Loader Laundry Powder - Sensitive $10.95, is another great option. It’s made fragrance free and formulated especially for skin sensitivities. This highly concentrated formula only requires a single tablespoon for superior quality cleaning!
Have you heard of That RedHouse Organic Soapberries $14? These organically grown berries have incredible anti fungal and antibacterial properties. They work naturally to clean your clothes and are hypoallergenic! Soapberries are also very cost effective as it’s estimated (based on a 1kg bag) that the cost per load is only 11 cents. This is a huge saving when compared to supermarket detergents which cost approximately 52 cents per load. It all adds up!
One product you may not have realised works as an effective laundry detergent is the Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap! This multipurpose liquid actually has 18 uses ranging from a facial cleanser to toilet cleaner. It can even be used as a dishwashing liquid, window cleaner or fruit and vegetable rinse! To learn all of the Castile Soap uses, you can read my blog post here!
Simple tips to keeping your home healthy!
Nicole Bijlsma, co founder of Abode Cleaning Products, is also known as the Building Biologist. According to Nicole, there are some simple everyday steps you can take to keep your home clean and chemical free. These range from something as simple as remembering to take off your shoes before entering your house (this prevents dust load!) or using the sun to aerate everyday items such as chopping boards, pillows and mattresses. Another handy tip that I picked up on from Nicole, is that keeping plants indoors helps to reduce chemical emissions, airborne mould and bacteria. They also help to balance humidity levels, absorb carbon dioxide and create healthy indoor air. Now that’s the perfect reason to go plant shopping!
