For a long time, house keeping materials in my home consisted mainly of my Dyson vacuum and baby wipes. Once I discovered that baby wipes could be used to clean baby food off of walls just as easily as a child’s skin, I began using them for everything. I have used baby wipes to clean dried yogurt off the kitchen table, mop up mud tracked onto my carpet, and even removed “washable” crayon marks from wood furniture. I cannot imagine how I was able to live the majority of my life without baby wipes.
In an effort to become more green and eco-friendly, I am trying to wean myself off of disposable baby wipes in favor of reusable sponges, washcloths, and towels. I am also avoiding antibacterial soaps containing triclosan and purchasing refillable products when available.
My favorite refill product so far is the White Tea & Vitamin E Dial Eco-Smart Refill. This refill is packaged in a soft pouch rather than a bulky plastic bottle.
I use this liquid hand soap to refill both my regular soap dispensers and my foaming soap dispensers. My article “How to: Refill Foaming Hand Soap Pumps” describes how to add one part liquid soap to four parts water to make a less expensive, non-antibacterial foaming hand soap refill.
When MyBlogSpark offered me the opportunity to sample several Seventh Generation products, I was thrilled. On their about page, Seventh Generation describes themselves as being “committed to becoming the world’s most trusted brand of authentic, safe, and environmentally-responsible products for a healthy home.” Seventh Generation uses natural CleanWell instead of triclosan to make their disinfecting products. Earlier this month, the FDA wrote “At this time, FDA does not have evidence that triclosan added to antibacterial soaps and body washes provides extra health benefits over soap and water. Consumers concerned about using hand and body soaps with triclosan should wash with regular soap and water.”
MyBlogSpark and Seventh Generation sent me several cleaning products and supplies to sample and review. I really believe in the Seventh Generation philosophy, so I eagerly anticipated the cleaning kit in the mail. As soon as they arrived, my husband and I used them to give our kitchen and bathroom a much needed deep cleaning. The Disinfecting Multi-Surface Cleaner, Bathroom Cleanser, and Disinfecting Wipes all cleaned my hard surfaces quickly and easily, but we could not get past the oddly familiar yet slightly unpleasant Lemongrass and Thyme scent.
The brown paper towels we received were unbleached and made from 100% recycled paper. Unfortunately, they are not as absorbent as the Bounty paper towels I am used to. I ended up using twice as many paper towels to dry hands, wipe up spills, or soak up oil from food.
All the Seventh Generation Disinfectants are only available in the Lemongrass and Thyme scent, but there is an unscented Free & Clear line that I am looking forward to trying. I plan to join the Seventh Generation Nation so I can print coupons before my next purchase.
If you would like to try the Seventh Generation Disinfecting products for free, please post a comment below. One lucky reader will win a Seventh Generation Cleaning Kit containing disinfecting products, paper towels, a carrying tote, and “The Conscious Kitchen” book. The winner will be announced on Monday, May 10th. The cleaning kits have been generously provided by Seventh Generation through MyBlogSpark.
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- How to: Refill Foaming Hand Soap Pumps
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- Hand Sanitizers: The Hidden Dangers
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- Review: Nature Valley Nut Clusters
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
I really have to go look for that Dial soap refill and am excited about being able to refill my foaming soap dispensers. I have had the intention to switch to green cleaning products and this spring is going to be my time.
I would like to try the Seventh Generation cleaners. I am interested in finding cleaners to use in my home that are safer to use around kids and pets.
I would SO SO SO love to win this!
I always receive Seventh Generation Products ads via Target but sadly I’ve never tried it. I would love to have a free kit from them! And btw, I love your How to: Refill Foaming Hand Soap Pumps article and have been doing that in our home since I came across your posting. Instead of Dial though, I use Ivory Liquid Hand soap just to avoid the whole antibacterial types altogether. It foams up nicely just the same as you had promised! Thanks Elaine!
Husband would be happy if we won this. We hate using all the chemicals with little ones in the house.
One thing about that Dial refill: if eco-friendly is what you’re looking for, that pouch is not recyclable, and winds up in a landfill. A refill in a recyclable bottle would be better.
Yes, Corinne, I did consider that. I supposed the Dial refill is better for those who cannot or do not recycle. Also, the Dial refills come in both antibacterial and regular varieties.
We love eco friendly cleaning products! Thanks for the chance to win this package.
I’ve never tried Seventh Generation products. Thanks for the opportunity!
sandramasters1@bellsouth.net
I’m allergic to fragrance so I’m glad they have a Free and Clear line.
I like to use non toxic poducts, this would be great!
Anything non toxic and green I would LOVE to try! I dont like having harsh chemicals in my home and around my babies, so these products seem wonderful!
Congratulations to Melissa, the winner of the random drawing for the Seventh Generation Cleaning Kit.
Thanks to all who participated! Please check marloelaine.com again soon for more MyBlogSpark giveaways.