There are no federal regulations on cleaning products.
On average, there are 62 toxic ingredients in our cleaning products and there is no federal requirement to list these ingredients. Phthalates and Perchloroethylene or “Perc” are some of the most common. Phthalates attack our endocrine system, and Perc is a classified carcinogen. When changing one’s habits and looking to live a healthier lifestyle, cleaning products can often be over looked. These products though are just like our food- we come into contact with them every day so they have an impact on us. What’s my go-to for cleaning just about everything? That clean-all super hero has been in my life since 2011.
Introducing: Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap.
I was volunteering to support food justice in 2011 when I first heard about the work Dr. Bronner’s does. The company donated over a million dollars to support the labeling of Genetically Modified Foods, a campaign that started with one woman on the grassroots level. I was so impressed by their ethics and pledge to the environment that I vowed to only purchase their soap forevermore so that I could support them in their supporting of good causes. In researching their company, I also found that:
The highest paid person doesn't get paid more than five times the lowest.
Free health care for employees and their families.
Commitment to sustainability at Dr. Bronner’s Plant in Vista
Supports farmers who practice regenerative organic agriculture so that excess carbon can be sequestered back into our soil
Practices fair trade
Supports wage equality
In using the soap, I was also impressed by how effective it is. I used to live in the neighborhood of Los Feliz (which I love!) but due to its central Los Angeles location, a sticky, black grime would cover all of the surfaces of my apartment. In my weekly cleaning, I would get frustrated because it seemed like I could never really get everything clean. Dr. Bronner’s would cut through the grime quite easily. So it’s a win/win all around.
In addition to general cleaning (such as kitchens and bathrooms), it can also be used as:
Shampoo
Body Wash
Hand Soap
Face Wash
Shaving Cream
Make-up Brush Cleaner
Floors (I have used on wood floors but also spot test first!)
Soft Scrub (combine with baking soda)
Non-toxic Spray for Pests on Plants (the soap breaks down the bugs' exoskeletons)
Fruit and Vegetable Wash
Laundry Detergent
Add some coconut oil to Dr. Bronner’s for DIY Toothpaste
Dish Soap
A Note about as a Dish Soap – I have tried to use it but I don’t like the way it cleans the dishes. The soap binds to grease, which is why it’s so effective, but then the water is full of greasy globules. In a pinch, I would use it of course, but it’s not my first choice for everyday dish washing.
It does come in a plastic container but it is extremely concentrated. I think because its immense multifunctionality, it justifies the plastic bottle. Please remember to always add water- a little bit of this soap goes a very long way!
We put it in a spray bottle and dilute it with water for general cleaning. For hand soap, we put it in glasses containers and once again, water it down. The spray bottle also doubles when spraying the plants outside (if the soap is too concentrated it can hurt the plants so make sure it is definitely diluted. Also try not to spray on the plant when the sun is directly shining on it. Pests like to lay their eggs on the underside of leaves so make sure to spray there and spray repeatedly during the lifecycle of the bug to ensure all pests have come in contact with the solution).
Have you used Dr. Bronner’s? Do you have another use for it that I have missed? Please let me know!
Thanks for reading.