dropps Review

They were the best of times. They were the worst of times.

The time was the early 80s. New Wave was on the radio. MTV came to cable TV. And those big chunky sweaters were all the rage. We should know, we made the chunky yarn at our very own cotton mill just outside Philadelphia. Yep, those were good times. Except of course, if you were the sweaters. Because every time we washed them, the harsh detergents and rough laundry routine made our sweet yarn all yellowed and stretchy.

Necessity is the mother of clean clothes

What we needed was a formula that could keep fabrics looking better, longer. So we removed the enzymes to keep the fabrics vibrant and soft (and to prevent their fibers from breaking down.) The result? An innovative formula with a split personality: tough on dirt, but gentle on your favorite garments. We knew we were onto something great... but it was only the beginning!

Clean. And pretty darn convenient, too.

With all the stuff we took out of this new detergent, we knew we had a small wonder on our hands. Which got us thinking, “What else can we make smaller? ” Then we thought the last thing moms needed was another huge drippy, sticky jug of detergent to deal with. So we put all the cleaning power in small, convenient, dissolvable pacs. Each is pre-measured to make laundry down-right fool-proof. You just drop ‘em in the laundry. Voila! Dropps was born. An idea that proved to be so smart, the leading consumer publications (did someone say Oprah?) and moms couldn’t stop raving about us. And who doesn’t love flattery!

Saving the earth, one wash at a time.

A funny thing happened on the way to the laundry room. We quickly discovered the whole Dropps movement is great for the planet. (Yay!). Remember, we’re phosphate-free, chlorine-free and NPE-free, too! And talk about a smaller footprint! We use less water, use way less plastic, take up less space, cost much less to ship and leave tremendously less mess in our landfills. You’ll agree... every pac counts!

With 3 kids in the house, and a working husband laundry is an at least 3 days a week chore to avoid it becoming overwhelming. Doing laundry with the kids can be even more frustrating because my washer and dryer is in the basement. The Basement is under construction, and thus I try to get in and out quick. It however takes time to measure out the exact amount of liquid to wash the clothes. However there is not a product that sames me from that...

Dropps Laundry Detergent 

It comes in packs just like the dish soap. Just take one out of the bag and through it in the washer. I couldn't believe it was that simple, plus I can even let my 2 year old throw one in and be done.

I also am very glad to see they come in 3 varieties 

Scent and Dye Free 

Baby Fresh Scent each package contains 20 packets. I will say that convenience  does come at a price. $7.00 per package is a little steep.

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* Disclosure: The author, manufacturer, or representing PR provided a product to review. No compensation was provided. The opinions expressed are my own personal and honest thoughts. *

EcoStore Usa Review

ecostore NZ was founded more than 15 years ago by Melanie and Malcolm Rands from their home in an eco village in New Zealand.

All of the families that lived in the farm based eco village shared a commitment to organic growing and healthy living, making this an ideal environment in which a young, environmentally conscious business could thrive. Each household in the village was responsible for their own waste water, which quickly highlighted the problems caused by using regular supermarket cleaning products that relied heavily on cheap, petroleum-based, synthetic ingredients.

Faced with the challenge of protecting the pristine rural waterways of the eco village, Malcolm Rands began to research and seek expert help from scientists to develop household cleaning products using plant-based ingredients that would biodegrade safely and quickly. Achieving his goal, he eliminated the need to use toxic chemicals, leaving the eco villages water pure. His goal was more than accomplished as the product line of this home-based business began to grow, and an exciting future began to unfold.

The original customer base of ecostore NZ was comprised of mostly ‘Greenies’ and organic gardeners. However, it was not long before testimonials from other parents (many of whom were unaware of the benefits of eco-friendly products) began to pour in with wonderful news of their children's allergies and eczema clearing up. Many noted that any respiratory issues were healing, and many lingering chronic conditions were disappearing.

By simply changing to the genuinely clean and green ecostore products, people were experiencing surprising and unexpected improvements in their health. As the notion of using products with “No Nasty Chemicals™” gained popular appeal, ecostore quickly outgrew its location in the Rand’s basement and the business moved to a storefront in Auckland, New Zealand.

I love trying new Products that are great for the environment, and my family Eco Store USA allowed me to find a couple great products, that I'm very happy to share with you.

First up is the

Pure Oxygen Whitener. 

The Pure Oxygen Whitener contains oil of citrus and Coconut and other plant-based ingredients. Ecomommas will love the way this product brightens and cleans baby’s clothes and does not contain any harsh chemicals that could irritate delicate skin.(35.3 ounce size)

Ingredients

• Carbonates (simple mineral salts)
• Sodium percarbonate (oxygen producing whitener)
• Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)
• Citrates (from citrus)
• Highly biodegradable surfactant
• Natural citrus oil

To fully make you understand how much I like this I must tell you, My 2 year old son is Allergic to bleach, and there for I can't use any bleach on his clothing or socks, and if your a parent you know how dirty and stained children can get their clothing in no time flat. 

So I was always left with a big, issue and had to choose not to buy him white because there was no way to get things completely clean, I even tried Oxy Clean with no luck. I threw some of this in with his clothes when it first arrived, and was shocked at the results. Nothing could however top when I was washing my white inserts for my cloth diapers and my sweet, little boy through a Bright Pink Wipe in the HOT wash, so most of my inserts were pink. and I was left with the thought "oh no, now what?" so I thought well I will throw them in with some of the Eco Store Whitener and see what happens, and that's what I did between the sun, and the whitener my inserts are almost completely white again.

and next up is....

Dish Wash Liquid

Gentle on your skin yet effective on your dishware the EcoSTORE USA Dish L

liquid has great grease cutting power and leaves a light, fresh fragrance. Free of any synthetic chemicals, your family and the planet will appreciate it! (32 fluid ounces)

Ingredients

• Palm and coconut based ionic, non-ionic and anionic surfactants
• Mineral hydroxide
• Natural citrus oil

I decided to put this up against what I currently use for my dishes , they are both plant based  and Eco friendly. Now I do own a dishwasher and run that for most things, but I bought new pots and pans this year and they are hand wash only. I dislike washing dishes but really hate it when I barely use any soap and have to rinse for what seems like ever. I read the directions where it says to use a little because it's very concentrated, but I used maybe a spot the size of a dime on my dishrag, and it seemed to take me 3 times as long to wash dishes, but between my kids,and the daycare kids I stay busy enough. It does clean just fine, but to me, it's to concentrated.

Over all my experience with Ecostore USA has been great, and I will continue to buy and use the Oxygen Whitener. 

Robby Wash Ball Review and Giveaway.US Only Ends 7/18

The Robby Wash blue laundry ball pack is designed to be used in both cold and hot water for 12 months on average with softness and colors maintained.  Does not require any additional detergent to clean clothes or odor removal detergents to get your laundry smelling fresh. Works with both front load and top load washing machines.  The pack includes the blue washing ball, a stain stick and three extra packets of macro-molecule pellets. For advanced cleaning on dark clothes 

I was sent the Robby Wash ball to review, and have used it for the last couple weeks for my laundry. 

My son has super sensitive skin, and so far it has not at all made his eczema fair up. With summer here, it means messier foods, and far more grass, dirt, and even more outside stains, that I can't explain then factor in my husbands factory job, and the things that can be on his clothes, and you have an idea of my laundry mess. 

I had my doubts when I received this wash ball, but  it happened to be laundry day, when it arrived, so I thought well here't the test.I opened the box, took out the ball, and looked it over, read that all I had to do was drop it in the wash, so in the washer it went, and I ran downstairs to check the washer, my 2 year old is great at staining his clothes and the day before had been my daughters 8th birthday, which meant purple, and neon green frosting. I was expecting to have to rewash the shirt a few times, but to my surprise the icing stains were GONE! yes it was clean, and I didn't even use the stain stick. 

I now use it on everything , it saves me so much time, which I love.because not only do I hate the basement, but with 3 kids of my own, and daycare, the less time I am way from the kids, for any reason the better. I love the convenience, and when I'm done with laundry I just take it out of the washer and set it on the shelf to dry out.

Top 11 robby wash ball benefits that delight:

1. Save money – it’s hard enough to carry all those boxes of laundry detergents much less pay a premium for them – that’s why we make it affordable for you.  Standard laundry detergents can cost you up to $1 per load whereas the highly efficient robby laundry ball is less than $0.25 per load.

2. Simple.  Just throw it in the washing machine.
   Anyone can now do the laundry! Works in both front and top load washing machines.

3. Targeted cleaning.  
Use the fuschia ball for low temperature loads (32-90ºF) and the blue washing ball for high temperatures (32-180ºF). Maintains softness in your laundry while removing odors and stains.

4. Hypoallergenic.  Since you are not using cups of laundry detergent your laundry is cleaned in a manner that is much easier on your skin while at the same time giving you the performance you expect in a highly efficient laundry cleaner.

5. Baby safe laundry solution.  Formulated to being gentle on your child's clothes but strong enough to remove the stains.

6. Free stain stick included with each washing ball purchase.

7. Fresh scent. Your clothes will have a very light fresh scent for a feeling of freshness.

8. High efficiency laundry.  Each Robby Wash ball pack will clean on average for 12 months.  This includes three refill packets of macromolecules.  If you have an over-sized washing machine, we recommend using two washing balls.

9. Helps the environment.  Just look at what you are not dumping down the pipes (10 ounce ball = 75+ pounds of laundry detergent)!


10. Economical refills.  Simply open the tab on the ball to refill with the macro molecule pellets when they are less than 75% full.  This keeps you from having to throw away the ball.  Each ball should last for 2-3 years.

11. Safety.  Designed in France to meet the strict compliance requirements of the Europe and contains no phosphates or chlorine.  The Robby Wash ball has received safety certifications from REACH, RoHS.  Each ball is made of durable ABS materials.

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ECover review

Since 1980 Ecover has been devoted to developing and producing effective and ecological washing and cleaning products made from plant-based and mineral ingredients. Ecover's aim is to provide effective, sustainable washing and cleaning solutions that can be used daily by people all around the world.

Ecover's ecological principles extend far beyond the products they create. Ecover's vision of sustainability takes ecological, economic and social aspects into account from the origins of the raw materials, to the complete biodegradation of the final products. Strict criteria are employed along the way as guidelines for all business operations, from selecting raw materials, through production methods to full decomposition of the end products. Ecover products are manufactured in the unique, world-famous ecological factories in Malle, Belgium and Boulogne-sur-mer, France. The factories are crowned with a green roof where plant vegetation grows creating a temperature regulating and noise-dampening insulator throughout the year. 

Ecover employees keep the factory's energy consumption to a minimum and turn the lighting and heating on only when really necessary. Ecover employees are encouraged to travel to work by bicycle or car pool and receive a salary incentive for their efforts.

Ecover is a company that operates with sustainability at its very core and has gained knowledge from years of experience that it is a feasible way to operate. Ecover is constantly innovating and pushing boundaries to create new and more effective products that have a minimum negative impact on the environment.

I got to review cleaning supplies that have given me every reason to make the switch, I really have no reason to ever go back to those awful chemical filled Cleaners.

ECover Toilet Bowl Cleaners

Personal benefits: 

• removes tough stains, decalcifies and freshens
• fresh fragrance from plant based ingredients
• hygienic, naturally powerful  

Environmental benefits:

• plant based ingredients
• quick and complete biodegradability
• minimum impact on aquatic life 
• no animal testing
• safe for septic tanks

Instructions for use:

Squirt a small amount into the toilet and under the toilet rim.  Leave to soak for a few minutes.  If needed, scrub with the toilet brush.  Flush.

Packaging material:

Bottle and labels are made of polyethylene; cap of polypropylene.  Polyethylene and polypropylene are 100% recyclable and can be recycled together perfectly.

Complete ingredients list:

• Aqua
• Citric Acid
• Lauryl Polyglucose
• Sodium Citrate
• Xanthan Gum
• Fragrance
• Sodium Benzoate
• Linalool
• Limonene

This E-cover Product honestly cleans as well, as well if not better then the blue cleaner with Bleach I normally use. I am thrilled that I don't have to worry about my kids getting into my cleaning supplies,  but know that my house is still getting the level of cleanliness in needs.

Bathroom Cleaner

Personal benefits: 

• tough on soap scum and bathroom dirt
• leaves your bathroom sparkling clean
• chrome-friendly
• fresh plant based fragrance

Environmental benefits:

• made with plant based and mineral ingredients
• fast and complete biodegradability
• minimum impact on aquatic life
• no animal testing
• suitable for septic tanks

Instructions for use:

Spray onto surface and wipe with a dry or damp cloth. For tougher soils leave to act for a few minutes before wiping. Rinse off with water.Caution: Not suitable for use on marble and natural stones. On painted surfaces test on a hidden area first.

Packaging material:

Bottle and labels are made of polyethylene; trigger of polypropylene and polyethylene. Polyethylene and polypropylene are 100 % recyclable and can be recycled together using a low energy process. 

Complete ingredients list:

Aqua 

Capryl Glucoside 

Citric Acid 

Sodium Citrate 

Sodium Octyl Sulfate 

Sorbitan Sesquioctanoate 

Fragrance 

Xanthan Gum 

2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol 

Limonene

I think the number one thing I love most about this one, is that it cleans well, but doesn't carry the knock you over smell, and doesn't leave the house smelling like bleach. I prefer my husband to know the house is clean by looking, not by the smell of cleaning supplies when he walks through the door.

ECover makes cleaning supplies to do more then just your bathroom,with ECover products you can clean every room in your home. Also check them out on Facebook,Twitter,and their blog

Sun and Earth Review and Giveaway Ends US Only Ends 6/4

After many years of watching advertisements claiming that petro-chemicals with mysterious names were the best way to clean house, we set out to prove that non-toxic cleaners can clean as well or better than more well-known national brands. We knew people wanted products made with non-toxic ingredients that didn't sacrifice performance. After extensive research, we developed cleaners made from coconut and orange oils that clean and shine beautifully and have an appealing fresh citrus scent. Sun & Earth formulated cleaners for people sensitive to the harsh chemicals found in most national brands. Our satisfied customers told their friends about Sun & Earth and now we are a leading brand of safe, natural, non-toxic cleaning products. 

No Performance Compromise - Our Laundry and cleaning products work as well as, or better than, leading national brands at removing grease, dirt, stains and odors. 

Safeguarding Your Family's Health - All our laundry products and cleaning products are free of petroleum based cleaners, chlorine, phosphates, dyes and perfumes that leave behind residue that could be harmful to your family, children and pet's health. 

Non-Toxic and Earth-Friendly - We use the latest technology to create cleaning agents from plant, fruit and vegetable oils that are non-toxic to your family and safe for the Earth.

I have always hated all the chemicals it took to clean my house from top to bottom, and always worried when I had kids, when they were crawling around the house, and Found myself using phrases like Don't lick the floor, or you can't drink the spill from the table because I was afraid they would get some sort of poison in their little bodies. 

I am thrilled to tell you about a company that has changed my thinking on cleaning, and I'm sure will change yours to. Here are the products from Sun & Earth, that I tried out and how I think they Stacked up against normal cleaners.

Sun & Earth Automatic Dish Detergant

Our Automatic Dishwasher Detergent is tough on grease and baked-on foods yet safe to use for baby bottles, utensils, anddishes.  Use (1) pre-portioned pac per load.  No measuring, unwrapping or mess.  Safe to use around kids - no danger of splashing or airborne powder.  If you are looking for a 100% biodegradable, phosphate-free dishwasher detergent that works and is gentle on the environment, Sun & Earth Automatic Dishwasher Detergent is the one you want!  Safe for septic systems.  It will leave dishes streak-free and squeaky-clean.

I always rinse off the dishes but I refuse to wash them, before putting them in the dishwasher, and normally We use Cascade, liquid, but I was excited to try something new.I rinsed the dishes but some of them had food particals still on them, but with our normal dishwasher soap they come out clean 99% of the time. Sun & Earth dish detergant, doesn't clean as well as i would like, I have used it a few times, now, and it's about 70% of the time, the dishes come out sparkling clean, but the other I have to hand wash them and then rewash them.I'm not sure that saves anything really because it's alot of wasted water.

Sun & Earth Concentrated Floor Cleaner

Our Concentrated Floor Cleaner works great at removing grease, grime and dirt from your floors.  Its natural, non-toxic,environmentally-friendly formulation is free from petroleum-based solvents.  The plant-derived, free rinse formula is safer giving you the added peace of mind knowing you are not exposing your family, children or pets to harmful chemical residues or fumes.

I love this, Normally we use Pinesol, and I hate the chemicals in it. The other night I was loading soda into the fridge, with Z's help, and one of the can slipped, and sprayed EVERYWHERE. it was a huge mess, all over the walls, and most of the kitchen Floor, so I thought, Now to really put this to the test, and it did not at all let me down. There was not one sticky spot left after I was done. No strong smell, and no residue. So not only did I get a clean floor but I don't have to worry so much when Z drops his food on the floor and picks it back up. 

 

Sun & Earth all purpose Cleaner

Our All Purpose Cleaner works great at removing grease, grimeand dirt in your kitchen, bathroom and all around your house. Itsnatural, non-toxic, environmentally-friendly formulation is free from petroleum-based solvents. We only use plant-based surfactants so you have the added peace of mind knowing you are not exposing your family, children or pets to harmful chemical residues or fumes. Because our All Purpose Cleaner is naturaland biodegradable, it is safe for septic systems.

Again we normally use, something like Lysol or mr. clean, to clean the counters, and the stove, while I has been kinda busy, and really had not gotten the chance to give my kitchen a good scrub, so instead of the normal I grabbed the S&E all purpose cleaner and set to work. Cleaning off the stove top, wiping down the counters, even wiping out the microwave. No left over smell,and they are still Clean!

Sun & Earth  Xtra Concentrated Dish Liquid

I find myself using Dish Soap for everything, that quick wipe up of juice, cleaning the crayon off the wall, Wiping down the stove, or counters after cooking, and even cleaning out my refrigerator. I can say that this S&E dish liquid works just as well as any other commercial brand I have every bought.

Sun and Earth Liquid Hand Soap

Our Liquid Hand Soap combines Sun & Earth cleaning power and the fresh scent of the outdoors into a perfect every-day hand soap. Keep it in the kitchen, bathroom and laundry room so you and your family can enjoy this effective, yet gentle soap.

I feel like this is a great hand soap, and I don;t notice a difference between this and the commercial hand soaps. 

Sun & Earth have a variety of other products for Laundry Needs as well as Refill bottles of all the products listed and more. I would defiantly recommend Sun & Earth products. The great cleaning power, with all the chemicals. The price is around the same as when I've been paying in normal stores for Cleaning supplies. 

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* Disclosure: The author, manufacturer, or representing PR provided a product to review. No compensation was provided. The opinions expressed are my own personal and honest thoughts. *