Eco-friendly home products- rants and raves

[bugandbibs]

Jan 15, 2021 10:54:02 GMT -5 BicycleBride said:

I really like everything I’ve ever ordered from Chagrin Valley Soap Co. body soap, lotion bars, body powder in cardboard tubes. And they are awesome about packing it in the smallest box possible and packing with shredded paper.

I would like a recommendation for a reusable foaming hand soap dispenser. We’ve been reusing Method dispensers but the pump action seems to become less effective quickly and I want something that looks a little nicer.

We have 2 of the foaming hand soap dispensers from Grove and they have held up well after 3 years of using them. I do have a silicone base on the one in the hall bathroom because it is used by a variety of people as added protection. I prefer to avoid plastics when I can and these are glass and metal (with a plastic straw and foaming cup). We also have 2 of the grove liquid soap dispensers and like them as well (one we use for lotion and the other for soap).

[rubytue]

I have not tried this, but it’s a Baltimore, black-owned, bamboo toilet paper.
lortush.com/

Not a rant or a rave, so maybe it doesn’t fit this thread. But it fits the board.

[jloww]

We got one of these as a gift. Thoughts?

www.greentechenv.com/product/purewash-pro-x2/

[Deleted]

Jan 17, 2021 19:24:28 GMT -5 jloww said:

We got one of these as a gift. Thoughts?

www.greentechenv.com/product/purewash-pro-x2/

I’m intrigued. At first it sounded like woo, but maybe that’s just because I don’t understand the science behind it? It’s expensive....nearly half as much as a washing machine. In our household it would take like 5-6 years for the reduced cost of detergent to pay for the device, but I do like the idea of not having as much detergent in the wastewater.

[livinthemiatalife]

For those of you looking for laundry detergent, would something like a Pure Wash Pro be an option? We got one for Christmas, so can’t speak to it yet, but our family members love theirs and my MIL says it’s the trick to keeping front loaders fresh because it’s the soap that gunks them up.

[freshsqueezed]

Jan 18, 2021 9:41:13 GMT -5 livinthemiatalife said:

For those of you looking for laundry detergent, would something like a Pure Wash Pro be an option? We got one for Christmas, so can’t speak to it yet, but our family members love theirs and my MIL says it’s the trick to keeping front loaders fresh because it’s the soap that gunks them up.

I’ve never heard of this but I am very intrigued! We have been switching around laundry detergents due to skin issues with kids so this sounds even better. Will definitely need to research this - Thanks!

[aspentosh]

New best glass and window cleaner product:

us.e-cloth.com/collections/glass-and-window-cleaning-products/products/10603-glass-polishing-cloth

It's like our windows aren't even there.

[RitzyHeifer]

Jan 10, 2021 21:53:02 GMT -5 RitzyHeifer said:

Jan 10, 2021 13:36:57 GMT -5 katfco said:

Have you tried Lush shampoo bars? I'm not a fan of the conditioner bar--I always feel like there's nothing coming off, but the shampoo bars get REALLY sudsy. 

I’ve just started a Love Beauty & Planet shampoo and conditioner bar in one (they do also have a shampoo-only bar, but I haven’t seen a conditioner-only bar). So far so good, results as good as Ethique but can’t comment on longevity. Much lower price though!

Since someone else bumped this, I’ll update. I’m not quite a month in to the LBP bar and I’m about 1/4 way through it.

I will also add I feel like I need a separate conditioner bar with it even tho it’s a 2-in-1. I have weird post-chemo hair so in my normal texture I probably would be ok with the 2-in-1.

[ohgillian]

Someone recommended beeswax coated fabric and I love it for wrapping cheese in. I will say that I got it to use for covering bowls instead of plastic wrap or foil and it was a big fail in that specific usage. But it's great for cheeses! For reference mine are PlanetCare brand like this: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07M5CRQ51/

I also really like these lip balm from etsy that come in a cardboard tube: www.etsy.com/shop/BeesWaxTreasures

[pixy0stix]

Feb 4, 2021 13:13:29 GMT -5 aspentosh said:

New best glass and window cleaner product:

us.e-cloth.com/collections/glass-and-window-cleaning-products/products/10603-glass-polishing-cloth

It's like our windows aren't even there.

Thanks for the rec, I ordered a pack. I need a non-cleaner cleaner for my windows. (My hands aren't tolerating the glass cleaner I use, and I don't want to wear gloves.)

[aurora]

Feb 4, 2021 13:13:29 GMT -5 aspentosh said:

New best glass and window cleaner product:

us.e-cloth.com/collections/glass-and-window-cleaning-products/products/10603-glass-polishing-cloth

It's like our windows aren't even there.

Looked like it's been popular lately! (Sold out of the 4 and 12 packs).

Any experience with their mops for floor-cleaning?

And a more general question for all, any good eco-friendly products for refreshing old hardwood? Ours shows wear in high-use areas.

[mbcdefg]

Can anyone recommend a specific, good alternative to dryer sheets (for the anti-static) and Downy (for the nice smell)?

[tessalb]

Feb 4, 2021 19:27:09 GMT -5 mbcdefg said:

Can anyone recommend a specific, good alternative to dryer sheets (for the anti-static) and Downy (for the nice smell)?

Ball of aluminum foil for the static? I don’t know about the smell though.

[pixy0stix]

Feb 4, 2021 19:27:09 GMT -5 mbcdefg said:

Can anyone recommend a specific, good alternative to dryer sheets (for the anti-static) and Downy (for the nice smell)?

Wool dryer balls. If you want scent put a drop of essential oils on them.

I'd recommend just not using anything for scent, though. After a while you won't miss it.

[winecat]

Jan 15, 2021 10:54:02 GMT -5 BicycleBride said:

I really like everything I’ve ever ordered from Chagrin Valley Soap Co. body soap, lotion bars, body powder in cardboard tubes. And they are awesome about packing it in the smallest box possible and packing with shredded paper.

I would like a recommendation for a reusable foaming hand soap dispenser. We’ve been reusing Method dispensers but the pump action seems to become less effective quickly and I want something that looks a little nicer.

masonjarlifestyle.com/product/5-styles-satin-finish-soap-pump-dispensers-for-mason-jars/ are great!

[lucybrown]

Feb 4, 2021 17:37:22 GMT -5 aurora said:

Feb 4, 2021 13:13:29 GMT -5 aspentosh said:

New best glass and window cleaner product:

us.e-cloth.com/collections/glass-and-window-cleaning-products/products/10603-glass-polishing-cloth

It's like our windows aren't even there.

Looked like it's been popular lately! (Sold out of the 4 and 12 packs).

Any experience with their mops for floor-cleaning?

And a more general question for all, any good eco-friendly products for refreshing old hardwood? Ours shows wear in high-use areas.

Olive oil is great for refreshing hardwood floors. I rub it in with a rag a few times a year. Our floors are original from 1940, I’m guessing oak. I don’t know about engineered wood. I’m sure any vegetable oil would work just as well.

I’ve also started using olive oil to polish our kitchen table because furniture polish scents were triggering asthma. It works great there too.

[Deleted]

Feb 4, 2021 19:27:09 GMT -5 mbcdefg said:

Can anyone recommend a specific, good alternative to dryer sheets (for the anti-static) and Downy (for the nice smell)?

Wool dryer balls work well. They also reduce drying time by fluffing up your clothing in the dryer. Really though, I hang-dry all of my synthetic fabrics (my biggest culprits for static) to make them last longer, which further reduces energy usage. I haven’t used dryer sheets in probably a decade.

[4speedy]

Jan 17, 2021 19:30:50 GMT -5 @villainv said:

Jan 17, 2021 19:24:28 GMT -5 jloww said:

We got one of these as a gift. Thoughts?

www.greentechenv.com/product/purewash-pro-x2/

I’m intrigued. At first it sounded like woo, but maybe that’s just because I don’t understand the science behind it? It’s expensive....nearly half as much as a washing machine. In our household it would take like 5-6 years for the reduced cost of detergent to pay for the device, but I do like the idea of not having as much detergent in the wastewater.

It also uses cold water so no cost of running the water heater.  Less shrinking and fading of clothes.  DH can wear nice jeans to his office so he would have to replace them far less frequently.

[aspentosh]

Feb 4, 2021 16:03:49 GMT -5 pixy0stix said:

Feb 4, 2021 13:13:29 GMT -5 aspentosh said:

New best glass and window cleaner product:

us.e-cloth.com/collections/glass-and-window-cleaning-products/products/10603-glass-polishing-cloth

It's like our windows aren't even there.

Thanks for the rec, I ordered a pack. I need a non-cleaner cleaner for my windows. (My hands aren't tolerating the glass cleaner I use, and I don't want to wear gloves.)

It was great. And it doesn't have that microfiber feel which makes me grit my teeth, lol.

It says "use dry on a damp surface" but for my windows I just dampened one half of the cloth and it was great. 

[aspentosh]

Feb 4, 2021 17:37:22 GMT -5 aurora said:

Feb 4, 2021 13:13:29 GMT -5 aspentosh said:

New best glass and window cleaner product:

us.e-cloth.com/collections/glass-and-window-cleaning-products/products/10603-glass-polishing-cloth

It's like our windows aren't even there.

Looked like it's been popular lately! (Sold out of the 4 and 12 packs).

Any experience with their mops for floor-cleaning?

And a more general question for all, any good eco-friendly products for refreshing old hardwood? Ours shows wear in high-use areas.

I do recommend a multi pack. I could use one cloth for about 8 windows (inside and out) but by then I needed to switch to a second one. 


These were actually a gift from my sister (she knows I'm trying to be plastic-free) so I don't have experience. She has tried their dusting cloths and likes them but as she said "it was the glass/window cleaner that was the stand out". 

Following along for the general question. We use Bona because I bought a huge jug like two years ago and it's still going strong. 

[lust2hart]

I picked up a 3-pack of wool dryer balls and I don't know if I missed something, but I just threw all 3 into the dryer with my laundry and they don't seem to be doing a thing for static. Was I supposed to prep them in some way before using them? I didn't even think to look at the box to see if there were instructions - I just assumed they were ready to use.

[lust2hart]

Feb 4, 2021 13:13:29 GMT -5 aspentosh said:

New best glass and window cleaner product:

us.e-cloth.com/collections/glass-and-window-cleaning-products/products/10603-glass-polishing-cloth

It's like our windows aren't even there.

This looks like a large version of the cloth my eye doctor gives me to clean my glasses. I bet it works really well!  

[pixy0stix]

Feb 5, 2021 9:03:55 GMT -5 lust2hart said:

I picked up a 3-pack of wool dryer balls and I don't know if I missed something, but I just threw all 3 into the dryer with my laundry and they don't seem to be doing a thing for static. Was I supposed to prep them in some way before using them? I didn't even think to look at the box to see if there were instructions - I just assumed they were ready to use.

No, that's it. I'm going to guess you're drying your clothes too long, the other culprit of static. Try reducing the time.

[Deleted]

Feb 5, 2021 9:03:55 GMT -5 lust2hart said:

I picked up a 3-pack of wool dryer balls and I don't know if I missed something, but I just threw all 3 into the dryer with my laundry and they don't seem to be doing a thing for static. Was I supposed to prep them in some way before using them? I didn't even think to look at the box to see if there were instructions - I just assumed they were ready to use.

Maybe add more dryer balls. I find that large loads usually need 5 or 6.

[mrsukyankee]

I don't know if it's available in the US, but I use the Eco Egg in my dryer. My MIL wants to have some scent and I'd like less so this a good compromise.

Here's an ex: www.biggreensmile.com/products/eco-egg-dryer-egg/egdryegg.aspx?productid=egdryegg&utm_source=google&utm_medium=merchant_centre&utm_term=%7Bkeyword%7D&utm_campaign=merchant_centre&gclid=CjwKCAiA9vOABhBfEiwATCi7GEc9PP1SRNdEQDNlOuSUrvwN63E7X8HsaWjVO4gYxUzZZZVaohedChoCbFkQAvD_BwE

[mrsukyankee]

I'm also a fine curly girl. I wash 2x a week regardless. If my scalp/hair feels sweaty, then I'll use conditioner to wash versus anything else. On non-wet days, I use a spray bottle with water and a small amount of my conditioner in it, followed by a bit of curl creme or oil on the ends. I use Faith in Nature shampoos and conditioner and love them.

[cap]

Feb 5, 2021 9:03:55 GMT -5 lust2hart said:

I picked up a 3-pack of wool dryer balls and I don't know if I missed something, but I just threw all 3 into the dryer with my laundry and they don't seem to be doing a thing for static. Was I supposed to prep them in some way before using them? I didn't even think to look at the box to see if there were instructions - I just assumed they were ready to use.

This isn't exactly on-topic for this post, but it's amazing how much material is packed into wool dryer balls. My dog got ahold of one of them and ripped it up (she's a crazy strong chewer, but luckily doesn't really chew on stuff she's not supposed to - I think she thought this was a toy for her as she has a few balls) and holy moly was it a big pile of fluff!

[casarosada]

Jan 15, 2021 11:07:00 GMT -5 Pilsy said:

Jan 15, 2021 7:25:53 GMT -5 casarosada said:

I really like Dropps laundry detergent. Let me know if you want a referral code (I think you'll get a discount on your first order). I've been using them for about a year and really recommend them. I do a subscription. I also use their dishwasher pods and like them.

I'll give them a shot. Thank you!

Feel free to PM the code if you'd still like to share.  

Sending you a pm :-)

[lolalolalola]

Feb 5, 2021 9:03:55 GMT -5 lust2hart said:

I picked up a 3-pack of wool dryer balls and I don't know if I missed something, but I just threw all 3 into the dryer with my laundry and they don't seem to be doing a thing for static. Was I supposed to prep them in some way before using them? I didn't even think to look at the box to see if there were instructions - I just assumed they were ready to use.

Do you live in a dry climate? I use these to reduce drying time but they don’t do anything for static for me. But I live in a very dry climate. Synthetics are the worst for sure so I often take those out after 5-10 minutes and hang them instead.

[tcu2003]

Wool dryer balls - I have an 8 pack (well, down to 7 now as one disappeared) that I keep in the dryer and use for everything. Mine are 8 years old and still holding up really well. I used to really notice the static, but at some point it got better. The fleece pullovers I used to frequently wear in the winter were definitely an issue, but I also started drying the clothes less - basically only until they were dry instead of longer.

Weekly compost pickup from a local company - this is amazing and I wish I’d done it sooner! We started last May and they pickup up a 5 gal bucket every week and replace it with a clean one.