Scotch-Brite Greener Clean Sponges & Scrubbers Review

Two things I look for when it comes to sponges are natural materials and biodegradability. There's no doubt sponges help with cleaning dishes and scrubbing the bathroom. So I'm glad Scotch-Brite has come up with their Greener Clean Sponges & Scrubbers. Some of the products in the line include:
Natural Fiber Non-Scratch Scrub Sponge
Natural Fiber Non-Scratch Scour Pad
Biodegradable Absorbent Sponge
Biodegradable Expanding Soft Sponge
The Natural Fiber Non-Scratch Scrub Sponge is made from 100% natural fiber - 23% is recycled paper. The non-scratch scrubbing fibers portion is made from 50% natural agave plant. This is the perfect sponge for cleaning dishes since it is soft on one side and has a scrubber on the other side. I like a soft sponge to clean some dishes but other times I need a scrubbing side for caked on food. With a toddler to take care of I don't always get to the dishes right away. Sometimes I have to leave the dishes and tend to my son. That's when the scrubbing side of the sponge comes in handy.
The Natural Fiber Non-Scratch Scour Pad ( made from 50% agave plant) is a favorite of mine for the bathroom sink. I've mentioned before in another post that I had a clog in the bathroom sink. It caused soap to sit in the sink and create a tough scum. I used this scour pad along with one of my favorite green cleaners and it cut through the soap scum beautifully. Another thing I like about this scour pad is that it's easily cut into smaller pieces to fit into tight spaces. Sometimes I can't get into certain areas like the opening of a sink drain with a full-size scrubber. I cut as much as I need of the scrubber and I'm good to go. Also, the packaging for this item is %100 recycled. That's something that catches my attention!
The Biodegradable Absorbent Sponge (made from 23% recycled paper) can be used as an alternative to paper towels. This sponge is both reusable and compostable. I've used this sponge for cleaning the stove top and the microwave. It always seems like those two areas need a quick wipe. I prefer not to use paper towels when possible so this is a good alternative.
The Biodegradable Expanding Soft Sponge is also reusable and compostable. I especially like this sponge because it comes condensed (in a pack of 3) so it needs less packaging. As soon as you run the sponge under water it expands. Before it expands it takes up almost no room at all. To me, it's just like the Absorbent Sponge but takes up less space and packaging.
When it comes to sponges, I always remember to keep them high and dry. I wring them out and set them on a small rack so they can dry quicker. This helps to cut down on germ growth. You can also microwave (one minute) wet sponges or wash them in the dishwasher to help reduce germs. I haven't tried those options with the Scotch-Brite Greener Clean line yet though. So I can't say how well they would hold up to those methods. For now, I've been keeping them high and dry.

Green Irene Enzymatic Clean Starter Kit Giveaway (***CLOSED***)

If you've never used an enzyme cleaner, then you're in for a treat with Green Irene Enzymatic Cleaners. These enzyme cleaners are eco-friendly, non-toxic, and are scented with essential oils. They clean while eliminating odors. The Green Irene Enzymatic Clean Starter Kit ($39.98) comes with reusable bottles and concentrated refill packets. When you run out of cleaners you just order more refill packets. Using less plastic creates less waste.
The Green Irene Enzymatic Clean Starter Kit includes 6 cleaners:
- Kitchen Cleaner
- Bathroom Cleaner
- Mildew Stain Eraser
- Stainless and Glass Cleaner
- Stain and Odor Eliminator
- Rinse-Free Floor Concentrate Cleaner
Before I found Green Irene Stainless and Glass Cleaner I didn't have an eco-friendly option for cleaning the LCD screens on my television and computer... Read my full review
One lucky Mommy Is Green reader will win a
Green Irene Enzymatic Clean Starter Kit.
Extra Entries (The mandatory entry must be completed first before any of these count. Please create a separate comment for each extra entry):
2. Follow me through Google Friend Connect. (1 Entry)
3. Let me know another product besides a cleaner you'd like from the Green Irene Catalog. (1 Entry)
4. Follow both @GreenIrene and @mommyisgreen on Twitter. Leave your Twitter ID in comment. (1 Entry)
5. Tweet about this giveaway on Twitter. You can do this once daily. Put a link to your tweet in a comment here (click the date/time on the bottom left of your tweet to get link). You can copy and paste: “Win a Green Irene Enzymatic Clean Starter Kit! @GreenIrene @mommyisgreen http://tinyurl.com/3xerm8n #giveaway #eco” (1 Entry Per Day)
6. If you are a fan of Green Irene on Facebook let me know. (1 Entry)
7. Add the Mommy Is Green button to your sidebar. ( 2 Entries)
8. Subscribe to Mommy Is Green through email. (2 Entries)
9. Comment on any non-giveaway blog post at Mommy Is Green. (1 Entry)
10. Blog about this giveaway with a link back to Mommy Is Green and Green Irene. Leave a comment with your web site address. (3 Entries)
This giveaway will end on October 14, 2010 at 11:59 ET. Winner will be drawn via random.org. Once a winner is drawn I will contact them and they will have 48 hours to reply before I draw a new winner. Giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only who are 18 years of age or older.
DiaperEnvy.com: Happy Heinys Review & Giveaway (***CLOSED***)
DiaperEnvy.com is a cloth diaper service in the Capital Region of New York State. They also have an online store that carries a variety of cloth diapers, wet bags, pail liners, cloth diaper detergents, cloth baby wipes, and more.
DiaperEnvy.com was started by a husband and wife that decided to cloth diaper after researching the benefits versus using disposables. They were nervous at first about cloth diapering but then quickly realized how easy it was. Now, they are spreading the word about cloth diapering and helping others get started. Their site offers information about how to clean cloth diapers, how to use prefolds, and what you will need to get through 48 hours without having to run a load of laundry.
They have diaper packages available that go by weight (4-13 lbs., 8-20 lbs., 15-30 lbs.). If you're looking for a diaper cover package, DiaperEnvy.com has that too. You can even add the diaper packages to your Baby Shower Gift Registry through the site!
Looking for a particular brand? Here's what they carry:
Happy Heinys
Fuzzibunz
OsoCosy
Bummis
Snappi
Planet Wise
Rockin' Green
Allens Naturally
I have a fitted diaper and was looking for a cover. I needed one that would fit over the diaper well and be comfortable for my son. He is big for his age so I needed a diaper cover with some room. DiaperEnvy.com sent me the Happy Heinys One Size Diaper Cover. I liked that it had an Aplix hook and loop closure. I usually prefer snaps but since my son is closer to 30 lbs. and over 3 feet tall (still a one-year old though), I wanted something I could easily adjust for his comfort during naps and at night.
The Happy Heinys One Size Diaper Cover fits most babies from 8-35 lbs. It has leg gussets, and soft elastic around the edge of the entire cover including the gussets. The inside of the cover is waterproof PUL. Since I mostly use the cover over a fitted diaper I don't mind that the PUL is exposed. Plus, it makes the cover easier to wipe.
I haven't yet tried it overnight but it held up well during nap times. At one point, the fitted was soaked on one side because my son was napping. The cover didn't leak at all. I've also tried the cover out with an insert a couple of times. The inserts did move around a bit because of the PUL. My son still didn't experience any leaks though.
The Happy Heinys Diaper Cover is light, easily wiped, easily adjustable, and dries fast. I'd even be comfortable washing it by hand. If you have fitted diapers and prefolds I'd definitely recommend this cover!
One lucky Mommy Is Green reader will win a
Happy Heinys One Size Cloth Diaper in Lime Green
from DiaperEnvy.com.

Extra Entries (The mandatory entry must be completed first before any of these count. Please create a separate comment for each extra entry):
2. Follow me through Google Friend Connect. (1 Entry)
3. Follow the Diaper Envy.com Blog through Google Friend Connect. (1 Entry)
4. Follow @mommyisgreen on Twitter. Leave your Twitter ID in comment. (1 Entry)
5. Tweet about this giveaway on Twitter. You can do this once daily. Put a link to your tweet in a comment here (click the date/time on the bottom left of your tweet to get link). You can copy and paste: “Win a Happy Heinys One Size Cloth Diaper from DiaperEnvy.com! @mommyisgreen http://tinyurl.com/2g6nd6s #clothdiapers #giveaway” (1 Entry Per Day)
6. If you are a fan of DiaperEnvy.com on Facebook let me know. (1 Entry)
7. Add the Mommy Is Green button to your sidebar. ( 2 Entries)
8. Subscribe to Mommy Is Green through email. (2 Entries)
9. Comment on any non-giveaway blog post at Mommy Is Green. (1 Entry)
10. Blog about this giveaway with a link back to Mommy Is Green and DiaperEnvy.com. Leave a comment with your web site address. (3 Entries)
This giveaway will end on October 13, 2010 at 11:59 ET. Winner will be drawn via random.org. Once a winner is drawn I will contact them and they will have 48 hours to reply before I draw a new winner. Giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only who are 18 years of age or older.
List of USDA Certified Organic Lip Balms
Lip balm is something I use everyday. I'm especially into USDA certified organic lip balms. I feel better giving my son a kiss on the cheek if I'm wearing something that doesn't contain icky chemicals. With cool weather coming I figured I'd share a list of USDA certified organic lip balms I've found. I've tried the first six (listed in the order I've tried them). The rest of the list is in no particular order.
- Badger
- Bubble & Bee
- Yoreganics
- Miessence
- Softlips
- eos
- Dr. Bronner's
- Eco Lips
- Revolution Organics
- Organic Essence
- Origins
- The Merry Hempsters
- Bulgarian Rose
- Aubrey Organics
- Blistex Natural Cooling Comfort
Please note that some of the companies above also offer regular lip balms. If you specifically want the USDA certified organic lips balms, look for the USDA seal on the packaging and the tube.

©MommyIsGreen.net - DO NOT COPY text or images.
Thermos Foogo Straw Cup Review

When we were transitioning our son from the bottle to the sippy cup we tried a few cups before we found the perfect match. It seemed like so many sippy cups were just too fast flowing. My son would take a sip and then most of the liquid would fall out of his mouth. At one point, we decided to pick up a Thermos Foogo. I really wanted a stainless steel sippy cup for my son so I hoped that it would work out well.
I was a little hesitant at first because of the price ($15) but thought it was worth a try. I liked that it had handles and a soft silicone spout. I figured those aspects would aid in the transition from the bottle. I was right! The Foogo Vacuum Insulated Soft Spout Sippy Cup was perfect for our little guy. He was done with the bottle from that point on. The flow rate of the sippy cup was faster than a bottle but didn't make liquid overflow from his mouth.
It was only logical that we would try the Foogo Straw Bottle (18m+) as our next step. The straw bottle has a push button lid with a pop-up silicone straw. When the lid is closed it is leak-proof. The straw bottle comes in both Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel and Plastic (Eastman Tritan copolyester). Each version is BPA, PVC, and phthalate free.
My son can easily get the straw bottle open by pushing the button. I thought it would be a little difficult for him to drink from the straw because the button comes up a little bit on the lid but he's had no problems. In fact, he asks for his straw cup. He really likes it and it's our main straw cup for him now.
The straw cup is very easy to clean. It is top-rack dishwasher safe, but I mostly wash it by hand. It comes apart easily for cleaning and is just as easily put back together. It keeps things simple for me.
My favorite of the two straw cups is the stainless steel. I have a thing for stainless steel. Plus, it's vacuum insulated which is great for when we're out and about. It's labeled to keep liquid cold for 1o hours. We haven't tested it for a full ten hours yet but I can say that it's still cold after a few hours have gone by.
The Thermos Foogo line includes sippy cups, straw cups, and insulated food jars. The lids of all the different Foogo cups are interchangeable too. If you're looking for a brand you can stick with sippy cup through straw cup, you'll definitely want to check out Foogo!

©MommyIsGreen.net - DO NOT COPY text or images.
Soapwalla Organic Face & Body Products Review

Soapwalla Kitchen is an Etsy shop that offers organic face and body products. Soapwalla Chef, Rachel, searched for products that wouldn't irritate her very sensitive skin. After unsuccessful attempts, she decided to create her own skincare line in her Brooklyn apartment kitchen. Soapwalla's organic skincare products are:
- Free of parabens

- Free of SLS
- Free of synthetic ingredients
- Vegan
- Cruelty-Free
- Made with pure essential oils
- Great for sensitive skin
I had heard of Soapwalla in my search for a great natural deodorant. Word around town was that their Deodorant Cream was fantastic. So of course I had to try it out for myself. I'll admit that natural deodorants can be a tough one. If you saw my post about the BlogHer '10 conference you'd know that I went around with pools under my arms. Deodorant doesn't keep you from sweating but I shouldn't have been sweating that much. I was on a search to find a deodorant that helped with odor and also had some ingredients that would maybe absorb a little sweat too. Soapwalla's Deodorant Cream passed with flying colors! It works for odor all day and I sweat less when I use it too. This aluminum-free deodorant cream definitely lives up to it's reputation.
I also had a chance to try out their Luxurious Moisturizing Body Oil. I put oil on my hands every night before I go to bed. I usually use plain unscented oil. Well let me tell you that this oil had me sniffing it several times each night after I put it on. It's scented with pure ginger, citrus, and lemongrass essential oils. This body oil is very moisturizing and smells fantastic!
If you are a fan of soap bars you will certainly enjoy what Soapwalla has to offer. I tried both the Organic Shea Butter, Tangerine, and Clay Soap Bar and the Organic Citrus Grove Soap Bar. I used the Organic Shea Butter soap on my face. I was impressed by it's smooth lather. The tangerine essentials oils in the soap are for clarifying and toning, while the shea butter is for moisturizing, and the clay is for exfoliation. It's a great combination.
I don't usually use soap bars to wash my hands anymore but I very much liked the Organic Citrus Grove Soap Bar. The scent is so clean and it has a smooth lather. Not to mention how delicious it smells. The oil and the soap bars smelled good enough to eat! Soapwalla Kitchen has several treats for the face, body, shower, and bath. Head on over and check them out. You may find something that is perfect for you!

Recycled Business Cards from UPrinting.com Giveaway (***CLOSED***)

It's very convenient to have business cards on hand. Whether you have a business or you are a blogger, it's a great way to let people know how to find you. It's easy to forget a web site address or an email when you are told quickly in person. A way to ensure someone won't forget your information is to hand them your business card.
I prefer business cards made from recycled paper. It makes me feel good knowing they are made with recycled material and can be recycled again. Any way I can help to reduce waste is wonderful. UPrinting.com offers Recycled and SFI Certified Paper types. I especially like their 13 pt. Cardstock, Uncoated Paper. It is both SFI Certified and made with Recycled paper.
If you are looking for something different than a traditional looking business card, you should check out UPrinting.com's Die-Cut Business Cards. They have options such as Rounded Corners, Leaf, Rounded One-Corner, Half-Circle Side, and Circle. They even have Square cards and Slim cards. Whatever look you're going for, you're sure to find something you like.
One lucky Mommy Is Green reader will win a set of
250 Die-Cut Business Cards, 13 pt. Recycled Cardstock.
Extra Entries (The mandatory entry must be completed first before any of these count. Please create a separate comment for each extra entry):
2. Follow me through Google Friend Connect. (1 Entry)
3. Follow both @UPrinting and @mommyisgreen on Twitter. Leave your Twitter ID in comment. (1 Entry)
4. Tweet about this giveaway on Twitter. You can do this once daily. Put a link to your tweet in a comment here (click the date/time on the bottom left of your tweet to get link). You can copy and paste: “Win 250 Die-Cut Business Cards (Recycled) from UPrinting.com! @mommyisgreen http://tinyurl.com/2dgjgue #giveaway” (1 Entry Per Day)
5. Add the Mommy Is Green button to your sidebar. ( 2 Entries)
6. Subscribe to Mommy Is Green through email. (2 Entries)
7. Comment on any non-giveaway blog post at Mommy Is Green. Leave post name. (1 Entry)
8. Blog about this giveaway with a link back to Mommy Is Green and UPrinting.com. Leave a comment with your web site address. (3 Entries)
This giveaway will end on September 29, 2010 at 11:59 ET. Winner will be drawn via random.org. Once a winner is drawn I will contact them and they will have 48 hours to reply before I draw a new winner. Giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only who are 18 years of age or older.
So Excited About My Article on LovelySafeMama.com!
I met Kathy from SafeMama.com and LovelySafeMama.com at BlogHer '10. I've always loved her sites so I was thrilled to meet her. I couldn't wait to tell her how much I adored her article, Sunday Morning DIY: Lavender & Sweet Orange Hand Soap. I also wanted to ask her if she wouldn't mind if I blogged about my experience with the hand soap.
With the okay from Kathy to piggy back her article (because it's never okay not to give credit where credit is due) I shared my experience in my article, Save Money on Soap by Using a Foam Pump. Kathy also said if I had any DIY recipes I could do a guest post. I was completely honored and I had been sitting on a Cleansing Facial Scrub that I created myself. I've never been one to come up with my own DIY recipes but I actually felt I had something worth sharing with this one.
I couldn't be more excited or honored to have a guest post on LovelySafeMama.com! Please check out DIY: Cleansing Facial Scrub by Mommy Is Green, along with the other DIY recipes on the site. And don't forget about the awesome Cheat Sheets either!
Tropical Traditions Oxygen Bleach Review & Giveaway (***CLOSED***)

I no longer use chlorine bleach. I used it once years ago and it created holes in the cloth item I was trying to whiten. I guess I let it sit too long. I had no idea it could do something like that. From then on I've stayed away from chlorine bleach. I'm glad I have because it is horrible for our health and creates problems for aquatic life.
A safer alternative is Oxygen Bleach. Tropical Traditions offers this product as a Non-Chlorine Destainer & Deodorizer. Oxygen Bleach has many uses.
- Laundry
- Kitchen
- Bathroom
- Yard
- Household
- Camping
- Wood Decks
I used Tropical Traditions Oxygen Bleach for whitening a few bibs that have been sitting around for a while with stains. I previously washed the bibs but when the stains didn't come out I set them aside. I took a large bowl with hot water and added the Oxygen Bleach. Then I placed the bibs in the bowl to sit overnight. There was a dramatic difference in the bibs. They are newly white and stain-free. I wasn't sure if I could save these bibs for our next baby but now I am definitely able to.
I also used the Oxygen Bleach to get the ammonia smell out of my cloth diapers. The diapers smelled clean after they were washed but there was a strong ammonia smell after they were peed in. I rinsed the cloth diapers in cold water first. Then I soaked them in hot water and Oxygen Bleach for an hour before washing them with detergent. After I washed them I rinsed them in cold water until I was sure no detergent or oxygen bleach remained. It helped tremendously!
Another way I used the Oxygen Bleach was for cleaning the toilet. I added some of it to the toilet, let it soak, then scrubbed. It left the toilet very clean. I felt like it was fresh again.
If you're looking to clean without chlorine bleach, check out Oxygen Bleach from Tropical Traditions. It's a safer alternative you'll feel better about!
Tropical Traditions Oxygen Bleach.
Extra Entries (The mandatory entry must be completed first before any of these count. Please create a separate comment for each extra entry):
2. Follow me through Google Friend Connect. (1 Entry)
3. Subscribe to the Tropical Traditions Sales Newsletter. (2 Entries)
4. Follow both @Troptraditions and @mommyisgreen on Twitter. Leave your Twitter ID in comment. (1 Entry)
5. Tweet about this giveaway on Twitter. You can do this once daily. Put a link to your tweet in a comment here (click the date/time on the bottom left of your tweet to get link). You can copy and paste: “Win Tropical Traditions Oxygen Bleach from @Troptraditions & @mommyisgreen http://tinyurl.com/2cq77ea #giveaway” (1 Entry Per Day)
6. Add the Mommy Is Green button to your sidebar. ( 2 Entries)
7. Subscribe to Mommy Is Green through email. (2 Entries)
8. Comment on any non-giveaway blog post on Mommy Is Green. (1 Entry)
9. Enter another Mommy Is Green Giveaway. (1 Entry)
10. Blog about this giveaway with a link back to Mommy Is Green and Tropical Traditions. Leave a comment with your web site address. (3 Entries)
Congratulations to the winner, #164...matt4melis!
How Did You Come Up With Your Blog Name?
Sometimes I think about how I came up with my blog name. To tell the truth it all rested on Twitter. No kidding.
I started entering giveaways and realized that if I started tweeting it would give me an extra entries. So I thought, "Hey, let's give it a try." I wanted a Twitter name that fit my new found search for safer organic products. I also wanted something that didn't need any numbers or or special characters. I started to search through combinations with the words mom and green with no luck. I wanted the name to make sense like it was a sentence too. Finally, I tried mommyisgreen and it was free!
I wasn't exactly going for "mommy" but it fit. I would have preferred plain old "mom" instead. Anyway, it's what worked. When I started blogging I stuck with the name. After all, I did need to name my blog something. So here I am. Mommy Is Green. Now what do I do when my child (or children by then) is a teenager and I'm plain old Mom? When I'm no longer called Mommy, do I change to Mom Is Green? Time will tell I guess.
Oh...and one last thing. If you've ever wondered why I capitalize he word "is" in Mommy Is Green. That's because "is" is a verb (meaning"to be") and verbs are capitalized in titles. I only write this because I know it seems like a preposition that should be lowercase. :)

©MommyIsGreen.net - DO NOT COPY text or images.
Newman's Own Organics Review
We are a family that loves our snacks! Since we eat organic foods we are especially choosy. Sometimes I don't know where to start when I'm staring down the organic snack food aisle, but now I do. I'm heading straight for the DELICIOUS products from Newman's Own Organics.
I don't even know where to begin because we love all of their snacks. So I'll start with their newest edition, Licorice Twists. They come in Black, Strawberry, Pomegranate, and Tangerine. When I received my package of Newman's Own Organics goodies I went straight for the Strawberry Licorice first. It was better than I imagined. It doesn't have the usual dull taste of strawberry licorice. It is more tangy and sweet. That's exactly how I like my candy. All of the licorice was fantastic. Next time I see this licorice in the store I'm going to snag it!
Cookies are one of the preferred desserts in our household. They are easy to grab and tasty! Newman's Own Organics has several types of cookies. They offer Champion Chip Cookies, Newman-O's, Fig Newmans, Alphabet Cookies, and Hermits. The Newman-O's Mint Creme is my favorite! Followed by the Ginger Hermits. The Arrowroot Alphabet Cookies were perfect for my son. I liked that they are bite-sized. My husband was a big fan of the Low Fat Fig Newmans (over the Fat-Free) and the Double Chocolate Mint Chip Champion Chip Cookies. We each have our favorites but of course we ate all of the cookies we received. I mean, who could resist? Even the Wheat Free/Dairy Free Creme Newman-O's are incredibly tasty!
To add some salt to your sweet cravings, you'll want to try the Pretzels and Soy Crisps. I knew for sure I would like the pretzels. I'm particularly fond of the Honey Wheat Mini Pretzels. They have the perfect touch of honey and are USDA certified organic. The Mighty Mini Pretzels are also USDA certified organic. If you're looking for an extra bit of protein you should try the Hi-Protein Pretzels, although we favor the other two.
I was pleasantly surprised by the Lightly Salted and White Cheddar Soy Crisps. I didn't think I was going to like them because they look so similar to rice cakes but they taste so much better. My husband also agreed that they are really good.
We were able to try some USDA certified organic Dried Fruits too. My son is a big fan of Raisins and my husband is a big fan of Prunes. So they each had something the really liked in addition to the Apples. The raisins are great. I didn't like raisins as a child but after I tried the Newman's Own Organics raisins I've become a fan myself. My husband said the prunes were the best dried prunes he's ever tasted. I know he will be looking for these prunes again.
Did you know that Newman's Own Organics also carries Chocolate & Mints? Who can say no to chocolate? Their chocolate bars are USDA certified organic and made from cocoa beans grown on Rainforest Alliance Certified farms. I've seen this chocolate in the store before but didn't know about those two certifications. Otherwise, I would've scooped this chocolate up sooner. If you're like me and you like a coffee flavor in your chocolate, try the Mocha Milk Chocolate and the Espresso Dark Chocolate. Of course, none of the chocolate flavors are disappointing!
Newman's Own Organic's Mints are also USDA certified organic. I love that because I've been looking for an alternative to chewing gum. I only occasionally chew gum but I never feel good about it. Anyway you slice it, gum is made with some kind of plastic. These mints come in Cinnamon, Ginger, Peppermint, and Wintergreen. You can get them in tins or in rolls. About the only thing we didn't like in all of the products we received was the Ginger mints. They pack such a punch. If you really like ginger then these mints are for you. Otherwise, check out the rest of the mint flavors.
I can't say enough about these fantastic and tasty snacks. We will definitely be putting Newman's Own Organics on our grocery list! I'm going to take advantage of their online printable coupons and head to the store.
Happy Snacking!
Green Irene Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products Review

I'm very careful about choosing the cleaners I use. I don't want my family to breath in toxins, yet I want the best clean possible. One way to get a good clean is to use an eco-friendly cleaner with enzymes. A company that has great enzymatic cleaners is Green Irene.
One reason I was so attracted to trying the Green Irene cleaning line is because they explain how enzymes work. I feel like I received a lot of information on their web site. I'm new to learning about enzymes so I'm very happy they explained how they work. Here's what I learned from GreenIrene.com:
"Enzymes are large protein molecules found in all living things. They are nature’s workers, speeding chemical processes or creating chemical reactions. As catalysts, they speed up natural processes and create natural reactions that otherwise would not materialize. Enzymes work by rapidly biodegrading materials like grease, foods, oils and grime into their basic elements like carbon, oxygen and hydrogen, so they are both effective and safe. Enzymes clean better than toxic and non-toxic detergents, acids and alkalines. Plus, enzymes completely remove (not just mask) odors by breaking down the organic materials that's causing the odor.
The key is finding the right enzymes suited for each task. Green Irene's task specific plant-based blends are hospital grade enzymes purified of bacteria. They pinpoint their targets and go to work! They work exclusively on organic materials (starch, fats, food, grease, oil) and react only with their target. Another advantage is that any remaining enzymes will be re-activated upon contact with water. This characteristic aids in reducing future organic growth while continuously neutralizing lingering odors."
Once I understood what enzymes were and how they worked I was very excited to try the Green Irene cleaning products. They don't contain any harsh fumes, vapors, phosphates, chlorine, or petroleum-based products. I was able to try their Enzymatic Clean Starter Kit which includes a Kitchen Cleaner, Bathroom Cleaner, Stainless and Glass Cleaner, Mildew Stain Eraser, Stain and Odor Eliminator, Rinse-Free Floor Cleaner, and a reusable bag.
Stainless and Glass Cleaner. Before I found this cleaner I didn't have anything to use on our LCD television screen. I insist on using eco-friendly cleaners only so the tv screen usually went without cleaning. My son often puts prints on the screen and the prints would pile up until I wiped the screen with a little water. That never really did the trick though. I used the Stainless and Glass Cleaner with a microfiber cloth and the results were amazing. There's no more holding off on cleaning the tv or computer screens because I'm afraid I will ruin them.
Kitchen Cleaner. One of the areas that needs constant cleaning in my kitchen is the stove top. Between pasta sauce, grease spatter, and spices the stove top is a constant battle. It's nice to have a cleaner that I can use to quickly clean it up with. I sprayed the kitchen cleaner on the stove then wiped it clean with no problems. Of course, it's great on the counters too.
Bathroom Cleaner. Due to a clog, our soap wasn't going completely down the drain in the bathroom. Before we could get the clog fixed the soap left a large area of scum in the sink. I sprayed the sink with the Bathroom Cleaner, scrubbed the sink, then sprayed the area again. I let the cleaner sit for a few minutes then went back to scrub a second time. It completely removed the soap scum. A couple of quick scrubs was all it needed. I was thrilled because I don't enjoy scrubbing forever to remove soap scum.
The Green Irene Ezymatic Clean Starter Kit ($39.98) comes with empty 16 oz. sprayer bottles and 1 oz. packets of the concentrated cleaners. You add the concentrate to the bottles and fill with water. When it's time for a refill you just buy the concentrated packets and reuse your bottles. This is wonderful to help to reduce packaging waste!
The only thing I would change would be the coloring for the Floor Cleaner. I would still use the product even if it didn't have an orange color. I'm not a fan of carmine so I would like to see it made without. Otherwise, I really like the Green Irene Cleaners.



























