WHY DO NATURAL CLEANING PRODUCTS MATTER?
A trend that has gained momentum in recent years has been about making the transition from home cleaning products that include chlorine bleach, phthalates, triclosan, ammonia and artificial fragrance in their ingredients list to those that are made with gentler, safer and greener ingredients, typically also those that are easier on the skin and the respiratory tract.
In the past, people cleaned their homes with whatever was available to them at the home goods or grocery store, with little thought of what the products may contain. After all, we’re using them on the surfaces of our homes, not our bodies, right? As it turns out, it’s not quite that simple.
IS USING NATURAL CLEANING PRODUCTS ACTUALLY BETTER FOR YOU?
One of the irrefutable benefits of switching to greener cleaning is that you won’t be exposing yourself and your family to the potential breathing and topical application hazards that are often created using harsh synthetic products. By improving the quality of your indoor air as it relates to the use of cleaning products, you’re helping to reduce the likelihood of:
- Respiratory irritation or infection
- Asthma
- Skin and eye irritation or infection
- Chemical toxicity and exposure
THE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF HOME CLEANING PRODUCTS
Another one of the major reasons to consider swapping the products you’re currently using for their eco-friendlier versions is related to the environment and the subsequent impact these products can have.
Simply stated, biodegradable cleaning products are better for the environment. We unknowingly release chemicals from synthetic cleaning products into our environment and waterways that can negatively affect wildlife, aquatic life and plant life each day.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shares how important it is to be cautious when interpreting vague or generic claims on product labels. Instead, consider doing your own research on ingredients you think are safer choices in your home, purchase from reputable companies known for their environmentally friendly initiatives and consider the impact on your family when making purchases.
EXPLORE OUR BRAND-NEW LINE OF NATURAL HOME CLEANING PRODUCTS
At Saje, we’ve recently launched our brand-new line of home cleaning products, designed as 100% natural and 100% plant-powered to offer effective deep cleaning and disinfecting properties.
We’ve formulated with high-quality essential oils that have been carefully selected for their cleansing benefits and properties, we’ve improved on past formulations we created to offer true multi-purpose functionality across multiple surfaces, and we’ve packaged our new natural cleaning products in opaque amber glass bottles to help prevent light exposure that can negatively impact product lifespan and that increases reusability and recyclability.
Read on to learn more about each of the products and their innovative ingredient formulations.
INTRODUCING OUR ALL-PURPOSE MULTI-CLEANING PRODUCTS
In the multi-purpose cleaning category, we created two products to offer consumers a choice in terms of scent preference. Each of these products was formulated in a concentrate with a strategic combination of essential oils, plant-based surfactants and other water-softening agents intended to clean most common household surfaces.
These multi-surface products are intended to safely remove dirt, grease and grime and to keep your home looking and smelling its best.
MULTI-SURFACE CLEANING KIT: OUTDOOR FRESH SCENTS
Our Multi- Surface Cleaning Kit: black spruce and eucalyptus was formulated as the option for those who prefer woody, herbal and earthy scents. In this formulation, the essential oils were selected as follows:
- Orange: known to neutralize tough odors, offers a sweet scent and is naturally antibacterial
- Eucalyptus: herbal aroma, known to open the breathing pathways, thought to refresh the mind, demonstrates natural antimicrobial properties
- Black Spruce: woody aroma, is known for its air clearing benefits, demonstrates natural antibacterial properties
Both cleaning kits in the multi-surface category contain a refillable glass spray bottle with a durable silicone sleeve and a highly concentrated plant-powered extract that is added to the bottle, topped up with water and is now ready to provide effective household cleaning to surfaces like countertops, cupboards, sinks, appliances and more. Refill vials of the cleaning extract will be offered separately.
MULTI-SURFACE CLEANING KIT: BRIGHT AND CITRUSY SCENTS
Our Multi- Surface Cleaning Kit: lemon and grapefruit was formulated as the option for those who prefer sweet, citrusy and uplifting scents. In this formulation, the essential oils were selected as follows:
- Lemon: a powerful, cleansing aroma, best known for its natural antibacterial and antioxidant properties
- Lemon Eucalyptus: this sweet oil contains citronella, known for its powerful, naturally antimicrobial properties
- Palmarosa: fresh scent, uplifting properties, naturally antibacterial
- Grapefruit: a zesty, bright scent, clean-smelling and lively aroma
ADDITIONAL KEY INGREDIENTS IN THE MULTI-SURFACE FORMULAS
In addition to the essential oils in each of the formulas, we’ve included the following functional ingredients as part of our ongoing commitment to full transparency when it comes to formulations and the 100% naturally derived ingredients we choose to use:
- Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside – derived from coconut oil, palm kernel oil, and sugars; a mildly foaming non-ionic surfactant used to dislodge dirt, grease and grime from soiled household surfaces
- Sodium Carbonate – derived from trona (a natural mineral); serves as a builder in the formulation. Acts to soften water through precipitation to promote and focus surfactant efficacy on soiled household surfaces
- Sodium Phytate – derived from corn; serves as the primary chelating (bonding) agent in the formulation. Binds to metal ions in hard water to promote and focus surfactant efficacy on soiled household surfaces
- Citric Acid – derived from corn; a pH balancer that keeps the formulation at an alkalinity that is both effective and safe on numerous household surfaces
- Sodium Citrate Dihydrate – derived from corn; a mild chelating (bonding) agent which helps bind to metal ions in hard water to promote and focus surfactant efficacy on soiled household surfaces. Doubles as a pH balancer in the formulation
- Ethyl Alcohol – derived from corn; an antimicrobial ingredient that serves as a solvent in the formulation and helps dissolve dirt, grease and grime from household surfaces
- Water – serves as a diluent in the formulation
INTRODUCING OUR BATHROOM CLEANING PRODUCT
Next, we’ve created a bathroom cleaning product to deliver true multi-purpose functionality across various bathroom surfaces like the tub, tiles, shower and sink. We created this formula to safely remove dirt, grime and soap scum from common bathroom surfaces.
All the home cleaning products we offer across all categories are vegan and cruelty-free. We never include products tested on animals or those that contain animal products or by-products.
BATHROOM CLEANING KIT: FRESH AND HERBACEOUS SCENTS
Our Bathroom Cleaning Kit: tea tree and lemon was formulated with a citrusy, herbal and cleansing scent. In this formulation, the essential oils were selected as follows:
- Lemon: a powerful, cleansing aroma, best known for its natural antibacterial and antioxidant properties
- Tea Tree: best known as a natural antimicrobial, adding a fresh, cleansing and medicinal aroma to the blend
- Thyme: best known as a natural antimicrobial, is fresh, herbaceous, and helps to neutralize unwanted odors
This bathroom cleaning kit also contains a refillable glass spray bottle with a durable silicone sleeve and a highly concentrated plant-powered extract that is added to the bottle, topped up with water and is now ready to provide effective bathroom cleaning. Refill vials of the bathroom cleaning extract will be offered separately.
ADDITIONAL KEY INGREDIENTS IN THE BATHROOM CLEANING FORMULA
The additional functional ingredients we’ve included in our bathroom cleaning formula are as follows:
- Decyl Glucoside – derived from coconut oil, palm kernel oil, and sugars; a mildly foaming non-ionic surfactant used to dislodge dirt, grime and soap scum from soiled bathroom surfaces
- Sodium Phytate – derived from corn, serves as the primary chelating agent in the formulation. Binds to metal ions in hard water to promote and focus surfactant efficacy on soiled bathroom surfaces
- Sodium Carbonate – derived from trona (a natural mineral); serves as a builder in formulation. Acts to soften water through precipitation to promote and focus surfactant efficacy on soiled bathroom surfaces
- Citric Acid – derived from corn; a pH balancer that keeps the formulation at an alkalinity that is both effective and safe on numerous household surface types
- Sodium Citrate Dihydrate – derived from corn; a mild chelating agent which helps bind to metal ions in hard water to promote and focus surfactant efficacy on soiled bathroom surfaces. Doubles as a pH balance in formulation
- Water – serves as a diluent in formulation
INTRODUCING OUR GLASS AND MIRROR CLEANING PRODUCT
Lastly, we’ve added a glass and mirror cleaning product to our assortment to offer a truly rounded home cleaning experience that allows you to choose natural, plant-based cleaning products for your home from top to bottom.
This product was also formulated to deliver multi-purpose functionality across a variety of glass and mirrored surfaces also including glass stovetops, stainless steel and ceramics, as well as to safely remove oil, dirt, grime and soap scum while leaving behind a glowing streak free shine.
GLASS AND MIRROR CLEANING KIT: BRIGHT AND ZESTY SCENTS
Our Glass and Mirror Cleaning Kit: grapefruit and palmarosa was formulated with a sweet, light, citrusy and fresh scent. In this formulation, the essential oils were selected as follows:
- Lemon: a powerful, deodorizing aroma, best known for its natural ability to cleanse deeply
- Lemon Eucalyptus: sweet, refreshing, cleansing, deodorizing properties and helps remove unpleasant odors
- Palmarosa: fresh, uplifting aroma, cleansing, brightening
- Grapefruit: bright, zesty, helps to reduce odors and freshens the air
This glass and mirror cleaning kit also contains a refillable glass spray bottle with a durable silicone sleeve and a highly concentrated plant-powered extract that is added to the bottle, topped up with water and is now ready to provide effective glass and mirror cleaning. Refill vials of the glass and mirror cleaning extract will be offered separately.
ADDITIONAL KEY INGREDIENTS IN THE GLASS CLEANING FORMULA
The additional functional ingredients we’ve included in our glass and mirror cleaning formula are as follows:
- Vinegar – derived from corn; paired with ethyl alcohol in the formulation, helps to dissolve dirt, grease and grime from surfaces and leaves a streak free shine on hard, non-porous surfaces
- Ethyl Alcohol – derived from corn; paired with vinegar in the formulation, helps dissolve dirt, grease and grime from surfaces and leaves a streak free shine on hard, non-porous surfaces
- Decyl Glucoside – derived from coconut oil, palm kernel oil, and sugars; a mildly foaming non-ionic surfactant used to dislodge dirt, grime and soap scum from soiled surfaces
- Water – serves as a diluent in formulation
LIFESTYLE TIPS FOR ADDING NATURAL HOME CLEANING PRODUCTS TO YOUR ROUTINE
When making the swap in your home to non-toxic, natural home cleaning products, there are a couple of tips we’re offering to help make the transition as seamless as possible:
- Though all our products have been rigorously tested and thoroughly vetted for most common household surfaces, it is recommended that you test each product on a small, hidden section of any target surface before the first full use
- After carefully adding the full vial of cleaning extract to the glass bottle and topping up with water, secure the spray top lid and slowly swirl to fully mix the formula. Refrain from vigorous shaking that can cause foaming, bubbles and possible leakage
- Filtered or distilled water is not necessary to dilute the cleaning extract; it’s safe and effective to add clean, cool tap water to the product for its intended use
Happy clean cleaning!
There’s something about a clean house, a clean room. It does wonders for the psyche.
— Brian Sansoni
