Green that Really Work

 Green Cleaners that Really Work

By Oprah.com 

Method Smarty Dish Dishwasher Detergent Tabs

The Claim: Biodegradable and free of phosphates, chlorine, ammonia, and petroleum distillates. The lightweight packaging uses 87 percent less plastic than traditional rigid plastic containers. 

The Clean: "Whatever's in that tablet whisked away remnants of Bolognese sauce, oatmeal, and scrambled eggs. Turns out our 7-year-old Maytag has more oomph left than I thought; I just needed a better detergent." --Jenny Bailly, Executive Beauty Editor 

Bon Ami Liquid Cleanser

The Claim: Biodegradable and free of phosphates and chlorine. The packaging is made from 100 percent postconsumer recycled plastic. 

The Clean: "I figured without harsh chemicals, I'd need a lot more elbow grease. But the nastiest surface of all--the toilet--was rendered spotless with just a few lazy swipes of my toilet brush." --Katie Arnold-Ratliff, Associate Editor 

Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Glass Cleaner

The Claim: Skips ammonia (a potentially toxic irritant) in favor of plant-based cleaning agents sourced from sustainable coconut-palm-oil farms. Free of phosphates, chlorine, and petroleum distillates. 

The Clean: "The nozzle mists, so there's great coverage and I used less. With one pass of a cleaning rag, my windows and mirrors were clear." --Crystal G. Martin, Assistant Editor 

Method Floor + Surface Cleaner

The Claim: Biodegradable and free of phosphates, chlorine, and petroleum distillates. The packaging is made from 100 percent postconsumer recycled material. 

The Clean: "It easily lifted my terrier's muddy footprints from tile, a maple syrup spill from the kitchen floor, even unidentified drips down my garbage can-no rinsing required." --Catherine Dibenedetto, Articles Editor 

Caldrea Dish Soap Liquid

The Claim: Biodegradable and free of phosphates, chlorine, and petroleum distillates. Plant-based cleaning agents are sourced from certified sustainable palm-oil farms. 

The Clean: "At first I found the quaint packaging and citrusy aroma of essential oils suspect. Surely they couldn't peel the charred remains of a veggie burger from my favorite pan. But they did." --Meredith Bryan, Senior Editor 

Bill by Eco-Me All-Purpose Cleaner

The Claim: Uses only ingredients that are food-grade and plant-sourced, such as vinegar and sugar-based cleaning agents. Free of phosphates, chlorine, and petroleum distillates. 

The Clean: "With a husband who likes to walk while he eats, I'm constantly wiping down surfaces. A single squirt of Bill cut through everything from the barbecue sauce stains on the stovetop to the filmy residue on the countertops." --Jessica Silvester, Assistant Editor 

Green Works Oxi Stain Remover

The Claim: An oxygen-based bleaching agent helps make this cleaner versatile, biodegradable, and nonallergenic. 

The Clean: "Having pets made me hesitant to use a heavy-duty shampoo on my dingy mosaic of carpet stains. But 20 minutes after I sprinkled this powder, my cats were sprawled out on a carpet that positively sparkles." --Kate Rockwood, Senior Editor