A trip down the cleaning aisle in the grocery store can be a little overwhelming. Any product can call itself “green” or “natural,” but how do you really know which ones are safe for the environment and your family? We made sure that every one of the dozens of products on our reader survey is as green as its manufacturer claims. For help, we turned to our friends at Whole Foods Market, who have created an Eco-Scale rating system of cleaning products. They place ingredients in different eco-friendly categories: red (products containing those ingredients are not carried at Whole Foods Market), orange, yellow, and green (the highest, most eco-friendly level). For a product to be considered for a KIWI award, it had to clear the orange level, which means that it can currently be sold at Whole Foods Market and it contains ingredients KIWI staff feel comfortable recommending to families. (You can find the Whole Foods Market Eco-Scale at wholefoodsmarket.com/eco-scale.)
In the kitchen
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Dish soapOther winners: |
Dishwasher liquidOther winners: |
Dishwasher powderOther winners: |
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Dishwasher pelletsOther winners: |
Rinsing agentOther winners: |
Oven cleaner#1: Nature Clean Other winners: |
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Countertop cleaner#1: Method Other winners: |
Stainless steel cleanerOther winners: |
In the bathroom
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Tub and tile cleanerOther winners: |
Glass cleanerOther winners: |
Toilet bowl cleanerOther winners: |
For floor and furniture
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Carpet and upholstery cleanerOther winners: |
Hardwood and linoleum cleaner#1: Method Other winners: |
Wood and furniture polish#1: Method Other winners: |
For laundry
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Liquid or powder detergentOther winners: |
Whitening detergentOther winners: |
Fabric softenerOther winners: |
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Dryer sheetsOther winners: |
Baby laundry detergentOther winners: |
Stain removerOther winners: |
For anywhere
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All-purpose sprayOther winners: |
All-purpose gel, cream, or powderOther winners: |
Air freshener#1: Citrus Magic Other winners: |
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All-purpose wipesOther winners: |