apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time


Simple Green: J.R. Watkins For the Home

102708_jr.jpgCruising Target this weekend we almost came out empty handed (after all we're trying to live with less and be conscious of what we bring into our home) but at the last minute we remembered that we wanted to buy more Method Surface Cleaner in Lavender. We found the soap aisle and instead of walking out with Method, we decided to try something new:

 
 

The J.R. Watkins line of plant-based cleansers (which include personal care, natural home care, and spices) goes back about 140 years and has always been committed to making natural cleansers that are free of phosphates, ammonia, parabens, chlorine, and on and on. They're completely nontoxic and have not been tested on animals. Recently they got a snazzy new (old style) label and started getting carried at Target which explains why we're only finding them now (you might recognize the label from the Apothecary line that gets carried at Bath and Body Works).

So when we were looking for our old standby, Method, we noticed this line promintently displayed next to it. When we saw that it was also all natural, we gave each scent a sniff settling on the Aloe and Green Tea Surface Cleanser with Coconut Oil. It just smells clean and a little warm, perfect for the Fall.

Available through Target (for less than what they sell it for on the J.R. Watkins website).

Other Natural Cleansers We love:
Vinegar
Soy
Tang
Vodka
Citrus

Tags

cleaning, Simple Green, J.R. Watkins, eco friendly cleanser, natural soap

Related Links

Share

Comments (20)

The labels are nice.

posted by Daniel Poitiers on October 27th 2008 at 9:16am
view Daniel Poitiers's profile

fantastic labels, worth leaving out of the cabinets.

posted by Eve in Hochelaga on October 27th 2008 at 9:21am
view Eve in Hochelaga's profile

I almost bought some of that specifically because of the labels but ended up not doing it because I wanted to read some reviews first because it was more expensive than the stuff I normally get. I will be getting it next time though because I've read great things about this brand. :)

posted by girlonthem00n on October 27th 2008 at 9:23am
view girlonthem00n's profile

I've been using the hand soap and Tub and tile cleaner for a few months now since I read about them on AT. I love that it smells naturally fresh. It's especially good if your bathroom doesn't have windows like mine. When I used the harsh stuff, the odor was just overpowering. Also, the price is very economical.

posted by modernguy on October 27th 2008 at 9:26am
view modernguy's profile

I'm anxiously awaiting my Method products to run out so that I can try some of these.

posted by Valerie LA on October 27th 2008 at 9:31am
view Valerie LA's profile

Wasn't this posted quite a while ago? I remember saying how much i loved the Lemon counter spray.

posted by atlantadesigner on October 27th 2008 at 9:45am
view atlantadesigner's profile

Watkins used to be sold only door-to-door, with a networked marketing scheme, like Amway or Mary Kay. I remember my mother buying spices this way.

You can still buy the products or join up as an Associate.

posted by Palmetto on October 27th 2008 at 9:48am
view Palmetto's profile

it was covered within the past three months.

posted by Lady J on October 27th 2008 at 10:36am
view Lady J's profile

Here: http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/chicago/cleaning/jr-watkins-natural-home-care-062224

posted by Lady J on October 27th 2008 at 10:39am
view Lady J's profile

I've been using their stuff for the past three months. Love it. Unlike some of the other 'natural' dishwashing liquids where I've found you have to use a lot to get that 'soapy' bubbly feel, JR Watkins is quite sudsy. Plus, love their selection of flavors.

posted by bonline on October 27th 2008 at 11:01am
view bonline's profile

...going to target later today...will have to check this out

posted by hanako66 on October 27th 2008 at 11:15am
view hanako66's profile

I love their lemon all-purpose cleaner, and although the lavender glass cleaner smells a bit odd, it does a fantastic job as well. I'm glad they're expanding into the retail market with new scents - I think for a while the products were available through sales reps only, or something like that. Anyway, I absolutely recommend their cleaning products!

posted by no accounting for taste on October 27th 2008 at 12:55pm
view no accounting for taste's profile

I saw these products at target a while back and got excited until I read the ingredients list. I'm not sure that the products are non-toxic as I seem to remember some disagreeable ingredients. Make sure you check the labels if you are searching for green cleaners. Its a shame though, cause the packaging is nice.

posted by i4design on October 27th 2008 at 1:20pm
view i4design's profile

I saw those at Target the other day, too. I can't wait till my cruddy Method dish soap runs out!

posted by Erin Lang Norris/Yellow Canoe on October 27th 2008 at 2:05pm
view Erin Lang Norris/Yellow Canoe's profile

my wife sells the products and i am her biggest customer. i love the detergent and vanilla extract. i don't like the smell of the aloe cleaner but i love the new citrus scents.

posted by thedirtyshow on October 27th 2008 at 3:37pm
view thedirtyshow's profile

is this sold in Canada?

posted by Eve in Hochelaga on October 27th 2008 at 5:13pm
view Eve in Hochelaga's profile

The lavender glass cleaner does have a funny vinegary smell but I kind of love it. It's not bad, juts not at all lavender-y. And it works like a charm!

posted by marie516 on October 27th 2008 at 5:23pm
view marie516's profile

I think the dish soap is a dud. smells nice/no lather.
I think it's fine if you have a dishwasher and hand wash a couple of things. I had a full sink to conquer and it took quite a bit of soap and time.

posted by Johnny P. on October 27th 2008 at 6:01pm
view Johnny P.'s profile

Eve - I first found JR Watkins stuff in stores in Canada, so I'm guessing so; the personal care stuff, at least, I know is available at Shoppers and London Drugs.

I LOVE the lemon body cream - I feel like I've rolled in a lemon sugar cookie all day every day.

posted by effinn on October 27th 2008 at 6:37pm
view effinn's profile

suds is no indication of how well a detergent works. the suds is based on the amount of phosphates in the product. that is all. it's a psychological trick to fool the consumer, just like lipstick packaging. higher products on down to drugstore level (covergirl, etc) put a weight in the tubes to influence the consumer's perception of power. cheaper brands that cost less than $5 don't use weights and often use clear caps which feeds into the impression that the more expensive brands are "better."

i love watkins toiliet bowl cleaner. there's a fresh, barely perceptible lemon scent. much better than stinking up the house with clorox.

posted by Lady J on November 6th 2008 at 7:47am
view Lady J's profile

Feeds

RSS icon Los Angeles

+ City Feeds