Cruising 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
The labels are nice.
view Daniel Poitiers's profile
fantastic labels, worth leaving out of the cabinets.
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. :)
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.
view modernguy's profile
I'm anxiously awaiting my Method products to run out so that I can try some of these.
view Valerie LA's profile
Wasn't this posted quite a while ago? I remember saying how much i loved the Lemon counter spray.
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.
view Palmetto's profile
it was covered within the past three months.
view Lady J's profile
Here: http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/chicago/cleaning/jr-watkins-natural-home-care-062224
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.
view bonline's profile
...going to target later today...will have to check this out
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!
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.
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!
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.
view thedirtyshow's profile
is this sold in Canada?
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!
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.
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.
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.
view Lady J's profile