Probiotic Cleaner is Made Just Like Kombucha—And It Keeps Cleaning Long After You’re Done

Ashley Abramson
Ashley Abramson
Ashley Abramson is a writer-mom hybrid. Her work, mostly focused on health, psychology, and parenting, has been featured in the Washington Post, New York Times, Allure, and more. She lives in the Milwaukee suburbs with her husband and two young sons.
published Nov 4, 2019
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It’s no secret that probiotics are one secret weapon for healthier digestion and overall wellness. Based on the premise that health isn’t just about killing off bad bacteria, but also promoting the growth of good bacteria, this popular wellness remedy is now making its way into the world of cleaning products, too.

Enter probiotic tonics, aka germ-powered cleaners that harness the power of “friendly” bacteria to keep your home sparkling (and naturally) clean.

Curious how a probiotic cleaner works, and whether or not you should introduce one to your cleaning routine? To learn more about the benefits of probiotics at home, we spoke with the folks at Counter Culture Probiotic Cleaning Tonic.

What is a probiotic cleaner? 

Instead of chemicals that kill off all germs in sight, probiotic cleaners are powered by “good” bacteria—in Counter Culture’s case, medical-grade probiotics—which create compounds called bio-detergents that detox home surfaces and break down dirt and grime.

If you’re looking to boost your home’s microbiome, on top of their all-purpose cleaner, Counter Culture also has an air freshener and a floor-cleaning concentrate. 

How is a probiotic cleaner made?

Apparently, making probiotic cleaner is similar to making kombucha (though we wouldn’t recommend drinking it). To create its friendly-germ tonic, Counter Culture uses just four totally natural ingredients—purified water, medical-grade probiotics, beneficial compounds produced during fermentation, and organic essential oil. After allowing the bacteria to brew for over a month, they add in the essential oils, which leave your surfaces smelling as fresh and clean as they actually are.

Why should I use a probiotic cleaner? 

One of the main perks is that probiotic cleaners are totally natural, without any chemical or artificial scent additives, which is ideal for people with sensitive skin or anyone just doesn’t like to clean with harsh ingredients like bleach. Counter Culture’s products (including their packaging) are also completely biodegradable, so you won’t be doing any harm to the environment when you use them.

Another benefit of probiotic cleaners that you won’t get from an all-purpose spray: The “friendly” bacteria in probiotic cleaners also linger on surfaces after you’re done cleaning, which means your home will stay cleaner, longer. (While you may not think cleaning with germs is an effective way to, well, get rid of germs, Counter Culture regularly performs microbial tests to make sure their products are indeed up to par.)

How do I use a probiotic cleaner? 

You use your probiotic cleaner just like any other cleaning product: Just spray, let the bugs do the work, and wipe away. Keep in mind that the more often you use a probiotic cleaner, the better, since you’re essentially replenishing your army of grime-fighters.

It should be safe to use a probiotic cleaner just about anywhere in your home. According to Counter Culture, their products are for use on a variety of surfaces like granite, glass, carpet, vinyl, plastic, tiles, and shower curtains—just make sure to avoid unsealed wood or stone surfaces, which can take on the color of the product.

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