Toxic chemicals found in cleaning products impact negatively on the environment and human health. Fortunately there are a number of cleaning products made in South Africa that provide less harmful alternatives. None of the products listed below contain phosphates, chlorine or any other harmful chemicals. Some of them use organically grown ingredients.
BLOUBLOMMETJIESKLOOF BIODYNAMIC FARM
Bloublommetjieskloof Biodynamic Farm is a biodynamic farm in Wellington (Western Cape). All their products are certified with BDOCA which means they contain more than 95% biodynamically produced ingredients sourced from the farm and are strictly 100% natural and organic. Biodynamic farming is a system of farming where there is a concious awareness of the spiritual world in all farm activities. Since synthetic chemicals from a barrier against the spiritual world, absolutely none are ever used.
The household cleaning products range includes: dishwasher paste; all-purpose cleaner; feverfew dishwashing liquid; herbal disinfectant; paw paw wash brightener; soapwort fabric softener; and soapwort laundry liquid. Note: Natural soaps are low foaming and may vary in consistency and colour. Unlike synthetic chemicals, natural soaps do not provide magical results with minimal effort, but used correctly are just as effective. The products are safe for the environment and also good for the soil - so allow all the water wash to run directly into the garden.
Earthsap is a South African company that makes non toxic, biodegradable, nature-derived cleaners based on simple ingredients including coconut, palm, citrus and other plant oils. Only pure essential oils are used, no synthetic fragrances. Earthsap cleaners are safe for humans, pets and the environment and are completely biodegradable. They do not harm aquatic life or affect marine plant growth. Earthsap are continuously developing, testing and retesting new formulas, but their products are never tested on animals. The product range includes: dishwashing liquid; toilet cleaner and an all-purpose cleaner.
Enchantrix makes a range of organic, chemical free home cleaning products. The products are formulated by microbiologists to be effective while being safe for humans and the environment. They contain organically grown plants, essential oils and pure spring water and are completely biodegradable. The product range includes: air freshener; laundry liquid; fruit and vegetable wash; window cleaner; disinfectant and loo cleaner; dish washing liquid; and all-purpose cleaner. Enchantrix is a South African company based in Cape Town.
Where to buy:
Available at the Pick 'n Pay in the Western Cape and a number of health shops and pharmacies. Available for on-line purchase from The Ethical Co-op people living in the Cape Town/Stellenbosch area.
PROBAC BIOGENIC
ProBac Biogenic is a range of cleaning products that uses micro-organisms found in nature to break down and cleanse waste. The primary ingredients in all the cleaning products are selected blends of highly concentrated, completely safe living bacteria, which have been prospected from nature for their ability to biodegrade dirt and waste. Probac is safe to use, non-toxic, does not contaminate the environment and replaces toxic chemicals that contaminate the household and environment. The products are made by a South African company, Soft Chemical Laboratories and the household cleaning range includes: Carpet Cleaner; Pet Stain and Odour Remover; Bathroom Cleaner; and Wall and Floor Cleaner.
TRIPLE ORANGE
The Triple Orange product range consists of the Triple Orange Wonder Gel and the Triple Orange Bio Detergent (a clothes detergent and fabric softener in one). The Wonder Gel and Bio Detergent are biodegradable, safe to use*, and contain no sulfates or phosphates. Ingredients include: sulphonic acid (creates lather, derived from onions and/or garlic) brought to a ph neutral of between 6.9 and 7.2 with caustic soda, water, pure orange oil and plant based cellulose (for thickening).
*Note: According to the manufacturer, caustic soda is used to neutralise (Ph balance) their products and because 0.7% is used it can be safely used by people with sensitive skin conditions (e.g. excema), however some people may get an aggrevated reaction from the orange oil in the product and it is recommended that the Wonder Gel be diluted before use.
SOAP IN A NUTSHELL According to information provided on the suppliers website, soapnuts are a natural detergent and cleaning agent, grown in India - where they have been used for centuries for cleaning and personal hygiene purposes. Soapnuts contain large amounts of saponin in their shells, which acts as a natural, gentle detergent when it comes into contact with water. Without added chemicals, fragrances or dyes, Soap berries are safe and gentle for hand washing delicates,yet tough enough for regular laundry. They will apparently leave your laundry soft, clean and fragrance free, without the use of fabric softeners. The soapnuts are shipped by sea from India directly to Durban so as to minimise their 'carbon footprint'.
Purchase online from www.naturesoap.co.za. You can also purchase Enchantirx cleaning products from this eco-store and access information on environmentally friendly cleaning.
BIONOVUM - ENVII
BioNovum is the company behind the Envii environmentally friendly product range. There is a wide variety of products available - including a washroom cleaning system that uses bacteria, a greaseater, an odour control product and many more. It is a British company, but ships globally. All products are MSDS certified, and have undergone EU testing. Discounts are present for bulk purchases.
For more information: http://www.bionovum.com/PRODUCTS.html
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Cleaning Products 
