The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Budget Home: Dishmate and ECOS by Earth Friendly Products




Recently I had the opportunity to test out two products from Earth Friendly Products, namely Ultra Dishmate Natural Grapefruit Liquid Dishwashing Cleaner and ECOS Magnolia & Lily All Natural Laundry Detergent. Like most people, I try to be aware of the chemicals I'm using in my home and on my body, but at the end of the day, I just want something effective and affordable. So I'm thrilled to tell you that yes! Both products work wonderfully and they're a great value. More details after the jump.

First, the Ultra Dishmate Liquid Dishwashing Cleaner in Natural Grapefruit...

What they say: Made from only plant-based, highest quality ingredients, Dishmate comes in five gorgeous essential oil scents. This ultra-concentrated, tough-on-grease dishwashing liquid is so mild, you can use it as a hand soap. Contains Water, Coconut Oil Derived Surfactants and Grapefruit Oil. Does not contain 1,4-Dioxane or Cocamide DEA.

What I think: I had used Joy my whole life because that's what my mom used, but then a little while back I switched to Caldrea and I've been really happy with its cleaning power and scent. It's ever-so-slightly less effective than Joy, let's say, when you're scrubbing a deep fryer after wing night, but other than that, it's works every bit as well as the petroleum-based chemical cleaners. Earth Friendly Products' Dishmate dish soap is very similar to the Caldrea. It has a very light grapefruit scent, a little goes a long way, and it's soft on your hands - a definite plus! Since it's just $3.99 for a 25 oz. bottle at ecos.com, I see no reason not to try this stuff.

Next up, the ECOS Liquid Laundry Detergent Magnolia & Lily...

What they say: ECOS A 2X, plant-based, ultra-concentrated laundry detergent. All temperature ECOS requires only 1 oz. per HE load, 2 oz. per regular load. Color-safe and effective on everything, from children's clothes to work uniforms to antique linens. Contains a natural coconut based fabric softener for money saving softness and static-free laundry. (Our unique, natural formula will not buildup on fabrics or reduce absorbency of towels.) The neutral pH guarantees clothes won't wear out.

What I think: I've kinda been on an eco-friendly trajectory when it comes to washing my clothes (no dry cleaning, although I had only used dry cleaning like twice in my lifetime, too expensive) had already switched from Tide to Tide Free to Seventh Generation, and I wash most of my clothes in cold water because it's eco, cheaper and better for fast fashion anyways. Once again, Earth Friendly Products delivers an amazing product. I found that ECOS laundry detergent worked great on load after load. A little goes a long way. It smells like laundry detergent, which I'm afraid isn't very descriptive but that's how it smells. I couldn't smell the Magnolia & Lily but maybe that's just me. Besides, I'm not a big fan of fragrances anyways. You can get a 50 fl. oz. container for just $6.99.

In conclusion, Earth Friendly Products really are earth-friendly (get all the details at ecos.com). They're made in the USA (IL, CA, NJ, FL & WA). They work just as well as mainstream products and they do not cost more than mainstream products. You can buy them at supermarkets and health food stores across the country and online at places like amazon.com and walmart.com. I'm a fan and I can't wait to try more products from their line!

Comments
I love the grapefruit dish soap! I use it all the time.
#1 Megan (Homepage) on 2010-10-26 12:28 (Reply)
It was really nice to see your collection of eco earth friendly products and your thoughts about earth friendly products. We also deal in earth friendly products to save the planet that is getting affected by the use of chemical products. WE also have nice collection of eco dish soap and cleaners.
#2 Runka (Homepage) on 2010-10-26 15:19 (Reply)
I use that laundry detergent too and I agree that it works really well and has a fresh, clean scent!
#3 MizzJ (Homepage) on 2010-10-27 02:06 (Reply)
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