Shaklee

I've heard Oprah talk about Shaklee cleaning products on several occasions and wanted to see for myself why it is one of her "favorite things."

The laundry detergent worked as well as the "free and clear" brand I regularly use. I did not see a difference (good or bad) in the baby's clothes. The thing I didn't like was the packaging. It's a squeeze bottle that you pour into a separate measuring cup. The bottle as well as my hands got a bit sticky. But I guess that's a minor complaint.

The Soft Fabric Fragrance Free Dryer Sheets are the strangest thing I've ever seen. The look and feel almost like waxed paper. You just toss one in the dryer without unfolding and throw the sheet in the recycling bin when the load is done.

My husband likes the Dish Wash Concentrate. He says one little squirt gives lots of suds. (Yes, you heard that right, my husband does the dishes!)

What I love is that the Basic H2 Organic Super Cleaning Concentrate is used to create all-purpose cleaner, degreaser, and window cleaner. You fill an empty bottle with a few droppers of the concentrate and water, et voila! This one 16 ounce bottle will create 48 gallons of all-purpose cleaner!

My overall opinion: Shaklee products work as well as traditional cleaners but are friendly to the environment and to those with allergies and asthma. They may seem a bit pricier than traditional cleaners, but trust me, one bottle of all purpose concentrate will fill up so many bottles of cleaner that you will get your money's worth.

(This was written by Leeanthro who can be read at Soy is the New Black where she dishes about family, food, foraging, and frivolity. While many of the products she discusses are sold only through boutique or specialty stores, some are widely available at national stores and online.)