Plant-based cleaners: what we actually use and why

We get asked what we bring. Here's the full list. Nothing fancy — everything is widely available and most of it is from grocery stores.

The caddy

1. Branch Basics concentrate — diluted as all-purpose for most surfaces. Fragrance-free, EWG verified, multi-use.
2. Method daily granite — for sealed stone counters where Branch Basics dilution isn't strong enough.
3. Seventh Generation toilet bowl cleaner — plant-based bleach alternative.
4. ECOS all-purpose disinfecting — for high-touch surfaces where disinfection is needed (after illness, kitchen during raw meat prep).
5. Distilled white vinegar — for glass, stainless steel, descaling, and hard water spots.
6. Hydrogen peroxide 3% — for bathroom disinfection, grout treatment, and stain pre-treatment. EPA Safer Choice listed.
7. Microfibre cloths in five colours — colour-coded by area: red for toilets, yellow for bathrooms, blue for kitchens, green for general, white for glass. Prevents cross-contamination.

What we don't bring

• Bleach — for the rare bleach-required job, we use it but it's not in the daily caddy
• Pine-oil cleaners — too harsh, smells dated, and toxic to dogs
• Aerosol anything — respiratory irritation, inefficient propellant
• Quat-based wipes — residue, not biodegradable
• Fragranced products — sensitivity issues

Cost per visit

Calculated against bottle volumes and actual use, our supply cost per standard residential visit averages $4.50. Deep cleans run to $11–$14 in supplies. This is included in our flat rates.