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Method Smarty Dish Dishwasher Detergent Tabs


The Claim: Biodegradable and free of phosphates, chlorine, ammonia, and petroleum distillates. The lightweight packaging uses 87 percent less plastic than traditional rigid plastic containers.

The Clean: "Whatever's in that tablet whisked away remnants of Bolognese sauce, oatmeal, and scrambled eggs. Turns out our 7-year-old Maytag has more oomph left than I thought; I just needed a better detergent." —Jenny Bailly, Executive Beauty Editor

Bon Ami Liquid Cleanser


The Claim: Biodegradable and free of phosphates and chlorine. The packaging is made from 100 percent postconsumer recycled plastic.

The Clean: "I figured without harsh chemicals, I'd need a lot more elbow grease. But the nastiest surface of all—the toilet—was rendered spotless with just a few lazy swipes of my toilet brush." —Katie Arnold-Ratliff, Associate Editor

Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Glass Cleaner


The Claim: Skips ammonia (a potentially toxic irritant) in favor of plant-based cleaning agents sourced from sustainable coconut-palm-oil farms. Free of phosphates, chlorine, and petroleum distillates.

The Clean: "The nozzle mists, so there's great coverage and I used less. With one pass of a cleaning rag, my windows and mirrors were clear." —Crystal G. Martin, Assistant Editor

Method Floor + Surface Cleaner


The Claim: Biodegradable and free of phosphates, chlorine, and petroleum distillates. The packaging is made from 100 percent postconsumer recycled material.

The Clean: "It easily lifted my terrier's muddy footprints from tile, a maple syrup spill from the kitchen floor, even unidentified drips down my garbage can—no rinsing required." —Catherine Dibenedetto, Articles Editor

Caldrea Dish Soap Liquid


The Claim: Biodegradable and free of phosphates, chlorine, and petroleum distillates. Plant-based cleaning agents are sourced from certified sustainable palm-oil farms.

The Clean: "At first I found the quaint packaging and citrusy aroma of essential oils suspect. Surely they couldn't peel the charred remains of a veggie burger from my favorite pan. But they did." —Meredith Bryan, Senior Editor

Bill by Eco-Me All-Purpose Cleaner


The Claim: Uses only ingredients that are food-grade and plant-sourced, such as vinegar and sugar-based cleaning agents. Free of phosphates, chlorine, and petroleum distillates.

The Clean: "With a husband who likes to walk while he eats, I'm constantly wiping down surfaces. A single squirt of Bill cut through everything from the barbecue sauce stains on the stovetop to the filmy residue on the countertops." —Jessica Silvester, Assistant Editor

Green Works Oxi Stain Remover


The Claim: An oxygen-based bleaching agent helps make this cleaner versatile, biodegradable, and nonallergenic.

The Clean: "Having pets made me hesitant to use a heavy-duty shampoo on my dingy mosaic of carpet stains. But 20 minutes after I sprinkled this powder, my cats were sprawled out on a carpet that positively sparkles." —Kate Rockwood, Senior Editor

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