A Fragrance That Cleans Your House

I’ve been using Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day all-purpose cleaner for a few years. It appealed to me initially because it was nontoxic, and reasonable. Two pints of the concentrate, which costs around $8.00, will make sixteen gallons when diluted with water. You can clean just about everything in the house with it. I used to use the Lemon Verbena, but the other day I was at the hardware store, and noticed “Geranium.” I bought it for a major cleaning -- floors, counters, walls, etc.  When the DH got home, he asked me what perfume I was wearing!

There is a good bit of geranium in it, but rose, too. A lovely, not-too-sweet rose.


So, I got curious and visited the company’s web site. Here's what they say about their scents:

Each scent combines natural essential oils in the fragrance blend along with top, middle and base notes. Top notes are the lightest, most whimsical evaporating components in a fragrance; the initial burst that you will notice when experiencing a fragrance. Citrus and fruits are used primarily as top notes. After some time you will start to smell the middle notes, these are slightly heavier, less airy components, often called the “heart” of the fragrance. You will notice these as the fragrance dries down and the top notes have evaporated. Middle notes are mostly comprised of herbs and flowers. Finally you will smell the base notes. Base notes are the heaviest, most substantive ingredients, meaning they will last the longest. These will be what you smell as the fragrance ages, evaporates or dries down. The base notes and components stay the longest, often representing woody notes, resins, vanilla and musk.

Not bad, eh? I don't think I've read a clearer explanation of the notes pyramid than this, anywhere.

When I read “at least 98% naturally derived” on the label I thought, “Yeah, right.” How many times have we seen this one before? ("Water" is the first ingredient, as in nearly every liquid product there is, thereby making it easier for manufacturers to claim that products are "natural," because water is. But I digress.)  They go on to list the essential oils used -- one is Rose Centifolia, familiar to any perfume fan. And I have to say that the rose here smells real. 


The company obviously has its marketing acumen together, as it repackages essentially the same substance as countertop spray, countertop wipes, window spray and more -- all of which I’d just use the diluted all-purpose cleaner for; I mean, why call it “all-purpose” if you also sell endless repackages of the same thing? But this is how marketing is done in the U.S. Create a need for the un-needed.


The "Geranium" scent also comes in powdery scrubs, dish soap, dishwasher detergent and the like. Also candles and those “scent diffusers” one plugs into the wall, which, unless you’re a slob and/or have five big dogs, seem a little much to me.

Nevertheless, this is an excellent product. It cleans well. It smells good. The company uses post-recycled plastic in its containers. It's biodegradable, cruelty-free and the manufacturer  appears to respect and value its employees. 

I used to use a special commercial cleaner for laminate hardwood floors. Then, my cat developed an asthma-like cough. We had to use an inhaler on him -- yes, they make such things, a sort of adapter which is a cat-nose shaped face mask, fitted with one of those  inhaler cartridges people with asthma use. I finally realized that the floor cleaner might be the cause, so I switched to Mrs. Meyers a few years ago. His cough disappeared. I think that’s pretty good evidence that it really is non-toxic.

Here is what Mrs. Meyers does for me: it makes cleaning pleasant, almost fun. (Note that I said “almost.”) It makes my house smell good. Smelling it improves my mood, something like perfume does. What more can you ask from a cleaning product?


Mrs. Meyers Clean Day is widely available at retail in the U.S., and through the company's website.

“Notes” for the essential oils in Mrs. Meyers “Geranium” All-Purpose Cleaner are: Geranium Maculatum, Rose Centifolia, Eugenia Caryophyllus (clove) and Betula Alba (Birch Bark) extract. Other “notes” include peach, cassis, berry, moss and woods. The label also lists chemical ingredients like Sodium Methyl-2 Sulfolaurate; this is not a “100% Natural” product.

Full Disclosure: I bought my bottle at Ace Hardware for $7.99.

The image comes from the Mrs. Meyers website.