Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day — Product Reviews & More

As with any lifestyle change, going cruelty-free can seem overwhelming at first. A good way to tackle the problem is by starting small. So if you find yourself in spring cleaning mode over the next few weeks, why not use it as an opportunity to make your daily life more compassionate? Below, three easy starting points to begin a cruelty-free lifestyle.

#1 Your Handbag
You’ll need: Lip balm, hand cream, hand sanitizer

With springtime upon us, you may already be swapping out your winter bag for your spring one. Take this time to go through your “essentials” and swap out anything that isn’t cruelty free. Right now, I don’t go anywhere without my EO Products Peppermint & Citrus hand sanitizer, Shea Moisture Replenish & Rejuvenate hand cream and a Crazy Rumors lip balm.

Total cost of the above? $12.47

#2 Your Shower/Bathtub
You’ll need: Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, facial cleanser, shave lotion

Have a mess of nearly-empty shampoo and bodywash bottles in your bathroom? Go ahead and recycle those suckers and swap in some great cruelty-free items. Easy drugstore/supermarket/Target finds include brands such as:

Shea Moisture
Yes To
Giovanni
Method
Paul Mitchell
Avalon Organics
JASÖN
Kiss My Face
Alba Botanica
Burt’s Bees

Want a spa-like experience? Try a Shea Moisture hand and body scrub ($9.99)

Like to multi-task? Leave a bottle of Method Daily Shower Cleaner in Ylang Ylang. It costs $3.99 a bottle and requires zero scrubbing.

#3 Your Laundry Room
You’ll need: Detergent, dryer sheets, fabric softener, bleach alternative, stain remover

A variety of companies are making cruelty-free laundry alternatives, many of which you can find in places like Target. Popular, Leaping Bunny-certified brands include:

Mrs. Meyers
Caldrea
Biokleen
Method
Seventh Generation

At this point in our human evolution, I think we all know not to drink laundry detergent or pour it in our eyes. So why is it still being tested on animals this way? Instead of reaching for the Tide or the Clorox the next time you do laundry, how about trying one of these cruelty-free brands instead?

[For a full list of all Leaping Bunny-approved laundry brands, go to the Leaping Bunny shopping guide, click the ‘Filter By’ tab and choose ‘Laundry.’]

Caldrea -- Find in Stores or Online

Love aromatherapy? Try out Caldrea’s line of detergent which comes in 9 wonderful scents, including Rosewater Driftwood and Basil Blue Sage. In addition to standard products like fabric softener and dryer sheets, Caldrea’s laundry line also includes linen spray and a delicate wash formula.

Seventh Generation -- Find in Stores or Online

This company offers just about everything you could want for your home -- paper towels to wood cleaner to garbage bags to dishwasher pods -- and they’ve got your laundry needs covered as well. Seventh Generation’s laundry care line includes all the basics -- everything from detergent for sensitive skin to chlorine-free bleach -- and is easy to find in major grocery stores, pharmacies and retailers like Target.

Biokleen -- Find in Stores or Online

Like Seventh Generation, Biokleen has a whole range of household products in addition to their laundry line. The line includes cold water and sports formulas, as well as a powerful natural stain remover.

Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day -- Find in Stores or Online

I currently use the Basil liquid detergent and dryer sheets, both of which have been gentle on our clothes and our skin. Though I haven’t counted, the 64 loads per bottle seems accurate; it’s super concentrated and a little goes a long way. The line includes all your basics and is available in several scents, including Geranium, Lavender and Baby Blossom, which is made especially for wee ones.