When I first started developing my personal website, racquelforan.ca, it was always with the intent to include product, service, and business reviews. It has taken me a while to get started, but I think it is time for me to start sharing my insights with the world!
I am somewhat of a picky customer. Not difficult, but one with high standards. I expect products to work like they advertise they should; I expect to receive courteous, knowledgeable and efficient service; and I expect businesses to stand behind their product, service or event. Unfortunately, I am disappointed often. The purpose of my reviews, however, is not to put a spotlight on bad experiences, but rather, to bring good ones into the light. In other words, if something meets or exceeds my expectations, then I think that is worth sharing because a good job should be recognized and rewarded.
The company that inspired this idea is Sapadilla Soap Company. This locally based company (Vancouver, BC) makes “nice little eco-cleaners,” that really work, and they smell terrific!
About 10 years ago, out of concern for both the environment and my dogs consuming chemicals, I switched my household to eco-friendly cleaners only. My early go-to was Method products, and I still use some of their products, but I was never satisfied with their all-purpose cleaner. It worked well for light jobs, but it didn’t cut through soap scum and kitchen grease. I spent a lot of time experimenting with different products until I finally found Sapadilla. It was love at first use!
One of the things I hated most about traditional chemical-based cleaners is their smell. They don’t smell clean to me, they smell toxic. Sapadilla uses plant-based ingredients and 100% pure essential oils. Meaning that they are both safe and sweet-smelling. But most importantly I have never used a product that does a better job of cutting through soap scum and kitchen grease.
We have a popcorn maker that collects nasty grease. We douse the machine with Sapadilla’s Counter Cleaner, wait a few minutes and then wipe – there is no hard elbow-grease required! And we don’t have to worry about chemical residue left behind in the machine.
I am not sure why it is, but I have found the Rosemary and Peppermint Counter Cleaner seems to be the most effective scent for tough jobs, but all of the scents work well for general clean-up, and all will leave your kitchen smelling fresh and clean. Also note, I use the Counter Cleaner, not the All-Purpose Cleaner. The All-Purpose cleaner is good for some jobs, but the Counter Cleaner works best on soap scum and kitchen grease.
You can purchase Sapadilla at IGA, Whole Foods, or online at sapadilla.com. In the process you can feel good about supporting a small Canadian company while doing right by our planet.
FYI: I have no affiliation with this company, and I am not being compensated in any way for writing this review.