When a guest leaves my home, I want them to leave remembering it smelling clean and fresh! Finding the right cleaner is so important to me, so I began reviewing Better Life cleaning products. I heard fantastic things about this company, so I needed to see for myself how good they were. Below is my Better Life Cleaner review.
About the Better Life Company
Better Life Cleaning is the product of two innovative dads who simply wanted a better, cleaner product for their children. Tim Barklage and Kevin Tibbs knew of the harsh chemicals on the market and their capabilities to clean, but the reality is they are doing more harm than good (1).
Luckily one of the fathers happened to be a formulation chemist, which sparked the question: Can you develop a product that is not only plant-based, non-toxic, and capable of cleaning through grease?
They did it, and now they have an entire line of cleaning products under their brand. You can see the video of their company history here.
Better Life Cleaning Products Unscented All-Purpose Cleaner
Their Unscented All-Purpose cleaner is a basic cleaner that somebody can use in any room of the house, composed of these clean ingredients:
- Water
- Decyl Glucoside- mild non-ionic surfactant, even used in baby products.
- Lauryl Glucoside- a cleaning agent derived from either palm oil. Coconut oil, or corn oil.
- Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate- a cleaning agent often used on sensitive skin, derived from vegetable oil.
- Quillaja Saponaria Bark Extract- this is derived from an evergreen tree, used as a moisturizing additive.
- Sage Extract- can help fight household odors.
- Lemon Oil- will help disinfect as well as fight those odors.
- Orange Peel Extract- helps fight through grease and those tougher stains as well as its fresh smell.
- Methylisothiazolinone- this is the preservative, which is a necessity for shelf life.
Cleaning Performance
According to the EWG, they gave Better Life Cleaning products a B rating based on their standards. EWG stands for the environmental working group. They are a group that advocates for green cleaning products through various areas.
Green Citizens, also an advocate for cleaner products, rated the Better Life Natural detergent as their first choice in the cleaning line. The 2nd place award was given to the Better Life Streak Free Stainless Steel Polish. Green Citizens gave 3rd place to the Dirt Destroying Floor Cleaner.
Amazon consumer reviews gave the product a 4.6 out of 5. This review was based on 7,360 replies. See the reviews here.
Pros of Better Life Cleaning Products
Like many other green cleaning products, these cleaning products provide me with the peace of mind that I am purchasing something that is overall good for the planet.
But what sets them apart from every other cleaner? This is what I found in my Better Life Cleaner review:
- Created with plant-based cleaning agents like soap bark
- They are Leaping Bunny Certified (cruelty-free)
Also, it does not contain carcinogenic like ingredients such as:
- Parabens
- Ethers
- Alcohol
- Dyes
Better Life Cleaning is a very versatile cleaner that can be used anywhere! They offer many cleaning options, including wipes, detergents, spray cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, wood polish, stainless steel cleaner, screen cleaners, produce wash, soaps, and lotions.
With the appealing smell, there are a variety of scents available. My personal favorite is the lemon mint.
Cons of Better Life Cleaning Products
As much as I do enjoy their cleaning products, there were a few things that I found that were lacking, such as:
- They do not kill bacteria or viruses on surfaces.
- It contains one ingredient that has pulled down its overall rankings: Methylisothiazolinone. This ingredient is not considered safe in Europe, as it was labeled as a player in the dermatitis epidemic.
- After cooking a big pot of spaghetti sauce, it wasn’t as effective as I would have hoped on my oven cooktop.
- It wasn’t able to cut through those tough dried spots.
Also, this isn’t specific to the cleaner itself as much as their website and ordering details. I purchased mine in-store.
However, there are quite a few reviews out there on their online ordering. I have found many issues regarding how their products are shipped and different discount codes that are not honored.
This could mean some improvements when it comes to customer service.
Why natural cleaning products are better
They are not only safe for you, your family, including your pets, but also the environment and generations after us.
For those of you who have little people in your life, you understand the desire for them to “help” clean. However, I love having peace of mind knowing that I am handing them over a cleaner that is allergen-free, toxin-free, and better for their health.
Natural cleaners are better for our sinuses and our respiratory system, as they do not carry irritants.
Natural cleaning products are better for the environment, both our air and our earth. If you think about it, every time you spray a dense chemical cleaner in your home, car, or where ever the evaporation goes into our air.
Every time you rinse out that chlorine-saturated rag down your sink, that water is going somewhere, right?
Better Life Cleaning Products
Better Life Natural All-Purpose Cleaner
Just as it says in the name, it is an all-purpose, versatile cleaner that a person can use this anywhere; toilets, countertops, vehicles, you name it.
Better Life’s All purpose spray cleaner is derived from organic ingredients, all plant-based. Overall it is an excellent cleaner, receiving 4.6 stars out of 5 with 7,633 ratings on Amazon.
Better Life Natural Concentrated Laundry Detergent
This detergent is free of many chemicals that other natural cleaners contain, such as:
- Petroleum-based solvents- can increase cancer risk (especially to those in the facility making this product), it is expensive to dispose of, and highly flammable.
- Synthetic fragrances- the majority are derived from a slew of chemicals known to increase cancer, congenital disabilities, nervous system disorders, and allergens.
- Sulfates- once added with another chemical, sulfates become quite harmful to your eyes, skin, and lungs.
- Optical brighteners- first of all, they do not biodegrade, so once in wastewater, they take a very long time to absorb, which is harmful to aquatic life. They can cause sun sensitivity and can be harsh on skin-sensitive folks.
- Better Life Laundry Detergent ranks relatively high as well. This detergent received 4.5 out of 5 stars with 615 ratings on Amazon.
Better Life Dryer Sheets
Although they ranked a little lower than the above listed, 4.1 out of 5 stars, it didn’t deter me. They’re soft and gentle on clothes while still leaving them static-free. They are non-toxic and biodegradable.
They’re also safe for children’s clothes and never tested on animals.
Better Life Natural Toilet Bowl Cleaner
This thick formula is sewer and septic safe (learn more about septic tanks here). It packs a hefty punch on those tougher stains. It deodorizes and cleans with plant-based cleaning agents. This is a great way to help prevent mold in your toilet. Ranking very well, it has 4.5 stars out of 5 with 3,705 ratings on Amazon.
Better Life Natural Tub and Tile Cleaner
This is one of Amazon’s best sellers. It removes mildew, mold, and those stubborn rust stains. It wipes out those water stains, left behind soap residue and mineral deposits.
Like all of its products, it is plant-based and non-toxic. Therefore safe for children and pets as well!
It has had 9,772 ratings and is holding firm at 4.3 stars out of 5 on Amazon.
Better Life Natural Kitchen and Bath Scrubber
This product leaves you with a scratch-free polished look. It has tiny micro-abrasive cleaning agents that can be used anywhere in your bathroom or on your glass cooktop.
It will restore shine to your pots and pans or lift out leftover dirt from your tile and grout. This versatile cleaner received 4.5 stars out of five on Amazon, with 851 ratings.
Better Life Natural Dish Soap
Finding a dish soap that is kind to your waterways is essential, and this product is. It is also made in America, so supporting American-made products is a win as far as I’m concerned as well.
This product has a 4.3-star rating out of 5 on Amazon and has had 513 ratings.
Better Life Natural Granite and Stone Cleaner
This cleaner is so versatile because you can use it on many different surfaces including:
- Granite
- Marble
- Quartz
- Slate
- Concrete
- Limestone
- Travertine
- Terrazzo
- Silestone
- Soapstone
It will de-grease and shine all of the above high-end stones while leaving a streak-free shine with no visible residue.
It has a very high ranking of 4.7 stars out of 5 on Amazon, with 595 orders.
Better Life Natural Streak Free Stainless Steel Polish
From your big appliances to your small ones, this polish will leave you with a final product that is free of fingerprints and smudges. It is non-abrasive, so it will not scratch up your appliances.
It also adds a protectant that will help prolong that time between cleanings—ranking 4.1 out of 5 stars on Amazon with 871 rankings.
Better Life Cleaning FAQ
Does Better Life cleaner disinfect and kill germs?
Yes, it does disinfect and kill germs. It will not kill viruses or bacteria.
Are Better Life products safe?
Yes, they are very safe; they are non-toxic, dye-free, plant-based, and biodegradable.
Where can you use Better Life All-Purpose Cleaner?
Literally, anywhere. From your toilet bowl to your kitchen sink.
Where can you buy Better Life All-Purpose Cleaner?
Amazon is a great site, but large box stores carry this brand as well. Such as Bed Bath and Beyond, Wal-mart, QVC, Home Depot, or Target.
Who owns Better Life?
Two dads. It is a private company owned by Tim Barklage and Kevin Tibbs.
What happened to Better Life after Shark Tank?
After getting a deal with Lori Greiner on Shark Tank, business exploded. They hired more employees to keep up with the doubling demand for their products. They signed on with the large box stores to carry and sell their products.
Do Better Life products kill viruses?
No, and they do not claim to do so.
Is Better Life All-Purpose Cleaner a disinfectant?
It does carry various properties that disinfect surfaces.
Is Better Life vegan?
Yes, it is Vegan!
Does Better Life have sales and specials?
They do have specials on offer from time to time. You can find their product specials here.
Are Better Life Products Worth It?
Yes, I believe it is worth it. While going through the rankings, the general public would have to agree. Not one of their products ranked below four stars.
After review, I have read a lot of them coming from home cleaning people or companies that also rave about their outstanding cleaning properties and smell.
Final Thoughts On Switching To Better Life Cleaning Products
I am so ecstatic that I decided to go green. Stumbling upon this brand has been excellent. We have not gone all the way to Better Life Cleaning. However, we are 80% there.
Knowing that I am cleaning my home with such an Earth-friendly product makes cleaning a little easier. And, knowing what I’m putting down the drain isn’t hurting the environment is great. Lastly, the fact that I’m cleaning my child’s playroom with products that will not adversely affect her indeed is a ‘clean’ feeling.
Not to mention, I finally have that amazing, clean home smell I was trying to achieve.