German Cleaning Supplies
To satisfy all of my friends back home, since I know you are still jealous that I got to move to Europe, I'm going to make you feel much better. I'm about to tell you about one thing that I don't like about Germany. In fact, I think I'll start a series calling this, "One thing I don't like..." and going forward, highlight these things from time to time, not to be negative, but to get a discussion going and to see if anyone else in the expat community can relate or found a work around solution that I don't know about.
Okay, first on the list... These guys...
I don't like the limited selection of cleaning supplies that we have and nothing smells delicious. Well, with the exception of the new Organic Frosch cleaners in yummy grapefruit (shown in pink bottle above) and lavender is very nice too. We don't have yummy smelling window cleaner or great floor cleaner that makes your home smell delicious. Sadly, the bath cleaners I've found all smell like cat pee, with the exception of Meister Proper (who is Mr. Clean in the US). Meister Proper smells like your standard American bathroom cleaner with its sort of bleachy bleh smell that makes you question exactly why you want to absorb so many toxins into your body for the sake of a clean toilet. In fairness though, it's an excellent cleaner and some of their newer cleaning supplies are scented so I think they're slowly "getting" it that cleaning products don't have to smell disgusting to work well.
When it comes to cleaning supplies, including pump hand soap, the selection in Germany is pretty mediocre at best. It's not horrible, it's not great, it's just sort of boring (choice wise) and limited. We have maybe 4 wood cleaners, I own two of them shown above.
When it comes to sink scrub, it's hard to find a good one and I've used those I have found and like Viss (sink liquid scrub shown above) the best -- it smells fine and works great but it's not organic so my search continues... I think we have 3 choices for sink scrub in the entire country, I'm not even joking.
Oh and don't get me started on toilet bowl cleaner. Oh my gosh, it all smells beyond disgusting. They package it in mostly oddly fluorescent bottles that spurt out florescent liquid that smells of skunk, cat pee and public bathroom smell all rolled into one. Why do people buy it?
I have to check out organic stores more often for cleaning supplies, I've not really given them a chance yet but I do like the Frosch brand - the grapefruit cleaner for the kitchen and their glass cleaner (green bottle) both smell and clean great and they are Bio (organic) so there is nothing harmful about them. When I use the grapefruit one the house smells amazing.
BUT cleaning supplies here are about 1/2 the price of those in the US and you know what, with each visit to the store I'm finding better things all of the time, so perhaps we'll see some improvement soon.
Do you have any favorite German cleaning supplies? Brands? Any organic products you can point me too?
(image: holly becker for haus maus)
Okay, first on the list... These guys...
I don't like the limited selection of cleaning supplies that we have and nothing smells delicious. Well, with the exception of the new Organic Frosch cleaners in yummy grapefruit (shown in pink bottle above) and lavender is very nice too. We don't have yummy smelling window cleaner or great floor cleaner that makes your home smell delicious. Sadly, the bath cleaners I've found all smell like cat pee, with the exception of Meister Proper (who is Mr. Clean in the US). Meister Proper smells like your standard American bathroom cleaner with its sort of bleachy bleh smell that makes you question exactly why you want to absorb so many toxins into your body for the sake of a clean toilet. In fairness though, it's an excellent cleaner and some of their newer cleaning supplies are scented so I think they're slowly "getting" it that cleaning products don't have to smell disgusting to work well.
When it comes to cleaning supplies, including pump hand soap, the selection in Germany is pretty mediocre at best. It's not horrible, it's not great, it's just sort of boring (choice wise) and limited. We have maybe 4 wood cleaners, I own two of them shown above.
When it comes to sink scrub, it's hard to find a good one and I've used those I have found and like Viss (sink liquid scrub shown above) the best -- it smells fine and works great but it's not organic so my search continues... I think we have 3 choices for sink scrub in the entire country, I'm not even joking.
Oh and don't get me started on toilet bowl cleaner. Oh my gosh, it all smells beyond disgusting. They package it in mostly oddly fluorescent bottles that spurt out florescent liquid that smells of skunk, cat pee and public bathroom smell all rolled into one. Why do people buy it?
I have to check out organic stores more often for cleaning supplies, I've not really given them a chance yet but I do like the Frosch brand - the grapefruit cleaner for the kitchen and their glass cleaner (green bottle) both smell and clean great and they are Bio (organic) so there is nothing harmful about them. When I use the grapefruit one the house smells amazing.
BUT cleaning supplies here are about 1/2 the price of those in the US and you know what, with each visit to the store I'm finding better things all of the time, so perhaps we'll see some improvement soon.
Do you have any favorite German cleaning supplies? Brands? Any organic products you can point me too?
(image: holly becker for haus maus)
Comments
For everything else I use the Frosch Brand as well, but I didn't know the grapefruit cleaner - I have to try that one. Please let us know when u find something good smelling :)
Frosch is the other brand we buy and have been happy with. I agree that they could soften their window cleaner's scent, but the rest of their stuff doesn't bother me too much.
We have one scary bottle of stinky anti-mildew stuff for shower deep cleans. I hate that stuff so much and my husband won't let me use it since he thinks it's so bad for us, so he cleans the shower, ha ha!
I'm about to mix up a water/vinegar solution to use as our weekly bathroom cleaner b/c I need something for the in-between that's not nasty (although Frosch's all-purpose is ok for that, but not fab).
DM (Drogerie Markt) has a fantastic store brand line -both "DM" and "Balea". I have a package of their 'apple fresh' all-purpose cleaner wipes and like them. Ok, I feel bad for using them, but before somebody comes over it's nice to have something to do a quick clean with, you know? =)
I love the Balea brand 'medicated/sensitive skin' liquid soap. I bought the name brand version by accident and kind of freaked that it would smell funky, but it was great, so then I tried the Balea brand and it was just as good, but cheaper. It has a neutral scent and doesn't dry my skin out.
I've also had good luck with the Balea face wash/milk wash products as well as their curly hair hair care line. Who knew? It's as good as a Kiehl's shampoo/conditioner I once had a good run with. Cracks me up that I was able to switch from Kiehl's to a drug store brand line, ha!
I'm interested to see what others post here b/c I'm totally game for new ideas on laundry soap and dishwasher stuff (Ecover makes both, but haven't tried them yet).
I think, Germans and Americans in this regard just operate differently!
When I still lived in Germany, Frosch and Viss were pretty much my go-to cleaners. I am not aware of any organic cleaners (but I haven't checked in the last few years either, I have to admit. Should I ask my Mom? :))
The chemical smell of cleaning products is so unpleasant. I'm pretty sure that's all we had in the US when we were growing up.
For sinks, I like using either plain baking soda or Bon Ami powder, both of which work really well. Seriously, baking soda is a great natural sink scrub.
I remember reading on Chez Larsson that Benita stocks up on some US cleaning supplies that she likes when she visits the States. Maybe you can stock up on a few things during your book tour?
Like Heike, I also have love for my Dr. Beckmann Putzstein.
The best window cleaner I've found is from "Ha-Ra" (Hans Raab). Unfortunately this is one of those brands where a sales person would come into your home. But it goes with a tool that although expensive can change your life! It's a sponge-squeegie that's worth every euro.
I commend you on this post because it's very brave to talk about things you "don't like" in a new culture. But how wise... I wish I would have reached out to the expat community much earlier. It probably would have made a huge difference in my first years here.
Best wishes from ochsenfurt,
tj
This is a noble attempt, Holly, but we are still jealous that you live in Europe.
Fondly,
Glenda
I totally agree with you about the smell of most products here in Germany, but it's also funny that I had a similar experience in the US - but in the oppositional, I was thinking like "how on earth can this clean my bathroom with this nice smell" :)
Anita
I clear clogged drains with baking soda/vinegar shot/repeat/pot of boiling water. Easy.
when you go to hamburg next time you should visit mutterland and try those organic cleansers. i must admit i didn't try but now that you've mentioned it i thought about those. here's the link to check them out. the packaging is lovely as well :-)
http://www.mutterland.de/shop/einkaufen_uebersicht.php?warengruppe=34
and if you don't like the cleansers you'll find amazing food.
all the best
rike
Fit originated in the Alten Bundesländer by the way. ;)
Or, if I happen to have potatoe peels - they're also really good for cleaning the sink. For all the other stuff, bathroom, floor, etc. I use the cheap stinky stuff, either from Rossmann or any other discounter.
I'd also recommend the Ecover line. It's organic and you can buy it at the larger DM stores. I love the smell of the fabric softener!
Sticky peachy or dusty "Meeresbrise" - puha! Here are some organic shops you could have a look at:
"Waschbär" (online)
"Manufactum" (online) they are suuuuper traditional and, honestly, quite expensive, but the cleaning supplies are good.
"Alnatura" (organic super market)
The traditional German way to clean windows: Use clear water + newspaper or "Fensterleder", which you can get at "DM". No smell at all.
You can buy some of the heavier stuff (turpentine, benzine) at a pharmacy or at a building supplies store.
In the Netherlands we have Ecover, and the all purpose cleaner smells really nice. You can buy it in most supermarkets.
I feel pretty lost when it comes to choosing new supplies for cleaning and other things, too, like contact solution. It's funny how automatically brand-loyal one becomes when you grow up with it. But I'm learning that OF COURSE German brands are good too, it's just a matter of finding the right one that works for you. :)
I'm not sure how readily available it would be in Germany but for my wooden floors all I use is a few drops of pure Eucalyptus oil in some really hot water. It smells lovely and is a natural disinfectant. I'm a little on the natural bandwagon so for glass and windows I use vinegar and water too. Admittedly doesn't smell brilliant but the smell dissipates quickly and I prefer to not use chemicals.
It seems there is a niche in Germany for an all natural, organic range of home cleaning products, something along the lines of Murchison Hume perhaps?
Good luck and happy cleaning!
Give yourself some time to adjust to what’s available in Germany. For a few years, I missed so many American products. Whenever I went back to the States, I loaded up on things I imagined I couldn’t do without. After a while, I began to change my focus; when I went back to the States, I found myself missing German things. Now, when I return to Germany for visits, I find myself tempted to bring back to the States those things I love but cannot get in the U.S. My take on this is that you simply take what is given to you and enjoy those things that are available, and try not to think about what you are missing. I’ve learned that that is a negative way of looking at things, and not the best way to assimilate into a new culture.
I just noticed a horribly rude comment above and I want to say that I am appalled at the number of rude nasty people who leave cowardly anonymous comments to upset bloggers.It really saddens me.
I think bio degradeable is important though. Need to try out a couple of the tips mentioned!
We do our windows with luke warm water and a drop of spiritus (alcohol. In the cleaning water that is ;)). Works fine!
Two "magical" and NATURAL products ^^ : white vinegar and black soap! Very useful for home sweet home : the best and cheapest ones I have ever bought and used !
http://www.isabellasmith.com/56-maison-belle-rengoring
and english desciptions here
http://www.isabellasmith.co.uk/default.asp
the all smell and work great except the toilet cleaner and the window/mirrow cleaner.
It´s been six months now with home made cleaning products consisting of water, vinegar and baking soda. Oxygenated water works well for cleaning and disinfecting wounds as well. And tea tree oil: great for mildew! (and has a nice smell too)
I don´t buy any detergents anymore because I think they´re mostly overpriced and that sweet smell they leave is full of VOC´s and other harmful chemicals.
Great home smells are made with: baking (my fave), making jams (other fave) and just plain boiling some cinnamon sticks.
Oh, and the ecover range of products is very good if you want to stick to store bought detergents.
I too am living in Germany from Virginia and have only been here 5 months. I am lucky enough to have access to the army base so I can shop at the commissary and I am grateful for that because I can still get all my American stuff. I noticed when going to German restaurants the bathrooms always smell strange of weird smelling cleaners. Stock up when you are in the us or at least get some multi purpose cleaners that smell good! Good luck!
Am not familiar with US American products, but I remember my grandparents in Mexico used a product which smelled like pine tree....delicious and would love to find a similar product in Europe.
Germans don't use window cleaner for window, just water. Or maybe a drop of alcohol. Works great.
Who need 20 cleaners for wood anyway?
I am suprised that anybody wants any smell from cleaning products.
They should clean, and clean home smells nice, enough.
No smell at all would be perfect.
I celan almost everything with my organic Putzstein.
Maybe this can help?
http://www.bioeinwegartikel.de/bio-produkte/bio-reinigungsmittel.html?gclid=CODIjeTeq6kCFUFC4Qodli3JJg
Basic Biosupermarkt offers at least 10 different organic brands
Ajax has usually those flower smell and I find it too much of everything. Terra Universalreiniger is also organic.
remembered your post when I did my weekly shopping tour today. I personally like the new "Frosch" lavender line very much. My mom used the vinegar all purpose cleaner when I was a kid and the smell made me sick, so I stayed away from Frosch for a while, but with 3 kids and allergies in the family I want to use less chemicals . I did not check the smell, but there is also the "Terra" brand by Henkel. The containers are bright green, can't miss them ;-). And various "fit" cleaners. May want to give those a try. I also always wanted to try the house doctor products, but they are so expensive ;-).
Kath
http://www.isabellasmith.com/17-maison-belle here or this being my favourite here
http://www.bethstevens.co.uk/Maison-Belle-Eco-Kitchen-Cleaner-Grapefruit-and-Bergamot.html
Cleans all surfaces and smells great! xxx
Today I bought lavender oil and bags from fresh cut lavender and plan to make sachets for our linen drawers in the bedroom vs. buying them from the store. I'd like to try doing more homemade things, growing up my mother made all of our cleaning supplies and she still does - so I'm going to call and ask her for some recipes too. I'd like to add some natural oils to some things too...
I don't like Febreeze or Glade or any of those house sprays, too fake for me, and I still think most bathroom cleaning products here smell like urine and for me, what's the point in making your bathroom smell horrible so I'm going to try to find some Eco products at Denn's this week...
xo
It is amazing on stainless steel/cook tops, sinks, pots and pans. It's not cheap but it last forever. We bought it at the xmas Markets... I know you can order it too though.
Other than that the super strong vinegar is also great.
Still miss Viss and stock up on it every time I go to Germany.
Always liked the Frosch products as well. My Mom loves Dr. Beckmanns Putzstein so much that she brought me a pack last time she visited. But I haven't tried it yet..
Which cleaning supplies,soaps, airfreshners have you used when you were in US that were "delicious" and nice smelling? COuld you share those products too as it is very confusing with thousands of products here and many more coming in daily to make a choice. Trial and error can cost you money so if you already have some favorites , it would be fun for us to try those out.
Just wanted to comment on an earlier comment above. Advice was offered on maybe looking at a situation differently could change your outlook. Really is that rude? I don't think so. It was a suggestion with backup experience. Don't think it was rude at all.
I'm also surprised that you can't find anything scented. I have a hard time finding anything that doesn't have some kind of synthetic floral or citrus perfume. I agree that the organic brands are best. Frosch (or Froggy in Belgium/Netherlands) is great, as is Ecover, can you get that in Germany? Their lavender scented liquid handsoap is wonderful. Toiletcleaners are mostly vinegar based but you flush that smell away easily so you can use inscense, candles or flowers or whatever you like to make your bathroom smell nice.
As for the rest: I agree that cleaning vinegar and soda usually do a great job and hardly leave any smell.
See if you can find the danish brand Woca for cleaners for your floor, it's not officially bio but very environament friendly and again, hardly leaves any smell.
My recommendation for the toilet bowl cleaner is definitely 'Frosch'! It works great, is said to be environmentally friendly and also smells good ... and I found it also here in Tokyo, Japan so I am sure it won't be any problem for your to find it in Germany from where it comes from!
Have fun with cleaning ... although I do get your point that a nice smell makes cleaning more fun, I always think that this is artificial and not really healthy ... so better to go for environmentally friendly stuff, I would say.
Cheers from Tokyo,
Benigna
sorry, I didn´t read the comments, so I don´t know if someone already said it:
"Frosch" in NOT an organic brand (like many others).
If you want to use real organic cleaners, you have look for products with labels like "Ecocert" for example.
(sorry for my bad english...)
ohmy you are so right....haha I had to laugh a little bit because I experienced the same things...when I first went overseas at the age of 14 I began to realize, theres so muc more to get in the States and Canda than over here. It is getting more and more BUT as far as organic cleaning supplies, I order THE BEST organic product on the planet :-) MiEssence from OneGroup:
http://www.mionegroup.com/en/category/6
Could not find anything great over here yet... Theres this Shop which is also quite expensive but which offers many organic things:
http://www.grueneerde.com/de/index.html
check it out :-) Theres a Grüne Erde store in the Ernst August Galerie in Hannover ;-)
Many blessings...niner
I currently use the Ecover toilet bowl cleaner with pine scent. Not convinced. Smells like something elderly Germans like to put on their feet (Latschenkiefer) - not good!
For a lovely smelling home I tend to go the baking route ...
(Trust me, I successfuly took an exam on cleaning and using sink scrub would have meant to fail!)
Grüße,
Nike
Invented in Norway, big in Canada and only now speeding to the US....
http://andreapauls.norwex.biz/
xx
Nicole
i have never been to america, so i cant imagine how many cleaning supplies u've got overthere...
but tomorrow i'll head to 'dm' to buy some frosch grapefruit - i want my home smell delicious, not like cat pee - hahaha
I wonder if you like it? I realize that sometimes as an expat one simply prefers /craves the familiar. Maybe Persil isn't as good as I think and the smell just reminds me of my mom :)
http://www.oranex.de/
Smells awesome and 100% organic :-)