When it comes to household cleaners and laundry soap, I’ve never really thought much about shopping for locally-made products. I totally admit that I’m a fussy-butt about germs and – while I definitely wanted to make sure that we didn’t throw a huge whack of chemicals, that come with non-ecofriendly options, into the mix – I wanted clean and I wanted to be sure of it.

Some of the regionally-made products I’d found were okay. But, I still always felt like I had to run through with the vinegar spray afterward. As for laundry soap, well, I’m still struggling with something that is eco-friendly and actually cleans my clothes well without breaking the bank.

Then I was over at Brambles a few weeks ago and there were two BC-made lines of household cleaning products that I’d never tried before. I happened to be out of kitchen and bath cleaner, as well as laundry soap. So, I gave them a try. (Brambles is an OBE advertiser. But, they did not solicit or pay for this review)

The first line was Echo-Clean from V.I.P. I’ve used VIP products before as stores like Thrifty’s have a really great selection of them. But, this was a first for V.I.P’s Echo-Clean line. I bought the foaming spray for kitchen and bath in the orange scent. First, it smells great. Second, I learned really quickly that too much meant a big foamy mess all over your counter – which I didn’t like so much. But, what I like the most is how it cleans things. Counters sparkled, everything smelled good, no gross residue. No vinegar spray follow-up for the first time in a while.

The bathroom cleaner had the same results. I liked the scent options less. But, overall I dug it as the residue thing is a big issue for us and, once again, nothing to speak of. It wiped up nicely too.

Then I was off to try the Vancouver Only brand of Laundry Soap. I totally admit that I bought it because of the funky retro design on the bag. Shallow, maybe. But, can’t a girl have cute laundry soap?!

It comes in a powder, which I don’t normally use. But, I have to say that my laundry is far cleaner than many of the other name-brand eco-friendly soaps have gotten it. It has no nitrates or phosphates, comes in a recyclable bag and has a scent that smells a bit like dryer sheets (I didn’t look to see if there was an unscented version). The price was so very right too. I REALLY struggle with how much eco-friendly products cost, and the Vancouver Only line is one of the most affordable out there.

The Vancouver Only Dish Soap was the last of the group, unscented and perfectly great in the dish soap department. It also has no animal products and is very easy on the skin. You don’t need much as it’s super concentrated. So, it goes a REALLY long way. Plus, it has the the whole cute vintage-style label thing again. I am a sucker for packaging.

My only concern related to the Vancouver Only products is that there is pretty much no online information about the company or the products at all. I do realize, however, that it is a small, BC line.

It was fun to give the whole local shopping thing a bit more umph and see the quality that came with it.

Echo-Clean photo courtesy of V.I.P Soap Products