Mommy Greenest Approved: Branch Basics Natural Cleaner
What do you do when your reality implodes? You change the world. That’s what then 20-year-old Allison Evans set out to do after realizing that the debilitating health problems she was experiencing were the result of exposures to toxic chemicals. The company she later co-founded, Branch Basics, manufactures an amazingly effective soap that you dilute to different consistencies to tackle every cleaning job in your house—from laundry and dishes to windows and floors. Created with a proprietary blend of plant enzymes, this stuff is safe enough to (accidentally) drink—but serious enough to eliminate tough dirt and stains. Amazing!
Branch Basics natural cleaner is safe enough to (accidentally) drink, but strong enough to degrease an oven. Get 20% off and enter to win a FREE Starter Kit! After traveling the country seeking out medical specialists who couldn’t explain the pain and loss of motor skills that she was experiencing, Allison asked for advice from her aunt, Marilee Nelson, who had learned the benefits of creating a clean environment while recovering from a chronic kidney disorder and caring for her chemically sensitive son. When she eliminated toxic chemicals and embraced natural cleaners, Allison recovered quickly.
Engaging her college roommate, Kelly Love, in her quest for more information, Allison discovered that what most Americans were using to clean their homes was actually making the air inside dirty enough to make them sick—like she had been.
The three joined forces to create Branch Basics Natural Cleaner, which is strong enough to degrease an oven, yet safe enough to wash a baby.
Branch Basics Natural Cleaner’s blend of fatty acids, coconut oil, organic alcohol (which evaporates during manufacturing) and the aforementioned plant enzymes breaks up oil molecules into soluble, biodegradable components. Created without fragrance, gluten, soy, corn, nuts, tree nuts or dairy—and in a factory that avoids these elements, as well—the brand is safe for people with serious allergies and compromised immune systems.
I recently learned that even vinegar—my personal natural cleaner go-to—can release acetic acid into the air that can be dangerous for those with asthma or bronchitis. (Who knew? That’s why we dilute, people.) Not to mention the 17,000 potentially toxic chemicals that are allowed for use in cleaning products, less than a third of which have been tested for safety and none of which have been tested for how they interact with each other.
Because Branch Basics Natural Cleaner is comprised of all pharmaceutical- and food-grade ingredients listed on the FDA’s GRAS (“Generally Recognized as Safe”) list, it requires no “keep out of reach of children” warning labels. It’s not harmful if you accidentally drink, inhale or absorb it—unlike many other “non-toxic” cleaners, which can contain synthetic preservatives and fragrances.
As it contains no alcohol or pesticides, Branch Basic Natural Cleaner can’t be categorized as an antibacterial or sanitizing agent by the EPA or the FDA. It’s just plain soap which, as you may recall from our discussion of triclosan, is the best way to eliminate germs, according to the CDC.
But the best thing about Branch Basics Natural Cleaner? It’s fool-proof simple, and incredibly cost-effective. A 32-ounce bottle of concentrate costs $27.50, or about $0.11 per ounce—versus $0.20 per ounce, the average cost of “green” cleaners on the market. The small starter kit ($31.48) adds a pre-filled travel bottle (great for direct application on stains) and a 32-ounce refillable spray bottle. The spray bottle features clearly marked lines for dilution—1:5 is best for the bathroom, for example, while 1:1 can clean your oven; add a teaspoon to a load of laundry, etc.—with a space on the label where you can mark the dilution level and what the solution should be used for. (You can also use your own bottles, of course.)
Branch Basics Natural Cleaner is life-changing. For Allison Evans, obviously—and now for me, as well.
Want to try? Now through 2.13.15, get 20% off on any Branch Basics Natural Cleaner purchase with “MG20” at check out. Or enter to win one of FOUR Small Starter Kits we’re giving away!
This post was sponsored by Branch Basics Natural Cleaner and meets the standards I’ve established to endorse a brand as “Mommy Greenest Approved.” Click here for more about Editorial Standards.


122 Comments
Madeline Woods
It all sounds great! I am looking for efficient natural cleaners to use at home. For some time I am experimenting with mixing some natural ingredients as vinegar, soda, lemon juice, ect. They are working just fine but Ill be happy to have some ready-made cleaning product that contains no toxins! I’d love to try Branch Basics cleaners! Thanks for sharing!
Maria
I like Seventh Generation. It’s my favorite green cleaning label. I use a lot of their products.
Rachel Sarnoff
Me too! 🙂
Cynthia Richardson
Vinegar
melissa mc
i like using vinegar, baking soda along with essential oils for a nice scent, but in a pinch i go for Seventh Generation products too — ty for the chance 🙂
Tina
vinegar
Carol Burgess
I like vinegar, lemon, and baking soda. Thanks for the chance! Awesome giveaway!
Sara R
My favorite natural cleaner is a bit of lemon essential oil in water! Works wonders! (:
nicole m.
Baking soda, vinegar, dawn dish detergent are all great ways to clean most anything.
Rachel Sarnoff
Baking soda and vinegar I can get behind, but Dawn not so much. There are detergents that have less toxic sudsors and still work great! The best thing about Branch is you can clean everything–from dishes to floors–with it. Just no scrub action, you’d still need to add baking soda for that. Thanks for commenting, Nicole!
Lorie Pattison
vinegar
Phoenix
I like Biokleen.
Angelina
I use dried orange peels to infuse into white vinegar which pairs perfectly with baking soda to clean stubborn spots
Denise Taylor
Dr. brim nerd magic soaps
Rachel Sarnoff
Lol I’m guessing that’s Dr. Bronners 🙂
Karo
Vinegar
Lisa Areford
Always looking for greener ways to live! Would love this starter kit to assist with the changes!
Celeste
Lemon
Jessica
Charlie’s Soap Laundry Soap Powder!
nicole bowers
I like the cleaning power of Lemon scented ammonia!
Laura C
vinegar
Laura C
Vinegar!
Ashley J.
I like to use warm water and essential oils. There are a few in particular that are great for bad smells!
Darlene Wetzel
vinegar and baking soda
Rachel Sarnoff
This is definitely a group favorite! 🙂
Nicole
Lately I’ve been doing most of my cleaning with vinegar, water and lemon essential oil.
ioana c.
I love both Method and Dapple brands , they work great!!
brigit
I have been using method citrus cleaners. I do want to try and make some all natural cleansers.
Meagan
I need easy options, and vinegar and water work well on so many things
lori byrd
vinegar fixes all
rose
I make a homemade counter spray with water, vinegar, tea tree oil, and orange or lemon oil. I use it in the kitchen and the bathroom, with a sprinkle of baking soda anywhere that needs a little scrubbing power. I works pretty well, but there are some things it’s just not great for. I would LOVE to try Branch Basics!
Allison Evans
I love that recipe! Yes, I can confidently say that Branch Basics is much more effective when it comes to cutting through grease, removing tough stains, neutralizing odors… and is much more versatile as it can e used as laundry soap, too. I hope you give it a try!
Amanda
So if I don’t win this wonderful giveaway, can I find these products outside of your website? Are they in stores anywhere yet? Thanks!
Allison Evans
Great question! Right now we’re mainly online with a few small amount of little retailers throughout the country. But your best bet would be to take advantage of the MG20 discount (20% off) over the next few days. Orders over $50 are free shipping, too 🙂
ginger
I use vinegar and essential oils 🙂
Ellen DeFrancesco
Hoping to win and sounds like Branch Basics might be my new favorite. I love how you can use it on EVERYTHING. Sounds almost too good to be true.
Allison Evans
doesn’t it?! That’s what everyone says! I promise it’s not… it does NOT disappoint! So glad you’re taking advantage of the special and trying it out for yourself 🙂
Ellen DeFrancesco
Do you do any animal testing on the final product or any of the ingredients?
Allison Evans
OH HECK NO!! The only time animals are involved are when we wash our dogs and cats with the foamer bottle… 🙂 (It’s used in a few dog kennels in Texas to clean the facility and the pups!)
Misti
baking soda
Nicky
I like Dr. Bronners’
Allison Evans
Nicky, I think Dr. Bronner’s is AMAZING…great quality products and super versatile. However, we’ve found that not only does the versatility of Branch Basics surpass that of Dr. Bronner’s (no-tear baby shampoo and makeup remover, anyone?!), but its ability to cut through grease, grime, scum and neutralize odors and even gasoline on the hands can’t be done by Dr. B… 🙂
Allison Evans
Hi gals! Allison here, co-founder of Branch Basics. I wanted to jump in and speak to a few popular comments here. First, while vinegar is powerful and safer than most cleaning choices, it has its negatives. It releases acetic acid into the air and according to the Occupational Health Guideline “Acetic acid vapors and inhalation cause irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. Delayed breathing difficulties can occur.” This is especially important if you have a baby, young kids or someone in the household that has asthma, bronchitis, or chronic illness etc. Also, if there is not proper ventilation, over time the acetic acid will corrode soft metals and can cause problems with the HVAC system. Finally, did you know that most vinegar is made from GMO corn? So, if you use vinegar, properly ventilate and make sure it’s high-quality.
If you are using “non-toxic” cleaners, be sure to check the labels for pesticide preservatives. For instance, Methylisothiazolinone, a neurotoxin, is often used in “non-toxic” cleaners and is found to be toxic to both animals and humans, even in very small amounts. Also, make sure any fragrances present are derived from water-distilled essential or flavor oils and not synthetic, which can disrupt the endocrine system.
Branch Basics is in a class of its own, really. There is no homemade cleaning product that can touch its ability to break down grease and remove stains and odors. And it’s extremely versatile, replacing virtually every cleaning product from floors to ovens to bathrooms to LAUNDRY. And it can be used as a hand soap, body wash, makeup remover and vegetable wash in addition to household cleaning. Most importantly, it is 100% plant-based with absolutely not one drop of anything synthetic!
I hope you’ll take advantage of this special and give it a try…I”m confident you all would love it!
Rachel Sarnoff
Thanks Allison! This is SUCH good information. You guys, Allison is an ENCYCLOPEDIA of information about cleaning products and health, and she’s keeping an eye on our comments. So ask her anything. Really! 🙂
Donna Dodgens
Vinegar
Stefanie
I really love METHOD natural cleaning products.
Skole
Parsley cleaner!
Rachel Sarnoff
Ooh, what’s that?
deb l
I soak organic citrus peels in white vinegar and use that as a cleanser
Rachel Sarnoff
Does the citrus cut the vinegar smell? I actually love the smell of vinegar but I know that’s been a complaint…
Amanda
I’ve been using Truce for scrubbing my kitchen sink and really like it. Always love to try new natural products though.
Rachel Sarnoff
Will have to check that out, I’m not familiar with Truce. Love BB though!!
Amanda
Discovered them at the Green Festival in LA. The ingredients are borax, baking soda, oxygen bleach, salt, soap flakes and peppermint essential oil. It smells amazing!
Rachel Sarnoff
Will have to check that out! Thanks Amanda!
Christine York
baking soda and vinegar
Amy B
Vinegar, lemon peel and baking soda. Borax has multiple uses as well.
Jean Hansen
Vinegar fixes everything!
Rachel Sarnoff
Agreed!
karen hunter
vinegar is my favorite natural cleaner
deanna
vinegar and baking soda
DEBORAH
That’s awesome you could drink it if you wanted to!!
Rachel Sarnoff
Well wanted to would be a stretch, but it just shows you how safe it is!
Dee
I use seventh generation products because they’re easily available.
Dorothea
I’m a fan of Biokleen and Mrs. Meyer’s products. But they’re expensive, so I would like to try out the Branch Basics Natural Cleaner.
Rachel Sarnoff
I have never tried Biokleen. What do you use it for?
ingemar H
Lemon juice
cheryl
would love to try
Terri
My favorite natural cleaner is baking soda!
Marlene V. (Enelram)
Vinegar and water
Rachel Sarnoff
I should count up the comments, I think vinegar and baking soda are neck and neck!
caitlin chapman
baking soda, by far my fave.
Christy Reed
This is perfect! If I don’t win a kit, I just might have to make an order. I’m trying to find a natural cleaner. Right now, I guess I would say Dr. Bronner’s soap, but I’m still on the hunt so I’m definitely open to suggestions. 🙂
Rachel Sarnoff
I’ve never been able to get things squeaky clean with Dr. Bronners, although I love it for people! Love love love Branch Basics!
md kennedy
I am a huge vinegar fan!
Amy L
Currently my favorite brand is 7th Gen. I love using vinegar though.
Theresa N
My favorite natural cleaner is baking soda.
Tasha
I really dont have a favorite natural cleaner brand as of yet. Hopefully, it will soon be Branch Basics :-). However, I do like vinegar, peroxide, and baking soda.
Jessica
My favorite natural cleaner is Mrs. Meyer’s in Lavendar scent.
kathy downey
my favorite natural cleaner in vinegar
Arline Saiki
vinegar and baking soda is my natural cleaner, but I like the idea of having an all natural super cleaner.
Rachel Sarnoff
Yay, like! 🙂
Alicia
So far my favorite cleaners have been by Mrs Meyers… but i am eager to try Branch Basics! I’ve been reading rave reviews for a while now! I’ll switch if i love it!
Rachel Sarnoff
Have you checked out Meyers fragrances? I had heard they were synthetic but haven’t done the research. Anyone?
Connie Williamson
Right now my favorite natural cleansers are vinegar and baking powder but I’d really like to try Branch Basics.
Rachel Sarnoff
That’s what I use! I love Branch Basics because it also does laundry–and EVERYTHING else. Pretty awesome!
Connie Williamson
I’d love to go natural in my cleaning!
Becca Z
Simple Green’s Lime Scale Remover….we get hard water spots all over our sinks and tubs, and mineral stains too, and this product easily removes everything and leaves it super shiny.
Rachel Sarnoff
I have some concerns with Simple Green–again, not one that I’ve researched but I’ve heard there are some questionable chemicals in the mix. But more than that, when I sprayed it it IMMEDIATELY made me cough–bad sign. Do you have that reaction, too?
Christina G
My favorite natural cleaner is vinegar.
Rachel Sarnoff
Me too!
lynn cook
personally i love seventh generation for everything but i like to try new things
gina r
great giveaway
Rachel Sarnoff
Thanks! 🙂
jan
I honestly haven’t found a fav yet!
Rachel Sarnoff
This might be it, Jan! 🙂
James Vincent Corriere
Buy cruelty free!
Brittney Minor
I love using Lemon Essential Oil!
Itzel G.
I don’t have one 🙁
Clifford Bonesteel
About the only natural cleanser that I have used, and still do from time to time, is citrus fruits like lemons, limes and grapefruits and the majority of the time these would work for the task that I used them for.
Lorynn R.
I currently use Method products but I would love to try this brand! I am always looking for natural cleaners that are safe to use around pets & food!
Rachel Sarnoff
Method’s fragrances concern me, but Branch Basics is truly fragrance free. Love!
Betty
I like using ciitrus peel to help clean the microwave. 30 sec or so will release the oil and you can wipe down the ceiling and sides.
Rachel Sarnoff
And your kitchen probably smells amazing!
Betty
my fave natural cleaner is any citrus oil – after you have peeled your orange or morning grapefruit, put those peelings in the microwave for 30 sec. With the natural oil and humidity released, you will find that the ceiling and sidewalls wipe clean. Also works well to remove the scent of things like fish from the microwave.
Stephanie
I would love to win this stuff. I don’t purchase anything like it, simply because I make all my own, but when we have guests over, most of them seem uncomfortable if the cleaning products don’t come with someone else’s label on them.
Rachel Sarnoff
That’s sad, right? When did we get so dependent on marketing?!?! Argh!!
Jeannette P
white vinegar
bmommyx2
Excited to try it
Faith
I’ve been using the Better Life brand of natural cleaning products and like them, but I’d love to try Branch Basics!
michelle geil
Sounds wonderful to start clean for the new year!
Buffy
I like to use vinegar, but my kids don’t like the smell, so it’s tough to get them to use it, I hope this cleaner helps!
Rachel Sarnoff
It dissipates so fast though, right? My kids now think that vinegar smells “clean.” But Branch Basics is virtually scentless so it’s a win-win 🙂
Wendy Vor
Only thing I have tried is Honest Co. because I have their subscription. i personally like it although I feel as if most of the products are more so water based. Im always into trying new brands and varieties,
Rachel Sarnoff
LOVE Honest, great products!
lindsey
always willing to try out safe cleaners!
Dinah Brown
This starter kit would be perfect! Thanks for great giveaways!!! 🙂
Rachel Sarnoff
You are welcome! Good luck!
Mamavalveeta03
I really like Mrs Meyers soaps. Dish soap and hand soap.
Amy B.
I make much use of good old fashioned vinegar when it comes to eco-friendly cleaning. Elbow grease is another green cleaning secret of mine 😉
Rachel Sarnoff
That’s no secret, Amy B!
Sara
This is exciting! I keep trying to find a better cleaner option as I don’t always love the “green” stuff I can find in stores now. Yay! Will definitely check these products out, even if I don’t win.
Rachel Sarnoff
Yay! Thanks for the comment, Sara!