I am super picky and wants the best tool for the job. I use Spiff Cloth to clean smooth surfaces like counter tops, stove tops, etc. It’s ultra easy and best at cleaning chrome faucets and mirrors. But it is not the best for soaking up liquid.
In the past, I had tried and posted about other cloths for soaking up liquid. The natural fiber one needed to get a bit wet before taking on the water. The synthetic fiber one has the same issue and it’s not eco friendly.
A few years back, I tried If You Care Sponge Cloths. I mostly use it to soak up the water catcher under the dish rack.
No waiting. It takes on water immediately and quickly.
Drys fast = less smell. I rinse it out and hang it up after use.
Durable = money saving. I am only on my 2nd cloth after 2 years. (It may not be the case for you since I only use it to soak up water)
Cloths and Packaging are made of natural materials. Cloths: 70% cellulose & 30% cotton, Packaging (plastic looking type): certified compostable corn starch.
Good to Note
These will dry in the shape you left them, so if you don’t like uneven cloths, lay them flat to dry.
On the compostable part for both the cloths and non-paper packaging: Please ask the local facilities if they would accept these in the compost bin for the garbage pickup. Mine doesn’t, so I will be downgrading my cloths for picking up liquid on the floor eventually.
For people who need to, they are machine washable in water up to 190F (88C), up to 300 times. (I don’t need to so I haven’t tried.)
They are made in Germany, not USA, That’s why I waited to post this, kept hoping they would.
For more product details, visit the If You Care page.
Where to buy
Local stores. If you want check it out first, call the stores first to make sure they have them.
If You Care web site. Free shipping in USA over $25 of purchase.
Amazon. If you decided you like them, keep it on your wish list and watch for deals.
Washing hands literally saves your skin in more ways than one, especially when healthy skin is often our first line of defense. But are you paying attention to what is aggravating your skin other then the act of frequent hand washing?
Few years back, I had a spell of skin break-out from using a new laundry detergent. I got better after switching back to my old detergent but I noticed my hand washing and dish washing soaps also caused tiny blisters and persistent dryness despite the constant application of lotion.
I went through various products until I found these three natural/organic items and have been using them more than a year.
Happy You, Happy Skin
And of course, when you take good care of your mind, body, and spirit, your skin bounces back faster. As I recovered from the break-out, I’ve eliminate certain food and used various methods to heal myself.
And now, unless I am washing my hands or dishes from cooking all day long, I only need to put the lotion on my hands once before bed.
[Unscented] If you have any kind of skin or respiratory issues, always start with a clear, fragrance free version.
[Customizable] The beauty of the unscented soap is that you get to make it yours by adding essential oils you already have. This way you get to change it up as often as you like.
If you are like me, you’ll need this list of trusted and not too expensive brands recommended by a friend experienced in using essential oils. All three companies list the country of origin, a good thing!
[Money Saving] One 32 oz bottle will last you a while because you really need to dilute it. I didn’t knew about this the first time I tried it and it took me a while to wash it all off. So, check their dilution cheat sheet before first use.
You can adjust the ratio to your liking. I do 1 part soap to 5 part water, only pump out a few drops each time so I don’t have to refill as often. Again, it may feel very watery but it foams up well.
The colloidal oatmeal is the key ingredient that keeps my skin happy. I also noticed that I don’t need to use extra amount just because it’s an “eco” soap.
I had a sticker shock when I first saw it on Amazon. So I tried using Dr. Bronner’s for dish washing for a while but I didn’t like it and it dried my skin out more than I expected though it did not cause blisters.
Out of desperation, I bought one bottle to test. Lucky for me, I like how my skin was not nearly as dry as using other products. I then ordered direct from Attitude (Canada) to get it at the actual price. I also bought in bulk to save on shipping and get the discount.
If you are new to Attitude online shop, you can get $20 off and I get 10% off after you completed a purchase.
Or, if your skin is not as “princessy” as mine, you might consider other options they offer. These have a more reasonable prices.
[ UPDATE 4/30/21 ] ATTITUDE no longer produces “ATTITUDE Sensitive Skin, Hypoallergenic Dishwashing Liquid, Fragrance Free” that I recommended. Instead, I have replaced and tested the “Baby Bottle & Dishwashing Liquid” under their Sensitive Home Cleaning line. The image shown is the latest look which may be different from it’s Amazon product page.
A drop the size of a dime covers both hands and wrists. a little goes a long way.
Keep skin moisturized longer (no frequent application needed)
“Gabriel Green” recycle program: send empties back and get a free product
Find Your Own Combo Set
Even though these products work for me, they may not be for you. In this case, a safe start would be to search on EWG.org (The Environmental Working Group) in Skin Deep guide and Cleaning Product guide.
(This post only applies to LloydPans dark coating products.)
Switched Again for Lighter, Tougher Pans
About 10 years back, I replaced all of my baking pans to ones made in USA. They were silicon coated to be nonstick.
After a while, I noticed the pans began to have brown patches. I was worried that if elements can seep through the coatings then the aluminum would have come in contact with the food, too. Also, these pans tend to be heavy and hard to handle during baking and washing, especially the care needed to not scratch the coating.
I started my search for new pans, determined to find something better and still made in USA. Then I stumbled upon a site for serious pizza makers and it led me to LloydPans.
Why I Love Using LloydPans
Made in Spokane Valley, Washington, USA
Their special DARK coatings: Pre-Seasoned Tuff-Kote® and Dura-Kote®
Non-toxic, water base (eco-friendly), PTFE and PFOA free sealer
The sealer gets down into the pores to form the seal over the anodized metal surface (I think that prevents interaction with food and metal)
no seasoning the pans (I wash them after each use to avoid the need)
no oiling before baking (from my own experiences)
safe with metal utensil (hand whisks, spatulas, NOT knives/mixers)
stick resistant
safe to heat up to 700 F (450 F is the limit for silicon coated pans)
absorbs heat very well
Light weight — easier to handle when baking and washing
Metal utensil safe = less worry! Now I don’t have to be careful about forks and table knives touching the pans in the sink
For stubborn stuck-on food, I just soak it in warm water for 30 min, using a flexible spatula (a rep. at LloydPans told me she uses her metal spatula to do this and her pans still works well) to work on the toughest spots, then finish off with a with my 100% plant based Scotch-Brite Non-Scratch Scrub Sponge (read my review)
No rust nor stain so far after 3 months of frequent use (I dry mine at 150 F for a few minutes in my toaster oven so I can put them away sooner.)
Tough stuck-on food after reheating roasted root vegetable
Soaking it in warm water
Scrubbed the toughest spots with a flexible spatula
Only needed 30 min. of soaking
After a quick rinse
After washing it with soap and sponge
More Tips and Notes
Read and follow the instructions from LloydPans. If you have more questions after that, go to LloydPans.com, you can chat or call them for help. I had great customer service experiences with them.
NEVER put empty oiled pans in the oven, it’s bad for the coating.
Watch and adjust the oven temperatures and positions the first time you use your LloydPans with any recipes. Their dark coated pans absorb heat very well, one time I had to turn my toaster oven down 50 F.
“Beauty Marks” is okay — During the production process, where the clamps hold the pan, there are marks left on the reams, it doesn’t effect the performance nor the durability of the pan.
Direct from LloydPans or LloydPans Kitchenware (for cookware and other home kitchen products) — I am a bit picky and wanted items as close to my ideal as possible, so I ordered from them. If they don’t have the items in stock, they will make them for you, so it may take a while. They will send you an estimated date after you placed the order.
Better Cooking Life Through LloydPans
Being a slow cook, using LloydPans pans and baking dish saves me time and many little annoyances in the kitchen. And USA made products still rock!
As I was recovering from horrible reaction from a well-known brand of enzyme based laundry detergent, my skin was worse after I washed dishes. So, I began my search for a new hand wash dish soap. Since I don’t have a dish washer, a good and safe dish washing soap is very important.
I never thought an well-known eco brand would put out products like this. I was so shocked, I had to pick up the bottle and read the ingredients myself.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
That’s when I realized I had been washing my dishes with SLS in the soap. I had been avoiding SLS in my body care products, I never thought to check my dish soap. I just blindly trusted the brand.
And if I don’t want to use SLS on my skin, why would I put it in my body?
I also found that many of their personal care products are EWG VERIFIED to be “free from EWG’s chemicals of concern and meets our strictest standards for your health.”
Clean Dishes, Smooth Skin
It’s been 3.5 months since I switched to Attitude. It cleans as well as my old brand with the same amount of soap. And I am happy to report that my hands are no longer completely dried out. In fact, my skin feels softer!
Buy A Test Bottle
Both my body and I are glad we found EWG and Attitude but as with every new product, I suggest buying one to try then go from there.
For the test bottle, get it direct on ATTITUDEliving.com, as of Oct. 2018, their flate rate shipping and handling is $8.95 for just 1 bottle. (They ship to Canadian provinces & contiguous USA)
This fragrance-free dish soap seems to be harder to find than their other items on US sites, so the prices are pretty much the same as ordering from ATTITUDEliving.com. But if you rather get it via Amazon, put it on your wishlist and see if a deal comes up.
How to Save on #attitudeliving?
If you are new to ATTITUDEliving.com, you can get $20 off while I get a 10% discount. They also have a reward program once you have an account.
Since Rubbermaid Brilliance containers are a bit more pricey than the usual containers, I bought one on-sale to try.
My Dad is very impatient when it comes to opening a package, so an opened pack of crackers (especially if there is a plastic tub inside) is often impossible to close back with a clip or a rubber band. Then the crackers would go stale pretty quickly.
I gave him this container to dump the crackers in. After a week, the crackers are still pretty crispy. Not only that he kept the lid back on tight (unusal for him so he must had found the lid easier to close and open), most importantly, there where no longer a trail of crumbs on the floor.
Bulk-Buyer’s Perfect Semi-Long Term Storage
For things that can last a while, like nuts and herbs, I like to buy in bulk. However, having to find and open every big bag to get a small amount every time I cook is
Inconvenient (having to move large items around)
Food would go bad faster
Often it was so tedious, I’d give up cooking which usually leads to me eatting junk. And my body is not taking the abuse any longer. I need to make it easier, I thought, my body has been pretty good to me, I must treat it with love and respect!
After getting the bulk pack home, I would fill one of my Luminarc Working Glasses (also made in USA) and cover it with its lid. These easy-to-remove lids keeps it simple to keep me motivated to cook.
And whatever is left, I’d put it in a Rubbermaid Brilliance container. For nuts, rice, seeds (things with more oil contents), I then put in the fridge.
What Else Do I Like About Rubbermaid Brilliance Containers
BPA free
Clear plastic (easy to see what’s inside)
Freezer safe (disposable ones become brittle when frozen)
Made in USA
Stackable
Microwaveable (there are small vent holes under the latches on the lids)
And they are pretty to look at!
Many Shapes And Sizes
Though I only need the one size, I must mention that there are many, many different shapes and sizes of Rubbermaid Brilliance Containers to fill your needs. The Rubbermaid Brilliance Salad and Snack Lunch Combo Kit is an excelent example!
Made in USA = Function + Quality + Design
I am so glad Rubbermaid continues to develop great products and actually kept the manufacturing for Rubbermaid Brilliance in the States. Keep up the good work!
This is the most comfortable cotton t-shirt I’ve ever owned. I can feel the quality in this 100% cotton fabric, yet it’s light enough that it almost felt a linen shirt (I like my t-shirt loose fitting) only it’s not as see-thru. A win-win for me!
The seller, Green 3, wrote “All of our products are designed, sourced, and produced in the USA in family-owned manufacturing facilities.”
I am so happy to have found the USA made quality in this fun shirt!
Sizing
The t-shirt is relax fit, slightly more shaped than the classic cut, so if you like your t-shirt loose, get one size up, I did.
Free shipping + Free Return on Amazon
If you are not sure about the sizes and designs, take advantage of the free shipping by ordering 2+ different sizes/designs to try it, then use the free return to exchange or order the ones that you like best.
NOTE: Make sure you confirm the free return offer where the price is listed. I am not sure if it’s always going to be there.
If you don’t already know, American Giant produces durable clothing using 100% USA materials and labor. USA made quality still means something to many around the world.
Because they also pay extreme care in designing their pieces, they dare to offer lifetime warranty for full price items.
I’m reviewing items I actually have tried or do wear.
Classic Full Zips Hoodie
My top pick!
100% cotton
heavy weight
best for cool, dry spring/fall days
shape holding construction (no slouch look)
elbow patch that extends under the forearm
the hood doesn’t cling to your forehead and cover your eyes
these are not cheap but it will last a long time, being a Konmari convert, not buying junk also helps me save money and live green.
Essential Full Zips Hoodie
cheaper, lighter
Super soft material using Supima cotton and modal fiber (made from beechwood) mix
good for lounging around
100% Cotton Preiume T
It did not work for me, I returned it.
designed for slender, long shaped ladies
comfortable material but white was too see-through for my taste
my aunt love dark colored longsleeve ones for layering yet they are stylish enough for indoors without other layers.
Good to Know
Don’t Wait Too Long, Colors Changes Often!
Be sure to check the size chart, though most returns are honored but free return shipping do take a week or two.
Instead of exchanging items, they ask you to buy again and return the unwanted items.
American Giant Referral Coupon
This refer a friend link saves new customer 15% on their first purchase and I get $20 for referring you.
These are so well made, it might be a long time before I get to use my rewards.
Now that I’m Konmari Clean, it was time to put my things in their permanent homes and cleaning their new homes was the first step.
Using the older style microfiber cloth was very frustrating. The small dust balls it gathers are very hard to wash off and surfaces often need more wiping. Even after I dusted with Swiffer, I still have trouble with it.
I started looking on Amazon for newer, greener technology. It seems Nano cloth is the talk of the town. It only needs water, not chemical, to use.
Made in USA
The top seller was not made in USA and I didn’t like that it has long fibers. I can just imagine the towel trapping all kinds of particles. The thicker material would dry slower after hand washing and would smell after a while.
Then I found the paper likeSpiff Cloth, made in USA!
Amazing results on smooth surfaces
Just add water–it works! No chemical necessary.
Computer screen
Stovetop
Not so good for
Sticky residue from strong tapes or thick old kitchen grimes (thin grimes are easy to wipe away without much elbow grease. See the before and after photo of my old stereo.)
What else do I like about it?
Easy to wash clean by hand (use soap and warm water)
Dries fast
Cut your own size (I cut the 16″x16″ sheet in half)
Sturdy (we’ve even cleaned outside windows with it, no damage to the usability of the cloth at all)
More to know
For maximun result, be sure to wring it as dry as you can
For thick dust layer, dusting or vaccumming before wiping makes it easier, faster
For soaking up spills, I recommend If You Care Sponge Cloths (eco friendly, soaks up fast, super absorbent, machine washable. (added 5/11/2022)
Needed to kiss a few t-shirt frogs before I found my t-shirt prince, do keep in mind that I am short and a little chubby.
American Apparel
$18 each, can’t tell where their cotton/fabrics are from. Don’t think I’m their target consumer… I decided not to buy from them.
All American Clothing Co.
$11.99 each, I believe the cotton/fabrics are from USA
I bought both unisex and women’s plus few pairs of jeans (Can’t help it, they have petite length.) Thought the material is nice, the shirts don’t fit me right and too long for me. Kept the jeans, LOVE them! (not vanity sizing, be sure to consult their sizing chart)
American Giant
$24.50 each, I believe the cotton/fabrics are all made in USA here, too.
They are famous for their hoodies, I bought 1 hoodies and a few unisex and women’s t-shirts. Same fitting issues as before, the material for women’s premium t-shirt is lovely and fashionable but too see-through for me. I kept the hoody, LOVE this, too.
$12.50 each. Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding! Good price and ORGANIC!
“From Dirt to Shirt”–Sold by the actual organic farmers
The fit is what I wanted/expected (like the blank t-shirt from the craft shops)
I kept all but one (I did expected the fit might not work), donated it to my local 100% volunteer thrift shop
Then I ordered long-sleeve t-shirts for the fall and winter
Softest T-Shirt I Have
When I first touched it, I knew I love it. The t-shirt has a cushiony feel, a different kind of soft from the Supima t-shirts on the market but SOS shirts feel so much better against the body.
For the softest, go with “Natural”
I’ve washed the natural (not bleached) shirts many times now, they still feel great. They told me these would shrink about 1/2 inch after first wash but they still work for me.
White shirt is the next softest. The colored shirts are closer to the white t-shirt out there.
Customer Service
I called SOS from Texas to get help on size and color. The lovely lady actually pulled and measured a t-shirt for me. You might not get them on the first try (I’m guessing it’s a smaller outfit then the others) but don’t give up, it’s worth it!
Return Rules
Their site mentioned “Items may be returned for refund if they have not been washed or worn. If returning for an exchange, please include $6.50 for return shipping.”
Been buying sheets on sales at department and other stores. They were cheaper but some smelled, some had pills after one wash (i.e. not going to last long), some only had weak elastic on the corners of the fitted sheets. And of course, none of those were made in the USA.
One side effect of my “Konmari Cleanup” is to simplify my life, including owning fewer quality things that last a long time. That also means, reduce waste and be green!
Authenticity 50, 100% “seed-to-stitch” Made in USA
To test them out, I got the A50 Duvet Set because I never use the flat sheet anyway. (They come with 100-night sleep trial.)
Minimal Yet Sufficient Packaging
The set came in a plastic bag inside a sturdy paper bag (good for recuse/recycle). And from the condition it arrived in, you don’t need more packaging than this. And it translates to reduced cost and less enviornmental impact.
360 Degree Elastic
I love that the elastic for the fitted sheet is 360 degree, not just in the corners. The elastic is wider and thicker than the other ones I’ve had. You can feel the quality by holding it in your fist.
Using it, Loving it
I’ve slept in them for a while now. The texture reminds me of the line-dried cloth. And there is no smell, too soft, too slippery issues.
I believe we are going to have a healthy long-term relationship.
Tips with Fitted Sheets
The fitted sheets made for 14″ pocket. But do remember to include the extra paddings you have on your mattress.
White Only!? Consider The Costs
Some reviewer wished for colored sheets but think of the extra cost and the problem of not being able to sell less popular colors. The founders want to provide quality sheets at reasonable prices, I totally support having only white sheets.
Besides, I found color sheets tend to take over the room. If you want color, decorate with colorful pillows or a small throw. It’s cheaper and easier to switch up your themes this way, too.
UPDATE (Aug. 2017):Authenticity 50 now has Carolina Gray for people who don’t want white beddings.
$15 Coupon with My Referral Link
If you are looking for the coupon, sorry it has expired. But if you can still save by signing up at Authenticity 50, they do have amazing sales from time to time!
