From Bleach-Lover to Mint Believer: Why I Switched to Natural Cleaning Products — and Why I’ll Never Go Back
I’ll be honest: I used to be a die-hard bleach lover…and I still love the smell - it reminds me of staying a hotel with a pool.
That sharp, almost eye-watering scent? To me, it smelled like clean. The more intense the cleaner, the more I believed it was working. Natural cleaning products felt... cute, but ineffective. A luxury. Not something that could actually keep a home deeply clean — especially not a busy household like mine with six children, 4 dogs and 2 cats.
But here’s the thing: I was wrong.
Since opening Wren, I’ve had the chance to explore more earth-conscious, body-safe products from incredible Canadian brands — and Mint Cleaning completely changed the way I think about clean. And I mean that literally: my home doesn’t just look cleaner, it smells fresher, feels healthier, and is free from the chemical fog I didn’t even realize was affecting me and my family.
The Problem With Traditional Cleaners
Harsh chemical cleaners might kill bacteria, but they also introduce toxins into your home that linger — on your counters, on your skin, in your laundry, and even in the air you breathe. Many contain hormone-disrupting ingredients, synthetic fragrances, and compounds that can harm aquatic life once they wash down your drain.
And while they might make things look instantly clean, they often leave residues that damage fabrics, corrode surfaces, or dry out your skin.
Why I Love Mint Cleaning Products
When a friend recommended Mint, I was still skeptical. But after trying a few products — and seeing how beautifully they performed — I was hooked. Now we carry a range of Mint Cleaning solutions at Wren, as well as other brands, because I truly believe they’re a better way forward.
Here are some of my favourites:
✧ Refillable All-Purpose Sprays
This is the product that converted me. The Aromatic Creations Peppermint counter spray….wowie wow wow! The smell is fresh, uplifting and naturally clean. SOJA & Co. all-purpose sprays actually work (full transparancy, if you have quartz countertops like mine, I do find this one leave streaks BUT they work like a charm on all other surfaces including glass! Wren also carries Fresh Wife, Mint and Aromatic Creations all purposes sprays that I do not find have this in common) — on everything from countertops to sticky spills — and the scent? Think: citrus, mint, eucalyptus… like your home took a deep breath. Plus, the refillable bottles mean less waste, more beauty. We sell refill options or you can use a favourite you already have.
✧ Natural Dish Soap
Gentle on hands, tough on grease, and naturally scented. It’s proof that effective doesn’t have to mean harsh. Bonus: it looks beautiful on your kitchen counter, my favourite scent is SOJA & Co.’s marshmallow + clementine.
✧ Natural Laundry Powder
One of my absolute must-haves. This ultra-concentrated powder from Natura Soylights deep-cleans your laundry without the synthetic “laundry smell.” Your fabrics feel softer, cleaner, and last longer — no residue, no buildup, and it even helps clean your machine with every wash! Plus you only need a tbsp to get the job done which means you use less and save money!
Once you switch, you’ll notice how overwhelming and artificial conventional detergents really are.
✧ Dishwasher Tabs
Another game-changer. These tabs work beautifully and smell fresh without being overpowering. They leave dishes sparkling without leaving chemical traces behind.
✧ Mint Floor Cleaner
If I could bottle the smell of “calm, clean home,” it would be this. Mopping used to feel like a chore — now it’s my secret self-care ritual. It’s plant-based, biodegradable, and safe for all floors, including hardwood. I used to be cool, but the day these products landed on our shelves, I drove home a little faster and opted out of a dip in the pool on a 32 degree day because I was so excited to clean my floors - true story.
The Clean That Feels Good
Here’s what surprised me most: my home didn’t just look clean with natural cleaners — it smelled and felt cleaner than ever. No fake floral clouds, no chemical sharpness. Just soft, natural, uplifting scents that feel more like aromatherapy than housework.
The switch to natural products has made me feel better, too — physically and mentally. There’s something empowering about knowing you’re not coating your home in toxins, and instead, making choices that are better for your body, your family, and the environment.
Ready to Try Natural Cleaning?
If you’re a fellow bleach-lover, I get it. But come into Wren and give these products a sniff — and maybe even a try. You might be surprised how quickly you fall in love with the real smell of clean.
We stock the Mint Cleaning, SOJA & Co., Aromatic Creations, Natura Soylights products — from laundry essentials to dish tabs to refillable sprays — and we’re always happy to chat about what works for different spaces and needs.
Natural can be powerful. And clean can be gentle.
– Leslie
Founder, Wren