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February 25, 2008

Introducing Lil' Bowl Blu & Le Scrub!

Toiletscrub_3Here’s a quiz: What has historically been the top-requested new product among method advocates?

Wait for it … wait for it …

If you guessed “toilet bowl cleaner,” pat yourself on the back.  It was a tough one to crack, so we’re very excited to introduce you to Lil’ Bowl Blu.

Mainstream toilet bowl cleaners usually include phosphoric and/or sulfuric acid.  Those will definitely eat up nasty stuff in your toilet, but with equally nasty results.  Phosphates in our water contribute to the growth of algae, which in turn depletes oxygen levels, killing our water-dwelling pals.  And sulfuric acid – well, that’s battery acid.  Enough said. 

Lil’ Bowl Blu uses lactic acid, which is found naturally in the body, as the cleaning agent. (We don't get it from any "body," though; we use natural sources of starch like corn, potatoes and sugar.)  As a result, it’s many times less acidic than conventional toilet bowl cleaners, and by our figuring that’s many times better for you, your bowl and the planet.  Combined with xanthum gum, a natural thickener commonly found in salad dressing and ice cream, it hangs onto your toilet and busts up tough stains.

Lil’ Bowl Blu’s partner in the fight against dirty, Le Scrub, rounds out our yummy eucalyptus mint-smelling spa bathroom collection.  It uses milled marble as a natural abrasive and purified clay and xanthum gum as thickeners, and it’s safe on ceramic tile, grout, stainless steel, and formica.  Use it when you need a bit of muscle for tough stains, soap scum and grime.

And of course, in addition to getting the job done in our non-toxic clean kind of way, this duo looks and smells great.  When we launched the omop last year, we had hundreds of people tell us that we’d actually made it fun to clean the floor.  We can’t wait for them to call back and say that it’s just as fun now to clean the bowl and scrub the tub.  Now that would be a breakthrough!

Look for the newest additions to the method spa bathroom collection in stores in March – and on our web site in April – and let us know what you think!

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Comments

Just what I've been waiting for! Thanks!

Who would have ever thought a toilet bowl cleaner could be so beautiful to look at!

YEA!!! I am so excited. I knew you guys would come up with a toilet bowl cleaner.

It's about time! I can't wait to try it!

Is the lactic acid used in this product derived from animals... If it is, I consider it a step backward!

YAY!!! :-D It's what we've been waiting for!! :-)

Im so excited, i've been waiting for this one product to complete my method cleaning collection and it looks so nice, haha who thought cleaners would be nice to look at.
Hopefully it makes its way up to Canada soon so I can buy it.

I just wanted to tell you how much i love using your cleaning products and knowing that i am doing something to help conserve and save the earth at the same time!! i love your home fresheners and cleaning wipes i love your candles!!! and soaps.I also love the green bag you sent me that folds into a little package!!i have used it for everything from groceries to bringing library books home and as a beach bag everyone comments on it!! simply put I love all things METHOD!!!!
thank you again
any time you wanna send coupons or samples feel free i will pass the word to everyone!!!!

Yay! I've been waiting for both of these products for ages, glad you finally cracked that nut!

Oh, I can't wait to try these products! I was just thinking this morning that I wish I could find a non-toxic toilet cleaner!

I just love everything you guys do! You're so creative and your products are wonderful. I can't wait to try lil bowl blu!

I absolutely cannot wait to try this! I have been spreading the Method word, keep it coming!!!

Ohmigosh! I am so excited. I knew you guys would come out with toilet bowl cleaner if I hoped and prayed long enough! Say good-bye to baking soda!! Can't wait to see it at my local Target. Thank you Method for all your great products! I especially LOVE the go getter - green mint soap!!

I love my method stuff!!!! You totally opened my eyes when I realized that putting antibacterial hand soaps in the water system is like putting antibiotics in my drinking water!!!! :-O As soon as my current bottle is used up, I won't buy any antibacterial handsoap again!! Thank you for that - and for making me greener as I get older. :-) I have to say, it's been the samples and goodies that have made me switch - I don't think I would have ever tried stuff on my own otherwise. It has made all the difference! Thank you SO MUCH!!

Wooo Hooo!!! Now it is time for a 'breath freshner' similar to Zoom or Boom or Burst (the purple one).

Can't wait to try it!!

=>

I will buy/use them IF you can get them to Canada.

I live in the greater Toronto area and am frustrated w/ not being able to purchase your Whole line of products (baby laundry soap, OMop and soon the expected tub cleaner). PLEASE PLEASE send them up to us!!

This is great! I've been waiting for years for you to find the right combination of stuff for a toilet bowl cleaner. I'm sure it will be worth the wait! :-)

Thanks so much, I love using your products.

Finally!!! My life is complete. (well, my cleaning life at least.)

Not available in Canada you say??? Pity... Will you be making your products available for purchase online in Canada soon? The stores carry very few of your available products at this point.

What is the source of the lactic acid? I hope it's not animal derived.

I got so excited when I got the e-mail about these new products. I have switched to using only Method products and love them all. You must have been reading my mind.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

Most awesome! This is exactly the product I've been waiting for!

I've posted this over on ecochick - http://www.ecochick.ca/2008/02/lil-bowl-blue-and-le-scrub.html

Regarding the source of lactic acid, Wikipedia's entry notes:

"Although it can be fermented from lactose (milk sugar), most commercially used lactic acid is derived by using bacteria such as Bacillus acidilacti, Lactobacillus delbueckii or Lactobacillus bulgaricus to ferment carbohydrates from nondairy sources such as cornstarch, potatoes and molasses. Thus, although it is commonly known as "milk acid", products claiming to be vegan do sometimes feature lactic acid as an ingredient."

I'd hope that method's lactic acid comes from bacteria and not milk, given their track record.

yes! i'm worried that the lactic acid is animal derived as well - please let us know whether it is or isn't....i love method because it's earth and animal friendly...and it would just kill me to know that you guys have made something from animals!! :(

when can this stuff be available in the Republic of Ireland?????
Please

for those of you with questions about the source of the lactic acid, thanks for asking! it's fermented from natural sources of starch like corn, potatoes and sugar.

I love Method stuff. It all smells soooo good! The dish soap gets so nice and bubbly it makes me happy to do the dishes. I've been using Method products ever since moving off to college in 2005. The Ginger Yuzu hand soap is so invigorating I'm almost out because I've used it so fast. I hope there's more at my local Target.

I'm not trying to be ugly here, but folks READ the information on the ad. They specifically state that the lactic acid does not come from a "Body", but from natural sources of starch, such as corn, potatoes and sugar. I wouldn't expect anything less from Method.

Thanks Method folks for another great product.

Yeah! Now almost all of my cleaning dreams have come true. Now all I need is refills for the fabric softner and moisterizing hand wash so I don't have to waste all those plastic bottles.

Well, if you looked at the description of the product, you would see that the lactic acid Method is using is derived from the starch in potatoes, corn, and sugar. They don't test on animals, so why would they use animal derived products now? Thanks to Kelly for also pointing out the obvious. Good Job Method! I can't wait to use another one of your wonderful products!

... but when will you come out with a stain remover for laundry???

Won't you please consider a bathroom cleaner/toilet bowl cleaner without mint? There are lots of us out here who cannot bear the smell of mint, really!

No need to be rude, JP and Suzanne. I believe the original post did not include the info on how the lactic acid is derived. That is why people asked for clarification.

I LOVE using Methods products & the only thing that was missing from this great line up was the toilet bowl cleaner. It's finally here & I can't wait to try it! Good bye icky smelling chemicals - HELLO to METHOD!

awesome - thanks will!

the page didn't use to say WHERE the lactic acid came from - now it does!

thanks method you guys are the BEST!!

Nice! I presume the containers are made with 100% recycled plastic too, right?

Immediate response: how cute are these bottles! I may just whistle while I work when I can finally use these :)

I have used method products for a few years now and love everything!! It really does make cleaning easier knowing I can pick a great fragrance that doesn't smell like a chemical. I got the O Mop for my tile and wood floors right when it came out(thanks for the coupon guys, that helped!!) and it is the best mop I've ever used especially on my wood. Keep the great stuff coming, love the toilet bowl cleaner idea, can't wait to get that!!

Woo Hoo! This is fabulous, can't wait to try it out!

Correct Stellans!... I agree. All the ad originally said was "lactic acid... which is naturally found in the body" ... so I feel we were justified in asking this simple question.....

Method... Thanks for posting the update to that page so quickly!

Hey!

I love all of my Method products except the dish washer cube's of soap- they do not clean my dishes...

I hope something new gets released... is that why they are not sold at Target anymore?

This is great!! I can't wait to use these products! I will be going into my local Target every day until they are on the shelves! And a thanks to Kelly who pointed out where lactic acids for the cleaners are derived. (I can't believe anyone would think method would use anything derived from animals. Shame on you and your dirty minds.)

Woo hoo! Potty cleaner! I always have hated locking the bathroom door during potty cleaning time because I feared the fumes reaching my little girls' and my lungs! And I bet you anything it will work better, cuz it's Method.

Another reason to get excited about housecleaning...the scent of accomplishment! One request, give us another scent to choose from with your window cleaner.

How funny! I just finished scrubbing my toilets and was thinking "isn't there a better way?". Method, you just read my mind!! Can't wait to give it a try!

Cheryl

I meant to agree with A earlier.....

When can I buy it? Is it "pet" friendly? I'll be surprised if it isn't!

At last! I hope it's "pet" friendly! When and where can I buy it?

Wow, I would love to try those out...

Finally! I remember asking for this back in '04.

I've been a Method advocate for a while now, espousing your fantabulous products to everyone I know (and digging the great green bag to carry all my various junk and/or groceries). I've been hoping for a toilet bowl cleaner but never told you guys. Obviously, everyone else felt the same! Yea!! A funky toilet is no fun for anyone, and I scrub the s**t out of ours because I refuse to use the chemical-y cleaners. My arm is tired, so thank you!!!

I can't wait to use these!

Love the name, love the look, love the idea! Thank you method for all your wonderful products. One question though . . . is it considered an antibacterial cleanser to make sure all those nasties are gone? That'd be a plus. Keep up the good work!:)

um... does it disinfect?

Woo hoo!!! Can't wait to try it in the bathroom!! Now maybe I can stop using gloves when cleaning the bathroom! YAY!!! No rubber hands!! :-D

Thank you Method!!

amy.......From the bottom of the e-mail I received......
"oops.

in last month's newsletter, we said we were the first cleaning company to use 100% recycled plastic. we're actually the first to do this for custom-designed bottles - some of our cleaning cohorts out there have already made this important move for stock bottles. we give kudos to them for the good green work they've been doing. and here's to us all keeping up the good work."

I am looking forward to trying these products and adding them to the Method collection of cleaners!

thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!! i was wondering how much longer i was gonna be forced to use my old cleaner. and with my obsession with method products, this just makes my collection more complete. thank you!

I am so excited!!!!! These new products look wonderful. Who would of ever thought that I am actually looking forward to cleaning the toilet.

Where can it be found...The toilet cleaner????

wow wOw WOW!!! i am really excited about these!

Marcia - you'll be able to find the new products at Target stores. They should hit most of them by mid-March. We can't wait!

I was hoping you would come out with a toilet bowl cleaner - can't wait to try it. Love all your products - actually make me look forward to cleaning (almost!)

Suzanne and JP, thanks for the chastising. Luckily, Method was quick to update the description. And JP, most companies who do not test on animals DO use animal ingredients.

Thanks Method, love your products! :)

Yeah! I can't wait!!
I love all the Method stuff especially the window wash!! We can't get all of it in Canada yet but I went cross border to Target and stocked up!!
Please make something for the dishwasher :))

Finally...a toilet cleaner I can use with my septic tank!

Thanks so much for constantly evolving in a way that is environmentally responsible. You guys are neat.

Lactic acid-- what a brilliant idea. Would something like lactic acid help to unclog drains as well? Maybe Method could tackle that kind of product too.

I am also wondering what happens to the source corn and potatoes after they are fermented to produce the lactic acid. And also if Method ensures that the sources are not GMO, as well as from otherwise good farming practices.

Just wondering if we can expect this in Canada? I read in the papers we were getting the mop, but it's been a year and nada so far...
I love the products we can get, and would love to have the ones we can't thus far!
Please send the mop and potty cleaner this way!!!

I am so glad to here about Lil Bowl Blue. Just today used a new earth friendly bowl cleaner.
I was not very happy with the product. So I was really happy to here that Lil Bowl Blue will be comming out soon. Look forward to trying it.

Thank you so much
Kelly


we've had a couple of questions on anti-bacterial and/or disinfectant qualities of lil' bowl blue and le scrub. method believes that these kinds of formulations require "dirty" ingredients that don't support a happy, healthy home. check out our FAQs on the topic: http://tinyurl.com/2lmocm

My local Target has it!!! Lil' Bowl Blu is great! The instructions are simple (apply, leave for 10 minutes, brush, and flush), and the smell is great! When I went back to my bathroom to brush and flush, the whole room smelled wonderful, and the toilet was completely clean, with minimal brushing required. Target did not yet have Le Scrub, but there was a spot for it, so maybe next time I can try it on my bathtub! I love you, Method!

I am so glad that you came out with these products. I have been trying to find something healthy to use, especially since I am pregnant and cannot take the fumes from other products. Thanks!

I went to Target and they already had them on the shelf! I IMMEDIATELY came home and cleaned the bathroom. It was AMAZING. I was so pleased that the product lived up to it's name. I know it isn't necessary, but I feel like cleaning the toilet again. The scent is spiffy and the bottles are so cute. The lady who checked me out at Target asked if I was buying the latest shampoo! When I told her it was environmentally friendly cleaning supplies, she was already sold. Thanks for this! It's so groovy!

Oh these aren't available at my local Targets yet and I'm dying to try them out! Who knew someone could be so excited to clean their toilet?? Can't wait!

- Nate
www.methodlust.blogspot.com
+ one man's unsupressed lust for method home products

finally got Le Scrub! My bathtub hasn't shinned like this in years! I may have to wear sunglasses in the shower. Thank you, Method!

I have been using Method products for a number of years and love every one I've tried. I can only get a few items in my local stores. I belong to a Food Co-op that has just started carrying a couple of the products. Yeah!! I'll have to wait until April to order this new bathroom product on line. Thanks for your enviornmental concerns and personal health concerns in producting these awesome products. I have no chemicals in my home and love having these options.

I have been slowly but surely removing all of the cleaning chemicals from my home. The very thing I have been secretly praying for has now come to pass....Method has made a toilet bowl cleaner. Yippieeeee! I am on my way to Target now! Can't wait to get home and clean the toilet!

I just purchased and used Lil' Bowl Blue and Le Scrub today and...that was nice! No more noxious bleach bowl. Thanks, guys (and gals)!

Can't wait to try it! I love all of the Method Products I've tried. I am unable to find the OMop and Liquid Fabric Softener in stores.

Please let me know when it will be available in Canada.

I spotted both these products at Target yesterday. Good timing as I wanted a new non-bleach toilet bowl cleaner. Used it today and it worked great! Cleans very well, no need for lots of scrubbing, it is quite thick and clings to the sides, and leaves a nice shine and great scent behind. Haven't tried le scrub yet but am glad that it comes with the microfiber cloth.

One small thing with Lil' Bowl Blu. I guess the cap was a bit loose as some of it had leaked out into the bag. This also dissolved some of the writing on the label, comes right off every time I touch the bottle. Hopefully this was just a fluke and not a packaging problem.

Living with Asthma can be quite a challenge at times . . . and Method, you help me breathe!!! Thank You!! Le Scrub works wonderful & the sinks & tub sparkle . . . and best of all - I can breathe when using Method products!!! No more coughing when cleaning; and the family is happy. . . now mom can clean again. :o)) Once introduced to all Method products - I was hooked... Thank You for creating fabulous products!!! Hey, how about a Method Paint for our walls!!

I wanted to again tell you how amazing all of your products are!! I was one of those people that wrote in asking for you to make a toilet bowl cleaner-thank you for coming through! I went to Target today and they were completely sold out! Guess it's a hit!

I hope you later venture out and create a product that sits in the tank to keep the toilet clean. This would help my hubby out a lot. LOL.

Also, I thought you used to carry dishwasher packets a couple years ago, but now I can't find them. Are they available anymore? Do you plan to re-introduce them??

P.S. I love all the holiday scents you came out with-simply awesome!!

Love the paint comment above. That would be super...ambitious, but super!

This is a first for me, so forgive me if it's a tid bit awkward. I've never gone out of my way to compose a letter to a company which produces household cleaning products.

First off.....you guys ROCK!! I don't care what any woman says; deep down there is a part of her who takes a certain amount of pride in being a good housekeeper. I am such a woman. However, by the clearly apparent state of my bathrooms and kitchen and, well, house in general, as of late, one would be quick to assume that I was most likely the worst housekeeper they have ever met. And really, it's not because I'm lazy. It's just that I can't stand having to scrub my tub with my t-shirt pulled up over my nose (as though I'm a member of some house keeping mafia hiding my identity) in order to prevent passing out from exposure to chlorine and other noxious chemicals.

Today I came home after work to find my husband cleaning the kitchen. This should normally make me happy; ecstatic, even. Yet my euphoria was tinged with....the smell of some chemical I can't even pronounce. Time to "detox".

I made a list, hopped in my truck and went straight to Target. I was pulling method products off the shelf like they were going out of style. I picked up the Grapefruit dish washing liquid, the Lavender liquid hand soap and All Surface Cleaner, the Wood for Life spray and micro fiber cloth, the nummy smelling ginger and lemon stuff for my floor, the Daily Shower Cleaner, Little Boy Blu toilet bowl clenser.....oh! And my new FAVORITE product of all time : Le Scrub.

After putting my 9 hours in at work today I came home and scrubbed the kitchen sink And the kitchen counters. And the bathroom sink (all 3 of them). And the tub (both of them). And the bathroom sinks (all 3 of them). And I just wanted to say.....

Thank you. Thank you for letting me scrub my tub while taking deep, full and calming breaths. Extra bonus - now that all my cleaning is done, I can sit around on the couch this weekend and contemplate how good my whole house smells.

I'm hooked on the eucalyptus-mint tub & tile cleaner, so I'm looking forward to trying these new bathroom products.

For the person who said "Won't you please consider a bathroom cleaner/toilet bowl cleaner without mint?" - My sympathies: my dad was one of those who couldn't abide mint. I love this scent, but many of the other Method scents bother my allergic nose; especially the florals. (Same issue with some other natural brands.) Still decidedly preferable to chemical fumes, but...

I appreciate the unscented Method products for that reason. Suggestion: would it be possible to produce add-in packets of all your scents, so those like us can personalize the unscented products (and control the intensity of the scent, too)??

I just purchased these two lovelies at Target today (San Diego)... and I have to say... WELL DONE! I love them and they work superbly! I love the scent of both.... Yay .. Spring cleaning has never been as fun!! I welcome this duo with open arms into my (growing) collection of Method products.... xx

Finally bought the Lil Bowl Bleu & Scrub. Can't wait to use it today. Another Method product to my list. thank you ~ will we be able to buy refills?

Finally bought the Lil Bowl Bleu & Scrub. Can't wait to use it today. Another Method product to my list. thank you ~ will we be able to buy refills?

I just picked up both products at Target today. I saw them and had to have them! I have been waiting for the toilet cleaner for I don't know how long and was so excited to see it on the shelf. The first thing I did when I got home was scrub my toilets! I immediately said, "Mmm that smells good!" and then realized, I was talking about a toilet bowl cleaner. A definite first! And happy for it. Thanks for all the great products you put out!

I'm so excited about this new addition to the method range. I've been using shampoo lately as a less-toxic solution, but I don't think it really gets the job done. I've been looking for this in stores, but haven't found it yet!

Method- thank you so much for finally creating this product! I was one of the many who requested toilet bowl cleaner from you years ago.

After moving to a municipal area with hard water, my regular chemical toilet bowl cleaner was unable to handle the mineral deposits. I had to switch to an even more noxious blend to achieve a clean bowl. The handling instructions on the bottles of this stuff were frightening! And the fumes it threw off were even more nasty!

Eventually, I decided that tolerating a mineral-lined bowl was preferable to exposing myself to whatever was in that chemical cleaner. Now, thanks to Method, I am again able to enforce a zero-tolerance mineral deposit policy! I can once again rule my porcelain fixtures with an iron fist! Muha-hahaha!

Petty bathroom dictatorships aside, I wish Method had been first to market with a 'natural' toilet bowl cleaner. I noticed a prominent bleach company's product on the shelves several months ago. Although this 'green' toilet cleaner touts itself to be a 'natural' cleaner, nowhere does this bottle claim to be nontoxic- and I think we all know what that means!

Now if only my local Chicagoland Target could offer a more competitive price on Lil' Bowl Blue... Right now it stings my wallet at practically twice the price of that bleach company's toilet cleaner, at nearly $5 (five dollars) a bottle!

this just made my day... now I can have a 100% Method bathroom!

Your products are good for the environment, and therefore good for me. Thanks for hitting the market!

LOVE THIS STUFF!! The scrubby stuff works great on glass bakeware, though not intended for that. It's an indescribable feeling not to have to open my bathroom window and hold my breath just to clean the fixtures! Or to tell my kids they have to stay out of the bathroom because Mom's cleaning!! Or to worry that I didn't get everything completely rinsed out before shower time and were they breathing in any nasties?! I could go on & on, but the bottom line is, thank you!! This stuff is great!

Where in Canada can I purchase the baby method products and the toilet bowl cleaners???

I tried London drugs,Safeway and Shoppers...no luck.

I was so excited for these two new products....then I was bummed! I can't believe they don't sell the sponge in the picture. When you buy "Le Scrub you don't get the totally awesome super cute sponge :(

I used both cleaners the day I got them and they worked wonders at cleaning my bathroom. The Le Scrub got the soap scum that the old Tub and Tile cleaner would leave behind. I can't wait for more new products!!

hi Melissa - i'm colleen from method. sorry you missed out on getting the microfiber sponge with le scrub. it was a limited edition item, special for the launch of the product, and we must be all out of 'em already! hopefully you'll still find the built-in cradle handy for your own sponge. happy scrubbing!

I LOVE LOVE the Eucalyptus/Mint scent. I'm looking for a refill for the foam hand wash, or hand soap. Is there such a thing?

When will they be available in Canada? Which Stores will be carrying them?

Can't wait!!!

I just used Le Scrub for the first time today and I LOVED it. I have 25 year old fiberglass showers in my house and the previous owners obviously used a lot of harsh chemicals and scouring pad because the dirt and grime is etched in. Yuck. I was pleased to see most of the dirt and grime is gone after using this product. I'll probably have to do another super scrub session, but this got my showers much cleaner than scrubbing bubbles and soft scrub, not to mention the fact that it smells good! I'm 6 months pregnant and had no trouble with the smell bothering me (or my cat - she sat in the bathroom the whole time). I cannot wait until my husband and I move into our new house this summer and I can use my method products on new materials and keep the house looking and smelling fresh and new - no nasty chemicals needed!

Love love love love love Le Scrub!!! My crappy apartment tub has never been cleaner or whiter(even when I moved in). And it smells so nice. Nothing else had been able to clean it well.
I can't wait to slowly replace all my cleaning products with method!!

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