Here’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!
Just what I've been waiting for! Thanks!
Posted by: Carolyn | February 25, 2008 at 07:12 PM
Who would have ever thought a toilet bowl cleaner could be so beautiful to look at!
Posted by: Jason Buschlen | February 25, 2008 at 07:49 PM
YEA!!! I am so excited. I knew you guys would come up with a toilet bowl cleaner.
Posted by: Lashay | February 28, 2008 at 09:50 AM
It's about time! I can't wait to try it!
Posted by: Kelli | February 28, 2008 at 09:50 AM
Is the lactic acid used in this product derived from animals... If it is, I consider it a step backward!
Posted by: Danny | February 28, 2008 at 09:53 AM
YAY!!! :-D It's what we've been waiting for!! :-)
Posted by: Lina | February 28, 2008 at 09:56 AM
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.
Posted by: Samantha | February 28, 2008 at 09:57 AM
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!!!!
Posted by: Kim Buca | February 28, 2008 at 10:00 AM
Yay! I've been waiting for both of these products for ages, glad you finally cracked that nut!
Posted by: kerry | February 28, 2008 at 10:01 AM
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!
Posted by: Lori4squaremom | February 28, 2008 at 10:02 AM
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!
Posted by: Kay | February 28, 2008 at 10:03 AM
I absolutely cannot wait to try this! I have been spreading the Method word, keep it coming!!!
Posted by: Marianne | February 28, 2008 at 10:05 AM
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!!
Posted by: Amanda | February 28, 2008 at 10:07 AM
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!!
Posted by: lizaanne | February 28, 2008 at 10:08 AM
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!!
=>
Posted by: Pamela | February 28, 2008 at 10:08 AM
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!!
Posted by: Michelle | February 28, 2008 at 10:12 AM
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.
Posted by: Elizabeth | February 28, 2008 at 10:13 AM
Finally!!! My life is complete. (well, my cleaning life at least.)
Posted by: rebecca | February 28, 2008 at 10:14 AM
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.
Posted by: Carol from Canada | February 28, 2008 at 10:17 AM
What is the source of the lactic acid? I hope it's not animal derived.
Posted by: Sara | February 28, 2008 at 10:19 AM
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!!
Posted by: Sandy B. | February 28, 2008 at 10:22 AM
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
Posted by: shannon | February 28, 2008 at 10:28 AM
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.
Posted by: Paul | February 28, 2008 at 10:29 AM
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!! :(
Posted by: amy | February 28, 2008 at 10:30 AM
when can this stuff be available in the Republic of Ireland?????
Please
Posted by: Will | February 28, 2008 at 10:30 AM