Spring cleaning goes green with Ballard Organics

About this time of year I get the itch to do some major spring cleaning. There's nothing better than throwing open the windows to let in a little fresh air and getting down to some serious scrubbing.

Luckily, major cleaning doesn't have to mean sending major chemicals down the drain. Thanks to local company Ballard Organics Soap Company, there's a certified organic, concentrated all-purpose liquid soap ($5.45 for 8 ounces) on the market that makes mopping the floor safe again.

Made from biodegradable castile soap and available in eight scents (lavender, lemongrass, orange, peppermint, grapefruit, tangerine, tea tree and unscented), this versatile liquid soap is meant to be diluted for cleaning the house and the dishes. It's strong enough for the tough stuff, yet gentle enough that, when diluted even more, it can be used on your face or body.

Owner Ben Busby-Collins started Ballard Organics three years ago after he realized that his soap-making hobby was actually his passion. In addition to liquid soap, he offers a line of bar soaps in 17 scents, including a shaving soap made with French clay and essential pine and myrrh oils, and Über Moist, an unscented moisturizing soap perfect for sensitive skin ($3.95 boxed, $3.45 unboxed).

Also available is a line of shea-butter-based lotions, which come in seven scents, including a calming aromatherapy blend and single notes like grapefruit and vanilla ($12). The products are available at the Ballard Organics factory/store in the University District (right below Cedars Restaurant on Brooklyn), and at a variety of local stores, including PCC Natural Markets.

According to Busby-Collins, Ballard Organics is the only local soap manufacturer that's certified organic by the Washington State Department of Agriculture. So I can be confident that using this soap is as good for the environment as it is for my skin.

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