Let’s face it, few of us get excited about cleaning.
However, unless you are lucky enough to have a full-time staff, you probably have to roll up your sleeves and fight the dirt at least occasionally. So until your ship comes in, here are 4 great American companies who can make your chores more patriotic, if not more enjoyable!
F. A. Seeds’ Company – Manufactured in Atlanta, GA*
What does your home have in common with the White House and Winterthur Museum? Odds are not much unless you are using F. A. Seeds’ products.
Founded in 1883 by cabinetmaker Frank A. Seeds of Covington, Kentucky, F. A. Seeds’ Company is best known for its first product – Wood Dressing. Although, the company was purchased about 20 years ago, the formulas for the Dressing and Seeds’ other acclaimed products have remained the same.
Treat your manse to F. A. Seeds. They have combined complimentary formulas into kits for convenient purchase – (left) Parlor Maid’s Helper for $39.95 contains Wood Dressing, Caranauba & Beeswax Polish, Silver Polish, Copper and Brass Polish; Silver Vault for $37.50 contains 2 bottles silver polish, silver polishing cloth, anti tarnish strips (6) 3” Strips, 2 pairs cotton polishing gloves; and the Chefs Cookware and Cutlery Kit for $39.95 contains Decarbonizer & Degreaser, Wood Dressing, Copper and Brass, Stainless Steel, Chrome and Tin. (Formulas also available individually for $10/bottle.)
Visit faseeds.com.
*Not all but “the vast majority of F. A. Seeds’ products are proudly made in America.” Please note exceptions and if you are unsure, shoot them an email and ask! It will show that Made in the USA matters to you.
The Laundress - Made in US*
For a more fashionable home try cleaning with The Laundress.
Lindsey Boyd and Gwen Whiting, veterans of the fashion world, began the company in an effort to find a greener (both environmentally and financially) way to get and keep their clothes clean.
Today The Laundress offers a complete line of non-toxic, biodegradable and allergen-free laundry detergents, as well as a variety of specialty fabric care solutions that virtually eliminate the need for dry cleaning. This is not only a boon for your wallet and the ozone layer, it also guarantees that your cashmere sweaters, wool pants and other specialty fibers will last longer. (The chemicals used to dry clean fabrics actually break down threads and discolor fabrics.)
You may want to start by trying the Signature Detergent (bottom row, left), 32 oz for $20.50. If that sounds like a lot of money for detergent don’t forget it is 3x concentrated and should do at least 32 loads. The Laundress also has specially formulated detergents for those who are a bit more particular about their laundry. If this describes you, they have detergents specially formulated for white clothing, dark clothing, delicate clothing, baby clothing (bottom row, second from left) or swimwear (bottom row, second from right). Why not give one a spin?
And because even the most refined among us get the occasional stain, The Laundress offers Stain Solution (bottom row, right) 16 oz. for $18.00.
The green, clean revolution these two women started in the laundry room has now spread throughout the rest of the home. They make an array of household cleaning products that meet the same high standards they established for their laundry goods. You might want to try Scented Vinegar (top row, left) 2 oz for $6.00; Glass and Mirror Cleaner (top row, second from left) 16 oz for $12.00; Dish Detergent (top row, middle) 16 oz for $15.00 and formulated for both doing dishes in the sink and use in the dishwasher – a simply great idea!; Scrub Brush (bottom row, middle) $15/each; Kitchen Soap Bar (top row, second from right) $8.00/bar and formulated to clean hands, remove odors and moisturize; or All-Purpose Bleach Alternative (bottom row, right) 16 oz for $12.00 and safe for use around the house and with laundry (minus silk and wool).
Visit www.thelaundress.com.
*Most products (including all cleaners) are made in US. Other products like brushes are not 100% US-made. They are noted when they are.
Pinnacle Wax – Manufactured in Florida
Whether you push your car to the limit, baby it or just use it to get from A to B, it needs TLC.
Pinnacle is serious about making the best products for professional detailers and serious car enthusiasts. Fortunately, they are also available to the rest of us. If you think I am kidding about them being serious, then check this out: they have a library of how-tos and videos on their website that show you how to use their products correctly. (I admit it. I am intimidated.)
The ingredient that sets Pinnacle products apart is No. 1 yellow carnauba wax. This is the finest wax available and will give your car that coveted wet-look. So why not be the envy of all your friends? 8 oz of Pinnacle Signature Series II Carnauba Paste Wax (left) is $49.99 and will yield at least 25 applications.
You cannot have a shiny car and dingy tires. Pinnacle’s Black Onyx Tire Gel (second from left, $24.99 including the applicator) not only cosmetically enhances your tires, its hydrating formula is designed to actually add life to them. Get this, Pinnacle says the shine from one application will last 2-3 weeks.
Don’t worry. Pinnacle has not forgotten the inside of your car. If you have leather upholstery, you will want to try the Leather Combo (second from right, $49.99 for both bottles). It contains a bottle each of cleaner and conditioner. The first to remove oils and stains. The second to treat the leather so it will not stain as easily in the future. You will also love Pinnacle’s Vinyl & Rubber Protectant (right, $24.99/bottle). It is for the protection of your dashboard and interior surfaces and is designed to ward off the fading and cracking that result from UV rays. (Wonder if it works on faces? Only kidding but it is petroleum-free.)
Visit www.pinnaclewax.com.
The Fuller Brush Company – Manufactured in US*
Many of us have heard of the Fuller Brush Man but I am guessing few of us have had him stop by our house (or frankly would want him to).
That said, The Fuller Brush Company has been making high quality products since 1906, many of which are still made in the US according to Mr. Fuller’s 3 guiding principles – “Make it work. Make it last. Guarantee it no matter what.”
Fuller makes it easy to find floor cleaning tools that are not better traveled than you. Check out their wet mop (top row, left) for $22.99 and replacement mop heads for $11.99; household broom (top row, second from left) for $20.99; clip-on dustpan (top row, center) for $6.49; and Shake Down carpet powder (bottom row, middle) used to eliminate tough odors for $7.49.
For those even less glamorous chores, try Stanley Oven Cleaner (bottom row, left) for $11.99; pot scrubbing brush (bottom row, second from left) for $9.99; toilet bowl swab and extra-strength cleaner (bottom row, second from right) for $18.99; and Tub & Shower E-Z Scrubber for $23.99 and replacement scrubber heads for $13.99.
Fuller also has products to keep the outside of your home neat – 18″ indoor/outdoor reversible broom (top row, second from right) for $38.99 and replacement broom heads for $26.99 and bbq brush and grill cleaner (top row, right) for $11.99 (current special price).
Visit www.fuller.com.
*Some of The Fuller Brush Company’s products are made outside the US. The US-made products are clearly marked on their website.
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Hope you find some new favorites among these American-made necessities.
Please do not hesitate to share your thoughts, reviews or suggestions.
