Are you tired of using harsh chemicals to clean your home?
I know I was.
That’s why I decided to explore some natural cleaning alternatives. In this article, I will talk about two popular options: Branch Basics and Thieves cleaner. I’ll compare their ingredients, effectiveness, and overall value to help you determine which one might be the best fit for your cleaning needs.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of the pros and cons of each product and be able to make an informed decision about which one to try.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Branch Basics | Thieves Cleaner |
| Ingredients | Plant-based, non-toxic | Essential oils, plant-based |
| Concentration | Concentrated, requires dilution | Concentrated, requires dilution |
| Versatility | Multi-purpose, can be used for various surfaces | Multi-purpose, can be used for various surfaces |
| Scent | Unscented | Cinnamon, clove, lemon, eucalyptus, rosemary |
| Price | $49 for a starter kit | $28.95 for a 14.4 oz bottle |
| Ease of Use | Requires mixing with water | Ready to use after dilution |
| Effectiveness | Effective on most surfaces | Effective on most surfaces |
| Environmental Impact | Biodegradable, eco-friendly | Biodegradable, eco-friendly |
Key Differences Between Branch Basics And Thieves Cleaners
Ingredients
One of the key differences between Branch Basics and Thieves cleaner lies in their ingredients. While both products use natural, plant-based ingredients, they have distinct formulations.
Branch Basics cleaning concentrate contains only six ingredients:
- Purified water
- Coco glucoside (a coconut-based surfactant)
- Chamomile flower extract
- Decyl glucoside (a plant-based surfactant)
- Sodium citrate (a pH regulator)
- Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)
These ingredients are all non-toxic, biodegradable, and free from harmful chemicals, making Branch
Thieves cleaner, on the other hand, relies on a blend of essential oils for its cleaning power. The main ingredients include:
- Cinnamon bark oil
- Clove oil
- Lemon oil
- Eucalyptus oil
- Rosemary oil
These essential oils not only provide a distinctive scent but also have natural cleansing properties. However, some people may find the scent of Thieves cleaner to be too strong, especially if they are sensitive to essential oils.
- Concentration and Dilution
Another key difference between Branch Basics and Thieves cleaner is their concentration and dilution process.
Branch Basics comes as a concentrated formula that needs to be diluted with water before use.
The recommended dilution ratio varies depending on the cleaning task at hand.
For example, for an all-purpose cleaner, you would mix 1 tablespoon of the concentrate with 24 ounces of water.
This concentration means that a single bottle of Branch Basics concentrate lasts a long time, as you only need a small amount for each use.
However, it also means that you need to take the extra step of mixing
Thieves cleaner also comes in a concentrated form, but the dilution process is slightly different.
The recommended dilution ratio is 1 capful of the concentrate per 2-3 cups of water. After diluting, the cleaner is ready to use without any additional mixing required.
While this makes Thieves cleaner slightly more convenient to use, it also means that you will go through the concentrate more quickly compared to Branch Basics.
- Scent
The scent of a cleaning product can be a make-or-break factor for many people. Branch Basics and Thieves cleaner have distinctly different scent profiles.
Branch Basics is completely unscented, which makes it an excellent choice for those who are sensitive to fragrances or prefer a neutral-smelling cleaner. The lack of scent also means that it won’t interfere with any other scents in your home, such as essential oils or air fresheners.
Thieves cleaner, as mentioned earlier, has a distinct scent due to its blend of essential oils. The combination of cinnamon, clove, lemon, eucalyptus, and rosemary creates a warm, spicy, and slightly medicinal aroma.
Some people find this scent invigorating and enjoyable, while others may find it too strong or overwhelming.
- Effectiveness
Both Branch Basics and Thieves cleaner are effective at cleaning various surfaces, but there are some slight differences in their performance.
Branch Basics performs well on most surfaces, easily cutting through grease, grime, and everyday messes. It leaves surfaces clean and streak-free without any residue.
However, for tougher stains or heavily soiled areas, you may need to let the cleaner sit for a bit longer or use a little extra scrubbing power.
Thieves cleaner is also effective at tackling various cleaning tasks, from wiping down countertops to cleaning floors and bathroom surfaces. The essential oils in the formula help to break down grime and leave surfaces sparkling clean.
Some users find that Thieves cleaner has a slight edge over Branch Basics when it comes to tougher messes, as the essential oils can help to dissolve stubborn stains.
- Price
Price is always a consideration when choosing a cleaning product. Let’s compare the cost of Branch Basics and Thieves cleaner.
Branch Basics has a higher upfront cost, with a starter kit priced at $49. This kit includes the cleaning concentrate and three empty spray bottles.
While this may seem expensive initially, keep in mind that the concentrate lasts a long time due to its high dilution ratio. In the long run, Branch Basics can be more cost-effective than constantly purchasing new cleaning products.
Thieves cleaner has a lower upfront cost, with a 14.4 oz bottle of concentrate priced at $28.95. This makes it more affordable for those who want to try a natural cleaner without investing in a larger starter kit.
However, because the dilution ratio is lower, you will go through the concentrate more quickly, which may make it less cost-effective in the long run.
Branch Basics: A Closer Look
When I first heard about Branch Basics, I was intrigued by their commitment to using only non-toxic, plant-based ingredients.
The company was founded by three women who were passionate about creating a safe and effective cleaning solution for their families.
They developed a concentrated formula that can be diluted to create different cleaning products, such as an all-purpose cleaner, bathroom cleaner, and glass cleaner.
One of the things I love about Branch Basics is its versatility.
With just one concentrate, you can tackle multiple cleaning tasks throughout your home. This not only saves space in your cleaning cabinet but also reduces waste from purchasing multiple products.
The ingredients in Branch Basics are simple and straightforward. The concentrate contains only six ingredients: purified water, coco glucoside (a coconut-based surfactant), chamomile flower extract, decyl glucoside (a plant-based surfactant), sodium citrate (a pH regulator), and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda).
These ingredients are all-natural and biodegradable, making Branch Basics a great choice for those who are environmentally conscious.
When it comes to effectiveness, I’ve found that Branch Basics performs well on most surfaces. It easily cuts through grease and grime, leaving my kitchen and bathroom sparkling clean. However, for tougher stains or heavily soiled areas, I sometimes need to let the cleaner sit for a bit longer or use a little extra elbow grease.
One potential drawback of Branch Basics is the price. A starter kit, which includes the concentrate and three empty spray bottles, costs $49.
While this may seem steep upfront, keep in mind that the concentrate lasts a long time since you only need a small amount for each use. In the long run, it can be more cost-effective than constantly purchasing new cleaning products.
Thieves Cleaner: A Natural Alternative
Thieves cleaner, on the other hand, is a product by Young Living Essential Oils. It’s named after the legendary thieves who used a blend of essential oils to protect themselves from the plague while robbing the dead and dying.
While that story may be a bit morbid, the cleaner itself is a popular choice among those who prefer natural cleaning products.
Like Branch Basics, Thieves cleaner is a concentrated formula that needs to be diluted before use. It contains a blend of essential oils, including cinnamon, clove, lemon, eucalyptus, and rosemary. These oils not only provide a pleasant scent but also have natural cleansing properties.
One advantage of Thieves cleaner is that it’s ready to use after dilution. You don’t need to mix it with any additional ingredients, which can save time and effort. It’s also effective at cutting through grime and leaving surfaces clean and shiny.
However, some people may find the scent of Thieves cleaner to be a bit strong, especially if they’re sensitive to essential oils. While the blend of oils is invigorating and refreshing to some, others may find it overpowering.
Price-wise, Thieves cleaner is more affordable than Branch Basics upfront. A 14.4 oz bottle of the concentrate costs $28.95. However, keep in mind that you’ll go through the bottle more quickly since you need to use more of the concentrate per use compared to Branch Basics.
Also Read: Comparison of Tide And Cheer Laundry Detergents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Thieves cleaner is a popular choice among those who prefer natural cleaning products. Its blend of essential oils not only provides a pleasant scent but also has natural cleansing properties. Many people find it effective at cutting through grime and leaving surfaces clean and shiny. However, some may find the scent to be too strong, especially if they’re sensitive to essential oils.
There are several other natural cleaning concentrates on the market that are comparable to Branch Basics. Some options include Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds, Aunt Fannie’s Cleaning Vinegar, and Puracy Natural Multi-Surface Cleaner Concentrate. Each of these products has its own unique ingredients and features, so it’s worth researching to find the one that best fits your needs.
While both Branch Basics and Dr. Bronner’s offer natural cleaning solutions, they are not the same product. Dr. Bronner’s is known for their castile soap, which can be used for a variety of purposes, including cleaning. They also offer a product called Sal Suds, which is a concentrated all-purpose cleaner. Branch Basics, on the other hand, is specifically designed as a cleaning concentrate and doesn’t have the same multi-use capabilities as Dr. Bronner’s castile soap.
Yes, Branch Basics is truly non-toxic. Their cleaning concentrate contains only six ingredients, all of which are plant-based and biodegradable. They are transparent about their ingredients and committed to using only safe, natural substances in their products. You can feel good about using Branch Basics in your home, knowing that it won’t expose you or your family to harsh chemicals.
Wrapping Up
In the end, the choice between Branch Basics and Thieves cleaner comes down to your personal preferences and cleaning needs. If you prioritize non-toxic, unscented products and don’t mind the higher upfront cost, Branch Basics may be the way to go.
On the other hand, if you enjoy the scent of essential oils and want a ready-to-use cleaner at a lower price point, Thieves cleaner could be a good fit.
Regardless of which one you choose, you can feel good about using a natural cleaning product in your home. Both Branch Basics and Thieves cleaner offer effective cleaning power without the use of harsh chemicals, making them a great choice for those looking to create a healthier, more eco-friendly living space.
So, why not give one of these natural cleaners a try? Your home (and your family) will thank you!
Jeffery Carlson
I am Jeffery L. Carlson and you know the drill! I write for you and if you interact with me, please feel free to comment on any post you like!
