When it comes to green and sustainable cleaning, there are many options to choose from though two of the best are Method and Seventh Generation. But which product is the better choice in general?
What’s the Difference Between Method and Seventh Generation? When it comes to sustainability and cleaning power, these products are evenly matched, which means the biggest difference comes in their use–or the lack thereof–of synthetic dyes and fragrances.
But what do these products do? What are the main differences, and what products do these brands offer? In this article, we will try to answer all of these questions for you. Let’s get started!
Method
Method is an American company, based in Chicago, Illinois, that makes a variety of cleaners with sustainability and the environment in mind. Their products range from hand soap to dish soap to all purpose cleaners and everything in between–and everything they make is cruelty-free!
Method Product Offerings:
Method All Purpose Cleaner 
Method All Purpose Cleaner comes in 28 oz spray bottles which are made with 100% recycled plastic. The biodegradable, non-toxic, plant-based formula is cruelty free and safe for use on counters, glass, stone, wood, and tile.
There are many scent/color options to choose from, including…
- honeycrisp apple
- clementine
- french lavender
- ginger yuzu
- lime + sea salt
- pink grapefruit
- grapefruit
- lavender
Method All Purpose Cleaning Wipes
The Method All Purpose Cleaning Wipes come in a canister made with 70% recycled plastic and each of these canisters comes with 70 wipes. Each wipe is plant-based and compostable in municipal facilities, safe for use on counters, glass, stone, wood, and tile. They are even safe to use around pets and are cruelty free!
There are a few scent/color options with this product, including…
- lime + sea salt
- pink grapefruit
- french lavender
Method Glass Cleaner
Each bottle of Method Glass Cleaner is 28 oz and made from 100% recycled plastic. The plant-based and ammonia free formula gets rid of fingertips and other streaks, and dirt and dust from windows, mirrors, and other glass surfaces. It is made with a refreshing mint leaf fragrance.
Method Antibacterial Cleaners
Method offers two different antibacterial cleaners: an all-purpose one and another made specifically for the bathroom.
The Method Antibacterial all-purpose cleaner comes in 28 oz bottles and the biodegradable formula is made with citric acid, not bleach, and cleans and sanitizes in one go. It kills 99.9% of germs commonly found in the household and is designed for use on surfaces in your kitchen, such as sinks, countertops, garbage cans, door knobs, and even high chairs! It comes with a fresh citrus scent.
The Method Bathroom all-purpose cleaner comes in 28 oz bottles and the biodegradable formula is made with citric acid, not bleach, and cleans and sanitizes in one go. It kills 99.9% of germs commonly found in the household and is designed for use on surfaces in your bathroom, such as sinks, toilet seats, and bathtubs! It comes in a refreshing spearmint scent.
Method Bathroom Cleaning Line
Method offers many products to keep your bathroom clean and fresh, including a daily shower cleaner, a foaming tile cleaner, and a toilet bowl cleaner.
The Method Daily Shower Cleaner comes in a 28 oz bottle and the plant-based, biodegradable formula is designed for daily use on tubs, showers, glass, and tile. It will clean without needing to be rinsed and is scented with a fresh eucalyptus mint fragrance.
The Method Foaming Tub + Tile cleaner comes in a 28 oz bottle and the biodegradable, plant-based, and bleach-free formula is designed to take care of soap residue, mold and mildew stains, and other grime found in the bathroom. It also comes scented with eucalyptus mint.
The Method Antibacterial Toilet cleaner comes in a 24 oz bottle made from 100% recycled plastic. The non-toxic, biodegradable, and plant-based formula is designed to clean your toilet while leaving behind a fresh spearmint scent.
Method Floor Cleaners
Method offers floor cleaners as well!
The Method Wood Floor Cleaner comes in a 25 oz bottle that is made from 100% recycled plastic. Its almond scented, plant-based formula cleans and polishes in one go, with no rinsing needed and is safe for use on sealed hardwood and laminate floors.
The Method Hard Floor Cleaner comes in a 25 oz bottle that is made from 100% recycled plastic and its biodegradable, plant-based formula cleans and polishes in one go, with no rinsing needed. It is safe for use on tile, laminate, vinyl, and linoleum floors and comes in three different scents, including spearmint sage, lemon ginger, and ginger yuzu.
Method Specialty Surface Cleaners
Method also offers specialty surface cleaners to round out your cleaning and make sure every surface is clean and fresh!
We’ll start with Method’s surface polish, which comes in three varieties: granite, wood, and stainless steel. Each bottle is 14 oz and made from 100% recycled plastic and these formulas are all plant-based and biodegradable, designed to clean and shine all your surfaces. The granite and stainless steel polish are both apple orchard scented and the wood polish is almond scented.
The Method Daily Granite Cleaner comes in a 28 oz bottle made with 100% recycled plastic and its non toxic, plant-based, and biodegradable formula is designed for daily use. It boasts a streak-free clean on marble, granite, and other stone surfaces and is apple orchard scented.
The Method Daily Wood Cleaner comes in a 28 oz bottle made with 100% recycled plastic and is designed for daily use on even the most sensitive wooden surfaces. Its gentle, plant-based formula is safe for use on shelves, walls, tables, and more; and, like all Method wood cleaners, comes almond scented.
The Method Heavy Duty Degreaser comes in a 28 oz bottle made with 100% recycled plastic. Its plant-based formula is designed to cut through even the toughest of messes and stains in the kitchen and is safe for use on microwaves, range hoods, stove tops, and everything else in your kitchen! It leaves behind a fresh lemongrass scent.
Method Questions:
Is Method Environmentally Friendly?
Method is known for being environmentally friendly, with their plant-based formulas and bottles made from 100% recycled material.
Are Method Products Cruelty Free?
Yes, all Method Products are cruelty free.
Will Method Cleaners Damage Your Skin?
Method Cleaners will not damage your skin; they are plant-based, naturally sourced, and non-toxic.
Seventh Generation
Seventh Generation is an American company, based in Vermont, that works to create plant-based cleaners. They have 30 years experience in this field and have made it their mission to make the world a better place to live for the next seven generations.
Seventh Generation Cleaning Product Offerings:
Seventh Generation All Purpose Cleaner
The Seventh Generation All Purpose Cleaner comes in a 23 oz bottle made from 100% recycled plastic. Its biodegradable, all-natural formula is septic safe and designed to get rid of grime, dirt, and grease from every surface in your home.
Seventh Generation Disinfectant Spray Compressed Air
The Seventh Generation Disinfectant Spray comes in a 13.9 oz bottle and its naturally-sourced formula, made from essential oils, is non-flammable. It’s easy to use, too; just spray and leave to air dry! There’s no need to rinse or wipe the surface afterward. It leaves behind a crisp scent made up of eucalyptus, spearmint, and thyme.
Seventh Generation Disinfecting Multi-Surface Cleaner
The Seventh Generation Disinfecting Multi-Surface Cleaner comes in a 26 oz bottle and its plant-based formula is designed to clean and disinfect hard, non-porous surfaces in and out of your home, even daily. It is safe for use on food contact surfaces too; all you have to do is spray and let the surface air dry! No need to rinse or wipe down afterward.
Seventh Generation Toilet Bowl Cleaners
The Seventh Generation Toilet Bowl Cleaner comes in a 32 oz bottle. Its biodegradable and non-toxic formula is septic safe and designed to clean your toilet without leaving behind any harmful or unpleasant fumes and residue. It is scented with emerald cypress and fir.
Seventh Generation Zero Plastic Bathroom Powder
The Seventh Generation Zero Plastic Bathroom Powder comes in a container made of steel, which is easily recyclable and, in fact, the most recycled material in the world. Its biodegradable and water-activated mineral powder is designed to clean without leaving behind scratches and residue. It is safe for use on sinks, tubs, showers, and toilets and comes completely unscented!
Seventh Generation Cleaner All Purpose Free and Clear
The Seventh Generation All Purpose Free and Clear Cleaner comes in a 32 oz bottle and is cruelty free, bleach free, gluten free. Its plant based and biodegradable formula is designed to get rid of grime, dirt, and grease from every surface in your home. And the Free and Clear designation means that it is free from synthetic dyes and fragrances!
Seventh Generation Wood Cleaner
The Seventh Generation Wood Cleaner comes in a 23 oz bottle. Its biodegradable, plant-based formula, which is derived from essential oils, cleans and polishes wood in one spray and leaves behind a fresh lemon scent.
Seventh Generation Tub & Tile Cleaner
The Seventh Generation Tub & Tile Cleaner comes in a 26 oz bottle. Its biodegradable and plant-based formula is designed to get rid of and even prevent soap scum on surfaces in your bathroom. It is specifically treated to be used on stainless steel, satin nickel, acrylic, ceramic, porcelain, and fiberglass and is even septic safe.
Seventh Generation Multi-Surface Wipes
Each canister of the Seventh Generation Multi-Surface wipes contains 70 wipes. This biodegradable and plant-based formula is safe for use on just about every surface in your household–including kitchen counters and kids’ toys and it leaves behind a crisp garden mint scent.
Seventh Generation Hand Soap
Seventh Generation Hand Soap comes in 12 oz bottles and its gentle, hypoallergenic, plant-based formula was designed with sensitive skin in mind. However it is not antibacterial and will not kill germs. The soaps come unscented or in three scents: lavender flower and mint, mandarin orange and grapefruit, and fresh lemon and tea tree.
What Other Products Does Seventh Generation Sell?
Seventh Generation offers many other products, from laundry detergent to deodorant and everything in between. All are naturally sourced with you and the environment in mind.
Below is a list of laundry products offered by Seventh Generation:
- liquid detergent
- detergent tablets and packs
- powder detergent
- fabric softener in liquid and sheets
- chlorine free bleach
Here is a list of dishwashing products sold by Seventh Generation:
- dishwashing liquid in a variety of scents, as well as unscented
- dishwasher packs
- dishwasher gel
- dishwasher cleaner
- powder detergent
Below is a list of baby products sold by Seventh Generation:
- a variety of diapers in different sizes, from newborn to size 6, overnight diapers, and training pants
- cleansing baby wipes
Here is a list of period care products that Seventh Generation offers:
- organic tampons in light, regular, and super
- varieties of pads, including pantiliners, ultra thin, regular, and maxi
Below is a list of body wash & detergent products sold by Seventh Generation:
- fragrance free body wash
- purifying charcoal body wash
- deodorant in mountain morning, fresh citrus, and powder fresh scents, as well as an activated charcoal deodorant
Here is a list of paper products and trash bags offered by Seventh Generation, all made with 100% recycled materials:
- paper towels
- bathroom tissue
- facial tissue
- napkins
- trash bags
Seventh Generation also offers two other cleaners that we did not discuss in this article: a granite and stone cleaner as well as a glass cleaner. They, as always, are made with plant-based, biodegradable ingredients!
Seventh Generation Questions:
Is Seventh Generation Environmentally Friendly?
Yes, Seventh Generation is known for being environmentally friendly with their plant-based, biodegradable products.
Are Any Seventh Generation Products Toxic?
No cleaner or cleaning product is 100% non toxic but Seventh Generation makes sure to not use synthetic dyes and fragrances in their products, which means these products are gentle and well-suited for people with sensitive skin.
Will Seventh Generation Cleaners Damage Your Skin?
Seventh Generation Cleaners are made from all-natural ingredients, without synthetic dyes and fragrances, which means they will not damage your skin.
Are Seventh Generation Products Pet Friendly?
Seventh Generation Products are pet friendly and won’t harm your pet if they come into contact with these products.
Comparison Questions (Method vs Seventh Generation):
Is Method or Seventh Generation All Purpose Cleaner More Powerful?
Both Method and Seventh Generation All Purpose Cleaners perform about the same!
Which Provides the Better Floor Cleaning Options?
Method provides better floor cleaning options when compared to Seventh Generation because they have cleaners specifically designed to clean floors. Though, it should be noted that you can use certain Seventh Generation cleaners on your floors, such as the All Purpose Cleaner and the Multi Surface Cleaner; they just might not perform as well.
Are Method or Seventh Generation Products More Environmentally Friendly?
Both Method and Seventh Generation are just about equally matched in their sustainability and environmental friendliness.
Are Both Cruelty Free Against Animals?
Both Method and Seventh Generation are cruelty free against animals.
Is Method or Seventh Generation Safer for Your Skin?
Both Method and Seventh Generation are safe for your skin but Seventh Generation is safer, especially for sensitive skin, because they do not use synthetic dyes or fragrances, and Method does.
Which Brand Provides More Products?
Seventh Generation provides more products than Method, ranging from cleaning supplies to household items.
Is Method or Seventh Generation More Affordable in General?
Method and Seventh Generation products often cost about the same.
The Verdict – Which is the Better Cleaning Product?
Both Method and Seventh Generation are good cleaners and eco-friendly choices. They perform similarly for similar costs, both companies are cruelty free, and boast natural formulas which are gentle on sensitive skin.
But the main difference between these two brands is the fact that Method does use synthetic dyes and fragrances whereas Seventh Generation does not, which means that Method may not be as safe for sensitive skin as Seventh Generation. If that is important to you and you would prefer your cleaners be free of synthetics, you might want to choose Seventh Generation for your cleaning needs.
No matter what you choose, though, you can rest easy knowing both products deliver quick and powerful cleans without damaging the environment or harming your family.
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Jamie is the Founder of My Home Dwelling. He is a homeowner and enjoys sharing his homeowner tips with others. He has real estate experience working as a new home construction Realtor. Jamie has worked on numerous residential construction sites helping with interior and exterior renovations. He loves refinishing furniture, DIY home projects, and sharing his knowledge online.