So when I discovered  heir just released Real Simple Clean line of cleaning products, I couldn't wait to take them for a test drive. After all, who better to develop cleaners than the folks who know the best way to get blood and beets out of a t-shirt, make glass and mirrors gleam, and who no doubt, don't spend half their lives scrubbing pots and pans like we do.

In keeping with our modern day demands and ethos, the entire collection is made with plant-based formulas and essential oils. Free of caustics, chlorine dyes, formaldehyde, synthetic fragrances, parabens, phthalates, phosphates and triclosan, they're better for us, our kids, pets, the environment, and the things we're cleaning. Great. But sometimes "natural" cleaners aren't as effective as conventional ones. So how does the Real Simple Clean Collection stack up?

Take a look:

- Cooktop Cleaner

Upon moving a couple of years ago, I was thrilled to discover a ceramic cooktop - no more having to take the elements out and having to clean each one separately and continually line them with foil. Hallelujah. 

But while a ceramic cooktop starts out gleaming and looking all kinds of wonderful, just wait until you've used it awhile. God forbid something should boil over (I blame Netflix) - you'll be stuck with a permanent reminder.

After years of slow cooked stews and rushed stir-fried suppers, my stove was in desperate need of a cooktop revamp. Yet no matter how many different types of cleaners I used, nothing made it glisten like it used to.

Unlike previous powders, creams and sprays (I told you I tried everything to fix it), I didn't have to leave anything to set or sink in - just a quick spray and buff and the surface comes up super shiny. Pop the confetti. No smears or blotches, or need to rinse either (white creams are the worst, unless you want your stove to look like it's outlined in Liquid Paper). Scratch the confetti and pop the champagne.

Not only does it work (that forever baked on Thai green curry came off like a dream), my stove looks impeccably clean no matter how much I've been cooking. Which is usually a ton (Tonight's menu: Duck with Balsamic Reduction, Pesto Potatoes, Grilled Asparagus Drizzled with Pumpkin Seed Oil, and Honeyed Carrots).

It helps protect it, too. Which is very important. Especially after Coq au Vin Catastrophe of Winter '16.

p.s. While there's a slight "citrus" scent, it's not as citrusy as you might think. I find all cooktop cleaners have a kind of flat aroma to them, including this one. But it's not unpleasant, unlike the popular brand name that leaves your stovetop smelling like herring.

- Granite Countertop Rejuvenator

Not one of the many household cleaners cluttered under my kitchen sink is safe to use on my granite countertops. I know because I've checked and double checked. They explicitly warn: not be used on granite or other porous surfaces.

What's a girl to do?

You can try and find one at your local mall, though you'll likely pay through the nose (personally I'd always rather have a bottle of wine or burger for that price). Or you could go and make a special trip for it. Because your schedule isn't jam-packed at all.

What I've done in between finding the correct cleaner: spraying my counters down with water sometimes,  but mostly gasp! - glass cleaner. l know, it's just as harmful if not more so, than using an eco cleaner, but company was coming and I panicked.

So imagine my immense relief when I discovered Real Simple Clean Granite Countertop Rejuvenator. Now I clean them with abandon (which let's face it, is how I almost always clean, but it now includes my granite for the first time in forever).

I've never been in love with the colour of my countertops (they came with the house), but I have to say, they've never looked this good. A couple more goes, and I might just come to love them after all.

And the fresh citrus scent? Lovely, not too cloying at all.

Real Simple Clean Washing Machine Cleaner is unlike any other I've ever used. No need to dedicate and run an entire separate cycle for just cleaning and rinsing. Just spray inside the machine and let sit for 30 minutes. Toss in your laundry and go. Natural enzymes fight mold, mildew and the odours they produce.

And the blend of Bergamot, Citronella, Ginger Root, Lemon Peel, and Rosemary essential oils ensure the machine - and your laundry - smell great.

Ahhhhh....

**The only time I wasn't able to save an item: I was sat on the patio while critiquing a restaurant. A gust of wind came along  and dumped a whole bottle of Marques De Riscal Rioja Reserva across my chest and lap. I had worn a new dress for the first time. One that I'd lusted after for three seasons and then found it ridiculously on sale. I was soaked collarbone-to-peep-toe. The dress was ruined despite repeated attempts by the most admirable dry cleaners. The restaurant? Closed four months later (I told you the shrimp was overcooked and the lamb mealy).

Note: This is also an odour treatment, but I haven't had cause to use it yet. Check back in six months. I may have another pet by then.