Green cleaning has become increasingly popular in recent years as more people look for effective, non-toxic ways to keep their homes clean. Two of the most well-known brands in this space are Force of Nature and Branch Basics.
But what exactly sets these plant-powered cleaners apart? This article will dive into a detailed comparison of Force of Nature and Branch Basics, looking at their ingredients, product lines, performance, sustainability, and more.
A Brief Comparison Table Of Force Of Nature And Branch Basics:
| Features | Force of Nature | Branch Basics |
| Active Ingredient | Caprylic acid from coconut oil | Proprietary blend of mineral salts |
| Format | Self-contained pods | Concentrates to mix with water |
| Product Range | Multi-surface cleaner | Multi-surface, glass, hand soap, oxygen boost, dish soap |
| Startup Cost | $70-$100 for starter kit | $25 for initial concentrates |
| Ongoing Cost | $15-$20 for 6-8 pod refills | $40 per 32oz concentrate |
| Ease of Use | Insert pod, fill bottle, twist cap to activate | Must measure and mix concentrates each time |
| Sustainability | Reusable bottle, recyclable pods | Reusable bottles, recyclable packaging |
Overview Of Force Of Nature And Branch Basics
Force of Nature and Branch Basics take different approaches to creating natural cleaning solutions, but they share a common goal of providing effective alternatives to conventional cleaners that contain harsh chemicals.
Force of Nature was founded in 2012 in Boston, MA. Their products utilize a proprietary caprylic acid formula derived from coconut oil. This active ingredient is amplified by water and electricity to create an all-natural, yet potent cleaning solution. Force of Nature offers a starter kit with an activator cap and reusable bottle, plus capsules with the active ingredient that are dissolved in water. It’s pitched as a simple, fuss-free way to make a multi-surface cleaner on demand.
Branch Basics was founded in 2013 in San Diego, CA. Their products are centered around a mineral salt concentrate blended with purified water, botanical extracts, and essential oils. Branch Basics aims to be completely non-toxic, biodegradable, and cruelty-free. They sell various mineral concentrate blends that can be diluted with water at home to make all-purpose cleaners, glass cleaner, foaming hand soap, and more.
Now let’s do a detailed comparison across some key factors:
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Force Of Nature And Branch Basics: In-Depth Comparison Of Key Features
Active Ingredients
The main active ingredients in these two brands are quite different:
Force of Nature: Uses caprylic acid from coconut oil as the cleaning agent. Caprylic acid is considered gentle, non-toxic, and naturally antibacterial. At the same time, it can dissolve grease, dirt, and grime.
Branch Basics: Relies on a proprietary blend of mineral salts as the cleaning agent, mainly sodium carbonate and sodium citrate. These mineral salts have water softening abilities to help soak up grease and residue. Branch Basics does not disclose the exact formula.
So, in both cases, the active ingredient is plant-derived and aims to break down and remove dirt and grease without harsh chemicals. However, Force of Nature utilizes a single active ingredient, while Branch Basics uses a blend of mineral salts.
Product Lines
Both brands offer versatile multi-surface cleaners, but Branch Basics has a wider range of cleaning products:
Force of Nature: Their starter kit is designed to make multi-surface cleaner only. They sell additional capped bottles of the active ingredient to make more cleaner as needed. Recently added a hand soap capsule.
Branch Basics: Offers multi-surface concentrate, glass concentrate, hand soap concentrate, oxygen boost concentrate (for laundry and stains), and dish soap concentrate. So, they cover more cleaning needs for the whole home.
In terms of format, Force of Nature requires activator caps and proprietary bottles, while Branch Basics uses simple reusable glass bottles with screw tops so you can reuse any container.
Performance
How do these two cleaners stack up when it comes to actual cleaning efficacy?
Force of Nature: Credits its caprylic acid formula for strong cleansing action. Many customer reviews praise its ability to tackle grease, soap scum, pet stains, and other tough grime. Its strong oxidation potential can sanitize surfaces.
Branch Basics: Also receives positive feedback on its cleaning power. The mineral salts work to dissolve residue on multiple surfaces. With different concentrates, it can be diluted for lighter or tougher jobs. Oxygen Boost adds in baking soda for deodorizing.
Most reviewers indicate both Force of Nature and Branch Basics are effective daily cleaners for kitchens, bathrooms, floors, and other areas when used as directed. They may be less suited for heavy-duty industrial cleaning.
Ease of Use
In terms of convenience, there are some clear differences:
Force of Nature: Aiming for simplicity, their system only requires you to insert a capsule, fill the bottle with water, twist to activate, and spray. No measuring or mixing needed. The activator cap breaks the capsule.
Branch Basics: Requires a bit more prep work. You need to dilute the concentrates into spray bottles following specific ratios, which must be done each time. The concentrates come as powders so you have to mix and shake them up.
Force of Nature comes across as simpler and quicker to make on demand, while Branch Basics may appeal more to those who don’t mind the extra steps for a wider range of cleaning options.
Cost
Here is an overview of the costs for these green cleaners:
Force of Nature Starter Kit: $70-$100 for an activator cap, reusable bottle, and 2 cleaner capsules. Refill packs of 6-8 capsules cost $15-$20.
Branch Basics Starter Set: Around $25 for 16oz each of glass, multi-surface, and oxygen boost concentrates. The large 32oz sizes of concentrates run $40 each.
Force of Nature carries a higher upfront cost for the kit/bottle system but cheaper refills. Branch Basics has lower startup costs but the larger bottles represent better value over time.
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Sustainability
Both of these brands aim to be eco-friendly with their ingredients and packaging:
- Force of Nature’s formula uses renewable coconut-derived caprylic acid. Their bottles are reusable and capsules recyclable.
- Branch Basics uses biodegradable mineral salts and plant extracts. Their bottles are reusable and packaging recyclable.
Neither brand tests on animals. Force of Nature manufactures in the USA while Branch Basics produces in the USA and internationally.
Overall, they strive for sustainability throughout their supply chain and cleaning chemistry.
Safety
A major appeal of green cleaners is minimizing exposure to harmful chemicals:
- Force of Nature is Hypoallergenic Certified and their solution does not require hazardous ingredient labeling. It emits no harsh fumes.
- Branch Basics is certified Made Safe Non-Toxic and all ingredients are listed online. Their products are biodegradable and Greywater safe.
While using basic precautions when handling any cleaner, both Force of Nature and Branch Basics are designed to be safe, non-toxic choices for home use.
Additional Pros And Cons Of Force Of Nature And Branch Basics
Force of Nature Pros
- Effective at eliminating tough grease, soap scum, etc.
- Simple pod system for making cleaner
- Dual-chamber bottle keeps ingredients stable
Force of Nature Cons
- Limited to only multi-surface cleaner
- Higher initial starter kit cost
- Produces some plastic waste
Branch Basics Pros
- Wide range of plant-based concentrates
- Lower startup cost with reusable bottles
- Non-toxic and biodegradable
Branch Basics Cons
- Requires more preparation and mixing
- Can leave mineral residue on glass
- Smaller community than more mainstream brands
Let’s watch what people are talking about it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The main differences are the active ingredients (caprylic acid Vs. mineral salts), format (pods Vs. concentrates), product range (all-purpose cleaner Vs. multiple solutions), and startup costs. Both provide effective natural cleaning.
No, they are different brands. However, Dr. Bronner’s is a certified organic soap brand that also uses plant-based ingredients. Branch Basics focuses specifically on household cleaners.
No, it contains sodium carbonate, sodium citrate, and other mineral salts in addition to baking soda. The formula is designed to help remove stains and brighten laundry.
This depends on personal preference. Grove Co is a retailer that curates various eco-friendly brands. Branch Basics can only be purchased directly. Grove offers convenience while Branch Basics offers customization. The cleaning effectiveness of Grove products Vs. Branch Basics depends on the specific item.
Also Read: Comparison Between Branch Basics And Molly Suds Green Laundry Detergent.
The Verdict: Force Of Nature Or Branch Basics?
For an effective, fuss-free natural cleaner, Force of Nature is a great simplified option. The starter kit offers excellent value for an all-in-one system.
For a fully customizable natural cleaning kit, Branch Basics is perfect for the DIYer who doesn’t mind mixing up reusable bottles. The variety of concentrates can replace almost any conventional cleaner.
Both Force of Nature and Branch Basics allow you to skip the toxic chemicals without sacrificing results.
Ultimately it comes down to convenience Vs. customization and your specific cleaning needs. Try out these two-leading plant-based brands to find your best green cleaning solution!
