ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

A mother concerned about the high level of chemicals in cleaning agents has launched her own brand of bleach-free, non-caustic products.

Helen Kirkham from Norwich in the UK is hoping her Mrs Gleam range of products will eventually become a household name.

Kirkham, who has four children and a background working in call centres, launched the range after being made redundant. She found herself becoming increasingly frustrated at the level and strength of the chemical content of cleaning products she was using in the home.

"I thought there must be a better way to do it and that there had to be some other products that don't contain harsh chemicals," she said. "I don't have a background in chemistry or cleaning, but I was so passionate about what I wanted that somehow I have managed it."

Kirkham gained support from a local chemical company and the Norfolk Knowledge Innovation Panel at the University of East Anglia.

The Mrs Gleam range of products now includes a kitchen cleaner claimed to kill 99.9 per cent of bacteria within 30 seconds; a bathroom cleaner; a stainless steel cleaner and a stain remover for carpet and upholstery. All four products are said to be environmentally-friendly, bleach-free and non caustic and the retro packaging features a woman dressed as a 1950s housewife.

The project is being jointly funded by Kirkham and her business partner Joe Smith. "I'm absolutely thrilled with the range," said Kirkham. "The aim is to turn Mrs Gleam into a household name."