(Source: Nature Clean®)

You may be wondering how Nature Clean® came to be, how we started with natural and environmentally-friendly products, and most importantly, where we get the enthusiasm from making these products. The truth is… we didn’t just jump into the bandwagon thinking that it was going to make us millions of dollars. It wasn’t even about business. It’s tradition. In fact, the early 1960s is when an already wonderful love story would blossom. The result? Nature Clean®!

(Source: Wondercafe)

Bernie Ross Sr, founder of Nature Clean®, was not what the majority of people would define as a typical romantic. However, his Navy uniform did make him stunningly good-looking. After the Second World War, this officer returned home to Vancouver, where he met a young woman named Genevieve Rushton.

The saying ‘love at first sight’ was a defining statement of their relationship as Genevieve instantly fell head over heels for the handsome officer. This would be the defining start of their blossoming romance. Although neither of the lovebirds knew at the time, their relationship would ultimately develop into a very long marriage. The couple ended up moving east to Toronto with their 5 children.

Taking over the business…

Since returning from the war, Bernie had taken the reigns of his father’s business which was a sales agency representing numerous consumer products. After taking up the business, Bernie figured that he would test the waters early on and try to produce various products of his own. Seeking the help of a friend who was also a chemist, he began to invent new formulas for things like household paints and glues. Before you think we’re going off-topic, trust us and stay tuned!

The Beginning

In the early 1960s Genevieve, or should we say Mrs. Ross, began to experience severe allergic reactions to both dish washing liquids and hair shampoos. A worried husband, desperate to fix his wife’s troubles, began researching the types of formulas traditionally used to make both products. It came as a shock to Bernie that virtually all of the companies at the time were using a form of Formaldehyde – an irritant and carcinogen – as their main preservative. At that point, Bernie was determined to create safer, healthier and more natural products for the sake of his beloved. He avoided dyes, synthetic perfumes, phosphates, and harsh preserving agents in all of his formulas.

(Source: Nature Clean®)

After using her husband’s new and healthier products, Genevieve’s allergies faded away quickly. Did Bernie’s formulas really work or was it just the notion of love that caused Genevieve’s allergies to magically disappear? We’ll leave that for you to answer! The Ross’ decided to share the good news with their family and friends and gave out bottles of dish soap and shampoos, only to be hit with positive feedback and compliments. Bernie’s products began to gain greater exposure at that point in time, from local shop owners, family and friends. And as you might have already guessed, Nature Clean® was born!

Bernie's passion – and not to mention his love for Mrs. Ross – for creating healthier alternatives for the products we use on our bodies and in our homes everyday has since been carried on by the later generations of Ross'. Today, Nature Clean® continues to build on its original purpose of being the safest and healthiest choice one can make!