Want to support Canadian businesses without completely changing the way you shop?

Your cleaning cupboard is a surprisingly easy place to start.

There are Canadian companies making everything from multi-purpose cleaners and laundry products to disinfectants, and some are producing them right here in Ontario. I went looking for options that are Canadian-made, Canadian-owned or independently operated, with a preference for businesses close to Southwestern Ontario.

Here are a few worth checking out.

🧽 EnviroNize - London, Ontario

If you're looking for the most local option on this list, start here.

EnviroNize is based at 505 Bathurst Street in London and produces Canadian-made cleaning and disinfecting products using hypochlorous acid (HOCl). Its household lineup includes multi-purpose disinfectant, all-purpose cleaner and degreaser, bathroom cleaning products and laundry products. (Environize)

One of the easiest ways to try the brand is its Household Sanitizer Clean Pack, currently listed at $27. EnviroNize offers local delivery within London and free local pickup from its Bathurst Street location. (EnviroNize)

Where to buy: Directly from EnviroNize

📍 505 Bathurst Street, London

Why I like it: You're not just buying Canadian. You're buying from a company making the product right here in London.

🍋 Mother of Invention - Ontario

Mother of Invention is a mother-and-daughter-founded, family-based Ontario business focused on natural, biodegradable and plant-based cleaning products. The company makes everything from multi-purpose cleaner and stain remover to laundry detergent and leather cleaner. (Mother of Invention)

Their multi-purpose cleaner is made in Canada using plant-based ingredients and is designed for everything from countertops and cabinets to floors, appliances and even car interiors. (Mother of Invention)

They also offer a concentrated version that you mix with water at home, reducing the amount of packaging you're buying and shipping. (Mother of Invention)

Where to buy: Mother of Invention

Their website currently offers online ordering, with free shipping on orders over $99. (Mother of Invention)

Why I like it: It's a genuinely independent family business, and the products are made in Canada.

🌿 Elva's All Naturals - Ontario

If natural and low-waste products are important to you, Elva's All Naturals is another Canadian company worth checking out.

The company produces its products in Ontario in small batches and focuses on refillable, low-waste packaging and plant-based ingredients. Its lineup includes cleaning and home-care products alongside personal-care products. (Elva's All Naturals)

It's not as local to London as EnviroNize, but it's a good example of an Ontario business taking a different approach to household products.

Where to buy: Elva's All Naturals

They also have retailers across Ontario, including The Refill Bar in Guelph, Good Neighbour Refills in Northern Bruce Peninsula, and several retailers in Prince Edward County. The company recommends contacting retailers ahead of time to confirm inventory. (Elva's All Naturals)

Why I like it: Canadian-made, Ontario-based and focused on low-waste products.

🧼 Nature Clean - Easy to Find Across Canada

If you want something that doesn't require ordering online or making a special trip, Nature Clean is one of the easiest Canadian options to find.

The company makes a wide range of household products including multi-surface cleaners, dishwashing products, laundry products and more. Nature Clean says its products are made in Canada and are available through a large network of Canadian retailers. (Nature Clean)

You can find Nature Clean through retailers including Canadian Tire, Walmart, Real Canadian Superstore, Home Hardware, Metro, Sobeys and Shoppers Drug Mart, depending on the product and location. (Nature Clean)

Where to buy: Nature Clean

Why I like it: It's probably the easiest place to start if you want a Canadian-made product without changing where you normally shop.

So, Where Should You Start?

If you're in London, St. Thomas or the surrounding area, my picks would be:

🥇 Most Local: EnviroNize - London
🥈 Best Independent Family Business: Mother of Invention
🥉 Best Low-Waste Option: Elva's All Naturals
🛒 Easiest to Find: Nature Clean

The interesting thing is that buying Canadian doesn't necessarily mean ordering something from across the country.

There are companies making cleaning products right here in Southwestern Ontario.

So next time you're standing in the cleaning aisle, take a second to check the label. You might be surprised by how many Canadian options are already available.

Supporting Canadian businesses doesn't have to mean changing everything you buy. Sometimes it's as simple as switching what's underneath your kitchen sink. 🇨🇦

Product availability can change, so check with individual retailers before making a trip.

Updated for 2026 housing and mortgage trends

If you’re renting in Ontario right now, you’ve probably asked yourself:
“Should I keep renting, or is it finally time to buy?”

The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But understanding the numbers, the lifestyle trade-offs, and where the Ontario market stands in early 2026 can help you make a smart decision.

Let’s break it down.

📊 The Cost of Renting in 2026

Rental prices across Ontario have continued to rise modestly, especially in cities with low housing inventory and high immigration. As of January 2026:

• A 1-bedroom apartment in mid-sized cities like London or Kitchener: $1,800–$2,100/month

• A 2-bedroom unit in St. Thomas or Guelph: $2,300–$2,700/month

• A 3-bedroom home in suburbs or small towns: $2,800–$3,200/month

That means many renters are spending between $30,000–$40,000 a year on housing—with none of that going toward equity.

🏡 The Cost of Buying in 2026

Let’s say you're looking at a home priced at $550,000 in Elgin County, Middlesex, or Oxford—still realistic in many areas. With 5% down and current mortgage rates hovering around 5.2%, your monthly mortgage payment would be roughly:

• $3,200/month (including property tax and basic utilities)

• Total yearly cost: $38,000–$42,000

However, unlike rent, part of this payment goes toward:

• Building equity in a home you own

• Appreciation (long-term growth of your asset)

• Potential tax-free gains if it’s your principal residence

🧮 Rent vs. Buy: What Makes More Sense?

👉 Buying might make sense if:

• You have a stable income and plan to stay in one place for 3–5 years

• You want to build equity and stop paying someone else’s mortgage

• You qualify for first-time buyer incentives or gifted down payments

👉 Renting might make sense if:

• You’re uncertain about your job, relationship, or location

• You have debt or poor credit that would make ownership risky

• You’d prefer flexibility over long-term commitment

🤔 So... What Should You Do?

Here's the truth: renting isn’t “throwing money away,” and owning a home isn’t always the smartest financial move.
But if you’re renting AND saving nothing, buying could be your way to finally start building real wealth.

If you’re curious where you stand, I’ll run the numbers for your specific situation. No pressure, no sales pitch—just a real breakdown of your options.

📩 Reach out for a free Rent vs. Buy analysis customized for your city, your income, and your future goals.