Gleaming white

Has anyone ever fought a long hard battle with that orange scum in/on and around their jetted tubs? I had. I use to take the jets and filter cover off and scrub them. I would also use q-tips to clean inside the jets. It took forever and generally didn't last more than a couple of days. Then one day I filled the tub just barely over the jets with cool water and added 1-2 cups of bleach. I ran the jets for about 10 minutes. I couldn't believe how clean they were and it keeps the orange scum at bay for up to 3 months.

As I was walking with the bleach in hand, over my newish carpet, I shuddered to think that if I tripped my carpet would be in ruins. I can't store the bleach in the bathroom, it would be to easy for my kids to get into. So, here it is Clorox... please make a tablet similar to the ones for the toilet tank, but quick dissolving and highly concentrated. So all we have to do is toss it in. No more mess. Okay, now if they actually hear my plea, I will be a happy cleaner, until the next problem arises.

Here is a little tip for cleaning the tough ring around toilets. Use a pumice stone. The stones pictured below are a lot cuter than mine.
The real tip is to pour a bucket of water into your toilet first. This lowers the level of water and then you can attack the ring with your stone. Be sure to use back and forth motions or you will scratch your porcelain.

I heart the dollar store

I don't know to many people who don't love a good dollar store. You never know what great bargain you will find. Last week I found these packages of hair bows in the baby section. I know what you are thinking.

you: Wow, those were only a dollar?

me: Yes, just a dollar!

you: It can't be true!

me: Oh but it is, it's like a dream come true.

Of course, not all things found in the dollar store are a bargain. I bought their window cleaner and it is awful. Don't waste your dollar on that. However, I have liked their liquid fabric softener. I even dilute it: %50 softener %50 water and it still works great.

Got the Blues?

Get ready to expand your tool belt. If you don't already use microfiber towels for dusting, scrubbing, washing cars and other chores, you should start today. They are a little more environmentally considerate than paper towels and a lot tougher. They are soft for fine furniture. They clean well with just a little water. I also love to dampen one to leave by each of my children lunch plate to clean their hands and faces.

You can get this package of 24 at Sams Club for around $15.

Okay, let's talk balls. These little buggers don't work for me. I bought mine at Bed Bath and Beyond for $10 for 2. I have used up to six in my dryer at a time. My clothes still suffer from static and I don't think it helps the clothes dry any faster as claimed on the package.

However, my mother-in-law and sister-in-law both use them and like them.

Quick tip: If your bathroom drains are a little slow, pour boiling hot water down them. About 8 cups at a time. This should help until you are able to clean them out with an auger. If your clog is a little higher you can clean out the P-trap.

Wipe out

I love Clorox wipes! You just can't beat the convenience, cleaning power and disposability.(If it's not a real word, just pretend with me.) I think they make a great baby shower gift (I'm a bit practical.) or get well gift.

However, you know I love to save money and if I can make something myself I will. Recently I discovered organizedhome.com. I hope to explore the site more and share what I find with you or check it out for yourself. I found direction for making your own cleaning wipes. You can make 3 different types: disinfecting, general cleaning and mirror/glass cleaners.

They suggest using a store bought container, it looks like a Rubbermaid product, I didn't want to spend the money so I found an almost empty Chicken Bouillon container. Look, mine as a handy handle. Neato.
Click here for the original directions. Using an electric knife cut paper towel roll in half. Place inside container. I cut a slit in the cardboard center and pulled it out.

Mix solution. I used 1/2 cup all purpose cleaner (next time I will reduce it to 1/4 cup) mixed with 2 1/2 cups water. Pour over paper towels.

Instead of drilling a hole, traced the cap of a tube of carmex onto the lid. I then cut it out with an Exacto knife. Pull inside paper towel through hole and secure lid.

A girl and her mop

Cleaning my house has become unfair battle. With disaster around every corner and maybe a few extra pounds, I have to plan my steps carefully. Until now I have been an untrained unprepared warrior in a battle I was born to win. I believe having the right tools for whatever our jobs might be is crucial in our triumph.

I have needed a new mop for some time now. My sponge mop was just gross and I was tried of having to replace the sponge every couple of months. Also, using a bucket has become somewhat of a danger at my house for my small children and my carpet. I found the Scrubbee Doo at Don Asletts store he is a well known cleaning expert. He has stores in Idaho, Utah and online. I have used his all purpose cleaner, which is safe for the environment and children, for years.

Here is a list of my favorite things about this mop:

1. The mop head is thin and can slide under low furniture and appliances.

2. You can wash the microfiber, so you always start with a fresh head.

3. It came with 2 large and 2 triangular microfiber scrubbers. I like to use one for half of my kitchen and use another for the other half.

4. The handle extends and retracts.

5. You don't use a bucket full of water. You simply get the cloth wet, wring it out and attach to Velcro on the underneath side.

6. The smaller triangle attachment can be used for tiled showers.

7. I love not having to store a dirty mop.

There is a video on how to use this mop here. I like to boil a cup of water and pour the hot water over the real dirty spots. Let it sit. Then mop as directed. Visit his online store for many other demo videos. Including, how to clean your bathroom in 3 1/2 minutes.