OK - I went by Wal-mart today to see if they had BonAmi as SuperTarget does not. Instead, I found Bar Keeper's Friend, see earlier blog: http://www.blogger.com/posts.g?blogID=34496375
So far, on my porcelain sink, I had tried baking soda, borax, and vinegar and soda to get rid of stains. Bar Keeper's Friend got rid of them and it is only $1.56 a container! Very cool and cheap! I plan to try it on the bathroom shower later.
I also have decided that I don't really like the Swiffer wet pads as I have to use at least 2 of them for my tile. I am going to use my microfiber pads (Costco - pack of many) or some of my white towels (pack of 48) and tuck them into the Swiffer tabs. Then use either Mrs. Meyers Lavender or first finish my floor cleaner from Method. They have good products too (I love the grapefruit) and are found at all Target stores.
Showing posts with label cleaning products. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cleaning products. Show all posts
Friday, May 25, 2007
Monday, May 14, 2007
Sneak Peek for the Week
OK - here is our sneak peek for the week. Cleaning the main bathroom. I am sending you to their site as to not infringe on any copywrite stuff. Kind of silly, but lawyers have to make money somehow.
http://www.flylady.net/pages/sneak_peek.asp
I will discuss my new plan for cooking in advance later today if I have a chance.
http://www.flylady.net/pages/sneak_peek.asp
I will discuss my new plan for cooking in advance later today if I have a chance.
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Spring cleaning
Oh, it is that time of year where the sun is shining (when it isn't raining in N. Dallas), and we want to start purging and lightening up. I think throwing away things is cathartic! So this week happens to be the week that I am trying to get rid of things by donating them to charity. I don't have the patience for a garage sale and truthfully, it is better to get rid of stuff, than hang on "waiting" to sell it.
Back to cleaning, check out Mrs. Meyer's Lavender Cleaning concentrate.
www.mrsmeyers.com, $8 for 32 oz.
1/4 cup per 1 gallon of water to clean all sorts of surfaces. This product smells amazing!! There is also Lemon Verbena and Geranium, but I tried the Lavender first. If you want it in a spray bottle, mix and then fill your bottle. I figure that saves money in the long run.
Buy a pack of microfiber towels or white all purposes bar towels from Costco. Usually, with the car cleaning stuff. 48 towels in a package!! I was wiping our bar the other day with a paper towel and decided to go over it again with a towel. I still got dirt that the paper towel left behind, plus, it is expensive to go through a ton of paper towels. Use the all purpose towels and then throw a load in once a week of cleaning towels. If you used non-toxic cleaners, then you should have no problem washing them.
Back to cleaning, check out Mrs. Meyer's Lavender Cleaning concentrate.
www.mrsmeyers.com, $8 for 32 oz.
1/4 cup per 1 gallon of water to clean all sorts of surfaces. This product smells amazing!! There is also Lemon Verbena and Geranium, but I tried the Lavender first. If you want it in a spray bottle, mix and then fill your bottle. I figure that saves money in the long run.
Buy a pack of microfiber towels or white all purposes bar towels from Costco. Usually, with the car cleaning stuff. 48 towels in a package!! I was wiping our bar the other day with a paper towel and decided to go over it again with a towel. I still got dirt that the paper towel left behind, plus, it is expensive to go through a ton of paper towels. Use the all purpose towels and then throw a load in once a week of cleaning towels. If you used non-toxic cleaners, then you should have no problem washing them.
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Bon Ami & Bar Keepers Friend
I was reading this morning one of my Flylady e-mails about cleaning glass cooktops. They suggested "Bar Keepers Friend" which I had never heard of. It was suggested that it is made by Bon Ami, but I don't think that is the case as I looked up both websites.
However, both products seems to be great and non-toxic. I think Bon Ami is carried most places, not sure about Bar Keepers Friend (it showed Linens & Things carries it). I am looking for something to replace Soft Scrub only because it is expensive and it still doesn't clean the floor of my shower!! Even the 3-pack is still $11. If a can of Bon Ami is less than $2, then I am still saving money. The company that owns them also owns a lot of other brands including Trapp candles! Oh, they are not cheap, but smell wonderful!
www.bonami.com (wonderful website, if you go to the online store, you can see all the products they carry)
www.barkeepersfriend.com (really bad website, but the product seems to be great)
Back to my shower, I thought the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser did the trick last time, but this time, not so much. It is great on shower doors, but perhaps the floor of the shower was too wet. I switched to the Kirkland Signature French Milled Soaps instead of Irish Spring as Irish Spring is blue and therefore my soap scum is blue tinged!! The soaps have natural oils, etc. and while they are a little more expensive, they are white, and have lots of good things for your skin.
However, both products seems to be great and non-toxic. I think Bon Ami is carried most places, not sure about Bar Keepers Friend (it showed Linens & Things carries it). I am looking for something to replace Soft Scrub only because it is expensive and it still doesn't clean the floor of my shower!! Even the 3-pack is still $11. If a can of Bon Ami is less than $2, then I am still saving money. The company that owns them also owns a lot of other brands including Trapp candles! Oh, they are not cheap, but smell wonderful!
www.bonami.com (wonderful website, if you go to the online store, you can see all the products they carry)
www.barkeepersfriend.com (really bad website, but the product seems to be great)
Back to my shower, I thought the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser did the trick last time, but this time, not so much. It is great on shower doors, but perhaps the floor of the shower was too wet. I switched to the Kirkland Signature French Milled Soaps instead of Irish Spring as Irish Spring is blue and therefore my soap scum is blue tinged!! The soaps have natural oils, etc. and while they are a little more expensive, they are white, and have lots of good things for your skin.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Vinegar Testimonial
Here are some comments from my friend about vinegar!
Anyway, I LOVE cleaning with white vinegar. My mom introduced me to it when she came and cleaned when I was on bedrest. Her cleaning lady introduced her to it. She said her 90 yr. old aunt swears by it. I have a spray bottle 1/3 full of vinegar and the rest water. I use it for tons of stuff and it works so well.
I used to swiffer my wood floors and it left an ugly film - but I loved the convenience of it. Now I use vinegar water in my spray bottle and it my floors look great - so shiny and clean - and it is still just as convenient. The vinegar really cuts through dirt and grime and food. I also could never get the hard water buildup off my water thing in the refrigerator - I tried everything. I let the vinegar soak on it a little while and it came right off. Also use it to clean stove top with hard to remove food buildup. I keep finding more and more uses for it - it is super cheap, doesn't smell chemically, I always have it on hand, and does a better job than most of the other cleaners I have used. I do still keep a good disinfectant on hand though for chicken juice, toilets, etc though.
Anyway, as you can see I am very passionate about vinegar ;) If you haven't tried it, I highly recommend it!
Note from me: You can buy the super huge 1.32 gallon (5 litres) Heinz white vinegar from Costco for around $4. Buy that and the huge bag of baking soda and you are set for lots of cleaning fun!
Here are 27 more tips for uses for vinegar:
http://www.frugalfun.com/vinegar.html
Anyway, I LOVE cleaning with white vinegar. My mom introduced me to it when she came and cleaned when I was on bedrest. Her cleaning lady introduced her to it. She said her 90 yr. old aunt swears by it. I have a spray bottle 1/3 full of vinegar and the rest water. I use it for tons of stuff and it works so well.
I used to swiffer my wood floors and it left an ugly film - but I loved the convenience of it. Now I use vinegar water in my spray bottle and it my floors look great - so shiny and clean - and it is still just as convenient. The vinegar really cuts through dirt and grime and food. I also could never get the hard water buildup off my water thing in the refrigerator - I tried everything. I let the vinegar soak on it a little while and it came right off. Also use it to clean stove top with hard to remove food buildup. I keep finding more and more uses for it - it is super cheap, doesn't smell chemically, I always have it on hand, and does a better job than most of the other cleaners I have used. I do still keep a good disinfectant on hand though for chicken juice, toilets, etc though.
Anyway, as you can see I am very passionate about vinegar ;) If you haven't tried it, I highly recommend it!
Note from me: You can buy the super huge 1.32 gallon (5 litres) Heinz white vinegar from Costco for around $4. Buy that and the huge bag of baking soda and you are set for lots of cleaning fun!
Here are 27 more tips for uses for vinegar:
http://www.frugalfun.com/vinegar.html
Monday, April 23, 2007
Top 10 tips
I am somewhat of a Crunchy Conservative (thought that term was a hoot). What I really am is a gal who likes to save money (so I can buy more lip gloss!). Cleaning products are expensive, and I really like the idea of using non-toxic cleaners that save money, as they are cheap to make.
I found this site the other day, click on the heading "Top 10 Tips" as it is a link. I haven't tried these yet, but thought they were interesting. If you do, let us know how they work.
Top 10 Tips
1. Windows, Mirrors: Spray with mixture of 1/4 c. white vinegar, one quart water & a drop of dish soap.
2. Countertops, porcelain: Scrub with paste of baking soda, water, drop of liquid soap. Disinfect with hydrogen peroxide instead of chlorine bleach.
3. Oven: Coat with paste of baking soda, washing soda, water, white vinegar. Leave overnight; wipe out with rags.
4. Floors: Mop with 1/2 c. white vinegar and 1/8 c. liquid soap in 2 gallons hot water.
5. Rags, known as “chiffons” to the French, are Riches: Pick up dust with damp rags; wrap an old t-shirt around a push broom to damp dust/mop. Wash and reuse rags–they just get better!
6. Clean and polish wood with a mix of vegetable oil, essential oil of lemon, thyme, eucalyptus or your fave, and beeswax.
7. Toilet: Scrub with baking soda; wipe seat with white vinegar
8. Laundry: presoak stained cloth in 1/4 c. lemon juice, washing soda or borax in gallon of water.
9. Add 1/4 c. baking soda or white vinegar to wash cycle to soften fabric
10. Choose fragrance-free laundry soaps to prevent asthmatic and allergic reactions and skin/eye irritation.
http://www.servegodsavetheplanet.org/
I haven't really checked out his site, but I thought this was an interesting Christian perspective on personal stewardship. I don't buy into the current panic mode, but I do think as believers, we are called to be the best stewards of what God had given us and being mindless consumers is not the way in my opinion. Especially when we can save money with alternatives. I don't know that I could do what this doctor did, but their electricity bill is something crazy like $20 a month!
This is the article I read about him that really got me thinking:
http://www.guidepostsmag.com/WEEKLY_FEATURE.ASP?DATE=12/25/2006
While I don't think I could do everything he did, I can make small changes and save money in the process.
I found this site the other day, click on the heading "Top 10 Tips" as it is a link. I haven't tried these yet, but thought they were interesting. If you do, let us know how they work.
Top 10 Tips
1. Windows, Mirrors: Spray with mixture of 1/4 c. white vinegar, one quart water & a drop of dish soap.
2. Countertops, porcelain: Scrub with paste of baking soda, water, drop of liquid soap. Disinfect with hydrogen peroxide instead of chlorine bleach.
3. Oven: Coat with paste of baking soda, washing soda, water, white vinegar. Leave overnight; wipe out with rags.
4. Floors: Mop with 1/2 c. white vinegar and 1/8 c. liquid soap in 2 gallons hot water.
5. Rags, known as “chiffons” to the French, are Riches: Pick up dust with damp rags; wrap an old t-shirt around a push broom to damp dust/mop. Wash and reuse rags–they just get better!
6. Clean and polish wood with a mix of vegetable oil, essential oil of lemon, thyme, eucalyptus or your fave, and beeswax.
7. Toilet: Scrub with baking soda; wipe seat with white vinegar
8. Laundry: presoak stained cloth in 1/4 c. lemon juice, washing soda or borax in gallon of water.
9. Add 1/4 c. baking soda or white vinegar to wash cycle to soften fabric
10. Choose fragrance-free laundry soaps to prevent asthmatic and allergic reactions and skin/eye irritation.
http://www.servegodsavetheplanet.org/
I haven't really checked out his site, but I thought this was an interesting Christian perspective on personal stewardship. I don't buy into the current panic mode, but I do think as believers, we are called to be the best stewards of what God had given us and being mindless consumers is not the way in my opinion. Especially when we can save money with alternatives. I don't know that I could do what this doctor did, but their electricity bill is something crazy like $20 a month!
This is the article I read about him that really got me thinking:
http://www.guidepostsmag.com/WEEKLY_FEATURE.ASP?DATE=12/25/2006
While I don't think I could do everything he did, I can make small changes and save money in the process.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Bath Salts almost perfected
OK, here is my recipe. I used the 6 lb. bag of epsom salts from Costco (around $3), so I had to increase my recipe below to adjust. I ended up using 40 drops lavender oil and 15 drops rosemary oil for 5 lbs. of salt (I had used some from the bag before). Even with all that, I still have tons left in my essential oil bottles - about $15 for the oils.
I was going to omit sea salt, but then found it at Sprouts (health food store) in the bulk section for $.29 lb. It was so cheap that I bought a couple of pounds.
1 cup epsom salt
1/4 cup sea salt
3 Tbsp baking soda (12 lb. bag $4)
2-3 drops essential oil
It smells heavenly in the bag, I think if you use a quarter cup per bath, it should be fine. The fragrance is not as strong, but is still nice and relaxing. I may tweak it some more and grind up oatmeal to add in as it softens skin. Glycerin is supposed to be good, but I don't have any of that.
My next batch perhaps will be scented with rose oil! I love the smell of roses. Lately, I have been wearing Stella (by Stella McCartney) fragrance. It is roses and amber and I think smells heavenly. http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P50714&shouldPaginate=true&categoryId=5689
She has a fragrance called Rose Absolute, but I don't smell the rose as much as I smell amber. I need to wear it and see how it dries down as I think Stella fades quickly.
I am also toying with Rose Essentielle from Bvlgari. It may be too sweet, but once again, wearing should tell. I have been searching for a signature fragrance for a while, one that had longevity and that I can wear for years.
http://www.sephora.com/browse/brand_hierarchy.jhtml?brandId=3595&contentId=C15139
I was going to omit sea salt, but then found it at Sprouts (health food store) in the bulk section for $.29 lb. It was so cheap that I bought a couple of pounds.
1 cup epsom salt
1/4 cup sea salt
3 Tbsp baking soda (12 lb. bag $4)
2-3 drops essential oil
It smells heavenly in the bag, I think if you use a quarter cup per bath, it should be fine. The fragrance is not as strong, but is still nice and relaxing. I may tweak it some more and grind up oatmeal to add in as it softens skin. Glycerin is supposed to be good, but I don't have any of that.
My next batch perhaps will be scented with rose oil! I love the smell of roses. Lately, I have been wearing Stella (by Stella McCartney) fragrance. It is roses and amber and I think smells heavenly. http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P50714&shouldPaginate=true&categoryId=5689
She has a fragrance called Rose Absolute, but I don't smell the rose as much as I smell amber. I need to wear it and see how it dries down as I think Stella fades quickly.
I am also toying with Rose Essentielle from Bvlgari. It may be too sweet, but once again, wearing should tell. I have been searching for a signature fragrance for a while, one that had longevity and that I can wear for years.
http://www.sephora.com/browse/brand_hierarchy.jhtml?brandId=3595&contentId=C15139
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Best use for $1
If I only had $1 to my name, I would use it to buy a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser (OK, I would have to have $1.08 to my name, if we were being exact).
I hate our shower, especially the fiberglass floor with raised dots. Even after scrubbing with a brush and Soft Scrub with Bleach, it still looks dirty! I had given up on a sparkling shower, until my sister-in-law raved about this item, and I saw in Real Simple where a staffer said she couldn't live without them.
It worked wonders! Of course, I used the whole eraser on just my shower, but it was fantastic!We have the Scrubbing Bubbles shower sprayer, but I am thinking that it is just hype and a way to get you to use tons of their product. Using it 10 days in a row and every day after seems to me to be a marketing ploy. Not completely sold on this item. However, if Costco ever carries a bulk pack of the Magic Eraser, I am buying them in bulk!
I hate our shower, especially the fiberglass floor with raised dots. Even after scrubbing with a brush and Soft Scrub with Bleach, it still looks dirty! I had given up on a sparkling shower, until my sister-in-law raved about this item, and I saw in Real Simple where a staffer said she couldn't live without them.
It worked wonders! Of course, I used the whole eraser on just my shower, but it was fantastic!We have the Scrubbing Bubbles shower sprayer, but I am thinking that it is just hype and a way to get you to use tons of their product. Using it 10 days in a row and every day after seems to me to be a marketing ploy. Not completely sold on this item. However, if Costco ever carries a bulk pack of the Magic Eraser, I am buying them in bulk!
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Carpet Deoderizer
If you buy the big 12lb bag of baking soda at Costco, try this recipe.
For general deodorizing, sprinkle baking soda on carpet, as needed, before going to bed and let it set overnight. Vacuum the next day.
Carpet deodorizer recipe:
1/2 cup baking soda
1/2 cup cornstarch
15 drops of your favorite essential oil fragrance
For general deodorizing, sprinkle baking soda on carpet, as needed, before going to bed and let it set overnight. Vacuum the next day.
Carpet deodorizer recipe:
1/2 cup baking soda
1/2 cup cornstarch
15 drops of your favorite essential oil fragrance
Friday, November 10, 2006
Suds away
No antibacterial soap for me! Studies have shown that not only does it destroy good bacteria, but washing your hands correctly is more important. I think it is a way for manufacturers to charge more.
Interesting article from ABC news about washing hands.
http://tinyurl.com/y2bnrg
My beloved Costco only carries antibacterial soap, so I don't buy soap from them. I did find some Ivory liquid soap, which was half the price per ounce of other soaps. Interestingly, it was on the top shelf of the Kroger. You know you find the best prices either on the top or bottom shelves of grocery stores. They put the more expensive brands in the middle. I will find the info and post it.
http://www.ivory.com/YourIvoryProducts_LiquidHandCleanser.htm
While this smells good and does the job, my hands get super dry in the winter. I bought some Dr. Bronner's almond liquid soap and used 3 capfuls in some foaming pumps I had. The 16 oz. cost me around $7.50 and should last quite a while. Disregard the interesting packaging and it is a great product.
I may add some olive oil to the foaming soap and see how that works.
Interesting article from ABC news about washing hands.
http://tinyurl.com/y2bnrg
My beloved Costco only carries antibacterial soap, so I don't buy soap from them. I did find some Ivory liquid soap, which was half the price per ounce of other soaps. Interestingly, it was on the top shelf of the Kroger. You know you find the best prices either on the top or bottom shelves of grocery stores. They put the more expensive brands in the middle. I will find the info and post it.
http://www.ivory.com/YourIvoryProducts_LiquidHandCleanser.htm
While this smells good and does the job, my hands get super dry in the winter. I bought some Dr. Bronner's almond liquid soap and used 3 capfuls in some foaming pumps I had. The 16 oz. cost me around $7.50 and should last quite a while. Disregard the interesting packaging and it is a great product.
I may add some olive oil to the foaming soap and see how that works.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Making bath salts
Don't ask me why, but not working has allowed me to tap into all the creative sides of me. Right now I am making my own bath salts. My feeling is - how hard can it be? I am trying to do it with dried rosemary (from my garden) and dried lavendar, but am not sure how strong the fragrance will be. I may need to buy some essential oils to add as the herbs may not cut it.
Costco has a huge bag of Epsom salts for around $3. That rocks as it will be cheap for me to make. If you know me, don't be surprised if you get some from me for Christmas once I perfect my recipe. I will keep you all posted on my success or failure.
Costco has a huge bag of Epsom salts for around $3. That rocks as it will be cheap for me to make. If you know me, don't be surprised if you get some from me for Christmas once I perfect my recipe. I will keep you all posted on my success or failure.
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