I've gotten in the mood lately to do some "fall cleaning" since I'm on the opposite end of the season for "spring cleaning fever!" I guess its the fact that the winter is coming and we'll be inside a lot more than we are most of the year. When that happens I drive myself nuts with the things I see that are what seems dirtier than they did months before! I usually pick up and keep things clean through the week since I'm here I have some time to do it constantly then twice a week (usually Mon to clean from weekend and Fri to clean from the week) I do thorough stuff like dusting, mopping, clorox wipe down lots of stuff... I'm a germaphobe... bathrooms, etc! Anyway, back to the point of my blog... found some neat tips or products THAT WORK. If you're like me, you try something and are disappointed because it failed or worked but only enough to say you did it not enough to see good results! Been trying to go natural where I can, still have my favorite products, and found some great tips or tricks online! Here's just a few.
Natural Carpet Cleaning Mix!
Check out the blog link !Just know I tried this today and IT WORKS just look at the picture of my solution after I cleaned rooms and the dirty what was white cloth!
I had tried multiple foam/spray cleaners and even borrowed my mother in laws steam vac not long ago and my carpets looked fresh but still had stains that didn't come out. Our carpet is seven years old now as it was brand new when we moved in. Hard to believe its been that long! Anyway, its still nice for most part but after that long and a toddler boy its gotten some spots that I couldn't get out. Today I mixed this up while he was eating lunch and went for it with SUCCESS! I feel so much better and cleaner in here already :) Its amazing what a few stains on the carpet can seem like. I mean, I've literally been hinting around for new fresh carpet! lol Can't wait to show my hubby when he gets home... Well, I'm hoping he notices it first. I understand this may not happen for two reasons, one being he's a guy and other like I said earlier our carpet in whole is still good just some areas of high traffic, Aiden's spot in den where he spills snack/drinks, in front of my dresser where I've put on makeup since we lived here...and those wouldn't come out for anything else...and a few other areas where the "shoes off at tile entry" rule faded after a couple years being here so unless he's looking at them he won't know. We'll see! I'd advise reading the comment section under her blog too. Here's some "after" pics from my home. I wish I had thought to take "before" but I sure didn't think it would work this good. You get the point!
Aiden's room! No more spilled chocolate milk spots, dirt from shoes, or marker!
In front of my dresser where the deep makeup stains were!! Sorry our maroon comforter and sheer curtain cast a shadow so it looks a diff tint but carpet is same color as above!
Speaking of Vinegar...
I have done the baking soda/vinegar bathroom and kitchen cleaning method. I have something posted on my Pinterest board if you follow me and want to get it. I also use Vinegar to clean windows (its stout but natural). After reading the above link I might just add it to towels in the laundry and Chris' ball clothes too! I found a peroxide/water mixture online that I use to clean counter tops a lot because its natural but I still love the thought of C and L disinfectant wipes doing their job though!!
Made into my Couch Cleaner...
Yes, we have a
microfiber couch and love it. So comfy and had a stain blocker new
which was great.... until it wore off as its also seven years old. I was
so careful cleaning it and such b/c I knew water can seep in and stain
it too. Well, after a dog, child, and us eating there a lot its
happened. Its a deep red so spots look real dark and dirty when its
really been cleaned. It bothers me being one of the main things you see
when you walk into the house, so I went on a search for something that
may work. I was at Petco and saw this natural stain remover. It was
expensive so it has to work, right? Well, lucky me it was on clearance
for $2 originally $12 so of course its worth a try now! lol I will
have you know, its worked too. Oh my! I found something that takes the
stain out and makes it look fresher. I spray on like advised, let sit a
few mins, and take a bath cloth (red for my couch... I'd advise color of
your couch or close for the rag) and wet it but ring ALL the water out
then wipe area down. Once it dries there's a VERY noticable difference
and you can TELL its been cleaned. Yay for that lucky find! Now, I have
to savor it because my alternate luck is that they'll discontinue it :)
Nature Inside?
I've added more house plants to the house too. Its natural O2 right! Well, I am usually not good with inside plants for some reason. I blame the air or something in the house! lol I got one as spring arose from Lowe's and its STILL LIVING! Go me! Probably longest ever living plant inside. I claim the plants are going to help add extra boost to my winter sinus problems so I got another on clearance at Wal Mart the other day to put in our bedroom. I had one in there few months ago, but of course it started to wilt. Plants just make inside FEEL fresh.
That's all for now!
