Better Cleaning Products

Can you believe that I have NEVER posted about the cleaning products I use?!?  Say what?  Now that's just some crazy business!

In the last year I have made some BIG changes in the products I use in my home.  This was one of my New Year's goals a few years back and I'm happy to say that I actually accomplished that one.  Praise Jesus, it's a miracle!

That means that the majority of the toxic crap has officially left the building.  While I had made some pretty decent headway in years past, last year brought about a whole new CLEAN product revolution.  Everything has seen a face lift to products that are more earth friendly and better for my family's health.  I seriously don't know why I didn't do this sooner but perhaps the mountain was just too overwhelming mmkay.  So to make it easier for all of you to embark on your own clean product REVOLUTION, I'm going to list for you all the products I currently use.  Many of these are homemade and some are not.  I've tested my fair share and these are the products that work time and time again.

It might be helpful for you all to know that my home is GROSS.  Ok, maybe that's too harsh of a word.  But my house was built in the early 1980's and still has the originally flooring.  Let's just stop and think on that one for a minute all right?  Ick.  The dust is out of control.  I can dust EVERYTHING and literally 5 minutes later, it's like it never happened.  In addition, we have the Buddy Boy who enjoys running outside in the mud and then tracking it over the entire contents of my home.  Add in the boy child who seems to be oblivious to anything dirt related and you've got a recipe for disaster.  Ugh.

My point here is that I've got my work cut out for me.  I want my home to freakin' SPARKLE and I want it to LOOK and SMELL clean.  Not like dirt and dog and dust and boy and grossness.  So my cleaning products simply MUST live up to the hype.  And y'all- they totally do!

I'm breaking it down room for room, so get out your notepad and let's do this!

Living Area:

• All purpose cleaner.  This stuff is a staple throughout the entire house, it works in ALL THE PLACES.  I stash a bottle of this in every location I can- you should too!  This one is homemade, here's how you do it.  Combine 3 tablespoons rubbing alcohol, 3 tablespoons liquid castile soap (I use Dr. Bronners) and 30 drops of essential oils (I use the cleaning blend found here) into a spray bottle.  Fill the rest of the way with water.  And that is it!
•  Glass cleaner.  I am still mourning the loss of my SprayWay Glass Cleaner- you know, the blessing from above in a blue bottle.  Out of everything, this has been the hardest for me to find a suitable replacement.  I am currently using Mrs Meyer's glass cleaner and while it gets the job done, it's no Sprayway.  The lemon verbena scent is nice and it's available in almost all the products, so to keep the "smell continuity" throughout my home, I only use this scent.  Plus the lavender smells like old lady perfume.  Sorry but it's true.
• Carpet cleaner.  Pets and children means you clean your carpets on the regular and I am clearly no exception. For spot cleaning, I simply spray FULL STRENGTH white vinegar directly onto the spot and allow it to soak in.  Then rub it out with a rag.  I have also been known to sprinkle my carpets with baking soda and then vacuum up.
• Hard floor/tile cleaner.  One to two small drops of liquid castille soap in a bowl of warm water and that's all you need for the "hard surface" floor cleaners.  One word on this- do a little test run on a small area to make sure it won't ruin your floors.  It shouldn't but it's always better to be safe than sorry!
• Essential oils.  I bet you're wondering why this is even here on the list?  Well I keep a diffuser in my living room and it adds an amazing clean, fresh smell. Plus it has the added benefit of releasing GOOD THINGS for your health directly into the air you are breathing.  Now who wouldn't want this?  If you are currently using ANYTHING Glade or plug-in or Fabreeze scented, stop it right now.  Just stop.  Instead, reach for your essential oils.  Psst- here's a link to the diffusers I use.  I can NOT recommend these enough!  I have 2 currently and just purchased the newest model for the kiddo's bedroom.

Kitchen:

• Dish soap.  I keep this Mrs. Meyer's dish soap in my NEW automatic soap dispenser sitting on my kitchen counter at all times.  This is the soap we wash our dishes with and the soap we wash our hands with- I do not have 2 separate soaps.  This soap smells great and FEELS clean, leaving no yucky residue.  It doesn't produce as many suds but it still gets the job done and no, I do not have to use extra soap.  It works just like my old Palmolive but it's better for you. 
• Dishwasher detergent.  Again, I find myself reaching for the Mrs. Meyer's products.  I tried a few others and they simply couldn't get all the bits and pieces off.  For the longest time I could NOT find anything that compared to my previous detergent.  But then....HALLELUJAH!  I found the mother load in this soap.  NO residue and it removed every single food yucky off my dishes in my jam packed dishwasher.  Yay!
• All purpose cleaner.  Again, with this stuff!  Gah, it's so good!  I clean ALL THE THINGS in my kitchen with this cleaner.  The floor, the cabinets, the counter, the stove- everything! 

Laundry:

• Laundry soap.  I make my own you guys!  In a pinch, I keep a bottle of Seven Generation laundry soap but I MUCH prefer this homemade version.  It is super simple to make and pretty darn cost effective.  One word on this- I prefer to make a powder version because I simply do not have space to store gallons of liquid.  And in my cramped laundry area, space is at a premium.  Here's how you make your own- combine 1 bar of grated (use a cheese grater or your food processor) castile bar soap, 1 cup borax and 1 cup washing soda.  Then to use, simply add 1 tablespoon to a small load of laundry or 2-3 tablespoons for a large load.  So easy!

  

  Homemade laundry soap lasts forever!

• Bleach.  Yes, I am still using bleach.  I would really love to find a better alternative because as I told the husband recently bleach is a corrosive, toxic, bacteria killing CHEMICAL and can cause all sorts of health issues like respiratory concerns, skin irritation, migraines, damage to the nervous system, vomiting and more.  Not to mention that it releases dioxin that has been proven to contribute cancer and that's not even discussing the pollution it releases into our water supply.  So yeah- I'm working on this one too.
• Stain fighters.  Homemade is nice and all but can it really get out BOY and HUSBAND stains?!?  Well, actually....it does a pretty good job.  But when I've got some really tough stains I always reach for my bar of Fels Naptha.  Wet the stain area with just a bit of water from your wash and then rub the bar over the stain.  That's it.  And a bar of this stuff is around $2 and lasts OVER A YEAR.  I'm sorry- what?!?  When was the last time you spent $2 for a year's worth of stain fighter/remover?  Exactly.

Around $2 a bar!!!!

• Smell/stain fighter.  Another trick up my sleeve is the spray bottle of full strength white vinegar that I keep on my laundry shelf.  I reach for this for more minor stains (so regular dirt, normal food stains, dirty sleeves etc) and also use it to remove smells.  Because the reality in my house is that the dog barfs or poops or pees at least once per month and the rags are DISGUSTING.  So I spray them down with the white vinegar before adding them to the wash.  Cheap, easy and it works!

Bathroom:

•  Toilet bowl cleaner.  I used to reach for the Clorox bleach toilet bowl cleaner but now I opt for this great stuff from Mrs. Meyers.  It does a pretty decent job and I personally really enjoy the Lemon Verbena scent.  You can also use your all purpose cleaner here as well.
• Counters/sink/shower/bathtub cleaner.  Is anyone really surprised that I use the all purpose homemade cleaner here as well?  For the nasty pink soap scum, I spray a little extra and simply allow it a few minutes to really set in.  Then grab a scrub brush and go to town!  It does a really great job and I love that I'm using a homemade, natural product!

Miscellaneous:

I think you can guess that pretty much everything else in my house is cleaned using the all purpose cleaner.  There's truthfully not much that it won't clean.  You can also opt for different essential oils in the cleaner to make something with even more disinfectant properties.  This stuff simply makes my house smell CLEAN and I love that!

My favorite essential oil to use in the all purpose cleaner is the one aptly called, Cleaning by Eden's Garden.  It is a blend of lavender, lemongrass, tea tree and rosemary and smells WAY better than it sounds!  I buy it off Amazon and so far it has lasted a very long time, highly recommend!

General dusting is done with a duster or wet rags (no cleaner/sprays/products) that get run through the wash.

I do not use wood polish.

My kitchen table is cleaned with a damp sponge.  NOTHING else.

I use my diffuser every night in our master bedroom and I'm super excited to try these new blends that I just purchased.

$24.95 on Amazon!

 I also run one daily downstairs in our living area.  My favorites for nighttime are thieves and lavender and for daytime, thieves and orange or lemon.  I also switch out the essential oils depending on the season and our health.  So typically I diffuse a LOT of thieves in fall/winter as we try to combat the cold and flu season and I firmly believe it has helped to keep us healthy!

Well there you go!  This is my current arsenal of more natural cleaning products and I do hope that it has provided some helpful guidance and encouragement to you!  It's possible to keep your home looking and smelling clean and use products that will keep your family and the environment healthy.  If I can do this, YOU can do this!

Guidelines in the Running of Your Home

There's a few rules that I follow in the running of my home.  If you are a career housewife like I consider myself to be- then it's very important that your home reflect your work and that you succeed in your career.

My home is not large.  It's not new or fancy- in fact, it's a pretty normal home built in the 1980's.  But it makes me happy and I'm very proud of all the hard work myself and my husband have put into our home.  My house is also the place where almost all holidays, birthday parties and other events are hosted.  I think a major reason that folks feel comfortable in my home is because of the following guidelines.

• Your main living areas should be clean and free from clutter at all times.  Yes, a small amount of clutter exists in every home.  That's fine.  What I'm talking about here is stacks and piles of stuff.  Besides the fact that this is an eyesore it's also a health hazard.  Dirt and dust can collect, insects can be attracted to it and let's not forget that it can be a fire hazard too.  A Wife should always be cleaning and sorting through the large amounts of stuff all families accumulate.  It is your job to keep your home neat and tidy.  One easy way I accomplish this is by donating something monthly.  Sometimes it's just one small bag and other times it's several large boxes.  Always keep a box labeled "donation" so as you are sorting and cleaning, you can simply dump it into the box.  
• Toys should have a storage space that allows them to be out of

  

  Storage like this adds beauty to your home.

  sight.  You have kids, we get it.  But their stuff doesn't need to take over your home.  If you're like me and don't have the luxury of a playroom, then you need to find some excellent storage solutions.  You also need to teach your children to pick up after themselves.  The rule in my house is you can't get out a new toy until you put the first one away and for the most part- it works!
• There should never be any dirty dishes in your kitchen sink.  Your kitchen should always be clean. Simply clean up after yourself each time you're in there.  You should also never have dirty dishes piled on your counters, crumbs everywhere or food splatters.  That's just gross.  The reality is that you won't want to cook or spend any time in your kitchen if it's a disgusting mess, so keep it sanitary!
• Your dining table should be free of clutter and ready to serve

  

  A bowl of lemons is a simple &
   useful centerpiece

  the next meal.  I keep my dining table free from my son's homeschool projects, in fact he does all his work at our kitchen bar or his desk because I don't want my table damaged.  I always have a beautiful centerpiece that rotates with the seasons.  Sometimes it may be flowers, sometimes it's candles or a big bowl of apples or lemons.  I match my place mats to the centerpiece to create an intentional decorative display.  A few simple touches like this will make your home appear more elegant and inviting.
• The tv should never be on as "background noise".  Watch tv with purpose and when you are done, turn it off.  Besides the fact that most of it is just mindless crap- there's no need for extra noise in your home.  Encourage quiet and a peaceful atmosphere by simply turning your tv off.  You can also try putting on some soothing music or holiday songs.  This helps to create an inviting home.  And by the way, less noise equals less stress!  For holidays or special events I like to put on a little "mood music" to enhance the party atmosphere. 
• Guest bathrooms should always be clean.  Accomplish this by doing a light cleaning every day.  Every other day is sufficient if it doesn't get used often.  If you have a large family and your guest bathrooms get used frequently throughout the day, consider a twice daily quick clean.  I have a small downstairs bath and it is the MOST used bathroom in our house.  I clean it every day.  I also make sure to keep it stocked with toilet paper, soaps and nice candles.  You should also take care to have a nice towel in your guest bath.  During the holidays, I have a themed towel to match the season.  At other times of the year, I have a clean monogrammed towel.  These small touches set the tone for your entire home.
• Personalize your home and make it an inviting place for friends and family.  Decorate in a clean and simple manner.  Do not fall prey to trends.  Your home

  

  Use candles or flowers for easy
  seasonal decor

  should reflect your entire family- you, husband, kids and pets.  Include lots of family photos and special family heirlooms.  
• Rotate your decor with the seasons.  This helps build tradition and special memories for your family.  One easy way that I do this is by simply changing out the candles in my candles sticks.  For Fall I have beautiful rust orange candles, Winter I have deep red and Spring and Summer are a nice bright white.  You can do with with flowers and centerpieces too!
• Bake weekly and keep your baked goods on display so your

  

  Display baked goods in glass cake stands.
  Also doubles as beautiful & simple decor!

  family will be encouraged to eat them.  Freshly baked goods simply screams "home".  I bake something different every week.  Sometimes it's cupcakes other week's it might be blueberry muffins or coffee cake. I like to put my baked goods in a glass cake dome on my china buffet- I use it as decor!  Plus, baking at home is healthier for you and saves you money!
• Keep a well stocked liquor cabinet.  A good hostess always has a large variety of beverages and cocktails to offer to her guests.  You should also consider keeping easy to serve foods available should you have unexpected guests.  My favorite items to keep on hand are nuts, fresh fruit and cheese.  Super easy to make a small snack platter to welcome your friends and family!
• Do something fun and out of the ordinary at least once per month.  I love to surprise my family with a picnic in the backyard, popcorn & movies in our PJ's after dinner, chocolate fondue for dessert or even one of my son's favorites- dinner in the dark, which is basically just dinner by candlelight.  Take opportunities to make the ordinary extraordinary!  It is your job as Wife and Mother to give your family these wonderful moments in your home.

And my number #1 guideline-

Always pretend that you will have unexpected visitors at any moment.  Is your home clean?  A sink full of dirty dishes?  No food in the house?  Toys all over the floor?  Still in your PJ's?  Seriously...if you were to have someone stop by unexpectedly would you be embarrassed as to the condition of your home?  Or would you be proud to invite them in and offer them a drink?  By simply following the guidelines outlined above, you will be "visitor ready" at all times!


Want to read more about being a Traditional Housewife?

Marriage- A Traditional Housewife
How a Traditional Housewife Can Support Her Husband
The UNpopular Guidelines We Follow
Marriage- The Good Wife's Guide

Monday. You Suck.

After working all weekend my normally passable clean house was now a bit messy. I didn't get to my usual Saturday morning floor scrubbing, window cleaning, toilet scrounching & vacuuming duties. And to make matters worse, the husband had finally repaired the monster of a tv in our living room. So my living room floor was littered with tools, cables & various tv parts. Plus, I still had quite a mess to clean up from my weekend assembly work. Blah! Definitely Monday!

Now lets add one more thing to it!  I had someone coming over at 11:30. I was backed up on customer service work, my house was a mess, I had breakfast & lunch to make for the hubby & I had to do all this before my guest arrived. Oh- and lets not forget that I'm still working. My work phone is ringing , people are wanting live customer service chats, emails are pinging & I have 3 hours to get it all done. 3 hours!!

So I made the husband breakfast, packed his lunch & when giving him a kiss goodbye was met with "do you think you can do a white load today?"  What?!? How dare he want clean underwear. Ugh. Sure, of course. Add it to the list.

Good news is I was able to get all my cleaning done & shower before my guest arrived. Sweet! Point for me!  Up next was the mad dash to make lunch, returning of work emails & then as soon as I started on laundry- the work phone rings. Pretty sure the universe was against me. I'm on the phone & my new neighbor drops by. Sweet enough girl- I don't really know her yet. But out of the blue she asks me for a ride 30 minutes away. Umm....no. Kinda busy here...you know....just being a stay at home Mom.

Oh crap! I forgot about soccer practice. Thank you trusty iPhone for reminding me I have shit to do. And so begins the mad scramble to get ready for soccer. Snacks to eat, cleats to find and a soccer ball to pry away from Buddy Boy. On the way out the door I remember that William was supposed to try on his old soccer uniform to see if he would need a new one for this year. Oh well...only 5 minutes late & we arrive at practice. It is then I remember that I started the washing machine but never actually put any dirty clothes in it. Great. Just great. Monday you bastard!  You totally got me again!

I'm picking up takeout & calling it a day!