I started using vinegar for cleaning years ago. It was great for cleaning glass, getting rid of cat box smells and kitchen counter sanitizing. It's great stuff but my nose doesn't love it as much. The smell, even when diluted in water, reminds me of cat pee. Maybe it's just me, but when the house has been cleaned with something that smells so strong it just doesn't feel clean.
When I turned 36 my mother asked me what I would like for my birthday. She was a bit surprised when I asked for one of those handy steamers. You know, the hand-held steamers that you fill with water, plug in and steam everything into Planet Sterilization. She really didn't understand my request but kindly bought me one anyway. I have to say, it's one of the best and most useful birthday gifts I have ever had.
Having this handy little machine has allowed me to do away with so many household cleaners. I am simply streaming away the germs instead of using chemicals. It works great on toilets. It gets every area of the toilet clean and it does it quickly. It can be used to spray mould or mildew on walls (if you have any) and kills it so it doesn't come back. It does a great job in the fridge, blasting away any spills or dirt that has accumulated. I use mine to clean the daycare toys so that illnesses are less likely to be spread amongst the children. I would say it's an essential tool for a chemical-free home. It uses just plain water and a little electricity. It makes a super-hero sound when spraying and it makes you feel in charge of the grime. Best little birthday gift ever.
Here is a little list of ways I clean my home...
1) toilets- a little earth friendly shampoo to scrub the bowl part then I use my steamer to steam all over and around the toilet. Then I wipe with a soft cloth that I then wash in the laundry.
2) Floors- water and vinegar solution and an old fashion mop. (nothing fancy)
3) Fridge- plain water in my little yellow steamer
4) Microwave- little yellow steamer
5) Oven- self-cleaning but it doesn't get very dirty because we are vegetarian and we don't cook meats.
6) Bathtub- baking soda
7) Front of Kitchen Cupboards- steamer
8) Air Freshener- Oil of Lavender diluted in water and put in a little plant mister.
9) Kitty Litter box- baking soda, vinegar, then steam the germs away
10) Windows- vinegar and water with newspaper to wipe down
I would like to replace our laundry detergent and dish washer detergent as soon as possible. I have used a solution of Borax and Baking soda in my dishwasher with really good results. I really need to try hard to eliminate toxins from my home because 3 of my children have asthma and chemicals tend to trigger their symptoms.
Having a clean, chemical-free home is the "real clean". Having a clean home with chemicals makes the air we breath unsafe. I'm going for the real clean over here. I recommend it to everyone. Oh, and get a handy little steamer... you'll love the sound it makes and the way the grime goes without chemicals.
That's all for now.
Sam xo
I am on my second steamer....had a leetle incident involving a plastic part being stepped on, with the last one. I use the next size up, the purple beast, as the kids call it. Important note!!!! Don't use it on your walls! Lesson learned, huge chunk of paint blasted off and left a pulp hole to boot.
ReplyDeleteI have purchased soap nuts, but have yet to try them. You want a cup of them, to try? Do you have a front load washing machine? If so, you need to convert the soap nuts into a liquid, but if you have the other type of machine, they just get thrown into the machine in a little muslin bag.
What? There's a next size up? Oh Suzzzz... you may have found my next birthday gift! LOL Yes, the steamer will take paint off if you use it on the wall. I only use mine on forgiving surfaces. What in the world did you have on your wall that made you pull out the steamer? Oh no, you don't have a booger flinger do you? Ugh..my brother was one of those. My poor mom. She could have used one of these way back then!
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