Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Odds & Ends

*I cleaned the house yesterday. I know, nothing special, but I cleaned the whole house with homemade cleaners. I've been running seriously low on cleaning supplies, and have been wanting to switch over to products that are a bit safer, and cheaper, to clean with. I had a few Clorox Green Works cleaners, but even then, I wasn't sure of all the ingredients. After a bit of research, I decided on these recipes, and after trying them yesterday, am quite pleased with the results.


  • Hardwood Cleaner: 1/2 C vinegar, 1/2 herb tea (I used lemon), 2 gallons of warm water
  • Soft Scrub: 1/2 C baking soda, add enough liquid detergent (I just used dish soap) to make a texture like frosting.
  • All Purpose Cleaner: 1/2 tsp washing soda (found in the laundry aisle), a dab of liquid soap, 2 C hot tap water
  • Furniture Polish: 1/2 tsp olive oil, 1/4 vinegar or lemon juice
  • Mold Killer: 2 tsp tea tree oil, 2 C water
  • Window Cleaner: 1/4- 1/2 tsp liquid detergent, 3 tbsp vinegar, 2 C water
  • Tile Cleaner: 1/4 tbsp washing soda, 1 tbsp ammonia, 1 gallon of water
For the window and all purpose cleaners I used distilled water since we've got hard water.

*Part of what prompted the need to clean inexpensively was the need to clean our new coffee table so often. I really like it, and it was a great price at Costco, but Claire sure loves to leave her grubby little hand prints all over it!


*I think I'm ready to redecorate Claire's room. I had pretty much made up my mind that her room would be purple, but I wasn't totally sold on the quilt I'd picked out. Then I saw this. I LOVE IT! I think I'll paint her room blue and green. I think that these decals and butterflies would be totally cute too. Now I'm excited to get going on it!

*Here is my most recent favorite picture of Claire. I think it should be called "The Punk". Can't you just feel the attitude?


4 comments:

Andrea said...

Thanks for the tips on cleaning supplies. I have been using the Clorox Green Works (and love it) but I am liking how inexpensive this stuff you have listed sounds. I will have to try it out.

I am SO SO in love with that owl PB bedding. Maddy needs some bedding and that is really making me want that!! Oh goodness I love that. Wish I could afford to buy it. Maybe I should pull a few shifts at the hospital and then I could. ;)

Love that picture too. All her attitude is cute!

Kelly said...

The more you talked about the cleaning stuff yesterday the more you sold me on it. I may try it as soon as I run out. Thanks for the recipes!
I love that bedding! I know I already told you but I wanted to say it again because it's just so cute!
And that picture! I love it! What a cutie!

Amanda said...

Thanks for sharing the cleaning ingrediants, I'll have to try them out.
I love PB bedding. I love what you've picked out, so cute! Have fun decorating her BIG girl room.
And that picture...seriously she's a doll...with spunk.

Andrea @ Knitty Bitties said...

Oh goodness that bedding is SO cute ... you knew I would like it, didn't you?!? ;). Before you order the decals or butterflies let me help you ... I'm sure we can do the butterflies and there is a great Etsy site that has very similar decals for a better price!! :).

And good job on the cleaning supplies. I'm not sure I'm that ambitious yet and the 7th Generation were such a good deal and have lasted about 6 months for me (for less than $20) so I'm probably not as motivate :P. Good to know someone who's tried it though.

We miss you and Claire ... we'll have to get together next week!