The Happy Slob's Guide to Housecleaning

Cleaning for the little Happy Slobs Among Us - Cleaning for Kids

2011-12-15T20:12:00.000-08:00

I couldn't help myself...look at how cute this little cleaning set is!! Maybe this will motivate all the Junior Slobbos among us to pick up their broom or duster and get cleaning with Mom, Dad or Grandma. I don't have children, but if I did I would buy this in a heartbeat.

What is YOUR best cleaning tip for cleaning with kids?
Post a comment to let us know!
Have you tried the timer technique with your kids to 'limit the suffering', and remind them that their cleaning tasks can only take a few minutes a day?

Another Natural Stain Remover - Club Soda

2011-12-09T11:54:00.000-08:00

Just what is club soda, anyway? A quick bit of research reveals that club soda is a wonderful addition to your cleaning kit, since it's basically carbonated water with a small amount of salt. (Originally, this was apparently added to the bubbly drink to give it a taste that more closely replicated natural mineral waters.)

Add some bubbly OR stale club soda to a cleaning spray bottle, and add a splash of fresh lemon juice to it. I know this sounds like a pretty tempting beverage, but in fact this cleaning cleaning duo will really help bleach away stains - on clothing, and more! Plus, it'll leave a fresh scent wherever you clean.

Have you used club soda to clean with? Do tell....

5 Ways to Use Q-Tips to Clean

2011-10-19T19:49:00.000-07:00

No, not your ears! (Did you know that you're not supposed to use Q-tips to clean out those gunky ears? I still do...but I've heard that using a watered down concoction of hydrogen peroxide or even slightly warmed olive oil will do the trick more safely.)

Q-tips are handy little cleaners for around the house. Here are 5 ways to use Q-tips to clean things OTHER than your ears:

Clean jewelry - those little grooves and edges can be a nightmare to clean! Use some jewelry cleaning solution and a Q-tip swab to clean out even the tightest areas of your favorite jewellery.

Clean around the edges of sinks - Ewwww...looked at that edging around your sinks lately? It's gunkville! A soft Q-tip dislodges the dirt, and then a clean cloth will just wipe it all away.

Clean between keyboard keys - Another disgusting area for dirt, grime and certainly germs to gather. Use a Q-tip to get to hard to reach areas of your keyboard. The tapered end type of cotton swabs would be especially useful to get into those really tricky spots.

Use Q-tips to polish silver. No, not Grandma's old and overly large platter! Those little areas on tiny trinkets that are otherwise hard to reach will do very well with a bit of polish smeared on a Q-tip. And yes, I think this might be the first time ever on this blog that I've ever mentioned polishing silver. (I'm not a polishing silver type, you might say. Oh, or an owning silver type either.)

Use Q-tips to clean up oopsies with nail polish. This is more a cleaning up YOU tip than a cleaning your home tip. When applying nail polish, it's so frustrating when you get that gorgeous bright red smeared messily beyond your nail. A cotton swab dipped in nail polish remover is a quick and easy solution for this messy situation.

Have another Q-tip cleaning tip to share? Comment!

What is the ONE cleaning product you can't live without?

2011-10-19T19:44:00.001-07:00

We're all about homemade and natural cleaning formulas around here, baking soda, vinegar, salt, lemon and all kinds of other natural cleaners leading the list.

But, what is the ONE cleaning product you can't live without? Is it an ultra cool mop? A broom that works amazingly well? A Dyson?

Please post your comment!

What's mine, you ask?
Little scrubby pads called 'The World's Greatest Scrubbie' is the one product I seriously don't think I could live without anymore. I've used them for years, and they come in a small, thin pad size that lasts for months. They're awesome at safely scrubbing everything from pots and pans to (ahem, a different scrubby for this purpose I admit) cleaning the grout and tiles and tub in the bathroom. These little miracles can often be found in specialty kitchen shops, so look around and stock up! You can clean them in the washing machine or dishwasher, and they do literally last months before they get worn down and need replacing.

Hello! How about a cleaning burst? Why Cleaning Bursts Work

2011-10-19T19:42:00.001-07:00

It's obviously been ages, but I hope I still have some of you loyal followers lurking around. I think it's definitely time (well overdue, in fact) for a cleaning burst!

Remember, cleaning bursts are the easiest and overall most effective way to simply clean your homes. Why? Because you completely control how much time you spend - have 5 minutes to spare? Great! Set your timer for five minutes and then focus on the areas that need the most attention. Over time, doing two cleaning bursts a day - one in the AM and one in the PM - will greatly help your home to look great, without becoming a terrifying perfectionist.

Happy cleaning all...

Rubbermaid Reveal Mops - Swiffer Type Mop with Your Own Cleaning Solution

2011-04-02T19:06:00.000-07:00

Hey all! You know what a pesky job it is to tackle any floor cleaning...for us happy slobs it's definitely not on our happiest to do lists. But, of course it's one of those tasks that just need to get done. So, here's an idea from another Happy Slob to all the rest of us... Donna C. wrote: "Have you seen the Rubbermaid Reveal mops? I read some bad customer reviews on amazon, but I am hoping that it was the customer's fault that they did not work. I bought one a couple of weeks ago at Target. The bottle can be removed and filled with your own cleaning solution and the mopping pads are microfiber and can be washed about 100 times. I am going to use up the rest of my Swiffer products and use the Reveal mop. (I bought it while it was on sale at Target.) I also found that Windex made some microfiber cloths that I believe can be used with my Swiffer sweeper instead of the more expensive dry floor "cloths" that Swiffer makes. Just wanted to pass this along in case you hadn't seen the Reveal mop." Thanks for the email, Donna! I hope other readers who have in fact tried the Reveal mop (I haven't) will give us their opinions too. E-mail me at christina@happyslob.com if you have an opinion on this product to share! I love the idea that you can easily refill with your own homemade cleaning solutions - cheaper, easier for your health and the planet's. Guess what I'd recommend to fill the cleaning chamber with? Vinegar water of course! Add a squirt of natural dishwashing liquid if you like.

Oh right...and here's a link to the Reveal mop to check it out for yourself:

No Hassle Housecleaning - Lavender Dish soap, removing wine stains, using notes to clean

2011-02-02T10:10:00.000-08:00

No Hassle Housecleaning for

February 2, 2011

Less hassle and less fuss - that's what we're all about. Have a great cleaning idea or tip to share? Send it to me at christina@happyslob.com

5 Ways to Clean with Lemons - since we all love that lemony fresh scent. And, did you know that lemons cut through grease amazingly well? They do!
Do-little dusting tips make that ongoing chore easier and faster.
Red wine oopsie stains are easily removed with this solution you already have in the medicine cabinet.
It's funny how a few well placed reminder notes can help you, your kids and the whole family get in on the cleaning action with greater regularity. Well worth investing in a sticky note or two!

A Homemade Cleaning Formula...or Three

Homemade Shower Cleaner (with bleach or option without bleach, too)
Stainless Steel Shiner will get your stainless and chrome sparkling clean again.
Homemade Lavender Dish Soap - clean clean dishes, with a gorgeous lavender scent left drifting through the air. Lovely!

Newsletter: Kitchen Renos, The Book & Carpet Powder

2011-01-17T17:38:00.000-08:00

No-Hassle Housecleaning for

January 17, 2011

5 Surprising Cleaners You Already Have at Home
I admit - two of them are vinegar and baking soda - but one in particular is one I don't think I've EVER suggested before except for here: 5 Surprising Cleaners You Already Have .

Reviews and Opinions: Cascade All-in-1 Dishwasher Detergent Pacs
Watching the commercials of a woman bent over her dishwasher, stashing in a lasagna pan that's baked on with gook (who DOES that anyway?), and then shortly thereafter removing the same pan - now beautifully clean - made me want to try Cascade All-in-1 dishwasher detergent pacs. They come in little science fiction-worthy gelatin capsules with swirls of bright yellow and green, and claim to wash your dishes that even have stuck on, baked on food. While I didn't leave any baked on food on the dishes (I'm a stickler for rinsing dishes off before loading), I was hoping that this detergent would work decently even with the hard water that we have.

The Grade: B
The Verdict: I'll probably buy these little cleaning pacs again.
Pros: So very easy to use! Just open your main detergent receptacle, and pop one of these in. I believe they work slightly better than regular Cascade powdered detergent, which was my favorite before. I tried the lemon scent, and really liked the fragrance. Overall, they cleaned well. Cons: I still wish my glassware would come out without a bit of residue. And, these do tend to be pricier - so convenience costs! (Try them out with a coupon to make it more affordable.)

Your Turn: Have you used this product? If so, please email me YOUR opinion - send emails to christina@happyslob.com. Big thanks in advance for your input!

The Dream Behind The Book
The whole reason I started http://www.happyslob.com/ was to sell my original ebook, The Happy Slob's Guide to Housecleaning. Since then, my dream has come true and my published book is available at About the Book . If you've never had a chance to, I'd appreciate it if you check it out - and tell a friend while you're at it! And, if you're curious about my story, read the original idea at: About Me - the Happy Slob

Reader Woes - Surviving Kitchen Renos
Reader Question: "How do you survive kitchen renovations? Do any of your readers have tips or hints to help??"
If you have ideas to share, please email me at christina@happyslob.com and I'll share them on the site or here on the blog. :) While never having experienced renovations of any sort, I've heard it's dreadfully stressful...

Homemade Cleaner du Jour: A wonderfully simple carpet powder that will naturally soak up lingering unpleasant scents. A particularly great idea for pet owners who want to freshen up the floors! Freshen Up the Carpets Naturally .

Cleaning all Types of Floors, Cleaning Tips & Hints, and Caldrea Sea Salt and Neroli cleaner

2010-12-22T10:28:00.000-08:00

No Hassle Housecleaning

for December 22, 2010

"House cleaning for the rest of us!"

Happy, Shiny Floors
The bane of all happy slobs is getting a floor - any floor - shiny and clean! Here are some helpful tips for a variety of floor surfaces. Once the floor is clean, the whole room automatically looks a lot better.

Help for Hardwood Floors
Cleaning Laminate Floors
Cleaning Tile Floors the Old Style Way
Cleaning Linoleum Floors

Cleaning Stuff I (and Others) Dream Of...
Guys also love this stuff, so if you want to encourage a little more dishwashing, consider this a helping hand! The Sea Salt Neroli scent is so amazing that one mom told me her grown son wished it came in a cologne. Hmmm...

Some other handy cleaning-ish tips of the day:
Today is a great time to dump the junk in your purse, slobbos! Cleaning Stove Elements and Drip TraysHow to Get rid of Mold
Help for Pets Wetting the CarpetsHow to Delegate Cleaning Tasks to Your Family (or Roommates)

The State of Your Handbag - It's Time to Clean out that Purse!

2010-12-22T10:18:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's time again for one of our famous handbag hauls - as in, hauling out all of the inevitable junk that has accumulated in our purses! Dump the contents out and mercilessly chuck stuff away - just be sure to keep any required receipts for your files. (I've been known to get a little too enthusiastic and throw away a receipt I really should've kept!)

Okay, one, two three - dump! And then...declutter that purse until it looks brand new. Speaking of which, a little wipe down with some of our Very Vinegar spray on the outer surface (for synthetic surfaces) wouldn't go amiss either, since the germs that gather on the bottom of our handbags are some of the most plentiful.

Have a few extra minutes after that purse is shining and tidy? Then work on your wallets - a spot where receipts, coupons and snippings can seemingly procreate all on their own.

Stain Removal Tips, Cleaning the Coffeemaker, and Getting Started Again

2010-11-24T07:06:00.000-08:00

No Hassle Housecleaning Newsletter

for November 24, 2010

Removing hassle from your housecleaning, a tip at a time...Glad to have you visiting. Don't be shy now - feel free to post a comment about anything you read here on the blog or my site at http://www.happyslob.com/.

Stain Removal 101

Discover three simple ways to remove stubborn tea stains from your favorite cups and mugs: Removing Tea Stains from Mugs and Cups
Another tricky stain to overcome is the dreaded lipstick stain! But you can handle it now...don't panic, whatever you do.

For Coffee Lovers

Clean out that old coffeepot with these tips: Clean out the Coffeemaker. It'll make every cup taste fresher and more delicious, and that's what most of us want from a coffeemaker!

Oh Yes, it's Vinegar! Or...Do I Smell Pickles?

I could never deny my love of good old-fashioned white vinegar for cleaning around the home. It's cheap, it's effective and it smells like pickles! (Okay, maybe it's only me who sees that as a benefit...) Here are a few favorite ways to use this handy stuff around the home:

To clean out a gunky, piddly showerhead
To remove unpleasant odors from the air in your home (check out tip #4)
Plus, 6 more ways to use vinegar to clean around the home, including to freshen the dishwasher, freshen musty old bread boxes, and removing pet odors from carpets. See, I told you this stuff was amazing...

Handy Posts to Get You Started...Or RE-Started

Fallen a bit off track with your No-Hassle Housecleaning plan? No sweat! Here's a post to reinvigorate your best efforts all over again. Take a big breath and just do a little cleaning today, and a little tomorrow and you'll amaze yourself with the culmination of your just getting up and trying.

The 3-Step Solution to Cleaning is at the very heart of No-Hassle Housecleaning, and it's also the best place to start today. Smile while you work, it won't hurt a bit.

Clogged Showerhead Solution - Vinegar Once Again to the Rescue

2010-11-03T09:16:00.000-07:00

Clogged Showerheads No More!

Is that morning shower not as powerful and refreshing as it once was? Clogged showerhead holes are probably the culprit, but it's an easy fix.

Learn how some vinegar and a little patience will ail that elderly showerhead.

Newsletter: How to Clean Hardwood, Cleaning for Profit, and a Quirky Cleaning Tool

2010-11-01T18:48:00.000-07:00

No Hassle Housecleaning Newsletter

for Monday, November 1, 2010

Hello and welcome to a fresh new way to read the No Hassle Housecleaning Newsletter - via blog! Ooh, aaaahh...this is about as revolutionary as I get, so I really hope you enjoy it as much as I do. And, this simpler and more condensed version should also be easier for you to navigate. We all win!

Cleaning Hardwood Floors - this is a very common question: "How do I clean my hardwood floors?" And thankfully, the answer is easier than you might imagine, as you'll learn at: How to Clean Hardwood Floors. Aptly named website page, isn't it?

Quirky Cleaning Tools: Toothbrushes - Yes, these underappreciated little scrubbers can do some pretty amazing things, so add one to your cleaning kit! Learn about the cleaning tricks a toothbrush can do.

Make Money Cleaning - We're all looking to up our income a little bit, whether due to a job loss or extra expenses. Cleaning is an easy and legitimate home business that can become quite lucrative! Read these articles for tips to help you get started: Cleaning Business Ideas (including niche markets like condo cleaning)

An urge to splurge...

And finally, a little splurge after you've done your evening cleaning burst, cleaned up that last lingering dish in the sink, and tucked the kids into bed. I've recently become a bit obssessed with Caldrea Hand Lotion. My personal favorite? The Ginger Pomelo, which smells unlike any lotion I've ever had the privilege to sniff...and I mean that in a really good way. Oh, right, and it also moisturizes beautifully, which I suppose is rather the point of a hand lotion. So, slather some on!

7 Handy Household Cleaning Tips and Hints using Borax

2010-10-24T16:06:00.000-07:00

7 Household Cleaning Tips and Hints using Borax

Borax is amazingly versatile for cleaning, crafts and many other uses around the home. Here are a collection of tips, gathered from the website of 20 Mule Team Borax. Enjoy!

Laundry stain remover - Add 1/2 cup to your regular load of laundry (along with the regular amount of detergent) to add a boost of stain removing power.
Natural water softener for laundry - Adding 1/2 cup of Borax also naturally softens laundry water, meaning that your clothes will get cleaner with less effort! (I love that.)
Soaking and washing delicate laundry - Dissolve 1/4 cup of Borax powder with 2 tablespoons of laundry detergent in a basin of warm water. Soak delicate laundry for 20 minutes, rinse with cool water and then blot dry with a towel. Let the delicates air dry.
Clean the Bathroom - Use regular Borax powder as a substitute for other types of commercial cleansing powders. Great for tub and tile!
Clean the toilet - sprinkle in 1/4 cup of Borax powder in the toilet and use the toilet brush to scrub that throne clean! It'll sparkle. For extra cleaning (or to remove stubborn stains) let the Borax soak in the toilet overnight and then clean the next morning.
In the kitchen - Clean countertops with a sprinkle of Borax and a wet sponge or cloth. Also naturally freshens and deodorizes.
In the dishwasher - Add 1/4 cup of Borax powder to the bottom of the dishwasher to get glasses cleaner, and remove spots. It'll also help to clean out the interior of the dishwasher itself.

5 Tips to a Clean, Fresh and Cozy Bed - Laundry Tips

2010-10-24T15:41:00.000-07:00

5 Tips to a Clean, Fresh and Cozy Bed - Laundry Tips and More

At the end of a long day, a cozy, comfy bed feels like a sanctuary, the perfect place to throw yourself into and curl up with a great book. Here are a few tips to have a comfortable, clean and tidy bed without stressing out too much about the whole situation.

Choose cotton sheets - fresh cotton sheets, billowing in the breeze. Now that is what a good set of cotton sheets should feel like! Cotton feels so good next to your skin - clean, and crisp. Cotton also cleans up beautifully - add about 1/2 cup of Borax or 1 cup of white vinegar to the load of sheets instead of harsh bleach if you want to keep those whites whiter.
Keep bedding simple - on top of those lovely fresh cotton sheets, just layer on a great big fluffy duvet, complete with cover. (Really in my opinion, the fluffier the better, like this beauty: White Down Comforter ) Then, making the bed in the morning (when you SO don't feel like being bothered) is no big deal. You just straighten the sheets, and throw over the duvet. Add a few cute throw cushions and voila - you're done making beds for the day! (Keep these tips in mind for the junior slobbos in the household...the easier you can keep bedmaking for kids, the more likely they'll actually stick to it.)
Freshen up linens naturally - Airing out your linens can be as simple as throwing back the duvet and opening the bedroom window wide! Or, if you have the weather and a line available, try drying sheets and other linens out in the fresh air. Nothing smells better.
Spray the lavender - A natural lavender spray spritzed over your pillows before you snuggle in for the night is a perfect way to ease stress and tension, and ease you gently to sleep. (Did you know that real essential oil of lavender also eases stress and tension in pets? It's just an interesting tidbit I recently learned and wanted to pass along! Always check with your vet before trying any particular treatment.)
Dewrinkle sheets without ironing - You know I'm not a fan of ironing. If you're also not fond of that steamy appliance, then set your handy timer again - but this time to make sure you know the moment the dryer is done drying your sheets. If you remove sheets as soon as they're done drying, and fold them immediately, then your linens should look nice and crisp - MINUS the ironing! If you didn't catch them in time and the sheets are a wrinkled mess, don't despair. Just spritz with a bit of water and toss them in the dryer for a few minutes to dewrinkle them and then fold them.

Kitchen Cleaning Tips - Scrub Down Those Appliances, Too

2010-10-23T14:50:00.001-07:00

The appliances we so love in our kitchens - yes, you lovely stainless kettle, I'm talking to you - can become grungy and dirty over time. So, next time you're doing a quick cleaning burst or are doing a focus room cleaning in the kitchen, take a few of those precious allotted minutes to scrub down the appliances in your kitchen!

This includes both large appliances - like stove, fridge and dishwasher - and also the small appliances you rely on day in and day out, such as that kettle I so love, the coffeemaker, toaster, etc.

I find that a good scrubby sponge really helps with this task. Baking soda can add a little cleaning muscle to a regular soapy water mixture that will clean simply, but effectively. And if you notice that you're running out of time (remember your timer, slobbos!), then just aim to clean one or two appliances each time you're cleaning in the kitchen anyway. Over time, the whole kitchen will look better for it!

Is Life Feeling out of Control? The 3 Steps Helps

2010-10-16T11:30:00.000-07:00

Is life feeling really out of control at the moment? Busy with work, kids, responsibilities and family obgligations? It's okay, we all feel a little (a LOT!) overwhelmed sometimes. And that's when it seems like our homes really take the brunt of that frustration.

Let's get back to basics, and the whole idea that started off No Hassle Housecleaning/The Happy Slob's Guide to Housecleaning, and that is just three simple steps, two of which you'll do daily and the last one just once a week or so. Easy, shmeezy.

1. Cleaning bursts: quick 'bursts' of cleaning in the major areas of your home (ie: the areas you see and live in the most)
2. Focus room cleaning:
3. (And this one isn't even every day!) Clean for alls, when you tackle larger cleaning jobs once a week or so.

Take a big breath, let out all that guilt you feel for those piles of clutter accumulating, and take time to read these posts that give you more information what I like to call the 3 Step Solution to Cleaning. It'll make your life feel more in control again, and I certainly hope it'll ease some of your stress.

Posts and Articles about the 3-Step Solution to Cleaning:
http://www.happyslob.com/gettingstarted.html
http://www.happyslob.com/3step.html
http://happyslob.blogspot.com/2008/07/really-big-cleaning-problem-one-readers.html - a touching email from one reader, who really knew nothing about how to clean

Enjoy reading, all! And PS - I've missed you guys!
Christina

For other Writers - The original press release

2010-07-30T17:15:00.000-07:00

I just came across this on the www.happyslob.com site and thought - "Wow, when I first wrote that, I'm not sure I ever really thought I'd get my book published. But look at how's it all worked out!" Using the internet to get the attention of big publishers is a great way to stand out. If you're curious, and/or are dreaming of publishing a book one day, check out the original press release I wrote in 2006 at http://www.happyslob.com/pressrelease.html

And keep writing! :)
Christina

The Simplest Alternative to Dishwasher Detergent

2010-07-30T09:10:00.001-07:00

I'm keeping it a secret...you have to see which common household cleaning ingredient can be used instead of traditional dishwasher detergent powder at: An Alternative to Dishwasher Detergent

PS. On the same page are also a few hints submitted by a reader about other ways to use dishwasher detergent...

Gloomy Rainy Days - Perfect for Cleaning

2010-07-13T09:38:00.000-07:00

Today is a seriously gloomy, rainy sky day. (In fact, I just read online that we're expecting up to 100 mm of rain here in Calgary!) So, it's time to grab my little cleaning kit and handy timer and get to it. Sometimes the gloom outside provides the perfect backdrop for a little extra cleaning...

How long do Dyson cleaners really last?

2010-07-06T08:03:00.000-07:00

I need your opinions, guys. How long do Dyson vacuum cleaners really last? For our next cleaner, I wouldn't mind saving up for one of these suckers, but I really need convincing that it's worth the extra cost. If you have a Dyson, how long have you had it? AND...is it really true that it doesn't lose its suction over time?

Vacuums - the one appliance you really WANT to suck. :)

Remove a Toxic Cleaner - Take on Baking Soda to Scrub, Scrub, Scrub those Surfaces

2010-07-06T08:01:00.000-07:00

Here's an easy way to remove one more toxic/chemical cleaner from your home. And yes, it's also painless! Simply stop using chemical scrubby cleaners and replace them with good old baking soda. You'll be surprised that baking soda works incredibly well - a sprinkle or two, and a good scrubby sponge for scrubbing action, and you're off!

More Cleaning With Cornstarch - Cleaning Windows Formula

2010-06-30T08:43:00.000-07:00

See, cleaning with cornstarch isn't so crazy after all... Connie's mother has been using it to clean her windows with for years! Here's reader Connie's email, with the SECRET formula recipe:

"My mother's window cleaning (also mirrors etc) equal parts white vinegar, non-sudsy ammonia and water and add 1 or 2 tablespoons cornstarch."

I've also been doing some research into corn starch, and why it's such an incredible substance. For one thing, it's excellent for soaking up grease or oil spills. (Man, wish I'd known that about a week ago when I had a lovely HUGE bottle of olive oil fall down from a shelf and land in an oily puddle all across the kitchen floor. Ugh.)

And...corn starch is, obviously, a starch. So, if you (unlike most of us Happy Slobs) are an ironing fan, then corn starch is an excellent way to get a crisp, starchy finish to items like white shirts or cotton bed linens and sheets.

Start with about 1/2 tablespoon of corn starch in 1 cup of cold tap water. Add slowly to fully dissolve the cornstarch in the cold water. Use as you would any starch spray.

Who knew, right? Here we thought it was just a great gravy thickener - shows us.

Anyone have any other tips using cornstarch to clean? Post them in a comment or email them to me at christina@happyslob.com. Happy cleaning, all!

Cleaning Windows: Sue's Homemade Window Cleaning Formula

2010-04-20T06:13:00.000-07:00

Hello! Just got back from vacation on Saturday, and I've missed posting to all of you. So, to break the quiet spell, here's a homemade cleaning formula from a No Hassle Housecleaning reader named Sue that seems very appropos since we're all beginning to think of (gasp!) spring cleaning. And that means actually being able to SEE out our windows again after a winter of grime build-up.

Homemade Window Cleaner
Sue writes: "I don't know where I found this recipe but it works great."
All you need is a spray bottle, large enough to hold 3 cups of liquid.
you mix 1 cup. of non sudsy ammonia, 1 cup. of rubbing alcohol, and 1 cup. of tap water. Give it a shake and you are ready. grab some newspaper and go.

Thanks Sue! I've heard that in formulas like this one that you can also add a few drops of blue food coloring, to ensure that everyone in the family knows it's a cleaner. Safety first! For everyone else, here are some gentler alternatives (without ammonia) for squeaky clean windows.

Using Dawn Soap to Clean Windows
No Streak Homemade Glass Cleaner (This one has a strange mystery ingredient...)
10 Uses for Old Newspapers - Including Washing Windows
5 Surprising Cleaners - Including Club Soda for Cleaning Glass

Very Vinegar Cleaner
We can never forget our favorite little all-purpose cleaner, which is also a true powerhouse when it comes to cleaning windows. The Very Vinegar Cleaner is basically 1 part white vinegar in a clean spray bottle, topped up with 3 to 4 parts of distilled water or fresh tap water. A little squirt of Dawn dishwashing liquid would give it some extra degreasing power, as would some drops of lemon essential oil. This cleaner is an all-time favorite of mine, and it costs only cents per bottle. Which makes cheapo me a very happy cleaner indeed.

Armed and Ready for...Scrubbing
So, with a little 'clarity' on window washing (oh dear, I just couldn't help myself) you can arm yourself with knowledge, the tools for the job...and then face this task head on. As always -- don't go at it alone! Get family or friends to help whenever possible.

I Had an "Eek" Moment - Cleaning out the Fridge Reminder

2010-03-31T12:12:00.000-07:00

So, we're going away to visit family on Friday, and I've been on a tear to get our apartment ship-shape before we go. (Or, you know, as ship-shape as can be, keeping in mind our No Hassle Housecleaning sensibilities.)

I'd been putting off one particularly nasty household chore. Cleaning out the fridge. Never a favorite chore of mine, especially when it's really overdue and the produce has had ample opportunity to morph into some other biological form. (THAT was my "eek" moment I described in the title...I'm pretty sure that black blob had been half an onion at some earlier point in its existence. I will not describe it any further except to say that it prompted me to say things like: "Ugh," "Blarech," "Repulsive!" and other murmured noises of disgust.)

Now It's YOUR Turn
Okay...grab that trusty timer and set it for about 10-15 minutes to allow ample time to remove everything, get rid of the morphed produce, and long forgotten Rubbermaid containers of leftovers, and spray the inside down with Very Vinegar cleaner. If there's hard to remove gunk on the bottom, use a generous sprinkling of plain baking soda and a scrubby sponge. It should wipe away with a little elbow grease. Wipe everything down, put back the good stuff into the fridge - and voila (hey look, more French!) - a gorgeous fridge that you actually want to open. Your family and friends will be amazed at your domestic abilities, my friends!

Have a few extra minutes to spend?
Okay then, you brave souls. Take those few extra moments and declutter the surface of the fridge. I end up with photos of friends and family, recipes, coupons all posted to the front of the fridge. Having a few mementoes is nice, but when you can't see the surface of the appliance any more, well, you know it's time for a quick and painless decluttering session. You can also give the outside of the refrigerator a good wipe down while you're at it. There! Look at all you've accomplished today.

Linda's Helpful Cleaning Tips Using Avon's Skin so Soft

2010-03-31T11:51:00.000-07:00

I received a wonderful email the other day from a No Hassle Housecleaning reader named Linda. She had some tips to tell me about, and she gave me permission to pass these tips along to all of you. Some of them involve using Avon's Skin So Soft for cleaning, and one is a great tip to remove stubborn odors from your home.

Enjoy, everyone, and huge thanks to you again Linda. :) Your emails always make me smile.

Here's a link to my other website which has a listing of over 100 uses for this amazing stuff: http://www.kitchencraftsnmore.net/skinsosoft.html P.S. Please post a comment and let all of us know how YOU use Skin So Soft! I'll try to post it on the Skin So Soft page.

NOW...LINDA'S HELPFUL HOUSEHOLD HINTS

Add a nicer scent to your Skin So Soft -- Linda is a lavender fanatic, too! "One of my other favorite things is Avon Skin-so-Soft, the original fragrance. I have a little spray bottle of it, too, that I refill from the large bottle, and although I love the fragrance, I add some lavender to it, too."
Dust your furniture with Skin So Soft - "I've been using is to use it on my wood furniture, as it dusts, cleans, and makes it smell good. I don't use the one with the lavender, though, on my wood, as I'm afraid it might hurt the finish on the wood." Lavender oil (the real essential oil, not an imitation fragrance oil) should be safe on most wooden surfaces. However, always test a little area first to make sure you don't damage your beloved furniture pieces.
Use it on Formica - "I use it on my formica with the oil--no, I don't hate granite, but I do have one formica that looks like marble with grain in it! Using this really makes the formica shine and the room smell good, especially in the bathroom."
Use ammonia to rid burnt smells from microwave - "You may know this hint, but I was making some hummingbird food for my feeder, and my husband called me outside for a minute--out of sight, out of mind, until I smelled this horrible sweet smell and ran back into kitchen filled with smoke and SWEET smell! I called an environmental cleaning place to see if they could help me with a "home remedy," and the lady told me that she had just had her microwave catch on fire a few weeks ago, so she put out bowls of ammonia all around the room, and it just absorbed the odor! I tried it in my kitchen, den, and dining room, all one big room, and in about 3 days the smell was GONE!" You guys know I'm not a huge fan of bleach due to the ammonia contained in it. BUT, if you really need to get rid of odors, it appears that this will do the trick. Just make sure to keep the rooms well ventilated, and don't try this home remedy if you have athsma or other breathing problems. Otherwise, try open containers of white vinegar. (P.S. Linda also says it's wonderful for getting rid of powerful smoke odors.)

Oooops...there goes the timer! Have to grab some lovely, fresh smelling clothes from the dryer. Have a fabulous Wednesday everyone, and as always feel free to contact me at christina@happyslob.com with your helpful tips, questions, or ideas. I love your emails. Au revoir for now! (I'm trying -- trying -- to learn French, so you might have to bear with me and my silly attempts for a while. hehe)

The Simplest Cleaning Formula You'll Ever Make: Squirt Squirt Cleaner Recipe

2010-03-26T09:15:00.000-07:00

Ahhh, yes...making your own cleaners. It sounds like a real 'mother of the earth' type project, doesn't it? But, making a simple homemade cleaner is a breeze. This is the simplest of all cleaning recipes, so give it a try to replace chemical-filled cleaners. The Squirt, Squirt Cleaner is basically a good all-purpose cleaner for around the home.

Squirt Squirt Cleaner - No Hassle Housecleaning Recipe
* Distilled water (or tap water, in a pinch)
* A natural dishwashing liquid soap (the link I chose is a lavender type - hurray! I have a wee addiction to the purple stuff.)
* A plastic spray bottle (that has never contained chemicals or other nasty stuff)
* Optional: lavender or tea tree essential oils.

Quite simply, add a squirt of two of the liquid dishwashing soap, and then fill nearly to the top with the distilled water. Gently shake to combine (gently now, or else you'll be overcome by bubbles.) This is a mild and effective soapy cleaner that is really easy to use, easy on the health of your family, and easy on the wallet, by George!

You can get a little fancier with your homemade cleaning creation by adding a few drops of either lavender or tea tree essential oils. You probably already know that I'm a lavender freak, so that would be my fave, but both of these oils work well to add an extra dose of cleaning fortitude. So, give it a try!

Money saving tip o' the day: Buying essential oils online is almost always cheaper than heading to your local health food store.

Cleaning Tile Floors with Hydrogen Peroxide

2010-03-22T08:08:00.000-07:00

And finally...Peggy just sent in this email with another peroxide cleaning tip. (We all love those - I'm a bit obssessed with hydrogen peroxide right now. I have a gorgeous green sweater with a streak of bleached out-edness to prove it, too.) Send me any tips you have for peroxide, everyone - to christina@happyslob.com. Or questions, ideas, etc, etc. I'm glad to hear from all of you.

Now, here's Peggy's tip du jour: "I use peroxide on my tile floors. It lightens the grout as well as a good clean for the floor. "

Love it! You could dilute it, or on floors that need a really good clean, the undiluted 3% variety is probably just fine. Just watch out for bleaching out your clothing! (I was using a heavier duty hydrogen peroxide at the time, so you'll probably be pretty safe with 3%...but I'm just still mourning my sweater. And whining about it, apparently.)

One Day Left -- eBay Auction for a Signed Copy of No Hassle Housecleaning

2010-03-22T08:06:00.001-07:00

Come on over and check out my eBay auction for a signed copy of No Hassle Housecleaning. http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200450957530&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT I know, I know, the excitement of it all is killing you, but go check it out nonetheless. ;) Thanks guys!

Cleaning Ceiling Fans - Give it a Whirl!

2010-03-22T07:41:00.000-07:00

This blog idea was inspired just about fifteen minutes ago, when I was finishing up my bowl of oatbran and flax (don't scoff - fiber and I are very dear friends) and looked up. Waaaay up. To the ceiling fan. Which looked disgustingly neglected, which in reality it has been. Ah ha! The little lightbulb in my head went on, and therefore this post was born of necessity.

If you have a ceiling fan, get a sturdy chair or stepladder to ease your way up there, and then use a dampened rag or microfiber cloth to clean out all the gunk and mess. (Please, be careful! I don't want anyone falling down and hurting themselves.) Word to the wise: place some large garbage bags down on the floor beneath the fan, so that you're not left with a messy floor to deal with too!

Have a fantastic Monday everyone,
Christina

A Stain Removal Song for this Sunday Morning (Remove Tea and Coffee Stains)

2010-03-21T08:16:00.000-07:00

I love coffee,
He loves tea,
We love hot bevvies,
But the stains bother MEEEE....

Yes, I actually did sing that as I typed it. :) How sad. Feel free to roll your eyes.

Right, so if you're a tea or coffee drinker then you're also well aware that the beverages taste delicious, but the stains they leave behind in our favorite mugs and cups are far less charming. I've found three things that help remove those nasty stains:

Baking soda - the old favorite is a star again. Scrub with baking soda and a scrubby pad.
Table salt - same thing, but a little grittier for even more difficult stains.
Barkeepers Friend - The hardest, oldest stains are no match for this cleaner. When I was writing my book, I researched this marvelous powdered cleanser and discovered that it's derived from rhubarb. Hmmm. And here I always thought rhubarb was just good in pie. Wrongo, it's also good for scrubbing stains away (and cleaning your stainless, copper, etc...but I'll try to remain on topic here.)

Plus, a little scrubby pad called 'The World's Greatest Scrubbie' is available in many kitchenware shops. At the store where I work part-time we sell them for around $2.99. I always use that when scrubbing away stubborn beverage stains -- so keep an eye out for them in your locale. They're little rectangles of rainbow colored cleaning extraordinariness. (IF that's even a word.)

Right, now, go grab a coffee or tea and don't worry for even a single moment about any stains to come. :) Have a lovely Sunday while you're at it.

Fish Oil Follies: Removing a Tough Laundry Stain & Odors (Stain Removal)

2010-03-18T18:20:00.000-07:00

I'm rather a huge fan of fish oil pills - I take two every single morning without fail. But, when those little gelatin capsules decide to do some damage, it can be a smelly mess that lingers. Read this email I received from Jennifer K a few days ago:

"Hello christina, my name is Jennifer and I have a question for you, I was doing laundry one day and of all days did not check his shirt pockets, so I did the wash and I found out I left a fish oil capsule in his pocket he didn’t take, now his shirts smell like the ocean, fishy, how can I get rid of this smell? I tried washing it in baking soda, but did not help he smell is still there… please help…"

Okay, Jen, here we go. Oil stains on clothing can in fact be some of the very toughest stains to remove. From your email, it sounds like you've actually managed to remove the stain but have the stinky fishy scent left as an everlasting reminder. (For any of you who have oil stains to contend with - corn starch can be very helpful when rubbed gently into the oil stain to pre-treat before tossing into the laundry. Or, cover the oil stain with a good amount of cornstarch and let it sit and soak up the oil before pre-treating with laundry detergent and washing as usual.)

Here are a couple of options to remove stinky fish smells from clothing:

Add two full cups of white vinegar to your load of wash. Vinegar is a heavy duty natural odor neutralizer and I think it might help to remove that nasty scent. If even that doesn't work -- try soaking in a small container of water with a few cups of white vinegar to neutralize the scent and then wash in the hottest possible water that is safe for the fabric.
Sit out in the sun - the clothing that is! (Although, you can certainly join the clothes if you want to.) There's a wonderfully natural and effective way to remove stinky odors - let the sun at them. Let the clothes sit out on a clothesline and the sun and fresh air may deodorize the clothes au naturel.

Jennifer, let us know how it goes, okay? The vinegar method should work -- and it should get the clothes looking pretty darn clean to boot.

Other Articles of Interest:
How to Remove Lipstick Stains

Dozens of Ways to Use Baking Soda Around the Home

Laundry Tips & Hints

Cleaning Slippers - Slip, Slide Your Way to Cleaner Floors

2010-03-17T07:31:00.001-07:00

Have I mentioned lately how much I love these? No? Then here I go.

Microfiber cleaning slippers. You got it - just shuffle your feet to clean the floors. Now that is what I call a happy slob's dream come true...The fact that they're fuzzy and pink doesn't hurt either. We should never take ourselves too seriously, after all.

Hydrogen Peroxide Cleaning Tip: Remove Red Wine Stains

2010-03-17T07:23:00.000-07:00

I simply love hydrogen peroxide. It's cheap, it's plentiful (available at any drugstore for around a buck or so) and it's a downright powerful little cleaner. Jan B wrote in with a great tip on using it to remove red wine stains.

Jan wrote: "I use peroxide with a dash of Dawn dishwashing soap on red wine spills. But always blot wine spot first with paper towels to remove the excess. Never rub. Then I use a cotton ball with the peroxide and soap and dab until stain is gone."

No Hassle Housecleaning Hint: Just test this in an inconspicuous area of carpeting first, since peroxide also has a serious bleaching effect. And, a big blog of bleached out carpet wouldn't be much better than the wine stain! If you have pale carpet, this should work incredibly well. Thanks Jan, for the idea.

How do you use hydrogen peroxide to clean? Let me know, as I'm working on a new Hydrogen Peroxide Cleaning page on www.happyslob.com.

No Hassle Housecleaning Book Signing - in Calgary, AB - Wednesday, Dec 23

2009-12-22T10:24:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone,
Just wanted to let all of you know about my second book signing at the Compleat Cook in Willow Park Village in Calgary's South. The first book signing was a great success - thanks to everyone who came out to buy a book and have me sign it. Your feedback was wonderful, and I appreciate all of your kind words.

We decided to do a second book signing tomorrow, that is Wednesday, December 23, 2009 from 3 to 7 pm. Compleat Cook is located at 232 Willow Park Village 10816 Macleod Trail South in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. If you know of anyone in Calgary who'd like a copy, please let them know about this signing!

Come and get your own personal copy of No Hassle Housecleaning
tomorrow! (The book formerly known as the Happy Slob's Guide to Housecleaning.)
Thanks all,
Christina

Decluttering? Send old clothes where they're needed

2009-12-10T13:37:00.001-08:00

I just received a wonderful email from a No Hassle Housecleaning reader. We all get so gung-ho (and rightly so!) about decluttering, but sometimes we forget that there are people who can really use our old items. Next time you have a pile of clothes to give away, remember this idea from Deborah.

"you mentioned giving away clothing to charities...
please list any nursing homes in your area...I work at one (nurse) and some of the people have very little clothing.
I took a huge trash sack full of gently worn clothing up there, and you would have thought it was Christmas!!!
they were all so pleased to have "new" stuff."

A Natural AND Cheap Alternative to Dishwasher Detergent

2009-11-04T14:48:00.000-08:00

By jove, I think I may have GOT it. Dishwasher detergent is one of those annoying necessities that I could never quite embrace using. But, I'm finally pleased with the results of two ingredients that seem to be getting my dishes good and clean, minus the chemicals.

I pour regular table salt (or I've also used baking soda) into the detergent openings in the dishwasher door, and then pour about a tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide over the salt until it's a bit sludgy and slushy. Close the door and give it a whirl.

I really want to know what you discover from using this! Do you like it as much as dishwasher detergent? I'm still working on improving this all the time, so please do share if you tweak it and like the results even more.

~Christina~

Roomba Robotic Vacuum - Dream Cleaning

2009-09-16T10:11:00.000-07:00

It might not look like much from this photo but I have to admit, having a Roomba robotic vacuum seems absolutely dreamy to me. Setting this little thing off to clean and suck up dirt and muck, while I sit around and read a book. Lovely!

What do you guys think? Does anyone have one? Would it be worth buying one?

Today: Declutter your Bag

2009-09-16T10:00:00.000-07:00

Ready, set...go to it! When you're done, come report back and tell us all how many pieces you de-junked from your bag, backpack, briefcase, whatever. Try not to get sidetracked and just get rid of the junk that's loading you down - literally - every day.

Dishwasher Detergent for Socks? I Kid You Not...Whiter Socks

2009-09-16T09:57:00.000-07:00

It's true! Dishwasher detergent (for electric dishwashers) in liquid form is a powerful stain remover, especially for socks. Use only on white socks, as it has some serious bleaching action too. More whitening laundry tips at: http://www.kitchencraftsnmore.net/whitensocks.html

My Book - No Hassle Housecleaning - Now Available for Preordering

2009-07-29T10:17:00.000-07:00

Here it is! The long awaited book, with a fresh title: "No-Hassle Housecleaning." You can now pre-order at Amazon.

Can't wait to hear your feedback, everyone!

Borax For Carpet Cleaning - and More Borax Tips and Hints around the House

2009-07-29T09:39:00.001-07:00

Happy Slob reader, Lourene, sent me in the following email after trying the carpet cleaning formula on our website.

"I USED YOUR ADVICE FOR THE CARPET CLEANING SOLUTION, BUT I DID ONE
EXTRA THING I USED 1 CUP OF BORAX. IT WAS AMAZING TO SEE WHAT CAME UP.
I WILL NEVER HAVE A CLEANING SERVICE COME IN ANYMORE. I WILL RENT A
RUG DOCTOR AND USE THE CLEANING SOLUTION I MADE. ONE MORE THING I DID
IS BOIL WATER IN A BIG POT TO HAVE THAT VERY HOT WATER,

THANK YOU FOR THE TIP."

Thanks Lourene! I'm a huge fan of Borax. Here are some more handy Borax cleaning tips I've posted or researched over the years.

Borax as a Natural Air Freshener
Borax Dishwasher Detergent Substitute
Borax to Remove Toilet Stains

And remember, Borax is pretty easy to find in the supermarket, Walmart or wherever you shop. Just look in the laundry department, and it should be there sitting amongst the boxes of detergent. And it's frugal, hurray! (You can also order Borax online if you can't find it locally, check out this link for 20 Mule Team Borax )

A Spa Favorite is a Surprising Cleaning Tool

2009-06-13T10:56:00.000-07:00

The other day I was shopping at my favorite mega-pharmacy store (you know, with everything from OTC painkillers to home decor goodies) and I found something that really caught my attention. Spa exfoliating gloves. Hmm...

The point of these little gloves are to wear them and lather with body wash to do an all-over exfoliating treatment on (obviously) your skin. I wasn't exactly thinking of exfoliating ME with these gloves, but rather the shower and tub walls! These nubby gloves have an interesting texture, I figured, that would make doing your in-shower cleaning a breeze! (Remember...the easiest way to NEVER slave over tub and shower cleaning is to do a little cleaning every time you're in the shower. A scrub scrub here and there, and cleaning is done while your hair conditioner is silkening your tresses.)

And voila - it worked! These little babies, lathered up with a little body wash worked perfectly to clean the shower and tub surfaces, even getting right into the cracks and crevices of the grout lines with ease. I loved how easy it was to clean with these, and would suggest you guys all pick up a pair. They were $2.49 at the Shoppers Drug Mart I shopped at, and were located by all the loofah sponges, and shower body poufs - puffs?

Make cleaning your shower easier than ever with this spa-inspired tip!

Dusting Tips for Do-Little Dusting

2009-06-10T08:44:00.000-07:00

Sometimes dusting just feels like a never-ending, ridiculous kind of chore. Why bother dusting at all? Since, isn't it just going to go and get dusty again anyway?

Well, if any of your family suffers from allergies or asthma, dusting is a necessity, since dust and the dust mites that feed on such dust can aggravate such health conditions considerably. It doesn't mean you have to go crazy, with white gloves in hand to check for perfect dustlessness on every surface...but, it does mean that dusting isn't about to go away. So, here are a few ways to make this task a little more palatable to the Happy Slob:

Less clutter = less dusting. It just makes sense. If you have fewer knick knacks and clutter on tabletops, countertops, bookshelves and storage units then it'll be faster and easier to dust. If you're a confirmed packrat, set a goal to get rid of 5 cluttery things a day until clutter is under control. (And, don't add to the problem by replacing those 5 cluttery things with new bits of junk you found at the thrift shop!)
Microfiber cloths make it easy - These amazing little creations make dusting a breeze. Invest in some decent ones that are meant to last, and you'll be using them for years without replacing. The Microfibre Cleaning Cloths really hold onto dust, instead of just spreading the dust around.
Dust and De-Static - Really not sure if destatic is a word, but using a fabric softener sheet (even one that's already been used once in the dryer) is an easier way to dust and reduce static on surfaces like TVs and computer monitors. This is a perfect cleaning task for Junior Happy Slobs, so delegate this one.

8===8===8===8===8===8

Find more dusting to-do's and a lot more in Christina's book: "The Happy Slob's Guide to Housecleaning." Go on, check it out...you know you want to. :)

8===8===8===8===8===8

5 Ways to Clean Your Home with Lemons

2009-04-30T14:13:00.001-07:00

My husband is home sick, so he's been drinking mug after mug of hot lemon concoctions. (And FYI: no swine flu here, I swear.) Lemon with ginger, lemon with mint, lemon and more lemon. So, we've been going through more lemons than usual.

And that reminded me just how incredibly useful this common little citrus fruit really is. I wanted to share with you guys 5 ways to use lemons (and sometimes you can interchange oranges or limes) to clean around your home. Naturally, and with an oh-so-fresh aroma.

Scour it. Dip a halved lemon into regular table salt and use in kitchen sinks, and along countertops as a natural scouring agent. Just wipe the residue away with a moistened sponge. Especially nice in the kitchen as it leaves that real lemony essence lingering behind.
De-Stink It. Natural lemon juice helps de-stink (okay, freshen) your hands and any other surfaces that fish came into contact with. And leave a wedge to serve with the fish, too please!
Bleach It. Lemons are nature's own little bleach machines. Add some fresh lemon juice to white laundry to replace bleach OR make a thick paste of lemon juice and baking soda to scrub stained dishes or plastic storage containers. That powerhouse team of baking soda and lemon juice will also leave those containers smelling sweet and fresh.
Shine It. Add a little lemon juice to any of the natural glass cleaning recipes in my book to get lemony fresh cleaners, minus all the chemicals and additives in commercial varieties. You could even add some to club soda, one of my favorite shiny surface cleaners!
Wash It. This is a cool tip I just found out about, and plan to try later on tonight. Pop a half lemon right into the dishwasher to get sparklier, more delicious smelling dishes. I might try just filling the regular detergent with baking soda, and then throwing in half a lemon and see what happens. However, I almost feel sorry for what the poor lemon will endure...

So, pop over to the supermarket and pick up a lemons. It's more than an aromatic addition to your iced tea - it's a cleaning mighty mouse!

Spring Cleaning Time - Dozens of Helpful Hints

2009-04-04T09:32:00.000-07:00

Okay guys, it's spring cleaning time. This is a time of hope and renewal and blooming flowers and chirping birds. But, in spite of all that loveliness spring cleaning can take the joy right out of spring!

No worries, I want you to check out two important databases of info I've compiled on the Happy Slob site. It will ease your mind and hopefully motivate you to do a bit of extra cleaning to usher spring in!

Cleaning Tips - my fave cleaning tips to make it all easier. Honestly. Includes how to properly clean different flooring types, how to declutter closets and other clutter-prone zones, and even how to find more organizing space in even the tiniest homes.
Cleaning Recipes - how to make your own cleaners, deodorizers, floor washes, etc, etc. Almost any type of cleaner can be made for way less coin at home using all-natural stuff like baking soda, vinegar, lemon and other citrus juices, salt, and other common ingredients.

Remember that these ideas along with the 3-Step Solution you already know about from the book will make spring cleaning a lot less stressful. Bit by bit cleaning is what we're all about, and it really does work! (And doesn't turn you into a raving loonie, which is a definite plus.)

I Love This, but HATE That...How about you?

2009-03-18T19:42:00.000-07:00

Admit it...there are certain tasks around the home that you've never really minded doing. In fact, if you're totally honest there are certain cleaning tasks that make you feel pretty darn contented, maybe even while you're completing them. (All of us like cleaning tasks more once they're done, obviously.)

For me, I really don't mind cleaning dishes. Yes, I do have a dishwasher, and yes I do use it regularly. But I don't even mind scrubbing pots and pans. There's something almost soothing about scraping along that scrubby sponge, letting my hands soak in the warm sudsy water.

What do I hate? I really don't like mopping the floor. Maybe it's because we have sort of ugly floors that are stubborn and nasty to clean. (I think that may very well be the truest reason.) Or maybe it's because the idea of dripping water on my socks is just SO unappealing. (I'm grasping for anything here now, folks.) Or, maybe I just don't like washing the floor, full stop.

The Happy Slob's Guide to Housecleaning even addresses how to minimize the time spent on tasks that we really don't like. Honestly. And, timer cleaning helps keep your cleaning focused and prioritized so that you get stuff done. Even if you don't like it a bit.

Fess up...what is the one task you LOVE to do? And what is the one that you hate more than any other? Leave a comment, thanks!

Friday's To-Do List...and Housecleaning Check-in

2009-02-27T09:47:00.000-08:00

It's Friday!

That means it's time to check in and let everyone know what YOUR plans are for cleaning today and on the weekend. Doing a bit of cleaning on Friday is a great way to prepare for a less stressful weekend.

Here is my cleaning to-do list today:

Cleaning burst AM - done! But, the bed didn't get made yet, as I have one very sleepy kitty sprawled all over the bed and I didn't have the heart to move her. (Nice excuse, huh? lol)
Today's Focus Room - A solid 15 minutes of cleaning in the main bedroom. I'm noticing a trend that hubby and I have of sprawling our clothes around - and no, NOT in the dresser drawers or closets. That needs to get tidied up before the weekend! (And, I'm still working on cleaning the bookshelves...they were very cluttered.)
Cleaning Burst PM - Tonight, as regular - mainly focusing on keeping dishes under control and tidying/cleaning the bathroom up a bit. Plus, a quick sweep. I've been a bit slack with my evening cleaning bursts, and I notice the difference...(therefore the piles of clothing in our bedroom.) I am determined to get back on track again, and hope you're all ready for the challenge, too!

That's about it for me, and grocery shopping later this afternoon. Oh, and fridge clean-out before the trip to my favorite supermarket. I looooove grocery shopping, do you guys?

Please post a comment about what you're going to do today and this weekend! Thanks all, and have a fun and safe weekend.

When Only a Wipe Will Do - Cleaning with Wipes

2009-02-25T08:28:00.000-08:00

So, I was walking through the grocery store and I stopped in front of the METHOD cleaning products. One Happy Slob had mentioned the floor cleaning system a while ago, and I kept eyeing the cleaning wipes. So, I finally tried them! I tried Method's all-purpose cleaning wipes in Pink Grapefruit scent. While not easily distinguishable as grapefruit, these do smell fresh and clean. The wipes were so easy to use, and are fantastic for very quick cleaning jobs.

Happy Slob Rating for: Method Pink Grapefruit (also available in cucumber or lavender) All-purpose cleaning wipes
Cost: $3.99 Canadian for a package of 30 wipes (or about 13 cents a piece). This was on sale. I think it's regularly $4.99-$5.49.
Through Amazon you can get a total of 180 wipes for only $21.29 or less than 12 cents each. Not too bad considering how quick and handy these are.

SCORE: 4/5

What I loved:

So easy to use, so fast and efficient
Good at cleaning many surfaces, such as countertops. Taps and sinks were cleaned streak-free too, which I loved.
Container sealed well, leaving the wipes nice and moist and not dried out at all.
These are Non-Toxic and contain natural ingredients. The cloths themselves are 100% bamboo.

What would've made me love it even more:

A stronger, more citrusy grapefruit scent. It had a clean scent, but it didn't smell much like grapefruit to me.
If it had left mirrors and glass streak-free. (Definitely left streaks behind on mirrors and glass, but then most all-purpose wipes still do.) In a pinch, you could use one of these wipes and then follow up with a quick shine with a clean cloth or paper towel.

Perfect for:

Fast clean-up jobs
Kids' cleaning kits
OUR cleaning kits! (Hey, these would be ideal for CODE RED CLEANING.)
Keeping under the kitchen or bathroom sink for quick wipe-ups.
Keeping in a desk drawer in your office to clean off icky keyboards, desk surfaces, etc.

Have you guys used these? Do you like them, love them or loathe them? Next time I plan on trying the lavender scent. In fact, I'm amazed that I didn't grab that one first, but I think I'm trying to broaden my horizons. ;)

What other wipes have you tried? I won't always use cleaning wipes, but for certain cleaning tasks they ARE incredibly helpful. Okay...post a comment or two please!

Edgies, not Wedgies

2009-02-16T18:46:00.000-08:00

Gunk, grime and other nastiness just loves to collect around the EDGES of stuff. Sinks and tubs are common collection sites. So, when doing your next cleaning in the kitchen or bathroom remember - Edgies (not wedgies...because just about any kind of cleaning is better than an oh-so-painful wedgie! eek...)

How to clean around edges of sinks, faucets and tubs and tile? It can be as easy as a wooden skewer, toothpick or old toothbrush that will loosen the grime so that you can wipe it away.

Messy Purse Alert! It's That Time Again...

2009-02-11T18:19:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone,

I've been thinking for the past week (or two...Okay fine, THREE to be perfectly, painfully honest) that my purse is looking a wee bit cluttered. As in, I can't find anything I need in there anymore, except random sticks of gum of dubious age and flavour.

See, the situation is indeed dire! So, grab your favorite handbag, purse, backpack, messenger bag, tote or briefcase (you classy slob!) - whatever it is that you use to tote your stuff around with you. (See guys, this DOES include you! Ha...you thought you got away from this one easy, didn't you?) Dump out the contents. If your bag looks anything like mine, it'll be embarrassing how much random junk actually falls out!

Chuck out all those old pieces of paper, clippings, old crumpled tissues (I can hear you saying 'Ewwww' from here) and whatever else is in there. If you have an extra few minutes, take time to declutter your wallet while you're at it. Put back in the stuff you really need and use, and otherwise put the rest of the stuff away.

Voila! A much neater purse/bag/briefcase, ready to use in day-to-day life. Good job, slob. I always knew you had it in you.

Clean the Floor by Shuffling Your Feet...Honestly!

2009-02-06T12:39:00.000-08:00

When I came across this on Amazon's mega shopping site, I first laughed spontaneously, then my jaw dropped. And then I found myself nodding at the image before me, with a goofy grin pasted on my face. At last, someone had come up with the perfect Happy Slob Housecleaning product...slippers that clean as you shuffle along! Why didn't we think of this, slobs??

Awesome, right??? And they look like some sort of memory of a Muppet, to boot. Which really only makes me love them more. And, in a completely practical way, these cleaning slippers make cleaning the floor a simple task for anyone who is limited in their mobility. Hurray again for these little wonders!

Comments, please...and have any of you guys tried these?

Housecleaning Tell-All - Tell us what YOU Did Today (and I'll tell you what I did too!)

2009-01-28T10:13:00.000-08:00

Now here's something useful...an occasional "Housecleaning Check-In" where you come and let all of us know what you did around the house today! And you know what - if you didn't do much, that's fine too. We all have days like that, right? And the comments of other posters might get you motivated to get up off the sofa and lift more than a remote control...maybe a duster or a broom?

Here's what I did so far today:

Worked on my book! Ack! (I'm getting a little bit stressed about the upcoming deadline next week...) And whenever I talk about it or type about it, I always end it with 'Ack!' as I just proved. Ack! (Because I got thinking about it again.)
Cleaning burst early this morning - dishwasher unloaded and reloaded with the few dishes in the sink. Made the bed. Simple and fast - probably took about three minutes, which is all it should take, I believe.
1 load of laundry...not my favorite thing in the world to do, but I DO love clean laundry on the other hand. So, one sort of goes hand in hand with the other.
Made cookies. See, I can't eat wheat and am trying to eat very little refined sugar, so that leaves me baking. Often. But these were very good, so it was all worth it. I'm eating one now, in between typing fits.
Focus Room Cleaning...To do later today. 10 mins or so in our bedroom decluttering the bookshelves. Man, they were awful! I started this a few days ago and am working away at it bit by bit.
PM Cleaning Burst...Later, before bed. Hub will do sweeping floors, cat litter. I will make sure the dishes are under control, wipe down surfaces in kitchen and bath and tidy up VERY briefly.

Wow, to me that looks almost like a productive day! And it sounds like I cleaned a lot, but in reality it takes very little time - which is the point of it all.

Okay...YOUR turn! Post a comment and let the rest of us know what you did. I especially can't wait to hear about how you're using Cleaning Bursts and Focus Room Cleaning in your day-to-day routine. Spill the beans, please! (But then sweep them up. hardy har)

Are You in a "Note-y" Mood? Notes and Housecleaning

2009-01-28T07:29:00.000-08:00

Are You in a "Note-y" Mood? Sticky Notes and House Cleaning

I don’t think I’m alone in my belief that sticky notes are hugely important in any household. They come in all sorts of fantastic designs, colors, shapes and sizes. Sort of like us Happy Slobs when you think about it…But, more importantly, (and hopefully unlike us happy slobs) they stick to any surface! (Important note: If YOU are sticking to any surface, time to walk...no RUN...to the nearest shower.)

They are great for:

Honey-do lists. I often leave one in the morning for my husband, who is incredibly well intentioned, but has a memory as feeble as my own. "Please take out the garbage," with a huge heart added for good measure works wonders around here.
Kiddy-do lists. I don’t have any kids, but I can imagine that sticky notes would be very helpful in motivating the little ones to help out. Oh, I know! Stick it on their box of Pop Tarts - they'll never miss it that way.
Me-Do Lists. Wow, my grammar is incredible, isn't it? "Me can do! Me can do!" Sure, we're big into cleaning delegation around here, but we still need to remind OURSELVES to get up off the sofa and do a cleaning burst for heaven's sake. It can't ALL fall on our poor unsuspecting families.
Motivation – "I am a mopping maven!" or "I can handle this toilet…it’s all only one flush away from clean!" And similar notices can help you keep the housecleaning in perspective.
Inspiration – "Oprah says I can!" is sometimes all it takes, written in bold strokes across a sticky note. This one fits nearly any situation in life, making it incredibly useful. Feel free to stick the sticky on your forehead if you need extra inspirational power.

See, now don’t you have a sudden urge to hotfoot it to the office supply store and replenish your supply of sticky notes? You just never know when the next opportunity to use one will strike…Oh, and look...just when you think you've seen every sticky note known to mankind, they go and make ones that looks like these:

OH, so pretty! These would surely inspire us all to 'stick' with our cleaning routines. hehehe Sorry about that one...

Happy cleaning all!
Christina

Beyond Bleach to Disinfect...and no, It's Not Vinegar!

2009-01-25T17:53:00.000-08:00

Ha, I'll bet you thought I'd suggest vinegar! (I do have a bit of a vinegar dependency issue...but we'll deal with that another day.) Today, the disinfectant of choice is hydrogen peroxide. AKA: My favorite new cleaning necessity.

Maybe you're the sort of person who grew up cleaning with bleach. You might have fond memories of Mom scrubbing the bathtub with scouring pads and bleach, her yellow rubber gloves tightly snapped on. Those bright yellow gloves meant business. And darn it, that cleaning business included heavy doses of chlorine bleach! Those fumes lingered in the air for days...ahhh, the memories.

But...since then a lot of us have decided that we're not so fond of cleaning with bleach. Mom (and Grandma, too) might deny that any other cleaner can clean as effectively, and can kill just as many germs. So, maybe we should keep this news of a 'new' bleach-y type cleaner all to ourselves.

Ta da! It's simply that bottle of 3% hydrogen peroxide that you keep stored in the medicine chest for small scratches and assorted boo boos . This stuff is also an amazing, powerful disinfectant agent. And, if you're not so fond of the vinegar (which I've already admitted having a powerful bond with) then you'll like the very UN-vinegar-ish odor of hydrogen peroxide. Basically, peroxide has no odor. I smelled it today to make sure, and I can confirm 100% that it is practically odorless.

So, to whip up a natural cleaning and disinfectant cleaner, take a clean spray bottle (not one that has stored other chemicals - you just never know if there will be weird reactions) and:

Fill about one half full with 3% hydrogen peroxide
Fill the rest of the way with tap water or distilled water, if you so choose.
Give the bottle a wee shake-up for good measure...
And then clean to your heart's content! It's especially fantastic in those areas where germs like to gather - like the kitchen and bathroom.

More hydrogen peroxide tips to come...and if you have one to share, just post a comment or email me. Another quick one is to use hydrogen peroxide (just the 3% pharmacy stuff, not the ultra-powerful industrial strength 35% which is actually seriously heavy duty stuff) full strength on stains - really great on grout stains. (Just pour some on an oversized cotton pad or cotton ball and smoosh it right on the stain and let it sit a while. If you're worried about possible bleaching, just do a test spot somewhere inconspicuous first.)

Happy cleaning to you! (Yes, that is possible...You crazy cynics, you.)

Christina

How NOT to Clean Stainless Steel Sinks - How This Common Cleaner Causes Rusting

2009-01-20T10:37:00.001-08:00

Say no to Steel Wool to Clean Stainless Sinks!
This is an interesting little cleaning tidbit that I just learned the other day. Are you a fan of steel wool for cleaning your stainless steel sinks? Well, after reading this, you might find a new cleaning pad to rely on.

The problem with cleaning your stainless steel sinks with steel wool is the fact that the steel wool can easily break down, allowing small bits of the steel to imbed into the sink. This inferior grade of steel can then rust! So, cleaning your stainless sink with steel wool could actually cause tiny bits of rust to form all over the surface of your sink...maybe causing you to think that your sink itself is rusty, when it actually isn't.

How SHOULD I Clean my Stainless Sink?
What to use instead? Switch from steel wool to natural scrubbers. Did you know, for instance, that you can use natural loofah to clean with? You can! It's a good, natural and non-toxic scrubber that is sink-friendly too. Or, you can find stainless-safe scrubby sponges at supermarkets now - just remember to clean with the grain of the stainless steel to prevent a lot of scratching and marking.

My all-time favorite way to get a stainless sink sparkling is by using either liquid or powder Barkeeper's Friend. People roll their eyes at this suggestion...until they try the stuff. It is now one of my favorite all-purpose cleaners and I use it all the time! If you can't find a retailer that carries Barkeeper's Friend cleanser, order it online from their website or Amazon. It is SO worth it! (And cheap...a few bucks a bottle.)

Wow - So you CAN Make Homemade Oxy Clean

2009-01-12T19:07:00.000-08:00

Two clever readers had ideas on making homemade Oxy Clean...basically it all revolves around using hydrogen peroxide - or H202 - to clean. Here are their emails:

Robbyn wrote:
"Hi,I don't know about making an Oxyclean equivelent in the powder form, but I have read that hydrogen peroxide is similiar to Oxy Clean and can be used in the same ways. I have tried it in laundry, and some homeade cleaning solutions with great results. Also, at our grocery store, you can buy an offbrand product for $1 that seems to work just as well."

And R.B. wrote:
"homemade oxyclean:
mix WELL. 2 parts hot but not boiling water
1 part washing soda (dissolve in water)
1 part hydrogen peroxide (add to mixture)"

=============

As for cleaning with hydrogen peroxide, I was already a fan. It's fantastic at safely removing stains - really good for cleaning grout, and I love how it makes my dishwasher, fridge and other white appliances sparkle and look good as new. Try dousing a sponge or cotton ball with the stuff and then leave it on grout lines that are looking gunky...it really will 'bleach' it away better than bleach!

What is your most hated housecleaning chore?

2009-01-05T18:13:00.000-08:00

Fess up, happy slob housecleaners...what housecleaning chore do you HATE the most? I can't wait to read your comments!

~Christina~

Cleaning and Household Hints - Removing Black Scratch Marks from Plates and Dishes...

2009-01-05T10:16:00.000-08:00

So, you just went and bought yourself a beautiful new set of dishes...and after the first use you see all sorts of nasty greyish black marks left behind - from your cutlery! Aarrgh!

Before you freak out entirely, there are a couple of ways to remove these black scrape marks from your dishes. These tips might even help remove old marks left behind on old and much loved dishes - thus revitalizing them, and making them seem as good as new!

Bar Keepers Friend Cookware Cleanser & Polish
- I love this stuff! This amazing all-purpose cleaner does just about everything you can imagine - it cleans pricey All Clad pots and pans (or any stainless cookware - All Clad just happens to recommend it), porcelain, copper, brass. It's fantastic in the bathroom to clean stubborn stains from sinks or tubs or tiles. But, in this case, Barkeepers Friend is pretty adept at removing those nasty scratch marks on your dinner plates, bowls or mugs. Just make a paste of Barkeepers Friend (which is a very fine powder cleanser) and water, and use a soft cloth to rub the stain marks out. Often, these aren't actual scratches - just marks that CAN be removed.
Scotch-Brite Scrub Sponges
Online I found an expert who suggested this as another way to remove these marks. Just moisten the scrubby pad and use it gently to rub away the marks. I guess using this together with the Barkeepers Friend would be an unbeatable solution!

Wedgwood China suggests Barkeepers Friend to remove the 'pencil marks' that are sometimes left behind due to minerals rubbed off of inexpensive cutlery. They also recommended tooth powder as a cleaner for these marks! (If I can find some...I'll give it a go and let you all know how it turns out.) Otherwise, I suppose regular paste toothpaste (not the gel type) might do as a cleaner for these marks as well.

Another tip - generally, dishes with a shinier finish will have a tendency to leave these scuff marks behind. If you want to avoid this problem, choose dinnerware with a matte finish - it helps prevent these marks.

Hope this helps everyone renew their old dishes!

What I'll Remember Most About 2008...

2009-01-01T19:18:00.000-08:00

When I think of 2008 I’m sure the memory that will pop into my head the most frequently is that it was the year that I signed my first book contract. And I’ll always remember that amazing evening when I got an email from an editor that said she was ‘very impressed’ with the content of my ebook, which she had recently purchased…and then she asked me if I was still shopping the book around to agents and editors. I sat looking at the monitor with a sense of shock, and then (if I’m to be completely honest) I realized that tears were streaming down my face. And then I kept telling the monitor, "They want my little book, they want my little book!" As you might have expected, my monitor didn't reply.

You see, my website and this blog came about because I've always wanted to get my ebook published as a real book. You know, the kind you can curl up with – even if the topic is house cleaning. Since, curling up with even a laptop just isn't the same...I wanted it to be the sort of book that people would connect with, care about, and use to make their house cleaning easier, and a lot less stressful. So, this editor’s email (now she’s MY editor!) was the end result of a lot of dreaming, a lot of hoping…and some stubbornness, I suppose.

The book will be available in bookstores in October, 2009 (Yay, I can finally say THIS YEAR) and is being published by F+W Publications. I haven’t talked a whole lot about this, because I like to focus on what is more important, and that’s the ideas in the book that can help people to create more comfortable and more livable living spaces. Nothing perfect, nothing unattainable.

But…all of this journey was and continues to be a dream come true. I have about one month until my final deadline, and much of the work on the book (and a couple of other writing projects) has kept me sufficiently busy so that I haven’t been blogging as much. But today I just wanted to share with you loyal readers what’s going on in my book world. Thanks for continuing to support me!

What is your favorite mop?

2008-11-19T08:45:00.000-08:00

So, we're talking about mopping floors today, and I'm curious:

What is your favorite mop? Do you like traditional string mops? Or, sponge mops? Or are you a convert to the Swiffer?

Please let me know by leaving a comment!

Cleaning Linoleum Floors - Just a Little Soap and Water

2008-11-19T08:35:00.000-08:00

We've talked recently about making those gorgeous hardwood floors shine, but what about linoleum floors?

This is an easy cleaning task, and one which will be over quickly and leave you with a gorgeous clean kitchen floor you could eat off of...if you'd ever really want to eat off your floors. Which is a question only you can answer.

What you'll need to clean lino floors:

- Mop and bucket (or...a sponge mop and squirt bottle - see the Happy Slob-style cleaning variation below)
- Mild liquid dishwashing soap (I like natural varieties best, that use a vegetable castille soap as their base)

In a regular size bucket, pour in about 5 drops ONLY of good mild dishwashing soap. (The ironic thing about cleaning your floors - whether it's lino or carpet - is that too much soap will leave behind a dingy residue that actually attracts more dirt to your floors! That residue holds onto dirt like greedy little dirt sponges, and I know that's not what you want for your floors when you're trying to clean them!) Fill the bucket with tap water and swish your hand around a bit to incorporate the soap. Dunk in your mop, squeeze out well and clean those floors in no time!

Happy Slob-Style Cleaning Tip:
Forego the bucket altogether! Use a sponge-style mop, and just put one or two small drops of dishwashing liquid in a clean spray bottle and spray the floors and mop up after. You'll just need to rinse out the mop when you're done. Mopping the linoleum floors just got easier than ever! And we happy slobs just love it when that happens.

Freshen the Carpets WHILE You Vacuum

2008-11-05T12:10:00.001-08:00

Want a nice fresh scent added to your carpet while vacuuming? Here are a few tips on how to achieve it...

Add a fabric softener sheet the bag or cannister of your vacuum cleaner.
Add a few drops of natural essential oil or even a spray of perfume to the vacuum cleaner bag or cannister! Yes, people might look at you funny if they see you spraying your vacuum with perfume, but just ignore them. They're probably judgmental types anyway.
Sprinkle some baking soda liberally on the carpets before you vacuum, and then let the baking soda sit and do its natural odor removing work for about fifteen minutes or so. When you vacuum as usual you'll suck away dirt and muck - and a lot of nasty pet or smoke odors!

Maybe You Don't Need a New Vacuum - Tips to Care for your Vacuum Cleaner

2008-11-05T11:50:00.000-08:00

Vacuum Cleaners - How to Care for Your Vacuum Cleaner - Repairs and Tips

Is that old sucker not cleaning like it once did? Maybe you don't need a new vacuum cleaner - maybe your vacuum just needs a little care, concern and attention! Here are a few handy tips to rejuvenate that old vacuum and get it working like new again...

Clean off the beater bars - Threads, hairs, pet fur and all sorts of interesting things can wind themselves around the beater bars at the bottom of your vacuum cleaner, meaning it doesn't work like it should. Ensuring that the vacuum is unplugged, use a skewer, scissors or oversized tweezers to loosen these threads and hairs and remove them. The beater bars are pretty self explanatory - they agitate the carpet fibers and remove it so the vacuum can suck up the dirt, so it's important that these are functioning.

To Bag or Not to Bag - If your vacuum is a bagged variety, then it needs to be replaced when full with a new, fresh and clean vacuum bag. If (like me) you prefer bagless vacuum cleaners, then just make sure you empty out the cannister before using the vacuum. A full cannister means your vacuum just can't suck in any more dirt!

Filtering It Out - Many modern vacuums come complete with some pretty amazing filters to filter out allergens and dust - a great thing for families who have allergies. But, for optimal effectiveness, you need to clean and/or replace these filters. Check your vacuum's instructions guide to see how often this needs to be done.

You can do other DIY repairs on vacuums if you find that your vaccum really isn't working properly, but you know what - I don't suggest it. If after doing these three steps you still find that the vacuum doesn't suck like it should (haha) then take it to a professional to see if it needs real repair work done.

Otherwise, these simple tips should make your vacuum work far better - maybe as good as new again!

Piles and Piles of Books - Reducing Book Clutter

2008-10-03T09:41:00.000-07:00

Now this is one subject I completely and fully understand! For the past 10-15 years I've become quite a book collector. I have books on travel, tons of great novels, cookbooks, photography books, old textbooks, books on writing...and the list goes on (and on and on and on, to be perfectly honest.)

If you love books, you'll understand this predicament. So -- add to your Weekly Clean for All list: "Book decluttering!" Yes, the exclamation point is probably necessary in this case. As you do with all your decluttering chores, make separate piles:

Books to Keep
Books to Give Away (to charities, friends, whomever. Remember that nice books make beautiful gifts -- and you won't have to spend an additional penny!)
Books to Sell

Ah ha, yes you read that last bullet correctly - you can SELL your books and make a nice little chunk of change! I did some research on selling books online, and came up with a number of ideas for you, on how to turn a pile of books you no longer need into a little much-needed padding for your wallet!

Sell books on eBay - This is the old standby, and years ago I used to do this when I needed a little extra moola! You'll get an especially good end price, of course, if your book is in demand, or a rare edition.
cash4books.net - An online book store that buys your books. It seems to have a fairly good reputation - if anyone has firsthand experience, please post a comment.
eCampus.com - An online campus bookstore that buys back used textbooks. You can make a lot of money if you have textbooks that are in demand. So if you have scholarly friends, offer to help them with decluttering THEIR books and then split the profits. :)
Sell books closer to home - Within a ten block radius of my home I likely have at least 2 or 3 used book stores. Go in and talk to the owner and see what kind of deal you can get for your old books.
Last but not least - garage sales. You won't make a lot of money selling your books at a garage sale, but at least you'll get rid of the clutter. Most people seem to pile those books into a box and label them at either a buck or a quarter a piece. Hey, at least your books will find a good home, and someone else will read and enjoy them.

Back to the Decluttering:

Take one area at a time to declutter your piles of books. For instance, if your Focus Room cleaning area today is the den, then take a few minutes to work on one or two bookshelves, separating the books into the categories listed above (sell/give away/keep). You'll be surprised that a few minutes of work, done often, can really reduce book - and all other types of - clutter! Happy decluttering to you, slobbos!

Ahhh...Fresh Air

2008-10-03T09:39:00.000-07:00

Want to know one of the best natural air fresheners you can ever use? It's called Fresh Air, and it's as easy to find as opening up the nearest window! Stale, musty air makes your home feel (and definitely smell!) gloomier. Whenever you're doing your housecleaning, open up some windows and let some gorgeous fresh air come wafting in.

Lighter Fluid to Remove Sticky Stuff - Labels, Old Price tags, etc

2008-08-20T07:42:00.000-07:00

A great tip (if not a slightly fume-y one!) to share with you today. If you're trying to remove a sticky residue, such as what is left behind after picking off a price tag or label - a bit of lighter fluid on a soft cloth should wipe that mess right away.

Just don't breathe too deeply while you're doing it! ;) Or you'll be a bit loopy by the end.

Club Soda to Clean (or Shine Up) Cars

2008-08-10T09:46:00.000-07:00

Last week we went on an awesome road trip - winding through the roads of interior British Columbia, enjoying the gorgeous scenery and basically just being glad to get away from the hustle, bustle and busy-ness of the city. But, our car didn't get the better end of the clean stick, if you know what I mean. In fact, it was a pretty sad little bug cemetary by the end of the trip.

So - when I mentioned to a friend last night that club soda is really useful for cleaning, he asked if it might also work on shining the car! He's going to give it a try, and so am I. Will report back on the results. I'm not sure if it'll do the trick on our bug guts situation...my guess is it's a better Shiny Cleaner, not de-bugger. Oh, those poor bugs...

PS> If YOU have a great tip for washing the car, post it! Or email it to me at christina at happyslob.com Thanks fellow slobbos!

Deterring Cats from Scratching Furniture - HELP!

2008-07-28T07:55:00.000-07:00

I'm looking for YOUR suggestions again, because my kitties are driving me bonkers! I have a new couch, chair and office chair. (Hurray especially on the office chair! My old one was so sad and rickety, you would've laughed to see it.)

The couch and chair we've had for around a year, and already we've had to drape blankets on it to prevent our two cats (especially one is guilty as charged, the little monkey) from scratching. I've tried a few natural ideas I've seen posted on the Internet - like spraying the area with lavender. But I think my cats (like me, apparently) love lavender! It didn't help a bit!

Is there any other way to prevent them from scratching up furniture? They DO have a scratching post...I've heard that orange oil might work. Has anyone tried this?

Thanks all!
Christina

A Really Big Cleaning Problem - One Reader's Touching Email...and How I Hope to Help

2008-07-27T17:57:00.000-07:00

I've been putting off doing this post, because I just know it's going to be an emotional post...but I promised Cleaning Challenged a reply, and so here goes...First, here is her email to me:

Dear Christina,

I noticed that you sometimes answer questions on your blog so I thought it might be worth it to take a shot. I'm a 24-year-old college graduate, but my cleaning "education" as a kid consisted of my mom going off on my sister and me every few months for "not pitching in," and going on what we called "cleaning binges" in which things were shoved out of the way into boxes or random drawers and we couldn't find anything later. I suspect this is because as a foster child she grew up without consistent guidance on cleaning.

As a result, I don't know how to clean. Because a mess was my normal environment, I just don't see clutter or things that need to be cleaned until they reach epic, discouraging scale, at which time I procrastinate until some emergency prompts my own cleaning binge. On average, my wardrobe is approximately 75% on my bedroom floor, 15% on my bathroom floor, and 10% still in the hamper from the last time I did laundry. I make bowls out of aluminum foil to get out of doing dishes. I know it's ridiculous but I don't know how to change what I'm doing when it's based in something I don't notice. I don't have a neat-freak roommate or close friend to learn from. I've tried to find books and websites to help me, but tips for getting a stain out of the carpet do me no good when I can't find the carpet.

If I ever have kids I don't want to pass this along to them. How do I fix my complete lack of cleaning habits?

Thanks,

Cleaning Challenged

(please don't use my real name online)

=====================

Hi CC,

Thanks for emailing me. I do apologize that it took longer for me to reply on the blog than I'd first told you, but I wanted to mull over your question for a while, and hopefully provide something constructive, something that would actually really help.

There are likely a lot of people in your shoes - people who grew up without a regular cleaning routine. So you know what? I really want to help you learn some gradual cleaning routines that you can stick to, so you don't feel overwhelmed by it all.

So, first things first - I want you to learn about cleaning bursts. They've really helped me (a recovering slob, but still with a 'happy slob' nature) to keep our place a lot tidier, so I won't freak out if people happen to stop by. Starting tomorrow, do one cleaning burst a day - even if it's for five minutes.

Second, we're going to set up some time for you every day to tackle the closet-out-of-a-closet syndrome that's going on. :) Seriously, you're not the only person whose clutter gets out of control! I don't want you thinking you are, and thinking you're somehow awful because of it. We can gradually decrease that and then learn how to keep it contained.

So, for this week, here are two goals for you:

One cleaning burst a day. A cleaning burst is basically a timed period of cleaning. Aim for about 5 minutes a day and hit the areas that people (including YOU!) will see the most. My cleaning bursts always include kitchen, living areas, and main bath. Put 5 mins on the timer and then set to work tidying. DON'T WORRY IF YOU DON'T THINK YOU'RE DOING IT ALL PERFECTLY! Seriously, none of us do this perfectly, but over time we develop a few more cleaning skills.
5 minutes decluttering in your 'danger zone' - the closet! Once you touch an item that's out of the closet, deal with it. Again, put the timer on for five minutes. If you can work for a few extra minutes, that's a bonus, but if not - five minutes is fantastic. Aim to spend five minutes a day. Make a pile of things to give away, things that need to be thrown away, and things that need to be laundered, repaired, etc.

Next week I'll post again and see how you're doing. E-mail me back, please! I want to know how you progress, and I'm sure all of the blog readers will want to, as well. But, two steps to start is doable, right? And I'm really proud that you emailed me at all. We'll tackle this together! (And next week we'll start to tackle dishes and the kitchen in a more specific way.)

Take care,

Christina

P.S. Anyone who reads this and was as touched by CC's words as I was - please post an encouraging comment for her...Thanks!

Crazy Cleaning Tips - Cleaning with Vodka - Happy Slob Housecleaning Tips

2008-07-23T08:51:00.000-07:00

Now here's a bunch of cleaning tips that should really grab your attention - cleaning with vodka! "Vodka??" You might ask. "Is she nuts?" Well...that's still up for debate, but on the topic of cleaning with vodka, I'm absolutely serious.

I've collected some of my favorite vodka cleaning tips for you, all right here. And remember: you certainly don't need a beautiful, expensive bottle of vodka for cleaning purposes. Just the cheapest old variety will do a fantastic job.

Cleaning pet stains - of which I've encountered many! Vodka is great at lifting even tough stains. Since vodka is colorless and odorless, it won't add any additional staining to your carpet. I would be tempted to try a few tablespoons in my little carpet spot cleaner the next time the cats have a stomach upset...I'll post the results.
Jewelry cleaner - Get those rocks sparkling again! Just let them soak in a tiny dish, swishing the jewelry around a bit to loosen gunk and grime that's had time to collect over the years. This is a tip I'm going to utilize this week - my old diamond solitaire is looking pretty UN-sparkly and needs a good clean.
Cleaning leather - this was posted a couple of years ago by a Happy Slob reader: "I also used straight vodka to clean white paint off my son's black leather jacket. Worked great."
Cleaning chandeliers - Now I don't have a chandelier myself, but I can only imagine the agony it must be to clean one! So I found this tip using vodka for all of you who DO have chandeliers to clean: "Vodka is also an excellent cleaner for chandeliers. Just mix one part of vodka with five parts of water and spray it on your chandelier. Let the excess drip onto a towel on the floor below."
Cleaning clothing stains - Use it full strength to muscle away stubborn stains on clothing, including grass stains or food stains.

Happy Slob's Housecleaning - Product Review - Dirt Devil Spot Scrubber (Mini Portable Carpet Cleaner)

2008-07-20T16:12:00.000-07:00

Product Review of:

Dirt Devil Spot Scrubber - Mini Carpet Cleaner for Spots

I was really fed up with some nasty stains in our carpet (ahem...let's just say that one of our pet cats has a real affection for finding the most obvious spots to barf up her furballs!). No matter what I did, I couldn't budge those stains, and in fact seemed to be making them worse with every attempt to clean them! Whenever I looked at one of those stubborn stains, it seemed to grin and chuckle at me, or wave as if to remind me of its very presence. As if I could've forgotten it!

So...hubs and I decided that it was time to finally buy some sort of carpet cleaner. But, we live in a modest 2-bedroom apartment without much storage space at all. Even our closets are just sort of wanna-be's with not much room for anything other than the absolute essentials. (And don't get me STARTED about our linen closet...) Wow, I'm in a cranky mood today, huh?

Right - back onto the topic at hand: our lovely new portable carpet cleaner! It's tiny and meant for spot removal as opposed to large carpet cleaning jobs. Just what we were looking for! Here it is:

We had planned on buying the "Little Green" spot cleaner, but both stores hubs went to were out of stock, so he purchased this one instead. And I'm very glad that he did! Our little Dirt Devil Spot Scrubber (the exact model shown - I've read that the smaller hand vac type doesn't work nearly as well) works like a dream. We used it on an old tea stain (that one was entirely my fault - I was climbing into bed one day with a full cup of hot tea, and well, I ended up in the bed, but the tea didn't make it onto the nightstand. It splashed dramatically all over the carpet!) and a few old kitty-tummy-upset stains with much better than expected results.

On the oldest, most stubborn stains, I think it will take 2-3 runs of the machine to get the stain out entirely, but we were both impressed by how it slurped up the old messes. The dirty water container got muddy-looking very quickly! I was thrilled to see those old stains start to disappear before my eyes. And relieved to see the demise of my old, mocking enemies...

Good Points:

Large tank size! We would only need to fill this and empty it occasionally. Considering it's just for spots - you could do a LOT of spot removal before the tank would need refilling.
Worked great with just hot tap water, about a quarter cup of white vinegar and the tiniest drop (literally) of liquid laundry detergent. I think you could very easily get away without even adding the detergent, but I knew these stains were particularly tough ones.
Powerful suction - you spray the solution on (in our case, vinegar and water and a drop of detergent - I didn't even bother with the freebie cleaner solution that came with the unit), scrub it with the brush and at the same time it sucks all the mess away. The suction was impressively powerful - better than I'd expected for this price.
A great bargain! Ours was on sale for $59.99, but is on regularly for $69.99 at Amazon and other online vendors. I thought it was well worth it...

What I Would Change if I Could:

Make the brush bigger - it's about 3 inches in length, and it would be nice to have a slightly larger brush to cover a larger area more quickly. It's not a serious flaw, though.

All in all, I really love this little gizmo. Now, when my beloved kitty has a stomach upset, I won't be in a tizzy to get the stain out, because this machine on fresh stains I think will be a true powerhouse. (And on old stains, it's proven itself already!)

6 Ways to Use Vinegar Around the House to Clean

2008-07-16T10:21:00.000-07:00

Don't scoff - white vinegar is an amazing all-purpose cleaner! I've posted countless ways here and on the site that you can use vinegar as a cleaner. Here are some of my all-time favorite vinegar tips, hints, recipes & all around good vinegar advice for Happy Slob Housecleaners.

Vinegar as an All-Purpose Cleaning Spray - The Very Vinegar Spray is the one I rely on every day! Don't let the vinegar scare you...this is the best cleaning secret you can find, and it costs about 10 cents a bottle to make. Try it! Very Vinegar Spray Recipe
Freshen the dishwasher - Just a cup or so in an empty dishwasher will freshen and deodorize your dishwasher naturally. And the acidity will help scrub that dishwasher clean - from the inside out!
Remove pet odors and pet urine smells from carpet
Freshen up bread boxes Bread Box Refresher
A few extra vinegar cleaning tips from a reader: Vinegar Cleaning Tips from Roberta

And remember - to make a fun, natural foaming cleaner, just use some baking soda and vinegar mixed together in a bowl. Kids love cleaning with this foamy cleaner, and it's a lot milder than harsh chemical foam cleaners. Especially good for the toilet...which brings me to tip #6:

6. Clean the Toilet with Vinegar: Pour about a cup in the toilet, give it a good swish around with the toilet brush and close the lid and let sit. Sprinkle with baking soda and then scrub with the toilet brush, and flush the mess away. You should be left with a clean, sparkling toilet bowl!

Organizing Life Tips - Tip #1 - Make a Weekly Menu

2008-07-12T07:30:00.000-07:00

Sure, this has nothing to do with cleaning. But, the Happy Slob mentality is all about simplifying your life, right? And one thing I find not only incredibly helpful with reducing stress - and reducing my bill at the supermarket! - is to sit down on Sunday nights and come up with a weekly menu or meal plan.

To simplify even further, you can have themes for each night, such as:

Monday: Breakfast for Supper Night
Tuesday: Soup & Sandwich Night
Wednesday: Try a New Recipe Night
Thursday: Dad's Night to Cook (Hurray!)
Friday: Homemade Pizza Night
Saturday: Eat out Night (Which is particularly easy to prepare...hehe)
Sunday: Proper Sit Down Dinner Night

With a theme in mind, you can create meal ideas for each day, and then make a grocery list that contains all the necessary ingredients.

Okay slobbos...what do YOU do to simplify meal planning?

Oh...and On that Buggy Topic - Mosquito Help??

2008-06-29T09:28:00.000-07:00

Hi again all,

And while we're talking bugs (yes, we WERE talking bugs)...do any of you know the best way to repel mosquitoes? They seem really big, bad and nasty this year! I've heard about Skin So Soft and of course bug repellant...but I'd like to try some more natural ways. Please e-mail me or post a comment!

Thanks,
Christina

Homemade Bug Killer Spray - Most Popular Link on the Site Right Now

2008-06-29T09:24:00.000-07:00

By far the Homemade Bug Killer Spray is the most popular page on the happyslob.com site right now! Using natural goodies like cayenne and garlic, this is an organic way to get rid of nasty old bugs...

http://www.happyslob.com/bugkillspray.html

Give it a try and post a comment!
Christina

Removing Cat Urine Odors from Carpets - Organic Cleaning Tips

2008-06-26T11:22:00.000-07:00

Looky, looky! I just received this fantastic testimonial on using plain old water and vinegar to get out cat urine smells. And I own two cats, both of whom have had occasional 'oopsies'...so I know very well that particular TANG of cat urine. Ick.

Here's the original post on using water & vinegar to clean carpets: http://www.happyslob.com/carpetsolution.html
Here's the email:

Hi Christina,

I actually used the Steam Cleaning Tip of Hot Water and Vinegar and unbelievably it cleaned out a cat urine smell. (my cat was ill and had an accident).

I had tried the commercial solution and it smelled like flowery cat pee LOL. I used the vinegar and water solution in my machine for 3 days straight and even though the vinegar smelled a little ripe, the end result when it dried was no odor, and the carpet was much brighter overall.

Thanks for the tip!

Lynnette

Removing Pesky Water Stains from Wooden Furniture

2008-06-17T16:21:00.000-07:00

Two funny (and yet very effective) tips for removing water stain rings from your lovely wooden furniture:

Minty goodness - yes, that regular toothpaste (not the gel type) can rub away that water ring! Just be sure to use a soft, lint-free cloth.
Make Mine Mayo - A dab of the oily gooey stuff (again on a soft cloth) will do wonders. Just let it sit a bit, and then it should rub easily away.

After either of these applications, do a regular polish and your wooden tables, nightstands - or whatever - will look as good as new. Easy, isn't it?

An Update on my Original Happy Slob Dream

2008-06-08T09:18:00.000-07:00

-- An Update on my Original Happy Slob Book Dream --

For those of you who have been visiting my website, reading my newsletter & visiting this blog since the beginning of my online journey - you'll remember that my original goal and dream of creating this blog & site was to get my book published. I wanted to get my book published, and when agents were interested, and yet not willing to take me (and my little book) on, I decided to switch things up and prove a point. Not out of anger, but just out a desire to show that my book COULD sell.

So far I've sold over 300 copies of The Happy Slob's Guide to Housecleaning - electronic version. I've had some wonderful responses from people as varied as social workers (who rely on the tips in the book to provide guidance to some of their cases) to arthritis sufferers who thanked me for coming up with simplified solutions to tackle daily cleaning chores that they felt were beyond them. They're not!

Without giving too much away...there's an interesting development brewing with the book right now. I'm trying not to get my hopes up, but let me tell you this much - it DOES give me a boost of motivation and inspiration! It certainly has made my Happy Slob skies far bluer! It's reminded me that this book is a good one, and if it helps even a few people - then I'm happy.

To all of you who read this blog regularly, and who have applied my simple house cleaning techniques, I thank you. I hope you'll continue to visit and continue to clean - in our simplified, happy slob way. And I promise to keep you updated on the interesting developments, too!

Thanks to all,
Christina

On A Budget? Homemade Cleaners Save Hundreds!

2008-06-04T08:21:00.000-07:00

I love a good bottle of homemade cleaner, in fact my bottle of Squirt, Squirt (aka Very Vinegar) cleaner is the one yellow bottle I cannot clean without! I wanted to do a quick post before I go tackle some Focus Room Cleaning of my own...on the economics of sticking to homemade cleaners!

I'm going to take a few average prices around here of things I DON'T BOTHER BUYING:

Specialty cleaners, ie: toilet bowl cleaner or tub and tile cleaner. Total: $10.00 a month
Expensive all-purpose cleaners - fancy ones can cost $8.00 a bottle of more! And yes, the lovely scents and swoon-inspiring designs of those bottles ARE tempting. (Trust me, even I'm tempted by them!) But, you can create some lovely scents with natural essential oils or even just lemon or lime juice added to your regular cleaners. $8.00 a month
Automatic shower cleaner + refills = Total: $15.00 a month
Swiffer refills = $8.00 a month (at least!)
Maid service! (haha - sort of kidding; sort of not) = at least $50.00 a month
Assorted other specialty cleaners = $10.00 a month

GRAND TOTAL: Up to $109.00+ a month SAVED by keeping your cleaning products simple

By doing your own cleaning (bye bye, little Missy Maid Service!) and sticking to tried and true natural homemade cleaners, you'll save a bundle. And in this ever-tightening economy, those extra dollars really add up, and really HELP!

============

The Happy Slob's Guide to Housecleaning is a fresh take on cleaning!
Takes only minutes a day to keep your home tidy and cozy.
Order yours today at: http://www.happyslob.com/buythebook.html

An Oldie but Goodie - Cleaning the Microwave with Steam Power

2008-05-28T19:44:00.000-07:00

On the topic of steam cleaning...one of the most beneficial (and easiest!) ways to use steam to clean is in your microwave oven! It's sort of a natural little steam cleaner in and of itself.

All you need is a microwave-safe cup. (I really love using a Pyrex measuring cup for this. It works perfectly for me...and it's easy to pour from. More about pouring later!) Fill it up with some tap water, and a sprinkle of baking soda. For a freshening touch, I like to add a touch of fresh lemon juice - even a wedge of fresh lemon will do the trick very nicely indeed.

Anyhooo...pop the mix into the microwave and set it until the water comes to a nice rolling boil - it takes about 5 minutes in my microwave. The TRICK is -- let it sit and stew in all of that glorious, gunk-fighting steam for as long as possible! I like leaving it for at least 15 or 20 minutes, possibly longer if I have time.

When you do open the microwave door, you can pour a tiny bit of the heated water right out onto the bottom for a bit of extra scrubbing power. (I like to, but you don't need to...the steam is often all you need!) Just a regular sponge will easily wipe away all the loosened grunge and gunk and your microwave will look STUNNING! And the lemon and baking soda combo make it smell fresh and lovely, too.

Enjoy, slobbos!

The Cleaning Power of Water

2008-05-28T19:37:00.000-07:00

So, you already know that I'm a bit passionate about cleaning with things like white vinegar, salt, baking soda, and fresh lemons. But, there is one often overlooked and powerful cleaner that a lot of us forget all about!

Water! Yes, you heard right - good old H20. Especially with sticky, mucky dishes or pots and pans that seem impossible to clean - usually a good, long soaking with water and a wee squirt of dish liquid will have that cookware shining and gleaming once again.

I haven't had the chance to try multi-purpose steam cleaners (not just for carpets anymore, no no!) but I would like to try one...these little babies are apparently a happy slob cleaner's best friend! They can help you get all sorts of surfaces clean and sanitized -- such as bath, tub, tiles, floors, etc. I would love to hear from any of you who have tried all purpose steamers for cleaning.

So...next time you're stuck with a sticky cleaning problem, give it a bit of a think and you might find that water will help you get un-stuck again!

An Easy and Delicious Natural Air Freshener - Citrus Simmer

2008-05-06T07:42:00.000-07:00

This is what I like to call my favorite natural air freshener - that actually simmers and bubbles away quite happily on top of the stove! You'll just need some citrus peels (a great way to use up leftover orange, lemon or lime peels after you've squeezed the juice). Add a couple of cinnamon sticks if you like, or even a sprinkling of fresh, whole cloves.

Combine the whole lot - citrus peels and spices - to a small pan of simmering water, and let simmer away and fill your home with a beautiful, natural clean aroma. Especially nice for when company's coming over!

Cleaning Cutting Boards with a Lemon and Salt

2008-05-06T07:34:00.000-07:00

If you want to freshen up just about any old cutting board, try this quick and easy and all-natural little trick:

Chop a fresh lemon in half. Dip in chunky (kosher or sea) salt. Use as a citrus-fresh little scrubber to naturally clean and disinfect your chopping/cutting boards!

Reader's Question - Cleaning Fingerprints off Stainless Steel Appliances

2008-04-09T11:35:00.000-07:00

Ah yes, the fingerprint prone stainless steel appliance! They look chic in your kitchen, but those smudgy fingerprints really wreck that distinguished look you were going for. Do you relate to this email sent in by Bev?
---------------------
Hello,

I was wondering if you or your readers have any good tips for removing those pesky finger prints off of stainless steel appliances? Cleaning has become a nightmare since getting these new toys!

Thank you,

Bev

----------------------

Hey Bev,

I have a great solution for you that's not only effective, it's natural! (Oh, and did I mention cheap??) You probably already have this ingredient nestled in your pantry - olive oil! Just a tiny amount on a soft cloth or paper towel will work wonders at removing those fingerprint disasters that are smudging up your gorgeous appliances. Literally just a few drops is all you need.

Give it a go and let me know the results, okay?
Take care,
Christina

A Great Tip for Reducing Dishes - One Cup Each

2008-04-09T11:32:00.000-07:00

I had to share this great idea that a friend of mine told me about. You know how we all get frustrated with the ever-growing monster that's also called DISHES? She has a great way to reduce the number of 'meaningless' dishes that pile up in the sink, waiting to be dealt with.

She says that each member of her family has their own cup (or glass) that they use each day. When they've used it, they rinse it out and have it ready to re-use later on. It's really that easy! I think the same could also apply to a dish or plate - for all those snacks that we munch on during the day. She also mentioned that a paper towel is often sufficient for holding snacks, and you don't have to dirty any dishes at all.

Thanks for the great tip, M!

More Ideas on Swiffer Refills - DIY Swiffer Refills - Easy Mopping

2008-03-27T10:42:00.000-07:00

I was doing a search to answer my own Swiffer question! :) Ironic, huh? Anyway, I found a number of different posts here on the blog over the past couple of years that have to do with make your own Swiffer refills. Here they are:

Using Blue Shop Paper Towels for Swiffers

Make Your Own Knitted Swiffer Cleaning Pads - Very cool for you crafty Happy Slobs out there! (Mine would look ridiculous and would likely fall apart, but I'm sure YOU could make one of these! hehehe

Also - check your local dollar stores. You can purchase a package of 6 or 10 dry sweeping cloths (for generic Swiffers) for $1. Then you could put that on your Swiffer mop, and just use a squirt of our Very Vinegar cleaner and away you go!

Swiffer Wet Mops - this Really Makes Mopping Easier

2008-03-27T10:32:00.000-07:00

All of you know that I try to stay away from chemicals and commercial cleaners as much as possible. Instead, I always prefer to make it myself - using real and natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, salt, natural soaps, etc.

But, I was getting frustrated with my lack of mopping skills. Or rather - I was getting frustrated with my MOP! My husband (who to be fair probably mopped more than I ever did) and I tried a variety of mops, but to no avail. I just couldn't find a style of mop I really liked, and that did a job I was pleased with. All I wanted was a clean floor, but both the boat-style mop (the ones with long yarny threads - a traditional mop) and the sponge-type mops just didn't float my boat.

So, I gave in and bought a Swiffer Wet mop. I have to tell you - I love it! It came with one wet mopping cloth and two dry cloths. I don't mind sweeping the floors with a broom, so I won't be too worried about using those dry cloths (although I did try and it did a pretty good job.) But, the wet mopping cloths are really good.

So, I had a bit of a dilemma - how to have the EASE of the Swiffer mop, without having to use their refills all the time? I'm sure that a regular dishcloth or even one of those blue heavy duty paper towels (usually used in body shops) would work just fine. So, I'm going to be experimenting a bit...I think that dunking a clean, fresh dishcloth (or other smallish towel) in a sink of soapy water with a squirt of fresh lemon or lime would be ideal for mopping the floor. I'll be giving it a try and letting you know how it goes!

If you have more ideas on Swiffers, post a comment! Or email me at christina at happyslob.com

Happy sweeping and mopping, slobbo darlings!

This Week's Organizing Challenge - the Kitchen Cabinets

2008-03-19T17:11:00.000-07:00

This week's organizing challenge is one that might sound simple (Yay!) but actually will yield some impressive results. Here it is:

This week focus on clearing out and decluttering (re-organizing) at least three kitchen cabinets. This means completely emptying the cupboards, wiping down the inside surface (our Very Vinegar spray is great for this!) and then getting rid of the extra stuff that is either past it's food life OR passing on stuff you won't use to someone who needs it. Then neatly pile the food you are keeping inside.

You can also read more about the challenge at this week's newsletter: http://www.happyslob.com/newsmar1908.html

Post a comment and let us all know how you did!

A Groovy Shaker for Your Baking Soda Cleaner

2008-02-17T12:21:00.000-08:00

Say goodbye to toxic old powdered cleansers, and hello to your baking soda in cute shakers! I got this brainstorm last night when I was decluttering a cupboard containing spices and baking supplies. I used the salt shaker, but didn't really need the pepper shaker since I'm a big fan of freshly ground pepper from my trusty pepper mill.

So...I rescued the pepper shaker, let it soak in the sink in some soapy water for a bit, gave it a good scrub and it's now my all purpose baking soda shaker! It just feels better to shake baking soda out this way, instead of from a boring box.

If you have an old pepper shaker that is similarily ignored, bring it back to life as a new addition to your cleaning kit! Or...here are some of my favorite shakers for baking soda...(I prefer slightly oversized shakers, so you won't have to be refilling it all the time.)

Okay, your baking soda is beautifully presented - now use it, slobbo darlings! Here are my favorite baking soda tips for cleaning (from the happyslob.com website & this blog):

Baking Soda Uses Database
Baking Soda as a Natural Air Freshener
Baking Soda Carpet Powder Recipe
Use Baking Soda to Clear Clogged Drains
All Purpose Baking Soda Spray Cleaner
Baking Soda for Cleaning the Walls
Baking Soda for Washing Dishes
Baking Soda Crayon Stain Removal Tip

A Few Survey Responses - What Area of YOUR Home Needs Organizing/Decluttering Help

2008-02-12T09:33:00.000-08:00

A while ago I posted a question about organizing and delucttering and what specific areas of YOUR homes you had the most AGGRAVATION with! Here are a few of the replies:

The Kitchen - Kathleen wrote: "Hi, my number one problem area is the kitchen. Keeping track of food is the pits-expiration dates, freshness, food not gotten into the refrigerator, old stuff rotting in the back of the refrigerator, etc. My daughter sits in front of the refrigerator on weekends and tosses stuff. I have started to try this, but need a backbone to remember to do this. HELP!"
The Bedroom - Naomi wrote: "My biggest place for clutter seems to be the bedroom. If I want to remove things and can't decide whether to throw out, give away or keep, then everything seems to end up in the bedroom. I suppose the biggest problem is my indecision about what to do with things not being used at the moment.
Anyway I much appreciate your column. "

Others mentioned the bathroom, home office and kids rooms. SOOO....I'll be trying to help you with occasional organizing tips for these areas that you're the most frustrated with! And that includes MY ongoing battles with tiny closets -- meaning, I need to continue to tackle my own closet clutter. :) Keep reading the blog regularly for more updates on organizing, and thanks for your responses, everyone!

Happy Slob's Housecleaning - Making Your Cleaning Bursts More Effective

2008-02-12T09:18:00.000-08:00

So, you've read my book The Happy Slob's Guide to Housecleaning. You're pumped up, you're ready to clean like you've never cleaned before, you're dedicated to this new routine of cleaning. Hurray!

But...maybe after a while you find that you'd like to increase the effectiveness of your cleaning bursts. Lately, I've been thinking the exact same thing! And so I've made some tweaks to help all of us get the maximum 'punch' out of our morning and evening cleaning bursts.

Here's what I've done to make MY cleaning bursts have more BANG:

Create a list of cleaning burst essential activities. When you're first starting out, do as the book says - just tidy and clean whatever you possibly can in the time you've allotted for yourself. But, as you become (ahem!) a cleaning burst PRO, you'll want to take the cleaning up a level or three - make a list of essential activities for morning and evening cleaning bursts.

Here's what MY Cleaning Burst Essentials List looks like:

AM Cleaning Burst (I do it first thing in the morning!)

Wipe down surfaces in kitchen
Deal with the dishes (meaning - unload the dishwasher from the night before, and make sure the sink is empty of all dishes)
Make the bed
If time leftover - pick up in bedroom/living areas - wherever needs it most

This works great for me, because the night before I've already done another cleaning burst before I head to bed. So...moral of the story is -- for easier, less hectic and stressful mornings, make sure to do your evening cleaning burst!

My PM Cleaning Burst Routine

Deal with the dishes - again, that means making sure that the sink is emptied out entirely. Pots that were left to soak after supper are scrubbed and set to airdry on the countertop. (And then put away in the morning.)
Wipe down the surfaces in the kitchen AND bathroom. This sounds like such a minor thing, but having nice clean surfaces makes the whole room feel utterly lovely. And it takes (honestly!) just a few minutes to do. My cleaner of choice? Our Very Vinegar spray recipe - which is so easy you can hardly call it a 'recipe' at all! (Just pour a few tablespoons of white vinegar into a clean spray bottle. Add a few drops of natural liquid dish soap and then top off the container with water. Shake to combine and you're ready to go!)
Sweep
Clean cat litter & put on the Lampe Berger to destroy the stinky lingering odors. (What would I do without my Lampe Berger??)
Throw out 5 things (decluttering). I honestly don't do this every single day, but I try to as often as possible, to keep clutter under control.
Check garbages/recycling

That's it! So, your assignment for today is to make your own Cleaning Burst Essentials list, and then stick it on your fridge or a bulletin board - wherever you'll be able to easily refer to it when you're in the middle of cleaning.

And remember...this list will take some time to tweak and develop. I started with a different list, but then tweaked my own cleaning burst list until it did all that I needed it to. It's just a cleaning burst list, not rocket science - so have fun with it, adjust it, and don't stress about it. :)

Reader Poll - What is the ONE Area of Your Home You want to De-Clutter?

2008-01-16T12:01:00.000-08:00

In an attempt to get more organized and declutter more often, I'd like to hear from all of you on this question:

What area(s) of your home do you want to declutter? What are your biggest organizing challenges? Would regular email organizing tips help you stay focused on your organizing/decluttering goals?

Please post a comment on the blog OR email me at christina@happyslob.com and let me know your answers! Thanks for participating everyone. :)

A Reader's Amazing Laundry Stain Removal Tip - Use Shampoo

2008-01-16T11:49:00.001-08:00

Helpful Reader Alert!
I got this email from Nancy W quite some time ago, and I kept meaning to post it but (ahem) I'm not known for my fabulous memory! She shares a great and frugal cleaning tip to tackle your nastiest laundry stain removal problems. Here's the email:

Removing Laundry Stains with Shampoo
"I think the best thing I ever learned about laundry was to use shampoo for removing spots. I have a squeeze bottle and fill it with plain old cheap shampoo. When I have a spot, I squeeze shampoo on it and rub it between my fingers and toss it in the washer. It works and if you dilute the shampoo with 1/3 water per bottle, it really saves money."

Thanks again Nancy, LOVE this tip! If YOU have a great tip you want everyone to know about, then email it to me at christina AT happyslob DOT com

Washing Dishes - Getting out Tough Coffee and Tea Stains

2008-01-16T11:41:00.000-08:00

I've recently found that even good dishwasher detergents don't always completely clean coffee and tea stains out of mugs and cups. If you also have a rather unappealing collection of stained mugs you'd like to get truly clean, here are a few tips to try:

Lemon and salt - Cut a fresh lemon in half and dunk in some regular table salt. Use this as a little natural scouring pad to get stains out. (This is also really useful on laundry stains, believe it or not!) Keep a few fresh lemons on hand anyway, for a variety of cleaning purposes.
Baking Soda - Dip a damp rag into a bit of baking soda and use this as your natural scouring powder for edging away those tough tea and coffee stains. It may take a little effort, but this can really do wonders for stained mugs.

I've Found It! The Perfect Cleaning Kit Container

2007-12-16T09:05:00.000-08:00

Now, your cleaning kit container can be made out of just about anything. I use a great big old red bucket - it's sort of a rectangular thing, and it has a sturdy handle and I can fit all of my fave cleaning supplies in there, no sweat. (Well, when I start cleaning I might sweat...but no need for details, right?)

But, I've often searched for a cleaning kit container to recommend to other slobbos - one that I felt was JUST RIGHT. My search thus far has been rather unimpressive, and I've never found anything that inspired a great big, bad burst of cleaning. Until now!!!

This lovely creation was something I set eyes on a few weeks ago at the kitchen shop where I work, and I was instantly smitten. THIS Oxo Good Grips cleaning caddy would be the perfect recommendation for slobbos everywhere who were in need of a good cleaning kit caddy! Sadly, we quickly sold out (before I had the sense to buy one for myself!) - but you can get yours for only $7.99 via Amazon. An amazing bargain!

There are a variety of compartments to hold cleaning formulas, spray bottles, cloths and paper towels, a duster, and so on. It is a beautifully sturdy creation, so it will stand up to years of rough and tumble treatment during your cleaning bursts. I'm a big fan of Oxo Good Grips products, and this one takes the cake (or shall we say, takes the broom?) I hope a few of you will get one for yourself, and make good use of this beautiful cleaning caddy. Enjoy it!

P.S. The little photo in the ad does this caddy no justice at all! Click on the ad to see more pictures...

Sunday Morning - Got my Coffee - and a Tip for You Happy Slob Housecleaners

2007-12-16T08:52:00.000-08:00

Hey all!

It's Sunday, and my coffee is just finishing perking...(hold on one moment, while I go grab a lovely fresh cup!)

There, that caffeine boost will likely help with inspiration for this post...I had a simple cleaning tip to share with you - and by TIP, I do mean a pointy wooden tip. Confused yet? Today's tip involves wooden skewers!

I've found that this inexpensive little kitchen must have (check out the other kitchen MUST HAVES that I swear by ) is a handy, efficient little cleaning tool. The other day I used one when cleaning up the kitchen sink, using that pointed tip to dig up all the disgusting grunge all around the edge of the sink. Let me tell you, it wasn't pretty what I managed to get out of the edge of the sink, but wow did the sink look great after! (Easy sink cleaning formula: scrub out the inside with baking soda and a wet cloth, rinse well; spray down with our Very Vinegar spray and wipe out with a paper towel. Occasionally do the skewer trick along the edges to get out all the dirt and grime that get stuck in those hard to reach areas.)

Wooden skewers are also handy for:

unclogging drains (especially if you have long hair like I do)
Cleaning edges of the stove
Cleaning edges and hard to reach little areas of almost any appliance in the kitchen!
Cleaning along edges of taps and faucets - it works really well

So that's my tippy/pointy tip for today! Stock up on a few packs of simple wooden skewers and keep them in your gorgeous cleaning kit. And, they only cost about a buck or two for a pack of 100, so they're inexpensive additions! Yay - we all love a good cleaning bargain.

If you have another use for wooden skewers, post a comment and tell us all about it!

Laundry Tips and Hints from Readers

2007-12-11T10:28:00.000-08:00

None of us exactly feel THRILLED to look at the ever growing piles of laundry in our laundry baskets. So, the best way to get the job done is to - well - DO IT already! Here are some fantastic fresh laundry hints from readers, and of course I just posted some of my favorite laundry hints at http://www.happyslob.com/laundry.html which should also inspire you.

Thanks to everyone who took the time to send in some laundry tips!

Keep up...so you don't have to catch up!
from Lisa:
"The best thing to do with laundry to keep it flowing is keep it going! If you work outside your home, as I do, put a load in the washer in the morning as you're getting ready. When/if it's done before you leave, throw it in the dryer. When you get home, throw another load in the washer and fold the other at the dryer. If you keep it moving, you'll never get behind. It's always easier to keep up than catch up!"

Another Laundry/Vinegar Fan
from April in Texas:
"My favorite fabric softner is white vinegar! It is cheap, enviromentally friendly, and helps those colors stay bright."

Got Spots?
from "C":
"f your laundry is getting spots, cloudy marks, switch your powdered detergent to liquid."

Detergent Recommendation
from Robyn:
"For front loaders......... Have them buy Affresh!! Works great. Sell it at any Home Depot!"

Do Towels Last...and an overall cleaning motto that I love!
from Lisa:
"I like to wash towels last, at the end of the day.
Then when I am tired of doing laundry, I can just let them sit in the dryer until morning(or afternoon) and not worry about wrinkles because I have hopefully done the clothes that wrinkle earlier in the day.
My motto-do the hardest, crummiest jobs first and get them out of the way, then coast through the rest feeling
great accomplishment."

Amount of Detergent to Use
from Sandy:
"I read somewhere that you do not use more soap to clean better or more soap to more clothes, but you simply use the amount of detergent according to the water level you have chosen.

If you have not used this already, it has been useful information to me, as I have always thought you should put more detergent for extra dirty clothes. Too much detergent will cause your clothes to wear out faster and also if you see a lot of lint in the dryer, that is a sign that you are using too much soap. (I may have got this from you happyslob) THank you!!"

No, thank YOU Sandy! And all of you for these great tips!
Christina

Hear Ye, Hear Ye - I KNOW You Need to Clean out the Closets

2007-11-23T18:40:00.000-08:00

How do I know that you need to clean out a closet or two? Because I'm a happy slob too, of course, and I certainly know that I have an overflowing closet to conquer. So, this weekend I challenge ALL of you to tackle one overwhelming closet. I'm going to provide plenty of help on this challenging endeavour:

7 Tips on Cleaning and Organizing Your Closets will give you help and motivation to get going.

Turn on some toe-tappin' music to get your motivation and inspiration at a high, and then get started! You'll find plenty of help with the above help sheet to get you started and KEEP you going until that messy old closet is looking brand new and gorgeous.

Let me know how your closet conquering goes, slobbos!

Arrived Home from Ireland - Jet Lag Is a GREAT Excuse to avoid Housework!

2007-11-02T08:13:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,

We're back from Ireland! We had a fantastic time, and I am now completely in love with the place. The people were fantastic - friendly and with a very quirky sense of humor - and the scenery was astonishing. My poor husband did all the driving, and adjusting to driving on the other side of the road was tough at first, but by the end of it he was actually enjoying it! (How could you NOT? The country roads pass through everything from low mountains to stunning seaside views.)

I've also learned first hand how hard JET LAG can really hit a person. We've both been struggling to get back into this regular schedule. :) One handy thing, though, is that the jet lag has been a very handy excuse to NOT do my housework! (See, I told you I'm a recovering slob. I don't think I'll ever be truly cured!) But today I woke up and decided that enough was enough, and I'm writing this just after I popped in a large load of laundry. The laundry was piling up to such an extent that it was scaring my two cats. So, it was time to tackle it...

Meanwhile, I want to catch all of you up on some new cleaning ideas I had while away. (Yes, sad but true - I DID think of the blog and site while away in gorgeous Ireland!)