Swiffer Wet Mops - this Really Makes Mopping Easier

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!

How to Clean Stainless Steel Appliances - Cleaning Tips and Hints - Happy Slob

Okay, now here is a great question that I know many of you might wonder about, sent in by Marlene:

"Hi Christina,
Does anybody know how to clean, stainless steel stoves, fridges and dishwashers.
My neighbour has just bought all three appliances. Other than the small amount of cleaning stuff that they give you, with the stove, is there something that can be used, using something that we would already have in our cupboards?
I know that the cornstarch and water works really well for glass top ranges. Would it do the same for stainless steel?
Thanks, Marlene."

Hey Marlene,

:) Thanks for the email. I have one very favorite product for all stainless steel cleaning, and in fact at my part-time retail job (in a kitchen shop) we sell out of this stuff really quickly - because it works just that well.


Barkeepers Friend cleaner comes in either a powder or a liquid cleanser form, and it's fantastic at cleaning your stainless steel appliances. In some cases, it can even remove scratches from the surface of the stainless steel! You can also use it for cleaning your stainless steel sink, and pots and pans. (It works amazingly well at getting out those really OLD stains in stainless steel pots and pans that you thought would NEVER come out again! It really rejuvenates old cookware.)

Let us know how it works out for you! You can get your Barkeepers friend by either clicking on the links in this post OR just check your local stores. :) Many will likely carry this popular cleaner.

Cleaning Windows (and Car Windows in Particular) - Cleaning Tips

Hey everyone,

Here's a great email I received from a lovely lady named Margaret a little while ago.


"Hi Christina.... Can you please tell me what is best -- & NOT harmful -- to clean the inside of car windows. I always end up with a streaky mess when I use "Glass Plus" with paper towels. (Doesn't do too good a job on the outside either!!)
Great site..............Thanks mucho !!!!"

Well, Margaret, since you said: "Thanks mucho!" I just had to reply. :) I love quirky sayings, but hey, at least I admit it!

A fantastic new product that I think is the BOMB when it comes to cleaning windows (both home windows and auto windows) is the e-Cloth. We just got these in at the kitchen shop where I work, and they're specifically made for cleaning windows. What makes it especially loveable? You need NO extra chemicals! These wonderful little soft cloths are micro fiber cloths, and so just a spritzing of water and you're good to go.

Unlike regular cleaning cloths, I find that these e-Cloths leave absolutely NO lint, and they leave the windows clean and sparkling. They're also a handy little size, so pick up a few and store at least one in your car's dashboard for emergency cleaning sessions on the go. And, with no cleaning chemicals to tote around, it's really perfect for in the car.

Let me know how this works for you, Margaret! :) I really hope I was able to help solve your cleaning dilemma.

Take care,

Christina - the ORIGINAL Happy Slob Housecleaner

P.S. Do YOU have a cleaning dilemma you'd like me to solve? I'll give it a go! Just email me your questions to christina@happyslob.com and I'll answer back as quickly as I can. :)