Oops - One Reader's Embarrassing Mistake While Cleaning a Fridge

Here's an 'oopsie' email sent in to me by Sara.

Christina,

So, I was cleaning my friends house at her request and I saw fingerprints
on her brushed aluminum fridge. I guess I wasn't thinking and used Bon
Ami (never scratches right?) well the brushed appearance went away! And
now there is a big shiny circle and some swirls where I **cleaned** it. I
am so embarrassed and I don't quite know what to do. I have looked online
and it seems like either 1000 grit sandpaper or really fine steel wool
will do the job, but I don't want to compound the problem. Have you ever
run across this or do you know who I might ask? THanks in advance for a
response--I tried to get on the google questions and answers but my filter
keeps blocking my ability to start an account--another matter entirely.

Thanks again,

Sara


Hey Sara,

:) First of all - good for you for cleaning the fingerprints! Sure, it's left you in a BIT of a bind, but I'm sure it's a problem that can still be solved.

I think before doing any more damage, I would contact customer service of the company that made the fridge. You should be able to easily find out that information by doing a search online - you can either phone or email the company. They should have a suggestion for what can be done to resurface the area that you so thoroughly cleaned!

Please let me know what they tell you, as I'm sure other Happy Slob Cleaners will want to know too!

Take care,
Christina

PS> What did your friend say when she saw the circle left behind?
P.P.S. And don't things like this make you feel REALLY humble and human? :) My new saying for when I mess up is: "This is helping to build my character!"

Natural Air Freshener Recipe - Using Lemon, Baking Soda and Water

Here's a fantastic natural lemony air freshener that only uses natural ingredients, is cheap to make AND works amazingly well at removing nasty odors from the air (not just covering them up with artificial smells. Ick.)

Hope you enjoy the recipe and give it a try: http://frugalites.blogspot.com/2006/11/cheap-homemade-air-freshener-recipe.html

Motivate, Don't Irritate - Getting Your Family to Help Clean the House

Frustrated with family that just won't help around the home? Need a few tips to get them up off their bums and away from the television?

You got it! Here are a few ways to motivate your family to help clean the house, without annoying them and having them disown you forever.

1. Don't nag. It doesn't work. If you start to hear a whiney, annoying tone in your own voice - walk away! You don't want to turn into a nagging drone...that's really not what you're all about.
2. Reward them - Present family members with their chore(s) of the day. Offer rewards for good efforts. You could even have a little rewards jar with things like: "Ice Cream Sundae" or "Family picnic" or "You Get to Watch Your Favorite TV Show" on it. After an entire week of family cleaning, you can offer a larger reward like a movie out all together or something like that.
3. Keep a limit on it - Use the timer for them too, so that they don't feel like the housework will never end. You can even say something like: "It's only for 10 minutes. Let's see how much we can get done in that time!"
4. Be a good role model - Do your own 3 Step Solution to Housecleaning, and don't go on and on about how much you hate to clean. Just get on with it, and then tell them how great you feel to be keeping the house nicer for everyone to enjoy.
5. Tell them you've read the Happy Slob's Guide to Housecleaning" so that they know this is all good fun and not terribly, horribly serious. Let them read the ebook too, so they can see where you're coming from, and they can learn the techniques for themselves.
6. Keep it fun - when your family sees you dancing around to funky music while cleaning, they'll be far more likely to want to get involved. Even if they think you're nuts, it won't be long before the fun is too contagious to ignore and they'll get up and movin'!
7. Don't expect perfection - none of us is perfect, so why expect it of your family members who are honestly trying their very best?
8. Sincerely Praise them - Thank family members sincerely after they've helped out with cleaning chores. When they see how happy it makes you to have them pitch in, they'll be more and more likely to continue helping out.