Saturday, July 18, 2009

Frugal Friday: Natural Cleaning Disclaimer

Jenny called me this morning asking if I always get an explosion when I mix my cleaner. Her husband and daughter got a great laugh out of her exploding cleaner. Which my daughter did too the first time (as did B when I told him the story today).

Apparently she usually mixes in a bowl and has not used the pop bottle method before, before today that is! I told her the first time I mixed it I had the baking soda in the bottle and then added the vinegar and BOOM! Suds, liquid, mess EVERYWHERE!

Since then I put the baking soda in the bottle and then add the vinegar a little at a time. There is obviously a chemical reaction with these two, everyone knows that. But there must be something that makes it extra, shall we say, spectacular, when the two meet in a closed space. (I'll have to get the chemist answer from my good friend who is a chemist teacher.) So if you are going to mix this cleaner in the pop bottle ADD THE VINEGAR SLOWLY.

Also instead of the lemon juice you buy in the bottle I now use True Lemon, thank you Rebecca! It comes in these little packets, like sugar at a restaurant. The box is with the spices at your grocery store. There is also a True Lime which I will be trying with my Corona very soon!

I found online that 2 packets = 1 Tablespoon. This stuff smells AMAZING and the cleaner smells great because of it.

Have fun with your exploding cleaner!

Friday, July 17, 2009

Frugal Friday: Natural Cleaning

I have been slowly replacing all my chemical-filled-cleaners with natural cleaners. B and I have used baking soda since we were married to clean sinks and tubs, it is the fastest way I have found to cut through soap scum. Last week I was cleaning the tub with baking soda as usual. The kids started stirring and I wasn't close to being done. I had the tub cleaned but not the walls. Baking soda was taking too long, what to do now? I had been curious about a cleaner I had made recently. I went to get the spray bottle and tried it.

It worked! And fast!

What was the cleaner you ask?

Fruit/Veggie Cleaner! My friend Jenny had posted it on her blog months ago. I have been using it for fruit and it works great. Now I know it works great as a household cleaner too! Thanks Jenny!

Of course I didn't think to take before and after pictures. But I wasn't able to finish the walls completely so I can show you some pictures. The before picture is the worst spot now, but there was spots that were even worse! Just spray, let it sit for a minute and a quick scrub.

Before (I can't believe I'm posting this.)
After!

Now to find a natural alternative to Pledge.

Please note my disclaimer for this cleaner!

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Tootsie Warmers Pattern (Giveaway!)


I'm thinking about selling my pattern for the Tootsie Warmers in my etsy shop. I asked a friend if she would test the pattern and give me feedback. The more I think about it I realize I should get a little more feedback. The first three replies will receive my pattern for FREE! The only catch, you need to know how to crochet and be wiling to give me feedback within a month. If you can do those two things leave a comment with your preferred shoe size and I will email you the pattern!