Tip Tuesday: My favorite cleaning tips!

I've got a few of my favorite cleaning tips (or shortcuts) to share with you today.

I hate to clean.  I loathe it.  But, it's one of those things that must be done, so I do it.  I have a cleaning schedule that I do my best to keep up on, and it really helps.  I have several Pinterest recipes for cleaners that I've made, and they're all tried and true.  The only cleaning solution that I buy from the store any more is Windex.  I'm not sure how much I actually save making my own, but I know it's a lot.

Here goes: 

You know I make my own laundry detergent.  Here's the link to that post:http://envoguepogue.blogspot.com/2013/12/laundry-bombs_31.html

And my dishwasher detergent: http://envoguepogue.blogspot.com/2014/02/tip-tuesday-homemade-dishwasher-soap.html

I use Windex for my glass (of course) but thanks to Pinterest, I've found a new and amazing way to use it.  My dining chairs are upholstered with microseude.  Having three little ones, they get really dirty really quickly.  I've found the best way to clean them is with Windex!  Just spray some on, and use a scrub brush to wipe the grime off.  It's awesome!  Here's the link:http://makingtheworldcuter.com/2013/03/clean-microfiber-the-easy-way/

I've also been making my own Swiffer solution!  I bought some microfiber cloths from the dollar store, and cut them to fit my Swiffer.  They're machine washable, so no more wasting money on Swiffer pads!  And here's the link to remove the top off the Swiffer solution bottle.   http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-remove-the-cap-on-a-Swiffer-Wet-Jet-cleaner/

For the cleaning solution, I used equal parts vinegar and hot water, and about 20 drops of lemon essential oil.  It works every bit as well as the original solution!

My last tip is Liquid Magic Eraser.  Having kids around means dirty walls... Well, it means dirty everything.  But I came across this recipe, and it's AWESOME!  http://onetalentedmom.wordpress.com/2012/04/15/liquid-magic-eraser-homemade/

I've found that vinegar is one of my favorite things.  I love that it works so well, and it's inexpensive and it's not a chemical.  It's fabric softener, it's floor cleaner, it's great in the dishwasher as a rinse agent, it's just plain amazing!

I hope this post helped you!  These are simple recipes that take basically no time to put together, they save money, and they WORK!  Have a great Tuesday!

Make Something Monday: Closet to Mudroom

This is actually a project that I haven't started yet.  But, I'm really excited about it, and hope to have it in full swing very soon.

I have a wonderful laundry room.  Oodles of storage.  Lots of cabinets, a sink, and a closet.  

I've used this closet for several different things:  Cleaning supplies, toy storage, and right now is serves as blanket and linen storage.  Well,  I've decided that it will function better as a mud room.

The shelves are coming out, the doors are coming off, and we will either purchase or build a bench and so coat hooks.  I can't wait to show you all how it looks!  Oh, and if anyone has any wood they'd like to contribute to my cause, it'd be greatly appreciated. :)

Right now, our shoes and coats are in our entry way... And it just looks messy and cluttered.  We definitely need a new solution.

So, all my linens are being relocated to these wonderful cabinets above my washer and dryer. There's SIX of them!  And I have very few things in them right now.

I'm hoping to build a pedestal for my washer and dryer, too, but we'll see if that happens.  Keep your fingers crossed for me! 

Today is laundry day, so I get to tackle that mountain of clothes you see over in the corner.  In my defense, it's really not that high.  That's a clothing rack with the kids' snow suits hanging on it.  It looks much worse than it is.

  I'll post pictures of how far I get with this tomorrow!  Have a great Monday!

Tip Tuesday: Endless Dryer Sheets

I already shared with you my laundry detergent recipe.  This one, I wanted to try out for a couple of weeks before I shared it.  So far, I'm loving it.

I  bought some sponges from the dollar store and cut them each in half.  Then I grabbed a plastic container, filled it with one part fabric softener and 2 parts water.  For every load, depending on size, I grab one or two of the sponges, wring them out, and throw them in the dryer with my wet clothes.  After they're done, I put them back in the container.  It's been working great!  No static, my clothes are soft, and they smell good!  All for a couple of bucks.  SCORE!

Idea courtesy of Pinterest.

Laundry Bombs!

I've tried several laundry detergent recipes...  Both liquid (which exploded all over my kitchen and was a ginormous mess, and then coagulated when I tried to use it) and powder, which I just didn't care for much.  This is my tried and true recipe.  I love, love, love it!  It's easy to make, it cleans really well, and it's super inexpensive.  Here's the link to the original recipe: http://www.savvysugar.com/All--One-Laundry-Bombs-31354476

I've tweaked a little bit to make it my own, so here's my recipe:
1 1/2 c. washing soda
1 c. Borax
1/2 c. Fels-Naptha
2 tbsp. Epsom salts
3 tbsp. hydrogen peroxide
1/4 c. vinegar
15-20 drops essential oil

I always double the recipe and it makes about 60 bombs.  I think it averages to be around .06 (yes, 6 cents) per load.  SCORE!

And of course, I have it written down in my Filofax so the recipe is always with me.  It's also easier to reference from here than from my iPad or computer.

Line a couple of baking sheets with parchment or wax paper, or aluminum foil, which is all I had at the moment.

Assemble all those ingredients!

Here's a tip: Buy a cheap mini food processor.  I got mine for under $10 and all I use it for is to grate soap.  SO much faster than grating it by hand!

Dice up the Fels-Naptha first.

It looks like grated cheese. 

Toss the Fels-Naptha, washing soda and epsom salts into the boil.  Add hydrogen peroxide and vinegar.  (This is my favorite part.  When you add the vinegar it fizzes and makes me feel very mad scientist. Mwahahahaha!)  Then, add the essential oil.  I'd recommend grabbing some inexpensive oil from a health food store as opposed to using DoTerra or a more concentrated brand.  My favorite scents are Wild Orange and Lavender.

Stir it all together.

I use a small cookie scoop for this part.

Scoop them onto your cookie sheets.

And lastly, give them a good squirt of vinegar.  This helps them harden up.  Leave them for 8-10 hours. (I usually just let mine dry overnight.)

There ya go!  I love these things.  They work great in my HE washer, too.  I LOVE these!  I store them in a pretty glass jar that could really use a vinyl decoration on it. Anyone? Anyone? :)  Hope you like them as much as I do!