Random Monday Cleaning Projects

You know what the best part of Pinterest is...??
Actually DOING what you pin!!

Today I cleaned my washing machine using her method...
http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2012/04/how-to-clean-your-top-loader-washing.html

AND I cleaned my microwave using the vinegar method that I have been doing for a long time.  I pour a little vinegar (1/2 cup/1 cup??) in a bowl, microwave for one minute, wipe clean, use some of the warm vinegar in the bowl for tougher spots, repeat heating process if it is really bad (like mine was!)  Heating the vinegar loosens all the gunk and it seriously wipes right up!  And the best part...NOT TOXIC!

What did you guys clean today?  Did you use any good Pinterest ideas?

Here is an after photo of the microwave (this probably took 10 minutes top from start to finish!)...I am seriously way too embarrassed to post a before pic...

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 





Welcome New Year!!  One of my resolutions for 2013 is to make more products instead of buying them at the store.  Thus, using greener products that are safer for my family AND spending less money in the process.  Most homemade products are made using things you already have in your cabinets! 

I am already making several products that are used often in my home...

• My toilet bowl cleaner is a mix of 1/2 Borax and 1/2 Baking Soda in a Ball jar.  I just sprinkle a little on the inside of the bowl and scrub away with a toilet brush.
• My "Febreeze" stinky smell (read: dog smell) spray is water + Purification oil in a spray bottle.
• My all purpose cleaner is 1 part vinegar, 3-4 parts water, and Tea Tree Essential Oil + Lavender Essential Oil (10-20 drops each).

• My laundry spot cleaner is the mighty mixture of Dawn (couple of tablespoons) + peroxide (a couple of cups, depending on your bottle size) in a spray bottle.  I have found that mix gets almost ANYTHING out, even oily stains (which are prevalent in my house). 

• I just use straight vinegar as the rinse aid in my dishwasher.
• Hand soap is a couple squirts of Dr. Bronner's Pure Castile Liquid Soap (your favorite scent, I prefer Lavender) and water (you can also add a squirt or two of Almond oil if you feel it is drying to your hands).  I use foaming soap bottles (spray painted to match my bathroom - Pinterest project!) to refill.

• Baby shampoo/wash is Dr. Bronner's Baby Mild Pure Castile Liquid Soap + water + Gentle Baby Essential oil in a foaming bottle.

I just made a new one this morning! My new wood furniture dust spray is 1/4 cup white vinegar, 1ish tablespoon Almond oil, 5 drops Lemon Essential oil, fill the rest of the bottle with water (I used a small spray bottle).

A couple of new things I will be making this year is jewelry cleaner to refill my little tub that is empty and hand sanitizer.  I have the ingredients for the hand sanitizer, I just haven't gotten to it yet.

I will update throughout the year when I find more homemade items to replace store bought ones!  What are some of you favorite recipes?

***As you can tell, I do not do exact measuring for these products, I mostly just eyeball them.
***We use old Gerber "cloth diapers" instead of paper towels to clean.
***I am a distributor for Young Living Essential Oils so all the oils I use are Young Living.