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Oh happy Friday! It always feels so good to get to the end of your work week - even when you love your job, taking a weekend off is so relaxing.
So…. cleaning. I know. You don't want to do it, but it feels SO good when it's done! A few months ago I blogged about how I am using a cleaning schedule and how that has been a total game changer for me. Sounds so simple… and it is… but it may as well be revolutionary considering how it has rescued my sanity and made it completely realistic to maintain our household.
As I was cleaning this week, I realized how much I love picking out cleaning supplies, trying new ones, and figuring out which ones work the best. Almost as much as I love trying new makeup {almost}. Ha!
Also, I have a lot of people in my life (as I'm sure most of us do!) who place a lot of value on a clean home! So, I have collaborated with all of these folks to come up with a list of must have cleaning supplies.
Some of these items are my own personal favorites as well.
In no particular order…
Brick was feeling particularly generous and said he would endorse this product for Sweet & Modern.
Bless his heart!
Okay, but seriously. I love this stuff. And it's on this list because I wasn't the only one who agreed. I use it for EVERYTHING! Floors, sinks, toilets, bath tubs, walls, tile… it is all purpose. And the smell is heavenly. Sometimes when I am done cleaning, the smell sticks on my hands. And I don't even mind. So, yes. If you haven't tried Fabuloso, pick it up next time you are at the store. Pretty much every store carries it and you mix the concentrate with water. I like to use it to mop, too!
Bonus: SO cheap.
Pine-Sol
Ah, good ol Pine-Sol. Basically, this is used exactly like Fabuloso. One of my friends swears that if you are doing a good on-your-knees-with-a-rag floor scrubbing, that nothing is better than Pine-Sol. So, there you have it!
Personally, I think Pine Sol has a fresh and "I just used cleaning supplies" scent. Which is sometimes very nice. Just your pref!
Lysol Toilet Bowl cleaner
Having a photo of toilet cleaner on your blog does not scream stylish, but that's not what we are discussing today. Big fan of this stuff. I tried a different one a while back and I was so disappointed. I love how it is thick and clings to the side of the toilet bowl. I always put it on, let it hang out for a while, and THEN scrub.
Windex Multi Surface spray
If I am in a hurry and am looking to wipe countertops down, I really love to use this and a paper towel. I used to buy regular Windex for mirrors, but I have experimented and this works JUST as well, and doesn't streak the mirror. So now I just buy this and save myself the $$ and space. Also, it smells so light and fresh!
Homemade Floor Cleaner
{vinegar + baking soda + Dawn}
My sister-in-law swears by this concoction, and she is a total clean freak (and I mean that in the most admirable and respectable way possible!) According to her, the vinegar neutralizes any unpleasant odors in your home AND homemade = less toxic. Perfect, especially for those of you who have little hands and feet crawling around on your floors. Like she does.
Magic Erasers
By now I am going to assume everyone knows about these little guys. They are magical. They also claim to clean better than bleach, which could very well be the case. I am also amazed by the old grime and marks (that I thought were permanent) that I can get off with the Magic Eraser. If you haven't tried these for some reason, they are worth every dollar.
Straight Up Bleach
{for the BA housekeepers}
Sorry, I couldn't resist. Again, my sister-in-law likes to go old school and make a bleach cocktail and go to town! I mean, there's no doubting that something is truly clean if you spray bleach on it, right?! I only use bleach when I am trying to get super serious, like on mold spots or something. The smell makes me way light headed.
Bar Keepers Friend
Okay. Call me old school, but I LOVE the powder cleaners. I remember in Home Ec, we always had to clean the sink out at the end of the cooking session with Comet. And my mom also did this at home. Years later, my mom started buying Bar Keepers Friend. Same concept, but somehow better. This stuff is magical. It's like the powder version of a magic eraser. There is nothing more satisfying than coating your sink in this powder, sprinkling a little water over it, and scrubbing until everything shines. My favorite part? It takes those annoying food and drink stains off your counter tops in a snap!
Also, incredibly cheap.
There you go! I love this list. There are more products that I use occasionally that didn't make the list, but these are the big ones.
Now tell me, what are your favorites?! Truly, I am dying to know. Cleaning supplies, cleaning concoctions, homemade mixes (that work), tools? I want to know it all.
And while we are at it, I have to hear from the pet owners: what vacuum do you have?
THANK YOU for stopping by! And have a great weekend :)
When you find what you like, stick to it! Hahah!
ReplyDeletewww.amemoryofus.com
So true Darcy!! :)
DeleteI'm a big fan of the Lysol cleanser and the magic eraser. My great grandmother always used bar keeper's friend, too. My mom and my husband are on the vinegar/water mix for cleaning and I have to admit... It appears to work pretty well! Less chemicals too!
ReplyDeleteSounds like I better start mixing! Do you have any ratios you swear by?
DeleteI love the Lysol cleaner, it works so well!
ReplyDeleteMe too! It's the best.
DeleteI LOVE the picture of Brick with the Fabuloso...haha. I also read your cleaning schedule post and the one on Her View From Home. You have majorly encouraged me to put a schedule together this week. Thanks girl!
ReplyDeleteYay!! I hope it works for you. If you can stick with it it really reduces stress! I know it's harder with kiddos :)
DeleteHaving a cleaning schedule is a great way to keep everyone cleaning around the house and keeping everything so nice! What a great idea and work methodology! Also, thank you for sharing your picks and opinions on cleaning tools and products. It really helps to get another cleaner's thoughts on all of this before diving in and buying stuff.
ReplyDelete