How true is that quote! Unfortunately the same thing applies to the house too when trying to keep it clean! You never know what's lurking in fibers of the couch that has had dog pee, kid pee, milk, Cheerios, crumbs of all sort and who know what else on it when you're not looking! Pretty scary sometimes. Especially since seeing those creepy pictures of dust mites and bed bugs that can form all on their own over time w/ some of the best cleaning around, yuck!
There's been a big movement here lately for Green Living. From hybrids and solar panels to light bulbs and cleaning products. For the most part I would do any of the new ideas if money weren't an object. Little by little we've switched out our light bulbs to the energy saving ones and if I get a coupon I'll try a 'green' household cleaning spray; though they take more elbow grease than Lysol or the like, the air smells fresher and less intoxicating.
Last month I was mentioning to my mom about having to literally clean the kitchen floor 3 times a day, if not more sometimes, b/c of my lovely angels just learning to use utensils or someone having a fit and plates go a flying like Frisbees. I don't have time for a mop job so it's usually Clorox wipes or a paper towel w/ some sort of spray on it. The thing is, because I wanted to not only get up the mess but also sanitize the area in case something else came in contact with that area again I ended up using disinfectant on everything, from the floor to the highchair; not thinking anything about it.
Well, she recommended I borrow her steam mop H2O, it did the job of cleaning and sanitizing w/o chemicals, just water. That truly blew me away! Mankind is pure genius! I instantly had thoughts of me wiping the floor down, Carter dropping his snack, getting the cleaner on it and him putting the cleaner in his mouth...what was I thinking! Well, probably over thinking about it but I'm sure they'll ingest things they're not supposed to at some point, just not by my doing if I can help it.
Her mop was great, but she was right, it didn't dry that fast and the pad on the end was a pain to use so she was looking into getting the Shark mop, now ever so popular on infomercials. So by chance that evening I caught QVC and they were demoing a steam mop by Hann. I had no clue about this stuff so decided to research about it online and found that this Hann mop was the best around. So b/c of their one day special pricing with easy-payment, I splurged and got the best mop around!
Watch the video, it's so true, it'll get you hooked!
http://www.qvc.com/qic/qvcapp.aspx/view.2/app.detail/params.item.V28671.desc.Haan-Slim-Light-FloorSteamer-wCarpet-Glide2Microfiber-Pads
Cleans tile and linoleum floors
Also cleans hardwood w/o damage and w/ an attachment that comes with it, it will de-sanitize rugs, carpet, couches, bedding... it's awesome!
On that same 'green' cleaning kick, Mike is the grill master in the summer's as we are outside more often, but with him working so much this year I've taken over the grill most times because he's not home for dinner, let alone for the cooking part. About mid season when I went to use the grill I noticed how grimy it was, not even fit for a hot dog. At that point I realized I didn't know how he cleaned the grill and wasn't too sure what to do myself. So, using the same method inside the house, I brought the cleaning supplies outside to de-grease the grill and had the same thought... cleaner on the fresh chicken I slaved to prep, what was I thinking??
Wouldn't you know the next day I was doing a Tastefully Simple party for a dear friend of the family and she had QVC on (she's addicted, where I might scroll channels, see something I like and wish I had the means to get it and keep channel surfing) and they had 'The Grill Daddy' on demo. She said she got one for her son and he loved it. Again, cleaning w/ no chemicals, just water and the heat of the grill sanitizes it and the brush gets the gunk off, brilliant! So, it was Mike's early birthday present!
This other blog I came across also gives advice about 'green' cleaning reusing what we have on hand to help save money too!
http://bamagalskitchen.blogspot.com/2009/06/green-cleaning-how-to-be-eco-friendly.html
I am with you 100 percent. I have actually been on the "green" kick for quite some time now. Over a year ago, I went through my cabinets and threw away all household cleaners with ingredients I couldn't pronounce and didn't recognize. I now rely on baking soda, borax soap, vinegar, and peroxide to do all my cleaning. I only use bleach for my toilets because of the stains the well water leaves. However, I am looking for an alternative to that as well. Be on the lookout for chemicals in your laundry detergent. That "fresh" scent is created from pthalates (I believe that is spelled correctly). An unscented formula with a plant-based solution is best. I have done ALOT of research on the subject, so if you ever want a suggestion I would be more than happy to help you in your efforts to "go green". PS. vinegar can be used as a fabric softener and baking soda a whitener for your clothes! and no, they don't end up smelling like vinegar :)
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