When spring is springing we get the urge to neatly place, organize and tuck
Things around the home that didn't bother us over the winter months, like piles of shoes and boots in the closet and the front door, start to get under our skin.
So we spring into action.
Typical Scenes Across the Country...
With hands on our hips, crookedly we stand in the foyer evaluating our winter clutter, thinking ... 'how did I stand this for so long' !
And before we know it, the itch to organize turns into a full blown rash and we're looking around the house trying to reshuffle pieces of furniture, repurpose dressers, and re-do closets.
Freeing ourselves of the unnecessary, we start with the basics ... we bag'em and tag'em.
We only mean to clean the house, but our soul gets spit and polished too.
What?
We don't plan for this to happen, in fact we never do. But year after year, without fail, we feel lighter.
Closets Come First...
We've jammed our closets with extra sweaters, bulky coats, mitts, hats, boots, and too many pairs of shoes. It's not right.
We know it's not right. Guilty.
But, during the holiday season we really did have bigger fish to fry ... Like cozying up to a warm fire. Overflowing closets somehow made the fire feel better. It's winter ... we're not all there. There's a name for our condition: Cabin Feveritis.
But the frequent appearance of the sun along with the disappearing biting cold begins to wake us from our tolerant coma and we're ready to make tough choices ... But where do we start? ....
We figure it out.
To clean our soul, we start with soles.
The stinky invaders come first.
Ahhhh, we've lightened up just thinking about it ....
Sorted shoes; who'da'thunk that all it took was 'sorted shoes'?
All this time we thought life was complicated. Sole ... Soul? Well my gawd, life's greatest mystery has been solved.
Moral of the story - clean your closets, organize your soles, and the future is yours! ... Not really, but at least your closets will look great while your soul floats.
Don't Stop with Shoes, Here are additional Ways You Can Organize Your Life:
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Use an Ultimate Cloth to safely dust and clean
the TV and other electronic devices.
Time for housework? Weekend chores? Spring cleaning? If you dread cleaning house, perhaps you're not using the right tools. Because I believe no one should hate housework, I decided to share this review and personal testimonial about one of my very favorite cleaning tools, the best cleaning cloth I've ever used, the Ultimate Cloth.
You've heard of microfiber, I'm sure. As great as a microfiber cloth may be, the Ultimate Cloth is better. Why? Because it does a better job of cleaning, capturing and holding onto dirt. The Ultimate Cloth is made from MiraFiber which consists of fine, synthetic fibers, smaller than microfiber, that are so tiny they work amazingly well to grab and trap dust, dirt, and grease rather than just pushing it around.
Another great thing about the Ultimate Cloth is that it's machine washable and reusable. In fact, the cloth comes with a 5-year guarantee. Use it, wash it, and use it again, over and over for years. I've had my Ultimate Cloths for nearly four years and continue to use, wash, and re-use the same ones.
Streaky Glass and Mirrors? You Need the Ultimate Cloth!
I like the Ultimate Cloth better than regular microfiber cloths and prefer them especially for cleaning glass and mirrors, the TV screen, and even the screen on my Fire tablet and my phone. These cloths work beautifully in the kitchen on our stainless steel refrigerator, stove, and microwave, too. I also have one dedicated to the bathroom where I use it regularly to wipe down the shower walls and glass shower door.
Dampen an Ultimate Cloth to easily clean smudges
and fingerprints from your stainless steel appliances.
Wet an Ultimate Cloth then wring it out well to clean fingerprints off painted surfaces such as walls, cabinets, or doors (inside or out). Our dog, Daisy, has a tendency to rub against the edge of the kitchen cabinet as she turns one particular corner so when I notice that the oil from her hair has accumulated there, it takes just seconds to dampen an Ultimate Cloth and easily wipe that greasy surface grime from the painted cabinet.
To use an Ultimate Cloth, always start by washing it out well (or run it through the washer) to remove any lint that might be left behind in the manufacturing process. Use a clean cloth dry for electronics, but otherwise dampen it slightly and wring it out well for most other surfaces.
Note that the cloth itself won't scratch, but never rub any surface with a cloth that has gotten especially dirty or has been used to clean greasy surfaces or if the cloth might have picked up any solid particles which could scratch the surface you want to use it on.
When you order, buy an extra pack of Ultimate Cloths to use on the car. Dedicate one to cleaning the windows, dusting the dashboard, or cleaning leather or vinyl surfaces inside. Use another when you wash the outside of the car. They work really well to clean hub caps, too, but don't re-use the same cloth on the paint until you've washed the cloth well to remove any grime or grease.
While the Ultimate Cloth can be used dry for some surfaces (like electronics screens) and cleans well with just water for most other surfaces, if you prefer to use a spray or other chemical cleaner on some surfaces, that's fine. Just remember to throw the cloth in the wash when you're finished so you don't accidentally use the chemical on a surface where you shouldn't.
The following under 3-minute video provides lots of information and will probably answer most of your questions about MiraFiber, so I'd suggest you watch it to learn more.
Machine Washable. Bleachable. Comes With a 5-Year Warranty.
Use this link to order a set of two Ultimate Cloths from Vat19. Since that company charges a flat shipping rate, you might want to order a couple of packs or more (they actually make a thoughtful gift) to have on hand.
The price might seem high for a cleaning cloth, but I can honestly say that I've gotten more than my money's worth and I have no problem at all justifying the cost. And when I think how many paper towels I might have used in their place over these past few years, there's just no doubt at all that I've gotten my money's worth, and I believe that you will, too.
Thanks for reading my Ultimate Cloth review. I can honestly say these are the best cleaning cloths I have ever used and I recommend them highly.
Susan Deppner is a baby boomer, a cancer survivor, and a Southerner who believes in the Golden Rule. She enjoys writing about food, faith, and fitness; health, home, and holidays; people, places, pets, and patriotism, and more. Follow Susan on Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
Whether it's Spring or Any Other Season, the Floors Always Need Sweeping ... Ugh!
Did you know you can sweep your floors all day without thinking about it or using a broom?
Yes, that's right .... all you have to do is walk around your home with slippers that sweep for you.
Do You Have Pets that Shed?
Are you buried in animal fur? Do you need a rescue team to come in and find you and the kids buried in a fog of dog hair? Ok, sure, it's not that bad (it could be?).
If you need a rescue, get the entire family their own pair of dusting slippers. They come in sizes that fit men, women, and kids.
Are You Sick of Seeing the Dust on Your Hardwood Floors?
You're not alone. Did you know that darker, shiny hardwood flooring shows almost every speck of dust, especially when the sun beams down on them through windows (yah, you know that already) ... and did you know that's one of the reasons people now choose a flatter finish for their hardwood.
In fact, my brother and his wife had just finished building their home, and they specifically chose hardwood that wasn't shiny to avoid seeing every bit of dust and dog hair they used to see in their previous home.
These slippers are also a great housewarming gift for people moving into a new house.
In fact, a creative basket of cleaning goodies to make life easier is an ideal gift!
Add these slippers to your cleaning gift basket, and they'll love it! Hopefully, my brother and his wife don't read this article because, guess what they're getting from me?
So, How Do You Clean the Slippers that Do the Cleaning?
It's easy. Just detach the bottom velcroed micro-fiber cleaning piece and toss it in the washing machine. Depending upon your chosen style, some come as an entire piece, as featured in the photo labeled 'another style.'
Get a pair for everyone in the family and have them wear their cleaning slippers throughout the day, and at least you'll stay ahead of the dust!
How About A Slipper Party?
Yeah, that's weird.
But if you're into wacky-party themes, you can hold a 'Help Me Clean My House Party' and everyone gets a free gift! A pair of cleaning slippers that you provide for each person as they enter and that they have to wear at the party.
Sure, your house will have glasses, food, and other party goodies, but at least your floors will look good! Best of all, no shoes on in your home, no bare feet, and no smelly socks. All your guests will be wearing a new pair of cleaning slippers.
Would it be expensive - if you compare these to other items you have to acquire for a party, this is in the range .... 10 Slippers would be about $70 to $150 bucks, depending upon the style you choose.
Have Fun Cleaning! by Barbara
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
A Simple Facelift to our Washroom: A paint job,
new accessories, de-cluttering and cleaning
Total Cost: $150
If you live where changing seasons are a part of life, you know exactly what it means to 'feel the coming change in the air.'
It is hard to explain what it does to the senses to someone who's never experienced this artful conversion and how it unwittingly triggers many emotions within us.
How Changing Seasons Get Us Thinking About Changing Our Homes or, at the Very Least, Changing Our Decor
Since, at the time of writing this, Spring is on its way, typically, many urges hit us. Some of them include renewal, freshness, cleanliness, and, in the case of selling and buying a home, the urge for a new beginning. However, before you jump into the often exhausting process of selling a home, read this article to test your resolve.
So, How Can You Make Changes in Your Decor Without Dropping Big Bucks?
Here are Four simple, inexpensive decor ideas:
Add an Area Rug to a Room: If you have a room with tile or hardwood flooring, changing your existing rug or adding one where one never existed can dramatically change the look and feel of the space. You may think that Area Rugs are just too expensive; however, be sure to check out these very popular and affordable rugs; you'll be surprised by the big bang you get for your buck!
Clean and De-Clutter Your Space: This one change costs nothing but time and effort. Stand back from your room, take stock of what's in your room, and remove any furniture and knick-knacks that overwhelm the space.
Re-Arrange Your Space: This makes the biggest change. Look at your space; look at the position of the window, the door(s), and how the traffic flows, then change the space by keeping 'traffic flow' in mind. In other words, keep any area where people naturally walk as they enter with furniture. This small technique will visually increase your space's size and give your room a greater sense of openness.
Add Accessories to Warm Up the Room: Point number two talks about de-cluttering, but that doesn't mean you must remove every decorative accessory. The items that generally add to the 'feel' of a space are Throw Blankets and Pillows. Sparingly include these items without overdoing it, and you'll soften the space.
There are many other ways to change the look and feel of a room without spending money, as well as an endless supply of DIY projects you can tackle; however, before you jump into these more complex tasks, start by using what you have - look around your house, re-use pieces from another room - creatively use the pieces you already own!
Change doesn't have to involve spending a fortune!
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
With the newer, more modern designs of Bathrooms, storage space for toiletries can be at a premium.
Even when, at first glance, there is quite a bit of storage in the washroom, once we start filling the cupboards, there never seems to be enough.
Creative storage solutions for the bathroom mean thinking outside of the box.
Toilet Paper Storage for a Small 2 Piece Washroom
In a small 2-piece washroom, there may be a cupboard space, or if there's a pedestal sink, no cupboard space. Hmmmm...What to do????
When storage is limited, I've come up with a creative
Inside View - Neat & Tidy
solution:
I had an old standing vase from way-back-when, that I decided to use in my main washroom to store toilet paper.
We do have a cupboard in the washroom under the sink, but that's being used for other items. By having the toilet paper in the vase, the cupboard has room for many other items instead.
If you don't have an old vase to use, you can always pick one up at a flea-market or via online or local shopping.
However, don't limit yourself to just a vase, any type of decorative storage container about 2 feet tall, that's quite narrow, will work.
Additional Storage Ideas for the Washroom
You can also acquire a bathroom floor storage cupboard system. As you'll see here, there are numerous designs, colors, and styles to choose from. Be sure to check them out.
Some come in extremely narrow designs (approximately 6" wide), so they can fit in that small space beside the toilet.
Other style options are slightly larger and are being designed for corners. If your washroom has unused corner space, consider a corner storage cabinet. Most offer a small counter surface enabling you to put something decorative (or practical) on top of it.
When you're doing this year's spring cleaning, remember to think creatively when it comes to storage. In fact, if you're getting the itch to sell your home, try re-organizing a room before you jump through that very large hoop! It may even scratch that itch for change.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
Don't Let Spring Push You Into Selling Your Home Just Because You're Getting that 'Fresh-Air Fresh-Start Itch'
Twenty-five-plus years in real estate allowed me to see firsthand the many reasons people decide to sell their homes. Believe it or not, the boredom of the environment or needing a change was one of those reasons, especially during springtime when that 'new beginning' feeling hits!
If you've ever sold a home, you've probably received the standard good advice to 'neutralize' your color schemes. The suggestions may have also included creating a consistent flow between spaces, repainting with neutral colors, de-cluttering, removing large furniture insmall spaces, and limiting patterns and prints where possible. Having your home professionally staged may have also been talked about ... good advice.
However, if the only reason you're selling your home is that you're feeling the need for change, then the first thing you should do to Fully Test that urge is to rearrange a room and, if affordable, change it up by adding MORE color and interest.
Pick colors and patterns that you and your family like. Throw out 'the house selling rule book' (to a point!), and decorate in a way that reflects your personal likes.
If you've never attempted to work with color and pattern, here is an example of choosing a patterned couch with a patterned rug. It also features a handy short video on mixing color with pattern.
When spending a lot of money isn't an option, keep the room changes simply; try these five things first:
Repaint the room
Rearrange the furniture
Create a new focal point
Add accessories
and sorry, clean and de-clutter
Focus on what you like, but start with 'the mood' you want to create: airy, fun, electric, cozy, serious ... you get the picture. Even if your existing pieces don't fit your mood choice, use what you add to do that task: paint, pillows, blankets, rugs, window coverings, or, if you're going all out, furniture.
If you think this is too much work, think about all the time, expense, and energy it will take to sell your home. When you're just trying to figure out what to do .. to stay or to go .. redo at least one room in the house before you make that larger choice to sell.
If you re-decorate that one room with neutral tones only because you think that's practical for resale, you're subconsciously out the door already! So resist that and decorate that room in your own funky fashion. Give it your touch.
When you're finally ready to sell, then go neutral-mad. But remember to test yourself with this redo challenge, and ask yourself, do I really want to sell my home?
By Barbara Tremblay Cipak
Funkthishouse.com
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
If Opening Your Linen Closet Causes Heart Palpitations, It's Time for a Spring Sort!
If you have a big family, and many different sizes of beds, as we do, then this practical linen-sorting tip can help. Here's How I Solved the Problem of Mixing Up the Various Sizes of Linens for each Room in the Home:
In our washroom we have a closet we're currently using as a Linen Closet. It doesn't matter where your linen closet is located, so long as it's large enough to use sorting bins.
We have five bedrooms and four sons. Each bedroom has a different sized bed; double, queen, single, king ... so my linen closet was ALWAYS a disaster! Plus I also found myself unfolding and re-folding sheets after grabbing the wrong sized sheets for a bed!
One Day, I HAD Enough and decided to find a way to organize the closet so that finding the right sheets for the right bed wouldn't be such a hassle!
NOW Each room has it's own storage bucket with the respective sized Bedding in it. You could also put their bedding in their bin in their bedroom closet, but that doesn't work for us.
By Funkthishouse.com
First of all, I know the sheets would end up in a heap, and second there wasn't any more space to do it that way.
You can see by the photo that each child has it's own storage container with their linens in it, with the second shelf reserved for towels.
The extra containers have pillow cases in them, divided up by size - One container has 'double/queen sized pillow cases' and one of container has 'king sized pillow cases'.
Our master bedroom actually has two containers - one container holds the 'flannel sheets' and the other holds the summer 'cotton sheets'. Also, on the very bottom of the closet I keep a laundry basket for the boys to put their dirty clothes in.
I've lightly written the boys names on each of their respective containers so that I can quickly find the sheets for the bedroom I need.
It's working out very well. Although, sometimes I do put the wrong sheets in a bucket and have to correct it.
It is a bit of a pain to take the buckets out that are on the very top, but they're the ones I use less frequently. Plus I prefer it this way over the mess that it once was.
This was easy to do; just measure the width and depth of the shelves, decide how many containers you need and then be sure you pick containers that will fit nicely on the shelves. PS: Keep the containers OPEN to easily reach in and grab bedding without having to open and close them each time by Barbara Tremblay Cipak Owner - Funkthishouse.com
Added Bonus: Check out creative laundry room sorting tips for a small space here !
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
The Preferred Scratch Removal Compound and Polisher to Remove Scratches from Auto Paint - A Personal Review
There is no doubt that in our house, my husband is the 'car cleaning go-to-guy'. If there's a car to be cleaned, he's probably outside doing just that! It's no exaggeration to say that he's an expert. He's spent years mastering his craft and is very proficient at auto detailing to the point that the car looks like showroom condition when he's done with it!
One of the areas he's learned a lot about is how to remove scratches from auto-paint. Personally, I had no idea that this was doable right from home, until I actually watched him do it.
Here you'll read about my husbands favorite products for scratch removal and how to properly apply them. These products are not chosen on a whim either, he's extensively researched them and
personally loves the results he gets. Of course, it's certainly up to you what you ultimately decide to use, these are just suggestion based on personal choice and experience.
Meguiar's G17216 Ultimate Compound - 15.2 oz.
He loves working with this compound because he says it gives him great results. It has a diminishing abrasive, so he doesn't have to worry about damaging the paint finish. He'll give the bottle a good shake before he uses it as well.
The video below gives you a good explanation of the product - it's one he's watched a few times.
The Car Polisher That Gives Excellent Results
The Porter Cable 7434XP is his favorite. Tips on how to use it:
First thing is to choose the proper cutting pad; it's usually identified by the manufacturer. If you happen to use the wrong pad, you'll probably notice that it's very porous and that the compound will deeply embed itself and will not remain on the surface to do it's job. The cutting pads are more dense and the cutting compound should stay on the surface to do it's work.
This is his first choice for a polisher. It turns out to also be a best seller on Amazon. He says it's a terrific tool that's given him great results.
He's used it all day long to remove swirl marks and scratches and the machine showed no signs of slowing down or heating up. He feels it's good value for the money too.
Additional Tips Regarding the Porter Polisher
Be sure to prime the pad with a lubricant so it's not dry when you are about to use it. In regards to the polishing pattern to use; first use a small diameter pad for small areas - he says he uses an up and down pattern with a 50% overlap and a side to side motion with a 50% overlap. He only does an 18inch by 18inch section at a time.
As mentioned above, the product has a diminishing abrasive that will break down within minutes of use and you will see the product turn to a shiny finish. After a minute or two you can wipe it off with a micro fiber cloth. Continue to prime the pad before adding more product. Also, clean your pads after each use.
A Helpful Video on Polishing Your Car
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
Whether you need a way to help de-clutter or clean kids toys, or tips for getting your kids involved in Spring Cleaning, the Review This blog has a few suggestions.
One of the best ways to be successful with big cleaning chores such as Spring Cleaning is to get the whole family involved. Kids can clean, whether they believe it or not! One good hint, for major cleaning or just daily cleaning, is to get a small kitchen timer and have the kids 'clean their room' until the buzzer goes off. They (and you) will be amazed at how much they can accomplish working against the clock. It becomes a game for them.
Toy hammocks are wonderful space-saving ways to store toys off the floor, and a quick way to 'pick-up' and 'put-away' those toys.
Handmade Crochet Hammock for Stuffed Animals
Lula, a crochet crafter, crochetstoy hammocksfor all those cute stuffed animals your children collect and keep forever. Hang it next to their bed, so their special stuffed animals are still close but don't take up the space in their bed any more.
The hammocks come in several sizes and 50 color choices. Hammocks are awesome because they help you free up floor space while displaying your child’s most treasured stuffed animals on the wall, keeping your home organized while doubling as a unique decor item!
Lula makes these hammocks in crochet for her Etsy Store Lula Bill Boutique.
For those of you who prefer cleaning with environmentally-safe products, HubPages author Chen has an article on Green Spring Cleaning Tipsusing handy products such as baking soda and white vinegar. Products such as these are safe for even children to use while helping mom clean.
More Simple Cleaning Tips from the Contributors here on Review This!
For all of us who live a busy life, house cleaning at any time is a chore. This book of House Cleaning Tips and Tricks from Amazon has helpful hints and time-saving tips all in one place.
Getting organized has never been easier.
Spring has arrived!
Hopefully, this collection of tips and hints will give you a head start with your Spring Cleaning. Or... you can enjoy putting it off until next year!
(c) Wednesday Elf (4/18/2015)
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
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