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Sunday, January 17, 2010

A Different Way to Clean


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Weekly
  • Bathrooms
  • Wash the hardwood floors
  • Dust house
  • Vacuum
  • Organize the kids rooms
  • Organize the fridge

When Needed
  • Shampoo the carpet (about 4 times a year)
  • Dust fans
  • Wash walls/doors
  • Dust baseboards
  • Wash the couch
  • Wash the Windows
  • Wash the mirrors the house
  • Wipe down furniture
  • Vacuum lamp shapes
  • wipe down lamps
  • Wipe down cabinets
  • Dust/Wash vents
  • Dust blinds
  • Deep clean appliances
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How I Clean

I named this post A Different Way To Clean because I have NEVER bought  a Fantastic, a 409, a Pine Sol,  a Lysol, Clorox Wipes, a Tide, etc.  I have never used a toxic cleaner since being married!!  

I clean differently than most people.  

I only clean with ALL natural products.  

I did this even before it was  cool to be green!  At first, my only reason to do this was because it was cheaper.  I used and still use Shaklee Get Clean products.  Now, after being more educated on why it is so important to be toxic free,  I am really glad that I have been using these the whole time!!!  Toxins are dangerous, as in hurtful, as in not very clean at all.

When most people think of green cleaners, they think: expensive or lack of quality.  With the Get Clean products that I found, nothing is further!  These are CHEAP!!!!  And they WORK!!!! 
Let me tell you what I use and how!


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Kitchen

Let’s begin with with the  Kitchen because we spend most of out time in there!  I feel like I am in there all day!  As soon as I am done cleaning up a meal, it’s snack time!  Does that happen to anyone else?  I run my dishwasher everyday and I always  try to wipe the stainless steal appliances down every night.   I HATE going to bed with a messy kitchen!!!  I love waking up and coming down to a clean room.  I am in a better mood when there are no dishes out, the stove is clean and their are no fingerprints on the fridge!  I also like to sweep or vacuum the floor everyday (several times a day under their high chairs).  

In the kitchen I use…..

Basic H2 Organic Super Clean Concentrate and my super microfiber cleaning cloth for the appliances, cabinets, counters and walls

Scour Off Heavy Duty Paste  for my sink and my appliance deep cleaning.  Click HERE to see how I clean my oven!

Basic G- Concentrated Germicide for disinfecting my sink, counters, knobs, floor and whatever else I want germ FREE!

Dish Wash Concentrate for washing pots, pans or anything else by hand.  I only use 1 drop per dish!  This stuff is really powerful!!!!

Dish Wash Automatic Concentrate for my dishwasher.  I only use 1 teaspoon of this stuff and I NEVER pre-rinse  my dishes.  CHEAP!!!!

Here is a before and after of the fridge…



After



Here is a photo of my polished sink using Scour Off…


After


Here is a before and after on my window… 

before




 after





Bathrooms  



Next,  I’ll tell you about the bathrooms because everyone likes start with the grossest area and get it out of the way.   I use… 
Basic H2 Organic Super Clean Concentrate for the windows and mirrors.

This stuff works…..with NO streaks!!!  

 I mix 2 drops of the concentrate to my 32oz. water spray bottle. (It costs $.02 per 32oz.  That’s right, it costs me only a 2 PENNIES  for a 32oz. bottle)  


CHEAP!!!! I told you. 1 bottle of Basic H2equals the cleaning uses of 5,824 bottles of 26 oz. Windex. WOW!!!! 




Here is a picture of the awesome window and mirror super microfiber cleaning cloth that I use. 





Here is a picture of my mirror.  NO STREAKS!!!!




Basic G- Concentrated Germicide for the sink, toilet, floors and bath/shower 




I really like to disinfect!!!  I have three kids who put there hands everywhere and I don’t want germs everywhere!!! 




Here is a picture of my bathroom cleaning bottles. I put this  on the door.  I have these bottles in every bathroom.  It is simple , neat and easy! 






Scour Off Heavy Duty Paste for the bath/shower, floor and sink when needed. 





This stuff takes off rust, mold, hard water residue and other build up.  


And it SMELLS like cherries!!! And totally safe! 




Here are before and after pictures of some hard water residue on my sink drain. (I know it’s gross!  Don’t hate me!) 






WOW!!! Look at that sparkle!!! 




I think that is pretty much it for the bathrooms, lets move on to floors     


Floors


I try to vacuum or sweep everyday.  I don’t know if it is just my family but we REALLY need to do this everyday!  

We get kinda totally dirty here!  I found a floor duster that I really like and the dusts the baseboards too!  YAY!!!  It is by o-cedar. 






Here is a picture of it at work!!! 




I also love to use my BFF aka my Dyson vacuum. 

 I love it!  

Now that my son is crawling and trying to eat everything he sees, I have just been leaving it out all the time.  Anytime I see something on the floor, I just turn on my Dyson and suck that baby up before my son finds it! 





I use the attachments to get baseboards, lamp shades and furniture.



I have the Dyson Ball Slim and it’s great because it is so easy to move around and it’s lightweight! 



For washing my floors, I use…..guess….. 





This awesome no rinse, no residue, streak-free formula works great on any floor!  It seriously makes my wood shine.   For floors,  mix 1 tablespoon of Basic H + 1 gallon of water.  Apply to floor with sponge or mop.  I just put it in a spray bottle, spray it on the floor and wipe it with a microfiber mop. 


Here is my little helper!  Look at the floor shine! 





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Dust


Now, how do I dust?  I don’t!  LOL, I wish!  This family makes a lot of dust or at least we see it more because of all of our dark wood  floors and furniture.  

Usually I dampen my super micro fabric cleaning cloth with my Basic H.  I also use a really long duster to get my fans, vents, light fixtures, stair railing, walls and ceiling. 









Here is another picture of my helper.  

I find it best to give the kids their own set of cleaning tools to keep them busy.  

It’s never too early to teach the art of cleaning! 





Laundry



Laundry for 6 is not an easy thing to do!  

I have a system that works for now until I can get the kids to do their own.  Right now I put ALL the the dirty laundry  form everyone in our family in my side of our closet.  I have 3 laundry baskets for  whites, lights and darks and 1 basket on my hubby’s side for his work clothes.  I also keep a laundry basket in my laundry room for hand towels, wash cloths, etc.  All of my laundry products are concentrated and NON-Toxic.  It is totally safe for your skin.  It is great for sensitive baby skin! 


I use… 

Fresh Laundry Concentrate  LOVE this stuff!!






Nature Bright  My natural Bleach



Here is a picture of the baskets in our closet… 


Here is a picture of our laundry room basket…



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Extra Tips


Have your kids ever drawn on your furniture with pen?!?!?  Mine have,  a normal mom would probably freeeak out! But not me.  Basic H gets it right out!!!!  AND in less than ONE MINUTE!!!!!  I just put in on straight and scrubbed in right out! 


Here is a before and after of my chair with pen on it… 




I also really like the Magic Eraser for scratches on the furniture.  

Here is a before and after of white paints scuffs on my dresser. 





And that is how I clean and what I use!!!!



66 comments:

  1. Well I would say the products must really work because your house looks spotless! It looks like you have a beautiful home too. I love the black and white photo of your little helper - too cute. :-) Have a great week.

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  2. Thanks for all the detail! Might have to look into this Shaklee stuff. . .you and Sarah are making me a believer. . .

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  3. This is amazing! Yeah, I have to look into the Shaklee...

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  4. That is great! I hate using all the chemicals, but have never been able to find a cleaner that I felt cleaned as much ad we needed! Thanks!

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  5. Wow! What a post! I have never thought about Shaklee before, after this post, I will be looking at it now! Awesome!

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  6. GREAT ideas!! I need to get the stuff that you used on the sink...WOW!!!

    You can check out mine here...

    http://bethouaknight.blogspot.com/2010/01/so-fresh-so-clean.html

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  7. I wish I could keep my house as clean as your, Ha!! I have three kids to, and I can't quite do it!
    Also, How much is the sink cleaner?

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  8. Thanks for all the comments!!!! A lot of people have commented on the sink, I used Scour Off and it retails for $8.50 and it's 7.25 for members. I have 2, one under my sink and one in my shower. They last a looooong time. These are the only 2 that I have bought since being married 6 years ago!

    Happy Cleaning!

    here is the link....

    http://donahuewellness.myshaklee.com/us/en/products.php?sku=00430

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  9. I'm amazed at how you do it! I love all your suggestions and I drool over your laundry organization! Looks like you have some great little helpers too!

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  10. This is a very impressive system - so thorough! Love all your products.

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  11. Oooooh, sugar, I am soooo impressed with the ink out of chair idea. I had a friend's son do that to a pink chair of mine but I sent it to the cleaners. Now, I know what to do. Wonderful tips and cute pix of your son dust mopping, sweet chick. Actually, you have a darling family but I can't believe you do all that work every day. I'm too lazy to do that now that I'm "older"! Hah. Nice to meet ya, honey. I'm adding you to my Google Reader to keep up with what you do.

    xoxo,
    Connie

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  12. Your house is sparkling! Thanks for sharing all of those products and tips.

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  13. You are a cleaning machine! Great ideas. I gotta get some of that Basic H stuff...

    Danielle

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  14. What a great post! I too try never to use the harsh chem, I'm going to try the line you use! I recently purchased some essential oils to add to my homemade cleaners and they smell so yummy! Have a great day!
    Kristin

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  15. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  16. Sorry messed up on that comment. Anyway I love the cleaning ideas. I really need the scour stuff! I am not liking all of my stainless steel right now! Maybe that would help!
    I am excited to look at the rest of your blog! Thanks for visiting!
    Sunshine
    http://sunshinesdesign.blogspot.com

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  17. I am so going to have to get a Dyson. I just have to save up to get one. I hear they are AMAZING! Thanks for coming by my blog and commenting.

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  18. Ok, I want to order some products and would love to order from you! If you would send me some info... wjohns04@hotmail.com and let me know the easiest way to do that. I was reading on the site about a waived membership fee but that seemed to expire on January 16th. Are they still running that promotion?

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  19. ok - you've totally inspired me. i just bought the whole kit and kaboodle from your shaklee link.

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  20. Oh I needed that pen removal tip ! Thanks!!

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  21. Hey Bonnie! So excited to see you as a sponsor on Livin' the simple life!! Jenn sure is great isn't she?! Happy to help. Let's keep in touch.

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  22. Thanks for this great post. We, too, are doing our best to clean in the "cleanest ways".

    Happy to find your blog...and even becoming a "follower."

    Come by and visit us some time!

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  23. Thanks for sharing your cleaning routine. I would really like to get myself into some sort of routine. Maybe one of these days I will.

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  24. Yes, need more info on ordering the products!

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  25. Thank you all for the wonderful comments!!! I know a lot of you have been wondering how to order, just go to my website
    http://donahuewellness.myshaklee.com
    to place and order. I just want to let you all know that you can save 15% on this and ALL future orders by becoming a member. It is totally worth the $19.95!!! (We have other AWESOME products that I am in love with as well and maybe you will be too!) Email me if you have any questions at donahuewellness@hotmail.com

    Happy Cleaning!!!!

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  26. Wow. Your house looks lovely.

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  27. Thanks for stopping by. I love the cleaning schedule you have. I may have to make one of those myself. I really need to look into Shaklee products, you and Sarah are making me believe in it.

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  28. You have given some awesome tips n here.Lovely....the cleaning methods are easy and approachable.Thanks for sharing your experience.

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  29. Bonnie! It is so great that you decided to do a blog. I love seeing the pictures and your house is SOOOOO clean! You are putting the rest of us to shame.:) I am going to have to add to my shaklee products soon. I love the cleaner I have now. I'll be ordering soon. Keep the posts coming!

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  30. I'm really interested in these cleaning supplies, how do I find someone close to me so I can avoid paying shipping charges? abbyb8e2@yahoo.com

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  31. Abby,

    Thank you so much for your interest in my products. The way that the Shaklee business works is that everyone orders and has it shipped to their house. That is an advantage compared to most companies. You don't have to go through anyone else. The amount of money you save in products outweighs the shipping cost. If you sign up as a member you save 15% on ALL orders. I also have a referral program, if you refer 5 members to me, I give you distributor's pricing for a lifetime as a thank you. I also have a Learn and Earn Program to earn up to $200 off in product a family by listening to our educating CD's.

    Bonnie

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  32. My parents used to sell Shaklee and you are right that stuff works! I honestly didn't know it was still around - very interesting! Thanks for stopping by and congrats on starting your blog!

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  33. One of our tv shows here in Canada did a special on carcinogens and they warned about using magic sponge cleaners. They are dangerous to your health....containing formeldehye! They look harmless, but have already been banned in the UK.

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  34. Anonymous,
    Thanks for the info...I don't want that in my house!
    Bonnie

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  35. After seeing this post I went over and bought some great Shaklee products. I can't wait to use them!

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  36. Great tips! I'm going to have to try some of these. Cute kiddos too. I love when they want to help.

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  37. Beautiful home! I want that vacuum cleaner too! please give me more details.

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  38. What do you use to scrub your toilets?

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  39. Vatican Stictches,

    I have the dyson ball slim and I love it! It is lightlight, which makes stairs esaier, and it is cheaper. I love the ball; it is so easy to go around furniture. This vacuum actually makes vacuuming fun! I love to see how much dust I can pick up. I am always amazed and disgusted at the same time!!!

    Anonymous,

    I only use Basic G on my toilets. But I have good water. My sister-in-law has terrible water that turns her toilet orange and scour off is the only thing to get it off. I hope that this helps!!!

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  40. I am wondering if you can add essential oils to the Basic H to give it a scent. I *know* that clean isn't supposed to smell ;) BUT, I love to smell something yummy to motivate me. I like lavender, mint, orange...pure esscentual oils. I know many who use Dr, Bronner's, vinegar, water & essential oil; but I love the ease of Basic H.

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  41. Kimberly,
    That sounds like a great idea! Personally, I have not tried that, but I think that would be fine!!! Let me know how it works.
    Bonnie

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  42. You should be careful when you are running mold removal sessions. If you are not concerned with your own safety, things might be dangerous for anyone.

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  44. Omg, this post is awesome, what great cleaning tips and products. My sister used to sell shackly so I know how good it is!! I am a follower now, so I will definitely be back!

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  45. WOW!! I feel like I Need to take notes from this post!! I loved it! Thanks for sharing! I love my Dyson too!!

    Great blog, consider me a follower!!

    Happy Friady!

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  46. I use Basic H too...but not for all my cleaning. My issue is that I really do like a scent when I clean. But, I swear by it for stain removal...especially newborn poo! :) Visiting from Kelly's ! Have a great Saturday!
    www.littlellamas.com

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  47. Your house looks amazing! Kind of makes me want to go clean mine now... ;) Thanks for the tips! Btw, is that microfiber furniture that you cleaned the pen off of!? I have a microfiber sofa that's in need of a good cleaning and I can't find any products that do the job.
    Thanks for following me! I'll be adding you as well!

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  48. Wow! Excellent - thorough post!!! I'm headed to browse around your site some more!!!

    GREAT to meet you!
    Courtney
    http://www.womenlivingwell-courtney.blogspot.com

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  49. Hi! I found you from your guest post on delicious ambiguity. Thanks for sharing this great info! I just went to your site and bought some Basic H and Scour off to try it out! I will put you in my feed reader to keep up with you!

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  50. I really love this product...I'm in Canada...how do I go about getting it? It looks amazing

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  51. Hey Bonnie, I have visited your blog many times before and thought I was a follower already. Well I became one today. I came over due to Kristin's post and I have to say Im very interested. Im the mother of 5 children including a new baby and Ive been using bleach/water in a bottle everywhere since shes been born. I'd definately like to try something non-toxic and Cheap! Thanks for all the great info. your house looks wonderful

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  52. Bonnie, I must say, I am amazed at your home! The thrifty finds, the organization, and the cleanliness is all so impressive! I love all the information that you have posted about the products and the before and after pics prove the effectiveness of them! I am SOLD (as soon as I get the chance to order!) :)

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  53. Hopping over from My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia. You're an inspiration! I've been wanting to try these products for awhile now.

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  54. Okay, first off :Where have you been all my life?! Your blog is so inspirational and motivating! I'm going to clean right now! I wanted to ask you a question....I use a homemade laundry detergent using dove (Bars of soap, grated) ,borax, baking soda, and baking soda washing powder. What is your view on this type of laundry detergent?

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  55. MommaHensCoop,

    Thanks so much for your sweet comments! Borax and Baking Soda are fine. I don't know about baking soda washing powder but according to the book, The Safe Shoppers Bible, the bars of Dove soap contain known carcinogens and/or neurotoxins. I hope this helps!

    Bonnie :)

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  56. All I can say it thank goodness there are other crazy vaccuming moms out there in the world! I swiffer and vaccume several times a day and mainly because my boys and dogs are dirty and all our dark floors and furniture. I laughed because our cleaning schedules line up almost perfectly.

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  58. I also do laundry for six. Love your basket set up. I have a basket for each of my kids' clean laundry. If it all stacks up in the same basket I will literally let it "cure" in the basket for a week! I have less excuse now that I have a housekeeping service come every other week. I need to tweak my systems regularly.

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  59. So i tried to clean my stainless with the measurements given and I have so much streaks!! how did you clean yours? and what did you use to clean it with? Is there a specific way to wipe it?

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    Replies
    1. Try the window and mirror cleaner with the mirror cloth. :)

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