ye ol' cleaning [or not] thread

[sunbunny]

i can't find the old cleaning thread... but i have a legitimate question about curtain cleaning. for the most part, we keep our windows open in the bedroom to have some fresh air blowing through. well, a couple of weeks ago, a huge storm (california style... not hurricane or tornado) rolled through and some rain blew through an open window, got the cheap curtain {dark blue color} wet and the water stain made a "mark." can i just throw them in the washing machine and that "mark" will get washed away?? will the curtains get wrinkled if i washed them? coz if they do.... i'll have to throw them away. no iron, ya know. :chicken: do i wash them in cold water, so they don't shrink at all??? do i put them in the dryer or just hang dry? ugh!!!!!! so many cleaning questions... so little interest! :lol:

[theal3]

I'd recommend washing and see what happens and yes probably wrinkle if cotton. If cheap buy a new pair!

I try hard not to buy all cotton. I dislike ironing like one had to do in the old days, before "drip dry" etc.; and modern day driers, and fabric softeners.

Thx for restarting the cleaning/housework thread. Lots of new products and ideas to share. I think the thread disappeared 6 or 7 months ago when spring was over and all spring cleaning done, and not too active.

[warhorse46]

I wash my curtains (cheap Wal Mart ones) & just hang them back up on the rods right out of the washer. Let them hang dry & there are few if any wrinkles.

[witchywoman]

Not sure what to do about the curtains, only thing i can think of is steaming them at the cleaners? but then, it all cost $$$< mo


but um...since this is a cleaning thread, ive 1 thing to say..

im not cleaning house 2day lol

eta, i have beams on the ceiling in the family room that need to be dusted...

but im not doing it lol

it can wait til the weekend

[Debb]

I found the old thread helpful. I have a new question. What is the best cleaning formula for cleaning the outside of your house. (just part of it.) I bought a long extension pole with a scrub brush on it. There is something dark, which I guess is mold on the siding just below the roof. I thought about using bleach and some Dawn. Any suggestions?

I have power washed it in the past, but recently read that can cause damage to the house and actually force water into the structure of the house which can cause probems down the road.

[fastpitch]

I am thinking that you could re-dye the curtains. It is fairly cheap and easy - although, a mess. I re-dye some chair covers when they fade out.

As far as the house, I would use diluted ammonia or get a professional product at Lowe's, so as not to kill vegetation.

[mood*ring]

I found the old thread helpful. I have a new question. What is the best cleaning formula for cleaning the outside of your house. (just part of it.) I bought a long extension pole with a scrub brush on it. There is something dark, which I guess is mold on the siding just below the roof. I thought about using bleach and some Dawn. Any suggestions?

I have power washed it in the past, but recently read that can cause damage to the house and actually force water into the structure of the house which can cause problems down the road.


I had some mold and junk growing on my bricks when I moved in February. I went to the dollar store and bought the cheapest shower cleaner I could buy. the one that removes mold and mildew and soap scum. etc. And at $1.79 a bottle it worked. I just sprayed it on, let it soak in a day or two (it got really cold and I didn't want to go outside) and then rinsed with the water hose. Clean Clean Clean. and the rinsing it down even cleaned the black grit that was on my patio.

[k9friend]

What are the curtains made of?
I have cloth ones (I think they're cotton, I'd check but right now they're stored in a Pod, but that's a different story) and I was them in cold water with a bit of liquid detergent, put them in the dryer on a low setting and hang them promtly (well, right now they're folded, but that's a different story).
I'd say go ahead and wash 'em! Just keep in mind what they're made of. Plastic isn't going to do so well and definitely shouldn't go in the dryer. But even if they are plastic, you can put them in the washer on a low cold setting. I think your stain will come out.
Hope this helps.

[Debb]

Thanks for the tips. The mold is not on the brick yet, thank goodness, just the siding. I have no way to get up high to spray anything other than the water hose, so I may just pour the cleaning solution in the bucket and apply it with the scrub brush. Wait a day, then rinse with water. I guess I could climb up there on a ladder but that sounds too dangerous. LOL.

[DesertStars]

i can't find the old cleaning thread... but i have a legitimate question about curtain cleaning. for the most part, we keep our windows open in the bedroom to have some fresh air blowing through. well, a couple of weeks ago, a huge storm (california style... not hurricane or tornado) rolled through and some rain blew through an open window, got the cheap curtain {dark blue color} wet and the water stain made a "mark." can i just throw them in the washing machine and that "mark" will get washed away?? will the curtains get wrinkled if i washed them? coz if they do.... i'll have to throw them away. no iron, ya know. :chicken: do i wash them in cold water, so they don't shrink at all??? do i put them in the dryer or just hang dry? ugh!!!!!! so many cleaning questions... so little interest! :lol:

Sunbunny:

So glad to see this thread again. What I would do first is to look for a label/tag on the curtains to see if it has instructions on how to wash them. I think if you do wash them the "mark" will go away because once the water hits the fabric the mark will be uniform and not a mark of discoloration. I would definitely not try to spot clean the mark though. I think that if it were me, I would wash them in cold water and put them in a cool dryer and keep checking on them. Sometimes, if you hang them back up when they are still damp the wrinkles will fall out in a few days. Or, if you really love the curtains, take them to a dry cleaner and ask their opinion. Otherwise, buy some new ones. Good luck.

[sunbunny]

my curtain dilemma solution: i'll just keep the lights off, like i do with the rest of the cottage and i won't see the water stain!! :thumbsup: OR, i'll just spray that one panel with water and that should work! :sleep:

ETA: thanks for all the legitimate answers! i will look for "instructions." i know they ARE cotton.....

[CopperDog]

I wash my curtains (cheap Wal Mart ones) & just hang them back up on the rods right out of the washer. Let them hang dry & there are few if any wrinkles.

I do the same thing Warhorse.
Also wash them on the gentle cycle.
Once back on the rods, will tug on them, to get rid of the wrinkles.

[sunbunny]

Hey Steph, good to 'see' ya...I've been lurking, just not posting. :)

I hope someone has the perfect 'solution' lol, I'm ready to rip this floor up and put down something that won't streak:ohmy:

here is a link with some expert advice!! :D

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080223184908AAd2032

[mood*ring]

Hi all!

I was wondering if anyone knew the best thing to clean light oak laminate flooring?? Everything I use, including steam, leaves streaks. I've tried Murphy's oil soap, mop and glo, swiffer wet jet and various other cleaners.

Thanks.


diluted windex on a damp CLOTH mop.

[AnnieKins]

i can't find the old cleaning thread... but i have a legitimate question about curtain cleaning. for the most part, we keep our windows open in the bedroom to have some fresh air blowing through. well, a couple of weeks ago, a huge storm (california style... not hurricane or tornado) rolled through and some rain blew through an open window, got the cheap curtain {dark blue color} wet and the water stain made a "mark." can i just throw them in the washing machine and that "mark" will get washed away?? will the curtains get wrinkled if i washed them? coz if they do.... i'll have to throw them away. no iron, ya know. :chicken: do i wash them in cold water, so they don't shrink at all??? do i put them in the dryer or just hang dry? ugh!!!!!! so many cleaning questions... so little interest! :lol:

I would wash them in cold water and then hang them to dry.

If you hate ironing (which I love, believe it or not :ohmy:), you can mix a couple of tablespoons of fabric softener in a spray bottle of warm water (shake well) and spray it onto the dry fabric and smooth it out with your hands. This does work.

[Lavinya]

Don't you non-ironer's know about Downy Wrinkle Releaser? (Or better yet, a home-made version, every bit as good as store-bought. http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf201154.tip.html :thumbsup:)

ETA: Geeze Annie, I didn't see your post that has the same info!! (It works well, doesn't it?)

[theal3]

I have so many cleaners I should use up..... LOL, but I got hooked on Awesome about 2 years ago: I use full strength or dilute for various things and have different spray bottles I refill.

I've heard of BioGreen, non toxic which is suppose to be good, and plan to try it next, but I've got lots to use up here.

[sunbunny]

I would wash them in cold water and then hang them to dry.

If you hate ironing (which I love, believe it or not :ohmy:), you can mix a couple of tablespoons of fabric softener in a spray bottle of warm water (shake well) and spray it onto the dry fabric and smooth it out with your hands. This does work.

not only do i NOT own an iron, i don't own any liquid fabric softener! i use those sheets in the dryer instead. but i DID see that wrinkle release stuff Lavinya mentioned, in the store the other day! :w00t:

[shirlley]

not only do i NOT own an iron, i don't own any liquid fabric softener! i use those sheets in the dryer instead. but i DID see that wrinkle release stuff Lavinya mentioned, in the store the other day! :w00t:



Sunny, my advice ( as always) Throw them away and buy new ones.
No washing.:rolleyes::rolleyes:

[Lavinya]

not only do i NOT own an iron, i don't own any liquid fabric softener! i use those sheets in the dryer instead. but i DID see that wrinkle release stuff Lavinya mentioned, in the store the other day! :w00t:

I tell ya' that stuff has changed our lives, lol. We only wear cotton here and of course that wrinkles if it sits (and it *will* sit when it's up to me, lol.). We just spritz with the Downy ('cept now we make our own) and viola'! (Of course it's not a starched finish, it just makes the wrinkles and rumples fall out.) We use it several times a day. (2 kids and 2 adults.) Even when we hang clothes straight from the dryer, and to be honest we usually do, it still gives it a better "finish". (Okay, Mr. Downy, where's my check? :tongueside:)

[sunbunny]

Sunny, my advice ( as always) Throw them away and buy new ones.
No washing.:rolleyes::rolleyes:

:wub: great advice, as always!! soooo much easier!!!

[HansieDZ]

I just got two words to rock your world:

FALL CLEANING

:laugh:

I am ahead of the game in some respects. I had company mid-September and got major stuff done but I still need to pull out my fridge and stove and clean back there. Not to mention that I need to Quick-Shine my dining room hardwood floor and my kitchen vinyl before Black Friday. After that,I'm lucky to sweep my floors once a day :wink:

[Jayne]

Probably too late for this..but last week..here in CA..big rain storms...I love keeping the windows open and didn't pay much attention..one of my curtains was partially "soaked"...silk with that liner (OK..got the HUGE curtian years ago on Discount - cut it and made it into three curtains!).

I took it down..put it into the sink/tub..cold water..then hung it on the shower rod with those CLIPS on the bottom (the kind you put on sheaves of paper..office stuff..gheesh..can't remember what they are called but they gave weight to hold it Straight)..put it back up, mostly dry...No Stain. Didn't even Iron It..as they say to do with silk.

probably no help.

I'm the housekeeper from Hades....But I have a Great Steam Cleaner..often used for auto shoppes, etc. But I use it to clean almost Everything..refrigerator, lineoleum flooring, bathtub, etc. It's Great..McGregor, I think..

jmo

J

[Noah]

I just got two words to rock your world:

FALL CLEANING

:

I am ahead of the game in some respects. I had company mid-September and got major stuff done but I still need to pull out my fridge and stove and clean back there. Not to mention that I need to Quick-Shine my dining room hardwood floor and my kitchen vinyl before Black Friday. After that,I'm lucky to sweep my floors once a day ::

LOL - you Virgo's kill me! Oh wait - I'm a Virgo, too!! :tonguewag:

My Fall cleaning is done on the INside of my house - just gotta finish up outside. Leaves, yaknow. hammer

Sunbunny - wash the dang curtains, hang 'em up while still damp, then spray with the "wrinkle-be-gone" stuff.

If that doesn't work - throw 'em out and get mini-blinds. MUCH easier to keep clean. :sneaky:

[sunbunny]

LOL - you Virgo's kill me! Oh wait - I'm a Virgo, too!!

My Fall cleaning is done on the INside of my house - just gotta finish up outside. Leaves, yaknow. hammer

Sunbunny - wash the dang curtains, hang 'em up while still damp, then spray with the "wrinkle-be-gone" stuff.

If that doesn't work - throw 'em out and get mini-blinds. MUCH easier to keep clean.


:cuss: there are mini blinds on every single window and i need those curtains to cover up the filth on them!!! :lol: i probably really shouldn't be laughing, since it's NOT a joke!

i still haven't started my SPRING cleaning, so......... looks like i have plenty of time before i need to start my Fall cleaning! *whew!*

[Noah]

:cuss: there are mini blinds on every single window and i need those curtains to cover up the filth on them!!! :: i probably really shouldn't be laughing, since it's NOT a joke!

i still haven't started my SPRING cleaning, so......... looks like i have plenty of time before i need to start my Fall cleaning! *whew!*


Oh - that must be the window that you can't get to cuz the neighbors own the lawn where you'd have to walk to actually CLEAN it? :rolleyes:

**thud** on your Spring/Fall cleaning. :crying:

[HansieDZ]

LOL - you Virgo's kill me! Oh wait - I'm a Virgo, too!! :tonguewag:

My Fall cleaning is done on the INside of my house - just gotta finish up outside. Leaves, yaknow. hammer

Sunbunny - wash the dang curtains, hang 'em up while still damp, then spray with the "wrinkle-be-gone" stuff.

If that doesn't work - throw 'em out and get mini-blinds. MUCH easier to keep clean. :sneaky:

Girl,you know I can't face Christmas without cleaning behind my fridge and stove!

And THANKS a bunch about the cheap Downy wrinkle release recipe-to whoever posted it! We love that stuff at our house,and danged if it doesn't work so well!

[Noah]

Girl,you know I can't face Christmas without cleaning behind my fridge and stove!

LOL - I know you can't!!

I just thought of something else I need to do inside - EEK! I forgot I wanted to finish washing both sides of all doors with the Magic Eraser.

I did a couple doors last week (disgraceful!) and decided now I need to do all of them.

**running for my "To Do" list** Close call, folks! :scared:

[sunbunny]

Oh - that must be the window that you can't get to cuz the neighbors own the lawn where you'd have to walk to actually CLEAN it?

**thud** on your Spring/Fall cleaning. :crying:


excuuuuuse me.... we'd have to climb the backyard FENCE to get to that window! and 4 other windows are in 4 other backyards. IF we wanted to clean the outsides. :cursing:

OMG.... did i just hear you say something about cleaning DOORS?? DOORS???? both sides??? :blink:

[Noah]

excuuuuuse me.... we'd have to climb the backyard FENCE to get to that window! and 4 other windows are in 4 other backyards. IF we wanted to clean the outsides. :

OMG.... did i just hear you say something about cleaning DOORS?? DOORS???? both sides??? ::

Wanna borrow my ladder? :lol:

Yes - I like to wash down my inside doors on both sides. One of the disadvantages of having a fireplace AND being a smoker. :sad:

WHY WHY WHY would anyone paint inside doors WHITE? hammer If they'd left 'em the dark wood, you wouldn't SEE the dirt!

[bearwds]

LOL - you Virgo's kill me! Oh wait - I'm a Virgo, too!! :tonguewag:

My Fall cleaning is done on the INside of my house - just gotta finish up outside. Leaves, yaknow. hammer

Sunbunny - wash the dang curtains, hang 'em up while still damp, then spray with the "wrinkle-be-gone" stuff.

If that doesn't work - throw 'em out and get mini-blinds. MUCH easier to keep clean. :sneaky:

***********************************

Is there a sub-group of Virgo's forming..??

Fun, spontaneous, carefree double Virgo bear

[sunbunny]

Wanna borrow my ladder?

Yes - I like to wash down my inside doors on both sides. One of the disadvantages of having a fireplace AND being a smoker.

WHY WHY WHY would anyone paint inside doors WHITE? hammer If they'd left 'em the dark wood, you wouldn't SEE the dirt!

thursday 10/30 it will be 200 days since i've had a cigarette!! :thumbup:

i insist that you strip that white paint off those doors and bring back the dark wood! you will have so many more free hours in the day!! :wink:

i knew i shouldn't have revived this thread... i started to feel guilty so i dusted the coffee table and the TV.

[theal3]

thursday 10/30 it will be 200 days since i've had a cigarette!! :thumbup:

i insist that you strip that white paint off those doors and bring back the dark wood! you will have so many more free hours in the day!! :wink:

i knew i shouldn't have revived this thread... i started to feel guilty so i dusted the coffee table and the TV.

I know, I put "move refrig and stove out and clean under" soon. LOL, I feel guilty, too.

[Noah]

thursday 10/30 it will be 200 days since i've had a cigarette!! :thumbup:

i insist that you strip that white paint off those doors and bring back the dark wood! you will have so many more free hours in the day!! :wink:

Congrats - that's amazing!! Bravo!!

Actually - when I get around to painting walls and ceilings, I'm gonna have the painters redo the white paint throughout the house.

Those white doors will BE GONE by next year hopefully. :cursing:

[sunbunny]

I know, I put "move refrig and stove out and clean under" soon. LOL, I feel guilty, too.

OMG!!!! :lol: not only have i never felt THAT guilty... those words have never been written by me. in fact... those words have never come out of my mouth!!!

i just cleaned the commode during Top Chef commercials and put a new blue blob in! hubby bought 4 boxes of blobs last week. :wub:

[theal3]

OMG!!!! :lol: not only have i never felt THAT guilty... those words have never been written by me. in fact... those words have never come out of my mouth!!!

i just cleaned the commode during Top Chef commercials and put a new blue blob in! hubby bought 4 boxes of blobs last week. :wub:

Yes, we started using those just about a year ago, and look for coupons, I forget who makes them, but they're great, and we live rural and not on city water, have our own well.

[mood*ring]

I started fall cleaning about a month ago. It is time here to cut the cane which means rodents and critters looking for places to live.

So I was checking for entry spots, caulking, steel wooling, and while I was down there I started base boards, corners, cabinets, behind appliances and furniture, etc. Thats all clean and looks good, the problem is the parts of the house you can see got behind so I can do all the other stuff. But that is part of the normal cleaning that will get done this week.

Wish this thread hadn't been started. lol. j/j

[Katt2]

If you have pets, those Pledge fabric sweepers are great! They are supposed to be disposable but I took an exacto and cut an opening in the top and clean it out when it is full and it saves a lot of $.

[desmom]

Hi all!

I was wondering if anyone knew the best thing to clean light oak laminate flooring?? Everything I use, including steam, leaves streaks. I've tried Murphy's oil soap, mop and glo, swiffer wet jet and various other cleaners.

Thanks.

Have you tried Holloway House products? I buy them at Walmart and Meijers.

Our 110 year old house has wood floors. I have tried a lot of different things to make these babies shine. I finally found Holloway House products. No streaks!

I use the Quick Shine No Bucket for quick touch ups and the Quick Shine Concentrated Floor Cleaner for the big cleaning weeks.

[desmom]

If you have pets, those Pledge fabric sweepers are great! They are supposed to be disposable but I took an exacto and cut an opening in the top and clean it out when it is full and it saves a lot of $.

Katt, http://dogs.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/03/pet_hair_removal.php has a video that shows you how to remove the rollers. It is is the last video before the comments section about 1/2 way down the page.

[Katt2]

Katt, http://dogs.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/03/pet_hair_removal.php has a video that shows you how to remove the rollers. It is is the last video before the comments section about 1/2 way down the page.

Thank you! Now I am going to buy a new one because it is a little bit of a job and a little messy cleaning it out the way I do. This way you can clean the rollers good also!

[witchywoman]

okay okay...

I just swept my kitchen floor, and have used my lysol steam mop to clean stone tile..

Ive cleaned...................


eta, i payed only about 40$ for the lysol steam mop...

luvs it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !! it rocks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!mo:thumbsup:

[sunbunny]

Yes, we started using those just about a year ago, and look for coupons, I forget who makes them, but they're great, and we live rural and not on city water, have our own well.

Scrubbing Bubbles makes them!

Steph... they are a blue gelatin blob of toilet freshener/cleaner you get in the cleaning aisle! http://www.scrubbingbubbles.com/products.aspx?product=toilet-cleaning-gel

[Pashie]

Katt, http://dogs.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/03/pet_hair_removal.php has a video that shows you how to remove the rollers. It is is the last video before the comments section about 1/2 way down the page.

Oh yay! Thanks for that link! I've wanted to buy those for a while. I have about 5 coupons for them, but kept resisting, because I did not like the disposable aspect of it. Too much money if I had to keep replacing them.

[ninetoes]

Congrats - that's amazing!! Bravo!!

Actually - when I get around to painting walls and ceilings, I'm gonna have the painters redo the white paint throughout the house.

Those white doors will BE GONE by next year hopefully. :cursing:

All of our woodwork and doors are white also. It is a hassle to keep them clean, but I love the "fresh, clean, crisp" look.

[ninetoes]

Peeps, other than the cleaning issue with your laminate flooring, do you like it? A friend is removing all of their laminate flooring to replace it with hardwood. They have offered to let us have it. It's only been in their home about 18 months. I would LOVE to have new floors, but know so little about laminate. Does it scratch easily? We have 3 dogs.

[Noah]

OMG.... did i just hear you say something about cleaning DOORS?? DOORS???? both sides??? :blink:

I cleaned 2 doors today - both sides. Yay for me!! :tonguewag:

I love when his Home Health therapists are here - it gives me a chance to get little chores done.

[sunbunny]

I cleaned 2 doors today - both sides. Yay for me!! :tonguewag:

I love when his Home Health therapists are here - it gives me a chance to get little chores done.

:punch:

but you probably have like 40 more to go, RIGHT??? :glare:

[Noah]

:punch:

but you probably have like 40 more to go, RIGHT??? :glare:

No - only the upstairs doors are white. The downstairs are all a natural dark wood and Anna uses oil/polish on those.

I'll try to do 2 doors a day. :sad:

[sunbunny]

No - only the upstairs doors are white. The downstairs are all a natural dark wood and Anna uses oil/polish on those.

I'll try to do 2 doors a day. :sad:

we only have a bathroom door, a bedroom door and a front door. :sad: oh, and the door that goes from the bedroom into the laundry area. but, for some reason, that doesn't count. :tongue: nor does the door inside that area that lets you out into the yard.

[theal3]

Peeps, other than the cleaning issue with your laminate flooring, do you like it? A friend is removing all of their laminate flooring to replace it with hardwood. They have offered to let us have it. It's only been in their home about 18 months. I would LOVE to have new floors, but know so little about laminate. Does it scratch easily? We have 3 dogs.

We installed laminate 4 years ago, and love them, no animals but still look new, and we put easy slide thingies on the bottom of furniture, coffee tables etc, so when moved they don't mar.

[AnnieKins]

not only do i NOT own an iron, i don't own any liquid fabric softener! i use those sheets in the dryer instead. but i DID see that wrinkle release stuff Lavinya mentioned, in the store the other day! :w00t:

It's a SIGN, I tell yuh! :w00t:

[AnnieKins]

[QUOTE=shirlley;13596390]Sunny, my advice ( as always) Throw them away and buy new ones.
No washing.:rolleyes:QUOTE]

Ahh... a woman after my own heart. :wub:

As I always used to say to my ex-hubs... "There's plenty more where that came from." :laugh:

[AnnieKins]

***********************************

Is there a sub-group of Virgo's forming..??

Fun, spontaneous, carefree double Virgo bear

What does this imply about Virgos? That we're anal? Gasp. :rolleyes:

[AnnieKins]

thursday 10/30 it will be 200 days since i've had a cigarette!! :thumbup:

i insist that you strip that white paint off those doors and bring back the dark wood! you will have so many more free hours in the day!! :wink:

i knew i shouldn't have revived this thread... i started to feel guilty so i dusted the coffee table and the TV.

Awesome sunbunny! I'll bet you feel so much better.

[bugout]

cleaning UGH! today I had to wash the walls because I gave the parrots Pomegranates, and they loved them so much, they flung them all over.
Little red stains, everywhere, including on my GeorgeWaTeeShirt! ugh!
So out came the mop, the broom then the Poop Off which cleans all biological fluids and then the bleach stick for my GeorgeTeeShirt!
(sorryMrWashington)
I will have to do this again, because that was only 1/4 of the Pomegranate.
They loved it!

BUG

[AnnieKins]

Peeps, other than the cleaning issue with your laminate flooring, do you like it? A friend is removing all of their laminate flooring to replace it with hardwood. They have offered to let us have it. It's only been in their home about 18 months. I would LOVE to have new floors, but know so little about laminate. Does it scratch easily? We have 3 dogs.

I can't remember the name of the laminate that we had in our previous home (it was Swedish interlocking laminate), but it did scratch very easily. I would put in actual hardwood if I ever had the chance.

[AnnieKins]

cleaning UGH! today I had to wash the walls because I gave the parrots Pomegranates, and they loved them so much, they flung them all over.
Little red stains, everywhere, including on my GeorgeWaTeeShirt! ugh!
So out came the mop, the broom then the Poop Off which cleans all biological fluids and then the bleach stick for my GeorgeTeeShirt!
(sorryMrWashington)
I will have to do this again, because that was only 1/4 of the Pomegranate.
They loved it!

BUG

OMH! :laugh: I LOLd all the way through your post, Bug!

[sunbunny]

cleaning UGH! today I had to wash the walls because I gave the parrots Pomegranates, and they loved them so much, they flung them all over.
Little red stains, everywhere, including on my GeorgeWaTeeShirt! ugh!
So out came the mop, the broom then the Poop Off which cleans all biological fluids and then the bleach stick for my GeorgeTeeShirt!
(sorryMrWashington)
I will have to do this again, because that was only 1/4 of the Pomegranate.
They loved it!

BUG


oh lawdy.... can't you give them cauliflower or something that matches the wall color??? flung cauliflower is, i would imagine, much easier to clean off the walls than those nasty pomegranates!! OH!! i know... paint the walls a dark red!!! wooo hooo!! problem solved. THINK, PEOPLE!! hammer

:lol:

[theal3]

oh lawdy.... can't you give them cauliflower or something that matches the wall color??? flung cauliflower is, i would imagine, much easier to clean off the walls than those nasty pomegranates!! OH!! i know... paint the walls a dark red!!! wooo hooo!! problem solved. THINK, PEOPLE!! hammer

:lol:

Well, Awesome works for me, floors, ceilings, kitchen etc. Lemon scent for me, and Sunny, if listening to KGO, John R. show he just read my e-mail over the air.

My kitchen walls are granny smith apple green.....

[AnnieKins]

LOL - you Virgo's kill me! Oh wait - I'm a Virgo, too!! :tonguewag:

My Fall cleaning is done on the INside of my house - just gotta finish up outside. Leaves, yaknow. hammer

Sunbunny - wash the dang curtains, hang 'em up while still damp, then spray with the "wrinkle-be-gone" stuff.

If that doesn't work - throw 'em out and get mini-blinds. MUCH easier to keep clean. :sneaky:

Hey, I'm a Virgo too and pretty persnickety about the inside of my house. The outside? That belongs to the hubs. Leaves, snow, lawncutting, weeding... I refuse to notice it!

[sunbunny]

Well, Awesome works for me, floors, ceilings, kitchen etc. Lemon scent for me, and Sunny, if listening to KGO, John R. show he just read my e-mail over the air.

My kitchen walls are granny smith apple green.....

dang it!! i don't listen to KGO til i'm in bed! :sneaky: what'd you say?? you're famous!!! lol

you know... 2 weeks ago i went to long's (well, CVS now :rolleyes:) to get some Fabuloso [did i tell this story already?] and it was like $3+ a bottle!!! next time i even THINK about cleaning... i'm going to the Dollar Store.

oh geez... just noticed you mentioned something about washing CEILINGS?????? {{{{THUD!!!!}}}}

[Jayne]

Well..know little about laminate flooring..'cept what others have posted here. My Dad..carpenter..built our house..hardwood flooring..just beautiful..throughout the entire place. last place I lived in had hardwood..I bought a product at Costco I think (can't remember)..but it was to be used with a type of broom/mop? worked really well.

I do not like lineoleum...it get's scratches/dents/whatever..chairs on it, etc. Bathroom isn't a problem..but before that last one..lived in a place with lineoleum in the kitchen...it was a mess even before we moved in.

Now in a carpeted little apt. hate carpeting...but you get what you can. I have a rule..Shoes OUTSIDE or in the BOX inside. Hardwood..not a problem, really.

we are barefoot..always!

If I can remember that product for hardwood floors, I'll repost it.

Jayne

[theal3]

This is Roomba day here, some of ya' know I named mine "Herman." I still love that machine. Had it almost 2 years, and it work perfectly, no probs. Then I'll wet jet the kitchen and dining room floors.

[DesertStars]

Wanna borrow my ladder? :lol:

Yes - I like to wash down my inside doors on both sides. One of the disadvantages of having a fireplace AND being a smoker. :sad:

WHY WHY WHY would anyone paint inside doors WHITE? hammer If they'd left 'em the dark wood, you wouldn't SEE the dirt!

Not a smoker here, but DH is. He smokes in the garage because I have asthma and allergies and am very allergic to the smoke and, please don't get me wrong, I do appreciate his being considerate of me. However, he is a construction worker. All white doors which I wouldn't mind except for him. When he comes in and out of the doors there are dirty hand prints and or fingerprints and smudge marks. I've taken to affectionately calling him "greasy paws" (he laughs about it, too). Yes, I'd like to borrow your ladder for the windows... for inside and out...30' ceilings in here with windows almost all the way to the top... 28 windows at that! Who wants to help?.... silence... no takers... thought so... sigh.

[Noah]

Yes, I'd like to borrow your ladder for the windows... for inside and out...30' ceilings in here with windows almost all the way to the top... 28 windows at that! Who wants to help?.... silence... no takers... thought so... sigh.

I feel your pain about those tall windows. Hubby used to do them with his 20-ft ladder, but can't now that he's disabled.

I hired a window cleaning service a month ago - they did the inside and outside of my entryway and upstairs windows. YIKES - they've never been so clean.

[DesertStars]

I feel your pain about those tall windows. Hubby used to do them with his 20-ft ladder, but can't now that he's disabled.

I hired a window cleaning service a month ago - they did the inside and outside of my entryway and upstairs windows. YIKES - they've never been so clean.

Thanks, Noah. I can't spend the money right now, but as soon as I feel able I think that may be the only way to go. Not only is it overwhelming, but it is downright dangerous to clean these windows. Lots of tile, stairs, etc (long, hard way to fall) on the inside. Not to mention the outside! A lady who lives in my condominium complex has the same floor plan as me and says she has hers done by a professional service and her windows look great. IMO, sparkling clean windows and clean floors make a place look great, even if some other things haven't been done. It makes a huge difference, IMO.

ETA: Sorry to hear that your hubby is disabled and hope all is well.

[CHITCHAT]

hubby and I are yardsalers....what does that mean? lots of nick-nacks..I spent 4 hrs last sunday de-nick-nacking my house and cleaning...So this saturday I will not buy nick-nacks...this week hubby waxed all the floors in the house and I have a weekend off from cleaning...Im planing on watching lots of scarey holloween movies...oh boy, some fun!!!

[theal3]

5 years ago: we both made a pack to get rid of 10 things a day for 30 days. My house then became bigger: more room in closets, drawers, shelves, cabinets etc. Lots of nick knacks GONE, and books and extra unmatching glasses, cups etc. I became uncluttered.

[Noah]

Thanks, Noah. I can't spend the money right now, but as soon as I feel able I think that may be the only way to go. .


I totally understand. The only reason I broke down and called the window washers is cuz I had my house stained during the Spring and some of the stain left a residue on my windows. NO WAY was I gonna get up on a ladder.

I normally use the Outdoors Windex - it hooks up to your hose and cleans my tall windows. But the stain residue just wouldn't come off. :cursing:

I used Goop Off on my main level windows - it's taken me all summer to get that residue off. Ach.

There's something to be said about ranch-style homes and being on ONE level. :wink:

[theal3]

I totally understand. The only reason I broke down and called the window washers is cuz I had my house stained during the Spring and some of the stain left a residue on my windows. NO WAY was I gonna get up on a ladder.

I normally use the Outdoors Windex - it hooks up to your hose and cleans my tall windows. But the stain residue just wouldn't come off. :cursing:

I used Goop Off on my main level windows - it's taken me all summer to get that residue off. Ach.

There's something to be said about ranch-style homes and being on ONE level. :wink:

Yes, we are a ranch, one level, and every spring just walk around and hose down, wash the house, which has aluminum siding, that looks like white wood. Same with windows.... but still a chore.

[Lavinya]

I can't remember the name of the laminate that we had in our previous home (it was Swedish interlocking laminate), but it did scratch very easily. I would put in actual hardwood if I ever had the chance.

Was it Pergo laminate, Annie?

[sunbunny]

5 years ago: we both made a pack to get rid of 10 things a day for 30 days. My house then became bigger: more room in closets, drawers, shelves, cabinets etc. Lots of nick knacks GONE, and books and extra unmatching glasses, cups etc. I became uncluttered.

if i got rid of 10 things a day for 30 days.... there'd be nothing left!! :w00t: actually.... i take that back. i just sat here and looked around for a couple of minutes and found 300 things ON THIS DESK ALONE that i can get rid of. hammer

i'm doomed. :crying:

[theal3]

if i got rid of 10 things a day for 30 days.... there'd be nothing left!! :w00t: actually.... i take that back. i just sat here and looked around for a couple of minutes and found 300 things ON THIS DESK ALONE that i can get rid of. hammer

i'm doomed. :crying:

Ha, I had clothes I hadn't worn in years; 5 sets of meas. cups; glasses for serving up to 20 people, stuff that I just did not use or need, so I really cut back, and kept the best stuff and the basics. Even in the junk drawers, pencils and pens galore. LOL. We gave a lot to the Good Will or Salvation Army. I refilled the wet jet with Lemon Awesome today and my floors are so nice and smell good.

[sunbunny]

Ha, I had clothes I hadn't worn in years; 5 sets of meas. cups; glasses for serving up to 20 people, stuff that I just did not use or need, so I really cut back, and kept the best stuff and the basics. Even in the junk drawers, pencils and pens galore. LOL. We gave a lot to the Good Will or Salvation Army. I refilled the wet jet with Lemon Awesome today and my floors are so nice and smell good.

the clothes is what i really REALLY need to get rid of... but then i'd have to go shopping to replace everything! :w00t: i have some stuff that i swear is 20 years old. well... when hubby leaves next week, a whole lotta 'stuff' is going to be happening in this little cottage!!! does Herman need a vacation to california??

i saw a coupon for the blue blobs the other day, and the ad mentioned something about a CITRUS blob, instead of the smell of the blue blob, which is kinda weird.... have you heard of them?

[bugout]

OMH! :laugh: I LOLd all the way through your post, Bug!

Hugs to you AK! LTNS *hugs* Omg you should have seen me yesterday!
Ever mindful of the previous day with the red staining, I took the pomegranate, turned it away from me, used a spoon and scooped out the seeds this time and some rind. Even though I held it away from me at arms length it Still splattered onto the Pear Cookie Bin, and promptly spattered everywhere! Then as I fed them again to the flock they crunched down and SPLAT!! Almost hit my shirt but I repelled instantly!~
lmao.

I still have to address the bars of the top of the Conures cage, she put the seeds everywhere. And, everywhere they touched there are red dots!
Well, pumpkins are next. We have three huge lovely pumpkins that are crying out CARVE US FOR PIE AND SEEDS!!!!
I will have to make a batch especially for them without salt. They love pumpkin seeds!
I need to get off my butt now and What?
CLEAN!!!
Bug

[bugout]

snip
i saw a coupon for the blue blobs the other day, and the ad mentioned something about a CITRUS blob, instead of the smell of the blue blob, which is kinda weird.... have you heard of them?[/QUOTE]

Hugs Theal! My gardening efforts really went KPut this year. Too much going on and the whole thing went to pot. LMAO!
Well, that's ok there is always next year....we never really got that super lovely hot summer here on the East coast. It was sad.
:(

That blue blob stuff, I could not get it to come out of the tube and the blue goo ended up on everything but the toilet bowl, and even on my toe. I was upset about it, it felt gross, and smelled like extreme chemicals. That toilet goo plunger idea, hey great if you don't have arthritis in your fingers! MY GOD I couldn't even get the goo to come out. I would push and push, and then splat: right on my leg or arm or toe, everywhere but inside the toilet bowl! I say the product, sucks!
Bug

Happy Halloween Everyone!

[AnnieKins]

Was it Pergo laminate, Annie?

No, it wasn't Pergo. Next time I talk to my ex-hubs (:scared:), I'll ask him what it was.

[tootie]

Speaking of cleaning.....that is what I need to be doing not playing on the computer. :laugh:

[Jayne]

snip
i saw a coupon for the blue blobs the other day, and the ad mentioned something about a CITRUS blob, instead of the smell of the blue blob, which is kinda weird.... have you heard of them?

Hugs Theal! My gardening efforts really went KPut this year. Too much going on and the whole thing went to pot. LMAO!
Well, that's ok there is always next year....we never really got that super lovely hot summer here on the East coast. It was sad.
:(

That blue blob stuff, I could not get it to come out of the tube and the blue goo ended up on everything but the toilet bowl, and even on my toe. I was upset about it, it felt gross, and smelled like extreme chemicals. That toilet goo plunger idea, hey great if you don't have arthritis in your fingers! MY GOD I couldn't even get the goo to come out. I would push and push, and then splat: right on my leg or arm or toe, everywhere but inside the toilet bowl! I say the product, sucks!
Bug

Happy Halloween Everyone![/QUOTE]



HAHAHA..bug..your post has me laughing!

I never heard of any blue blob or citrus blob..what are they?

I was warned years ago (maybe not a problem now) to not put those "in the tank" deodorizers/cleaners. Bought one of those toilet scrubbers..where you can toss the paper type thingie after cleaning. Gave up on that. I go with the traditional brush..cleaner..and a good rubber gloved sweep/clean up at the end.

Last year..where we lived..had a garbage disposal. I learned by experience..you don't put certain things down them! But there was a product..don't remember where I got it..but little yellow/gold citrus balls. It made a difference, I think..better than squeezing lemon juice down that drain. Now without a G Disposal, I still put lemon juice down the drain every once in a while. Those balls wouldn't work!!

jmo

J

I'm a horrible housekeeper..I admit it. But I can't stand a dirty sink or toilet. Dust bunnies adopt me, it seems!

[theal3]

I figured out the blue blob: there's a little button. take cap off, then put cylinder tube against surface where you want it to be, push in button and it attaches.

semi sunny here, today, so we were cleaning up the deck pots, getting rid of dead stuff and putting soil in wheel barrel. Also burning brush.

[Lavinya]

No, it wasn't Pergo. Next time I talk to my ex-hubs (:scared:), I'll ask him what it was.

Oh don't do it on my account, lol. I was just trying to think of which company was so popular a while back with the laminate that was from Sweden. No biggy, honey. :wub:

[theal3]

snip
i saw a coupon for the blue blobs the other day, and the ad mentioned something about a CITRUS blob, instead of the smell of the blue blob, which is kinda weird.... have you heard of them?

Hugs Theal! My gardening efforts really went KPut this year. Too much going on and the whole thing went to pot. LMAO!
Well, that's ok there is always next year....we never really got that super lovely hot summer here on the East coast. It was sad.
:(

That blue blob stuff, I could not get it to come out of the tube and the blue goo ended up on everything but the toilet bowl, and even on my toe. I was upset about it, it felt gross, and smelled like extreme chemicals. That toilet goo plunger idea, hey great if you don't have arthritis in your fingers! MY GOD I couldn't even get the goo to come out. I would push and push, and then splat: right on my leg or arm or toe, everywhere but inside the toilet bowl! I say the product, sucks!
Bug

Happy Halloween Everyone![/QUOTE]

Hi, been awhile. My dwarf Iris's are doing fine! ;) I've got in pots on the deck, and will plant next spring. We are cleaning up the deck garden today.... while the sun shines, we've had like 5 days of rain.

[birdwatch]

Thanks for the tips. The mold is not on the brick yet, thank goodness, just the siding. I have no way to get up high to spray anything other than the water hose, so I may just pour the cleaning solution in the bucket and apply it with the scrub brush. Wait a day, then rinse with water. I guess I could climb up there on a ladder but that sounds too dangerous. LOL. How about one of those sprayer thingies you attach to the hose. Its purpose is usually to spray repellent or plant food, I think - but you could put the mold/midew stuff in it. You get them in the garden shop at Home Depot or Lowes and they are pretty cheap.

[warhorse46]

5 years ago: we both made a pack to get rid of 10 things a day for 30 days. My house then became bigger: more room in closets, drawers, shelves, cabinets etc. Lots of nick knacks GONE, and books and extra unmatching glasses, cups etc. I became uncluttered.




I need to do that. I have so many coffee mugs in my cabinets. We drink coffee out of the same set of 6 mugs everyday but I must have 25 other mugs taking up space.

[sunbunny]

OMG!!! i just saw a commercial for "Smart Mop", advertised by that English (?) guy who does other goofy commercials.... it shows a big glass of cola spilled on the kitchen floor and he mops it up with the mop and blah blah blah and then all of a sudden... and i kid you NOT.... he says something like "and look, in this day and age, you can squeeze the cola from the mop and directly back into the glass to drink it!" :blink:

it's true... i found a link [warning: loud infomercials blasts out!]

dear Lord... i would really hate to drink the cola i mop up off of MY floor!!! barf

[theal3]

OMG!!! i just saw a commercial for "Smart Mop", advertised by that English (?) guy who does other goofy commercials.... it shows a big glass of cola spilled on the kitchen floor and he mops it up with the mop and blah blah blah and then all of a sudden... and i kid you NOT.... he says something like "and look, in this day and age, you can squeeze the cola from the mop and directly back into the glass to drink it!" :blink:

it's true... i found a link [warning: loud infomercials blasts out!]

dear Lord... i would really hate to drink the cola i mop up off of MY floor!!! barf

Yikes! and Ick! I'm sticking with my wet jet (and my secret refills)

[sunbunny]

um... i forgot to put the link. :rolleyes: https://www.buysmartmop.com/ver5/index.asp?id=&refcode=1002

hubby is going to refill my bottles tomorrow! at least he SAID so. of course.... he has been saying that for like six months. hammer

[Duke]

Has anyone tried just vinegar and water to clean with? I love it. I found it works great on most everything (windows, tile, cheap conference room type tables)I use to bleach everything in the house (except wood) but I ruined anything I was wearing as I did it LOL.

[incidentally]

Has anyone tried just vinegar and water to clean with? I love it. I found it works great on most everything (windows, tile, cheap conference room type tables)I use to bleach everything in the house (except wood) but I ruined anything I was wearing as I did it LOL.

I do. Add some rubbing alcohol for even better results.:thumbsup:

[Noah]

I need to do that. I have so many coffee mugs in my cabinets. We drink coffee out of the same set of 6 mugs everyday but I must have 25 other mugs taking up space.

Ohhhhhhh - I've got mugs that I'm dying to get rid of, but each one of them has some kind of sentiment attached to them, so I'm hanging onto them even tho I know I need to get RID of them.

I went thru all my closets, cabinets and drawers last year - got rid of a LOT of stuff, but had to "think" about some of it. I got ruthless about a month ago and filled up boxes of stuff to give away. I refuse to do the Yard Sale thing, even tho most of this stuff would sell.

Our local DAV thrift store just closed down, so I guess most of it will be going to our Salvation Army thrift store - unless I can find a local woman's shelter.

My Project this winter is the basement - oh my...it's gonna be a big job. :w00t:

[theal3]

Ohhhhhhh - I've got mugs that I'm dying to get rid of, but each one of them has some kind of sentiment attached to them, so I'm hanging onto them even tho I know I need to get RID of them.

I went thru all my closets, cabinets and drawers last year - got rid of a LOT of stuff, but had to "think" about some of it. I got ruthless about a month ago and filled up boxes of stuff to give away. I refuse to do the Yard Sale thing, even tho most of this stuff would sell.

Our local DAV thrift store just closed down, so I guess most of it will be going to our Salvation Army thrift store - unless I can find a local woman's shelter.

My Project this winter is the basement - oh my...it's gonna be a big job. :w00t:

Yes, when I was tossing things I DID have to think about somethings, then put in a "maybe" pile. We had like several piles: one for Good Will; one for trash or burning; then one for recycle: 40 years of "accumlating" stuff. But I sure do enjoy all the extra space, especially in the kitchen cabinets; closets, too, then I got a big order of those HSN Mangano hangers for clothes and saved even more room in closets.

[DesertStars]

Ohhhhhhh - I've got mugs that I'm dying to get rid of, but each one of them has some kind of sentiment attached to them, so I'm hanging onto them even tho I know I need to get RID of them.

I went thru all my closets, cabinets and drawers last year - got rid of a LOT of stuff, but had to "think" about some of it. I got ruthless about a month ago and filled up boxes of stuff to give away. I refuse to do the Yard Sale thing, even tho most of this stuff would sell.

Our local DAV thrift store just closed down, so I guess most of it will be going to our Salvation Army thrift store - unless I can find a local woman's shelter.

My Project this winter is the basement - oh my...it's gonna be a big job. :w00t:

I am mopping, as usual. Sometimes I use bleach, sometimes pinesol, both of those for disinfecting, but in between times I like to use Fabuloso, which I will be using today.

BTW, could you send me some of those mugs? Whilst cleaning the kitchen this morning I accidently broke a glass and when DH got up I was cleaning up the shattered glass and informed him to be careful because I had just broken a glass. His response was "why?" LOL!!!!! :thumbsup:

[Noah]

BTW, could you send me some of those mugs? Whilst cleaning the kitchen this morning I accidently broke a glass and when DH got up I was cleaning up the shattered glass and informed him to be careful because I had just broken a glass. His response was "why?" LOL!!!!! :thumbsup:

Oooooh - do you watch Dexter? Your post reminded me of him and his broken mug! :scared:

We have enough mugs in this house to start a coffee shop. :rolleyes:

I got 2 more upstairs doors cleaned with my Magic Eraser and some bleach water. I just couldn't do more than 2.

[theal3]

Laundry today. Also got out the flannel sheets, and will start changing over to them for the winter tomorrow.

[sunbunny]

Laundry today. Also got out the flannel sheets, and will start changing over to them for the winter tomorrow.


:seeya: we're having our typical california Indian Summer, i guess, coz after that huge rainstorm that stained my curtain.... it's been nice and warm. after the morning san francisco fog lifts. :sneaky: i, too, had been thinking about the flannel sheets, but will probably wait another month or so.

i swept the entire cottage yesterday, in anticipation of hubby wet jetting. he still hasn't!!!! hammer

[Lavinya]

Has anyone tried just vinegar and water to clean with? I love it. I found it works great on most everything (windows, tile, cheap conference room type tables)I use to bleach everything in the house (except wood) but I ruined anything I was wearing as I did it LOL.

I've heard that for years, but am afraid it will make my home smell like a pickle factory. Does the vinegar smell evaporate?

[Jayne]

I've heard that for years, but am afraid it will make my home smell like a pickle factory. Does the vinegar smell evaporate?

It evaporates, in fact you don't even smell it unless you put your nose down to it...I had a "helper" when I was working here years ago..stayed with my son when I was at work. I came home to find cups of Vinegar throughout the house. She explained to me that it was their way of clearing out "smells" from her house. My Mom used to burn coffee grounds on the stove! LOL

It does the trick. then I read another one...Charcoal Briquets (sp?)..put them around in the rooms..I use a paper bowl...if there are particular strong odors that you want to get rid of quickly..add some water to them. You'd be amazed how it takes out any odors (pet...dankness...smoking...whatever)..then replace them once a month.

I had a friend visit and wondered why I had those charcoal things in a pot. Wasn't sure how to answer..then said..was hoping for a Grill for Christmas...just getting ready!

jmo

J

[warhorse46]

Ohhhhhhh - I've got mugs that I'm dying to get rid of, but each one of them has some kind of sentiment attached to them, so I'm hanging onto them even tho I know I need to get RID of them.

I went thru all my closets, cabinets and drawers last year - got rid of a LOT of stuff, but had to "think" about some of it. I got ruthless about a month ago and filled up boxes of stuff to give away. I refuse to do the Yard Sale thing, even tho most of this stuff would sell.

Our local DAV thrift store just closed down, so I guess most of it will be going to our Salvation Army thrift store - unless I can find a local woman's shelter.

My Project this winter is the basement - oh my...it's gonna be a big job. :w00t:


I know what you mean, all of these mugs were gifts to us so they do have sentimental meanings. I'm glad we don' have a basement, it would be full of junk.

[warhorse46]

It evaporates, in fact you don't even smell it unless you put your nose down to it...I had a "helper" when I was working here years ago..stayed with my son when I was at work. I came home to find cups of Vinegar throughout the house. She explained to me that it was their way of clearing out "smells" from her house. My Mom used to burn coffee grounds on the stove! LOL

It does the trick. then I read another one...Charcoal Briquets (sp?)..put them around in the rooms..I use a paper bowl...if there are particular strong odors that you want to get rid of quickly..add some water to them. You'd be amazed how it takes out any odors (pet...dankness...smoking...whatever)..then replace them once a month.

I had a friend visit and wondered why I had those charcoal things in a pot. Wasn't sure how to answer..then said..was hoping for a Grill for Christmas...just getting ready!

jmo

J




Neat idea on the charcoal.

[birdwatch]

It evaporates, in fact you don't even smell it unless you put your nose down to it...I had a "helper" when I was working here years ago..stayed with my son when I was at work. I came home to find cups of Vinegar throughout the house. She explained to me that it was their way of clearing out "smells" from her house. My Mom used to burn coffee grounds on the stove! LOL

It does the trick. then I read another one...Charcoal Briquets (sp?)..put them around in the rooms..I use a paper bowl...if there are particular strong odors that you want to get rid of quickly..add some water to them. You'd be amazed how it takes out any odors (pet...dankness...smoking...whatever)..then replace them once a month.

I had a friend visit and wondered why I had those charcoal things in a pot. Wasn't sure how to answer..then said..was hoping for a Grill for Christmas...just getting ready!

jmo

J Some site I read recently suggested spritzing baseboards with a lemon juice/water mixture as a deodorizor.
I wonder if those "odor-out" candles work?

[AnnieKins]

This isn't exactly a cleaning tip, but I'm so thrilled to find this out!

We live in southern B.C. and we have some wickedly huge spiders called "wolf" spiders that seem to come out at this time of year. I can kill the small ones, but guys this size just scare the heck out of me.

Anyway a friend brought over a bag of chestnuts last week. I scored the tops of them and put them behind furniture and in corners around the house... and I haven't seen a spider since! For some reason, this particular kind of spider hates chestnuts and for that I am so thankful!

[Lavinya]

It evaporates, in fact you don't even smell it unless you put your nose down to it...I had a "helper" when I was working here years ago..stayed with my son when I was at work. I came home to find cups of Vinegar throughout the house. She explained to me that it was their way of clearing out "smells" from her house. My Mom used to burn coffee grounds on the stove! LOL

It does the trick. then I read another one...Charcoal Briquets (sp?)..put them around in the rooms..I use a paper bowl...if there are particular strong odors that you want to get rid of quickly..add some water to them. You'd be amazed how it takes out any odors (pet...dankness...smoking...whatever)..then replace them once a month.

I had a friend visit and wondered why I had those charcoal things in a pot. Wasn't sure how to answer..then said..was hoping for a Grill for Christmas...just getting ready!

jmo

J

Thanks for the info, Jayne! I heard that saucers of vinegar are good for ridding an area of cigarette smoke, too.

[Noah]

This isn't exactly a cleaning tip, but I'm so thrilled to find this out!

We live in southern B.C. and we have some wickedly huge spiders called "wolf" spiders that seem to come out at this time of year. I can kill the small ones, but guys this size just scare the heck out of me.

Anyway a friend brought over a bag of chestnuts last week. I scored the tops of them and put them behind furniture and in corners around the house... and I haven't seen a spider since! For some reason, this particular kind of spider hates chestnuts and for that I am so thankful!

That's a good tip!!

OMGosh - I hate wolf spiders! I don't normally mind having spiders live in our house, but wolf spiders and brown recluse spiders have been banned.

I wonder what it is about the chestnuts that they hate?

[DesertStars]

That's a good tip!!

OMGosh - I hate wolf spiders! I don't normally mind having spiders live in our house, but wolf spiders and brown recluse spiders have been banned.

I wonder what it is about the chestnuts that they hate?

I wonder, too. We have big giant black widows and desert recluse spiders out here and believe me, they are definitely banned since my son's girlfriend got bitten by a black widow at her home when she was moving and I got bitten by a desert recluse (at least that's what I think it was) a year or so later when moving into my present place. I would much rather place something organic that the spiders don't like around the house than using harsh chemicals.

[theal3]

Just did the bathroom and it is Fabuloso smelling and glistening. Excellent.

[DesertStars]

Just did the bathroom and it is Fabuloso smelling and glistening. Excellent.

Theal:

Ok, now you've got me motivated. Nothing cleaner smelling than Fabuloso. I did my kitchen floor with it the other day and when I got up the NEXT MORNING, I could still smell that wonderful, clean smell. I have the lavender right now. I do like the blue one (I still can't remember the name of the fragrance, something about the ocean) and I also found out that they have a baby powder fragrance. Nice! Ok, I'm getting off my tush, shutting down the computer and off to do some Fabuloso cleaning. Thanks for the inspiration. :thumbup:

[sunbunny]

Theal:

Ok, now you've got me motivated. Nothing cleaner smelling than Fabuloso. I did my kitchen floor with it the other day and when I got up the NEXT MORNING, I could still smell that wonderful, clean smell. I have the lavender right now. I do like the blue one (I still can't remember the name of the fragrance, something about the ocean) and I also found out that they have a baby powder fragrance. Nice! Ok, I'm getting off my tush, shutting down the computer and off to do some Fabuloso cleaning. Thanks for the inspiration. :thumbup:

i've been trying to get motivated too. it's one of the reasons i re-started the thread. however.... my motivation hasn't quite kicked in! :bored:

but, to pat myself on the back... i did clean the medicine chest mirror earlier. :wub:

[Jayne]

vapor steam cleaner (bought it years ago and it's one that can be industrial/garage - glad I invested in it and kept it)..great for tile and lineoleum floors, cleaning the refrigerator, oven, bathroom tub, sink and commode. I even used it on stubborn stains on hardwood flooring with a protective cover over the "broom" attachment and quickly dried it and put on the hardwood flooring stuff.

I love how it cleans up the refrigerator and around the sink and stove. Warning..if you use one, make sure you let it cool down before trying to open the tank to refill - and that you empty the tank after each use and let it entirely dry out. Best to use distilled water to avoid any buildup in the tank, too.

I agree with the ammonia use - always use it with newspaper crumbled up to clean windows in the house and car.

You all probably know this tip: WD40 - great for removing labels from items and loosening tough and rusted bolts.

Another Vinegar use: If you have pet stains..i.e. stains or accident - if you can wash it..add vinegar and borax to the wash cycle. It removes the odor so they don't go back to it (I have cats..and one of them occasionally has had an accident (or deliberate, if I haven't changed the litter box). Same for the rug..just use the solvent/detergent along with vinegar added. It won't bleach the rug..or at least hasn't for me.

J

[incidentally]

I've always used white. :shrug:


I use white too, Spyder. I used to use ammonia but the smell suddenly became overwhelming to me. I'm going to try it again though and dilute it more.

:smile:

[Jayne]

BBM

What kind of vinegar..white???..apple cider???? Red Wine???? I just got Pomegranite (sp?) vinegar..bet that would smell nice.

I always use white..buy a large bottle of it on sale..for putting around the apt. and for some of the wash.

J

[birdwatch]

Just don't breath until it has a chance to simmer down. LOL

Parson's Ammonia used to have a blue, non-sudsing ammonia that really smelled good. I can't find it anywhere, anymore. :sad:
I haven't used ammonia in years. Do we mix it with the vinegar or just water? Also rubbing alchohol - is that mixed with vinegar or water? What strength (for either)

[DesertStars]

I've heard that for years, but am afraid it will make my home smell like a pickle factory. Does the vinegar smell evaporate?

I use vinegar sometimes, too. It is especially effective on windows and bathroom and kitchen faucets and shower doors if you live in an area that has hard water. But, yes, it does smell like pickles for a couple of days. If you're not having company for a couple of days I'd say go for it because it works so effectively and it's very economical and environmentally friendly.

[theal3]

Ha, I can never be out of vinegar, use for windows, put in rinse cycle soak and rinse again to whiten clothes, clean coffee pot etc.

Here's 1001 uses for vinegar:

http://www.vinegartips.com/scripts/pageViewSec.asp?id=7

[Noah]

They are some of a housekeepers best friends for doing away with bugs and flies and other disease carrying roach-critters.

Oh well. It's par for the course that because spiders are scary they aren't appreciated for their hunting skills and other more endearing qualities. Like...being able to eat a no-good husband. :biggrinjester:

They're the "Gate Keepers"!!

Except for the brown recluse - I'm sorry, but those have to die. :sad:

[Jayne]

just a couple...

http://www.squidoo.com/CleaningwithVodka

http://www.tummyfluff.co.uk/news/vodka.htm

http://www.funfacts.com.au/the-many-uses-of-vodka/


there are a lot of google hits for "uses for vodka" or "cleaning with vodka" It really helps in shampoo, I think. My child lost some hair and it's growing back fast....not sure if this is why...but I figured better than that Rogain stuff.

can also use it for a great spaghetti sauce !http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/penne-with-vodka-sauce-recipe/index.html (I'm not fond of it..but a lot of people like it)

jmo

j

[sunbunny]

just a couple...

http://www.squidoo.com/CleaningwithVodka

http://www.tummyfluff.co.uk/news/vodka.htm

http://www.funfacts.com.au/the-many-uses-of-vodka/


there are a lot of google hits for "uses for vodka" or "cleaning with vodka" **snipped**

WHY on earth would i ruin perfectly good vodka by CLEANING with it??? :blink:

that's what all that vinegar stuff is for! :tonguewag:

i predict when i get home, the kitchen floor will still NOT be wet jetted. hammer

[Jayne]

WHY on earth would i ruin perfectly good vodka by CLEANING with it??? :blink:

that's what all that vinegar stuff is for! :tonguewag:

i predict when i get home, the kitchen floor will still NOT be wet jetted. hammer

HAHA...I getcha. About a year ago someone sent me an email with the "Many uses for vodka"..I figured..OK..when I find a cheap bottle...I'd try it. So..when the BAD STUFF was about $7.00 for a large bottle..I got it..lasted for months..wouldn't drink the stuff!

Yeah..I use vinegar almost for everything..along with ammonia (for windows, particularly)..but one has to be very careful with ammonia..knowing how the fumes can cause bad bad chemical reactions with other cleaners. Vinegar is great in the T Bowl too..let it sit a while..then scrub and flush.

Well..you can give the Wet Jetter.who didn't do the job..a cup of vinegar? (just kidding)

jmo

J

[Noah]

Oh...and that nasty, aggressive one that lives in Australia...the funnel web. .

I haven't heard about that one - my brother lives in Australia and never mentioned it to me. **Google**

Seriously, folks - amonia and bleach is a killer. I had a friend that cleaned her basement floor with an amonia/bleach mixture. Ended up in the hospital for 5 days cuz she wrecked her lungs.

[AnnieKins]

That's a good tip!!

OMGosh - I hate wolf spiders! I don't normally mind having spiders live in our house, but wolf spiders and brown recluse spiders have been banned.

I wonder what it is about the chestnuts that they hate?

I don't know, but whatever it is I love it! I no longer have to enter every room wearing a helmet, screaming at a high pitch and waving a broom in front of myself!! :laugh:

[AnnieKins]

*gasp* You don't like spiders??? Awww. Please. If you do see one, please just catch it and put it outside. Don't squash it. :sad:

They are some of a housekeepers best friends for doing away with bugs and flies and other disease carrying roach-critters.

Oh well. It's par for the course that because spiders are scary they aren't appreciated for their hunting skills and other more endearing qualities. Like...being able to eat a no-good husband. :biggrinjester:

Don't take it personally Spy! :laugh: I can deal with the small ones but nope... those wolf ones are grotesque. When I see one, I take a bead on it out of the corner of my eye, I take my glasses off and then I smash it with the broom.

Then I take a book or a magazine or whatever is handy, place it over top so that when one of my many men come home, they can pick it up and dispose of it. They all think I'm ridiculous, but they tolerate me.

[incidentally]

I haven't heard about that one - my brother lives in Australia and never mentioned it to me. **Google**

Seriously, folks - amonia and bleach is a killer. I had a friend that cleaned her basement floor with an amonia/bleach mixture. Ended up in the hospital for 5 days cuz she wrecked her lungs.


I had an over zealous employee that decided to mix ammonia and bleach. Lawdy, well over 200 people had to be evacuated from the building, fire department called and hazmat brought in.

[Jayne]

Just water. Whatever you do NEVER, NEVER mix ammonia and bleach. Toxic. It's killed people. :sad: See? Another good reason not to clean! :thumbsup:

Absolutely...it's the chemical reaction between bleach and ammonia.

NEVER EVER EVER clean a litter box with CLOROX..unless you've removed all the remaining litter..water wash it..let it dry..

the "ammonia" from the cat "pee" will mix with the clorox...Toxic.

jmo

J

[withay]

just a couple...

http://www.squidoo.com/CleaningwithVodka

http://www.tummyfluff.co.uk/news/vodka.htm

http://www.funfacts.com.au/the-many-uses-of-vodka/


there are a lot of google hits for "uses for vodka" or "cleaning with vodka" It really helps in shampoo, I think. My child lost some hair and it's growing back fast....not sure if this is why...but I figured better than that Rogain stuff.

can also use it for a great spaghetti sauce !http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/penne-with-vodka-sauce-recipe/index.html (I'm not fond of it..but a lot of people like it)

jmo

j

That is really funny. Kirstie Alley was on Oprah today (the show was about famous people's first jobs) and she was talking about how great Vodka was for cleaning. She particularly liked it for bathrooms. Said it made everything shine and the alcohol in it killed germs. It has no odor and she also said the cheap stuff works as well as the expensive.

Regarding vinegar and smells...I set my kitchen on fire a few years ago. It was mostly smoke damage but the place reeked of smoke. Then someone suggested I put vinegar around the house in bowls. I did and the smell cleared out in a few days. This was after trying everything else including washing all of the window things and steam cleaning the upholstery!

[DesertStars]

Just water. Whatever you do NEVER, NEVER mix ammonia and bleach. Toxic. It's killed people. :sad: See? Another good reason not to clean! :thumbsup:

Here's a tip, too. If you have men/boys in the house don't clean the toilet or around the toilet area with bleach (because men/boys tend to uh, spill). There is something about the mixture of urine (I guess that wold be an ammonia of sorts) and bleach that makes a toxic form of gas, sort of like a weak form of mustard gas. Those of you who have done this and have men/boys in the house will know what I'm talking about. Also, don't mix bleach with any kind of soap.

[Jayne]

I like vodka for cleaning. The more I drink, the better the place looks. :laugh:

HAHAHA...that's what I think is so funny about those links..at the end it says..make a drink if nothing else works! Do it in reverse and no cleaning gets done? You're funny!

[SavannahStar]

I like vodka for cleaning. The more I drink, the better the place looks. :laugh:

:lol: Now that's funny!!

[AnnieKins]

Wolf spiders are solitary. They hunt down their prey. So roaches don't have a chance with a few good wolf spiders around.

They also carry their babies on their backs until their little one's can fend for themselves. Excellent moms. (At least I think it's the wolf who does that)

I just feel sorry for any harmless creature who is killed out of fear. It seems so...unfair. Heck, if we humans had to die because we weren't beautiful, there wouldn't be much of the human population left. :sad:

FWIW, I used to be terrifed of spiders. I still don't want them crawling on me, but I don't freak out like I used to. I see one now and I just wave it on to do it's job. Better a clean spider than a dirty bug, I say.

I hear that you have a tender heart, Spy. But this is MY home and if I find intruders of any kind in my home, I will do what I need to do to get them out of my home.

They can use their God-given talents outside of my house, but not inside.

[AnnieKins]

I like vodka for cleaning. The more I drink, the better the place looks. :laugh:

Accckkkkk... :laugh: ... and it takes so little effort!

[theal3]

I baked today, and was good: cleaned up the kitchen and all utensils. Also, a sun roll up/down shade in computer room today dislodged and had to reinstall and it raised dust, and led to a complete dusting of shelf, puters etc. and vacuuming of the room.

[Lavinya]

I like vodka for cleaning. The more I drink, the better the place looks. :laugh:

:laugh: Great beauty treatment, too! :laugh:

[Duke]

I've heard that for years, but am afraid it will make my home smell like a pickle factory. Does the vinegar smell evaporate?

Yes, you can smell it for a few minutes then it goes away. My sis has CF and she sterilizes all her equipment with vinegar and water. She got me into this practice. I have spent so much money on other cleaning stuff but the best money spent is on just plain vinegar. That and the magic eraser. OH MY that is the best thing out there!!

[Duke]

That's a good tip!!

OMGosh - I hate wolf spiders! I don't normally mind having spiders live in our house, but wolf spiders and brown recluse spiders have been banned.

I wonder what it is about the chestnuts that they hate?


I guess I am going off the cleaning stuff but if anyone has raccoons that dig up everything then place some cayenne pepper around the spot. They will not go over the circle at all. I am sure it will work for other animals but it will work for raccoons and foxes.

I have never seen a wolf spider but they sound horrid!

[warhorse46]

I baked today, and was good: cleaned up the kitchen and all utensils. Also, a sun roll up/down shade in computer room today dislodged and had to reinstall and it raised dust, and led to a complete dusting of shelf, puters etc. and vacuuming of the room.




Good grief! After a cleaning spree like that, you need a couple of days of rest & relaxation! lol

[Duke]

Good grief! After a cleaning spree like that, you need a couple of days of rest & relaxation! lol

theal3's on a roll. Don't let 'em stop now warhorse, I need help in my guest room!!

[sunbunny]

I baked today, and was good: cleaned up the kitchen and all utensils. Also, a sun roll up/down shade in computer room today dislodged and had to reinstall and it raised dust, and led to a complete dusting of shelf, puters etc. and vacuuming of the room.

show off!!!! hammer

i MIGHT do some cleaning this weekend. with hubby out of the way for a month or two, he won't get in my way. it is all HIS fault that no cleaning EVER gets done around that cottage. :glare:

we put a new energy saving light bulb in the light fixture that has the ceiling fan. well.... it's like 100 watts - it is TOOOO bright. i saw all kinds of "things" in that living room i haven't seen in 2 1/2 years!!! and never want to see again! :scared: i'm going to put the old bulb back in - i think it's like 25 watts.

[Duke]

show off!!!! hammer

i MIGHT do some cleaning this weekend. with hubby out of the way for a month or two, he won't get in my way. it is all HIS fault that no cleaning EVER gets done around that cottage. :glare:

we put a new energy saving light bulb in the light fixture that has the ceiling fan. well.... it's like 100 watts - it is TOOOO bright. i saw all kinds of "things" in that living room i haven't seen in 2 1/2 years!!! and never want to see again! :scared: i'm going to put the old bulb back in - i think it's like 25 watts.



LOL, put the old bulb back in.

[Noah]

I'm officially done cleaning all the doors (both sides), closet doors (both sides), walls, windows and window sills upstairs! Yay!!

Of course now it makes everything on the main level look dirty, so I'll putting that on my Winter Project list.

I still have a lot of yard work to get done before Winter. Pruning, snipping, clipping, raking, blah blah blah. I'm already 2 weeks behind schedule, so I'll be busy this weekend. :crying:

[Noah]

we put a new energy saving light bulb in the light fixture that has the ceiling fan. well.... it's like 100 watts - it is TOOOO bright. i saw all kinds of "things" in that living room i haven't seen in 2 1/2 years!!! and never want to see again! : i'm going to put the old bulb back in - i think it's like 25 watts.

Ooooh - get RID of that new light bulb! :scared:

Or get a dimmer switch - but that'll slow down your fan, so that's not a good idea.

Since you're FREE FREE FREE hammer for awhile, why don't you go back to just using candles? :sneaky:

[sunbunny]

Ooooh - get RID of that new light bulb! :scared:

Or get a dimmer switch - but that'll slow down your fan, so that's not a good idea.

Since you're FREE FREE FREE hammer for awhile, why don't you go back to just using candles? :sneaky:

i replaced the new one with the nice, dim old one! LUCKILY, i did it before i looked at the carpet again. whew! CLOSE CALL!!!!!

i think we actually DO have a dimmer switch, come to think of it! hubby used up all the candles in the halloween pumpkins!!!!

[theal3]

i replaced the new one with the nice, dim old one! LUCKILY, i did it before i looked at the carpet again. whew! CLOSE CALL!!!!!

i think we actually DO have a dimmer switch, come to think of it! hubby used up all the candles in the halloween pumpkins!!!!

Yes, low light to save energy and ambiance!
I'm resting on my laurels from yesterday today. No cleaning.

[sunbunny]

Yes, low light to save energy and ambiance!
I'm resting on my laurels from yesterday today. No cleaning.

i'm thinking tho, that once it gets dark outside, i'll want to have some bright lights on. we had a major raccoon-a-palooza last nite (after hubby had gone to bed) that was so scary i thought they were going to crash through the wall. i ran around closing all the windows. although one of them closed one of the kitchen windows FOR me. i saw a giant 'coon print on it this morning. :crying:

[Noah]

i'm thinking tho, that once it gets dark outside, i'll want to have some bright lights on. we had a major raccoon-a-palooza last nite (after hubby had gone to bed) that was so scary i thought they were going to crash through the wall. i ran around closing all the windows. although one of them closed one of the kitchen windows FOR me. i saw a giant 'coon print on it this morning. :crying:

:scared: Yikes! We have lots of raccoons around here and they live peacefully together in the woods. We rarely hear raccoons fighting.

Are they trying to claim the territory around your cottage? Is there a female nearby that's in heat?

[Noah]

We have vaulted ceilings in the k/lr/wall going upstairs, or I'd be painting it myself. I'm too old to set up ladders and what not and cat walk around with paint cans/rollers, paint brushes and rags. So I took into consideration all the money I'd save by not sending myself to the hospital and hired it done. Cheap at half the price. :thumbsup:

How exciting! ITA, Spyder - saving yourself a trip to the hospital is worth the $$ to pay the painters. It would be just downright inconvenient to leave streaks of paint on your walls or even worse - paint splatter!! if you fell and couldn't finish the job. :crying:

We have a tri-level, so we have the same painting issues.

LOL @ your hubby and the fish tank. :tonguewag:

[sunbunny]

:scared: Yikes! We have lots of raccoons around here and they live peacefully together in the woods. We rarely hear raccoons fighting.

Are they trying to claim the territory around your cottage? Is there a female nearby that's in heat?

:lol: i have no idea what the raccoon situation is! we are in the middle of a "city." NO woods!!! so, IMO, there is limited space/territory and they probably are bickering over it. the one outside the window that was growling its head off [the one that made me run amok closing windows] sounded like a giant one. OR it was a monster! :crying:

[sunbunny]

Booze and dimmer switches/candles. Definitely a few of the best cleaning accoutrements. A couple shots of Febreze every now and then work wonders also!
Sunny, I'm not sure there's raccoon's in Alameda. Musta been a monster.

oh giiiiirrrrrrrrllllllllll.... you must not have read my posts a couple of years ago! there are definitely raccoons, skunks, possums, rats and god only knows what else in alameda! ALL of them have basically walked across the top of the fence adjacent to my bedroom window... right over my head!!! where many a great raccoon story has been told! :lol: they have all that stuff in the City too!! :scared:

i need to get some regular "furniture spraying type" of Febreze. i have plenty of the air freshener stuff... but i have recently decided i need the real stuff. :closedeyes:

[withay]

You need to be careful about racoons also. They are very prone to having rabies. My sister's guest's dog got in a tussle with one about 6 months ago when a racoon attacked the dog. The dog killed the coon and they took it to the health department where they found out it WAS rapid. Even though the dog was vacinnated, it had to be quarintined and the dog's owner had to have rabies shots because he got scratched and they were unsure if it was the coon or the dog that scratched him. So be very careful!:crying:

[Noah]

You need to be careful about racoons also. They are very prone to having rabies. My sister's guest's dog got in a tussle with one about 6 months ago when a racoon attacked the dog. The dog killed the coon and they took it to the health department where they found out it WAS rapid. Even though the dog was vacinnated, it had to be quarintined and the dog's owner had to have rabies shots because he got scratched and they were unsure if it was the coon or the dog that scratched him. So be very careful!:crying:

Yep! You're absolutely correct.

My dogs got into a tussle with a raccoon, but the raccoon got over the fence so we didn't know if it was rabid or not. Even tho they'd gotten their rabies shots just a few months before this happened, the vet made them get another shot immediately.

[sunbunny]

You need to be careful about racoons also. They are very prone to having rabies. My sister's guest's dog got in a tussle with one about 6 months ago when a racoon attacked the dog. The dog killed the coon and they took it to the health department where they found out it WAS rapid. Even though the dog was vacinnated, it had to be quarintined and the dog's owner had to have rabies shots because he got scratched and they were unsure if it was the coon or the dog that scratched him. So be very careful!:crying:


i know! believe you me, our screens are quadrupled heavy duty reinforced on the windows, thanks to hubby doing that after we first discovered those raccoons. several years ago, one got into my boss' house thru the cat door and killed his cat right there in his own kitchen. even 'coon POO is dangerous! :chicken:

oh... i think i discovered yet another use for duct tape. wrap it around your feet, with the sticky side OUT... every time you walk around the house, you will pick up cruddy stuff!!! OMG, I'M A GENIUS!!!! :w00t: seriously... sometimes i just amaze myself.

[Noah]

oh... i think i discovered yet another use for duct tape. wrap it around your feet, with the sticky side OUT... every time you walk around the house, you will pick up cruddy stuff!!! OMG, I'M A GENIUS!!!! :w00t: seriously... sometimes i just amaze myself.

:lol:

I remember when he reinforced your window screens - he used the pet screening IIRC.

Tomorrow I really need to get outside and do some serious yard clean-up before it gets cold here.

[sunbunny]

:lol:

I remember when he reinforced your window screens - he used the pet screening IIRC.

Tomorrow I really need to get outside and do some serious yard clean-up before it gets cold here.

you mean it's NOT cold there yet?? thankfully my hubby raked and weed whacked before he left. but, i had to pretend i knew how to use the weed whacker (i.e., our "lawn mower" since our lawn area is so small) coz i wasn't in the mood for a lesson. it can't be that hard to use, right? :wink:

[theal3]

We have a racoon here who tries to sneak in at night and steal cat food on the deck, but we keep the bowl empty, but he sneak up anyway. We throw most table scraps in the a semi compost pile behinds a big laurel bush, and and I think the critters gets most stuff there, or other night creatures, cause it's always gone in the morning. Our outdoor cats sleep on the porch swing at night in their "fluffy bed." And when that racoon comes near, the female leaps of the swing thrusting it backwards which hits the wall sightly and gives a thump sound below the kitchen window. And we are alerted. Cats do that too, if they are resting there when the UPS trucks drives up. I hear a "thud" and know a car or truck is coming up the driveway. My "alert" system.

[sunbunny]

We have a racoon here who tries to sneak in at night and steal cat food on the deck, but we keep the bowl empty, but he sneak up anyway. We throw most table scraps in the a semi compost pile behinds a big laurel bush, and and I think the critters gets most stuff there, or other night creatures, cause it's always gone in the morning. Our outdoor cats sleep on the porch swing at night in their "fluffy bed." And when that racoon comes near, the female leaps of the swing thrusting it backwards which hits the wall sightly and gives a thump sound below the kitchen window. And we are alerted. Cats do that too, if they are resting there when the UPS trucks drives up. I hear a "thud" and know a car or truck is coming up the driveway. My "alert" system.

gotta love those guard kitties!! sometimes they're more alert than dogs! i always imagine that kitties sleep with one eye open, kinda like me. dogs, however, sleep deeper... i've heard them snore their heads off! :wub:

i know that your 'coon territory is a lot more scarier than mine coz your yard, etc. is the 'real thing!'

[theal3]

I re-fabulosed the Bathroom today -- the odor is addicting, lol, as DH was gone all day; and he thinks I did back breaking labor all day when he smells cleaning products. I only like retouched up the sink/counter area.

[sunbunny]

I re-fabulosed the Bathroom today -- the odor is addicting, lol, as DH was gone all day; and he thinks I did back breaking labor all day when he smells cleaning products. I only like retouched up the sink/counter area.

i am THINKING of cleaning this weekend. these floors are atrocious! :cursing: plus i've been having nightmares about the "other stuff" i saw in the living room when i had that brighter-than-bright light bulb in. my weekend is ruined!!!! hammer

[bugout]

Me too Hun! DH bought me "the shark" vaccuum, since it is lightweight, it claims to have great suction we will see!! Well, my floors are not in the best shape either. But, look out floors here I come!

Bug :rose:

[bugout]

:lol:

I remember when he reinforced your window screens - he used the pet screening IIRC.

Tomorrow I really need to get outside and do some serious yard clean-up before it gets cold here.
Me to Noah, that's on our list as well. Our gardens went K Put this year. Other things (life) got in the way. Sad, but there is always next year!!
Bug

[sunbunny]

i keep putting off cleaning these floors!!! :cuss: but i DID rake up all the leaves in the yard and swept the pathway. ONLY to have a big gust of wind come around and shake all the leaves to the ground again!!! :angry:

[theal3]

Me too Hun! DH bought me "the shark" vaccuum, since it is lightweight, it claims to have great suction we will see!! Well, my floors are not in the best shape either. But, look out floors here I come!

Bug :rose:

I need to vaccum with the REAL vacuum. My Roomba is great, but every so often, got to do higher up things around ceiling or low stuff in corners, or base boards: it's on my to do list. Found out today another DD and family are coming home with grandkids for Thanksgiving this year.... so I need to get my act together!

[Noah]

you mean it's NOT cold there yet?? thankfully my hubby raked and weed whacked before he left. but, i had to pretend i knew how to use the weed whacker (i.e., our "lawn mower" since our lawn area is so small) coz i wasn't in the mood for a lesson. it can't be that hard to use, right? :wink:

No - it's not cold here yet. I wore shorts, t-shirt and flip-flops outside today cuz it was in the high 60's.

I refuse to weed whack. That dang cord breaks or gets tangled - forget it. hammer

Easier to call a lawn service a couple of days before he gets back. :cool:

[Noah]

i keep putting off cleaning these floors!!! : but i DID rake up all the leaves in the yard and swept the pathway. ONLY to have a big gust of wind come around and shake all the leaves to the ground again!!! :angry:

Oh pleeeeeeeeze - let's talk when you have 3 acres of oaks, poplars and maples. hammer

We had our lawn service do leaf clean-up on Thursday and already have 6 inches of leaves. This will go on until March. :w00t:

[sunbunny]

Oh pleeeeeeeeze - let's talk when you have 3 acres of oaks, poplars and maples.

We had our lawn service do leaf clean-up on Thursday and already have 6 inches of leaves. This will go on until March. :w00t:

HA! you didn't know me when we had 5 acres of walnut trees, apple trees, oak trees in a mobile home park we owned in northern california. hammer but, of course, it wasn't MY job to do anything.. except sunbathe and collect the rent. :lol:

ok... i just now majorly swept the floors... taking a deep breath or two to get in the mopping mode. i was going to take a nap but knew darn well if i did that, the floors would never get done today. and i want to get everything out of the way today so that i can do NOTHING tomorrow.

[Noah]

HA! you didn't know me when we had 5 acres of walnut trees, apple trees, oak trees in a mobile home park we owned in northern california. hammer but, of course, it wasn't MY job to do anything.. except sunbathe and collect the rent. :lol:


Ah ha! No wonder you're loving that cottage. I swear I'm ready to live in a cottage, too!

We were just talking about that the other day. If I could find a condo that would allow all these animals, I'd be packing.

[theal3]

Managed to do a load of laundry today, water house plants, and now on to vacuuming. One room a day.

[sunbunny]

For those who suffer from arachnophobia...I hope this helps.

http://realestate.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=21100146&gt1=35000

i'm scared to look! :D

we are "spyder" savers. i haven't killed a bug in several years. we have a special "catch & release" glass that is always close by.

well, the bathroom floor is mopped!! :w00t: i still have to do the kitchen, but i have to make some more jism and then figure out how to refill that wet jet bottle like hubby does. i believe it involves a pipe wrench or something. :bored:

[Noah]

For those who suffer from arachnophobia...I hope this helps. :seeya:

http://realestate.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=21100146&gt1=35000


Awwww....that kinda looks like my Charlotte! She built a huge web under the eaves right outside my front door. The first time it rained, she moved the web during the night - angled it back a bit.

I got some great pictures of her!

[sunbunny]

Don't be a'skeered. It's all good. :biggrin: It even tells how to catch a spider in a jar by putting jar mouth over spider, then slide a piece of paper under it like a lid and voila`, you are a star of the catch and release program.

Good luck refilling that bottle. I'm never good when it comes to something like that. I'd probably be wearing more than I'd ever get into the container.


we DO use a little postcard as the "lid" for our catch & release!!! ok, i'll look at your link in a few minutes. gotta do a little breathing exercises first, if spiders are involved!! :closedeyes:

noah.... we have a HUGE "charlotte" right in front of this window next to the computer. she is getting bigger by the week and scares the heck out of me!! i think she is an orb weaver... she makes those huge round webs. i'm sure you know what i mean. :blushing:

[Noah]

noah.... we have a HUGE "charlotte" right in front of this window next to the computer. she is getting bigger by the week and scares the heck out of me!! i think she is an orb weaver... she makes those huge round webs. i'm sure you know what i mean. :blushing:

Don't be skeered of the link - it's just a picture of Charlotte!

My Charlotte is an orb weaver, too!! I thought she was dead cuz she hadn't moved for 3 solid days and then all of a sudden, she'd moved her web again! Must've been storing up energy or something. :confused:

[Noah]

I have to admit, I'm still afraid of them, but not like I used to be. I'm getting better.

I'm only afraid of the poisonous ones cuz I got bit by that brown recluse and it took forever for that bite to heal.

I actually find spiders fascinating. We have a spider upstairs - right outside our screened balconey. He built his web in front of the solar lights. The solar lights attract the bugs, but they hit his web before they can get to the lights. He stays busy!

Today, as much as I swore Sunday would be my day of rest, I woke up feeling kinda hyper. Sooooooo - I've got laundry going and ran my Animal Dyson thru the house real quick.

Amazing how a quick vac makes your house look so clean!

[sunbunny]

i just refilled my wet jet with my secret way, so in a few minutes i'll finish up the kitchen floors. but noah got me thinking that i should vacuum the living room carpet first. decisions, decisions!!! i'm doing laundry too, but only the bathroom rugs and the little rug i have by the kitchen sink. :rolleyes:

just washed a few dishes.... yep, leftovers from last nite! i'm a rebel. :w00t:

[sunbunny]

i'm not sure if any of you know this little secret... after you mop floors and vacuum, a really lovely clean smell occurs!!! :blushing: just thought i'd let y'all know.




:chicken:

[Noah]

i'm not sure if any of you know this little secret... after you mop floors and vacuum, a really lovely clean smell occurs!!! :blushing: just thought i'd let y'all know.

Amazing, isn't it? :wink:

[sunbunny]

Who knew? :confused:


not i, that's for sure! what is surprising me even MORE is how clean they are staying.... when hubby is out of town!! :rolleyes:

i read something somewhere sometime..... always walk in socks around the house coz slippers & shoes are yucky. :no:

[Noah]

i read something somewhere sometime..... always walk in socks around the house coz slippers & shoes are yucky. :no:


It's true. PLUS - the socks help keep dust bunnies off the floor. Some days my socks are covered with dog/cat hair. :w00t:

[sunbunny]

It's true. PLUS - the socks help keep dust bunnies off the floor. Some days my socks are covered with dog/cat hair. :w00t:

some days mine are covered with dead spiders!!! :w00t: JUST KIDDING!!!!!

whenever i walk wearing my socks, i pretend that i'm ice skating - sometimes even speed skating! but, i can't do that when hubby is here, because i can't even imagine what would be stuck to my socks. well, i could guess: cilantro, garlic clove paper, backyard leaves, peanut shell paper.... hammer

[Noah]

whenever i walk wearing my socks, i pretend that i'm ice skating - sometimes even speed skating! but, i can't do that when hubby is here, because i can't even imagine what would be stuck to my socks. well, i could guess: cilantro, garlic clove paper, backyard leaves, peanut shell paper.... hammer

Yikes - you definitely need the latest commercial-style Roomba! Or an Animal Dyson!

Or really thick socks? :lol:

[Noah]

:angry: :crying:

Some people can be so insensitive!:crying:

[theal3]

some days mine are covered with dead spiders!!! :w00t: JUST KIDDING!!!!!

whenever i walk wearing my socks, i pretend that i'm ice skating - sometimes even speed skating! but, i can't do that when hubby is here, because i can't even imagine what would be stuck to my socks. well, i could guess: cilantro, garlic clove paper, backyard leaves, peanut shell paper.... hammer

or like my slippers with the micro fiber mopetts on the bottom.! Turns out kids are coming home for Turkey day, so room by room we are spiffing up the place. It'll be like Spring Cleaning in the Fall.

[sunbunny]

:crying: I know! It's like, *sniff, schnuffle*, they don't care who they hurt." *Snork, snurk, sob* :crying: Gosh. Spiders have feelings, too, ya know? Boohoohoo.

true story from 6:40 a.m. this morning: me, blind as a bat without my contacts or glasses on, buck naked about to step into the shower when i see a big black blurry thing scurrying along the bottom of the tub.... what do i do? go running into the "office" to get the bug jar and captured that "little" creature and set it free outside. yep... i could have cold heartedly washed him down the drain, BUT.... i chose life for that giant, hairy, gross-looking, fast moving wolf spider poor thing. :wub:

theal... i thought about your mop slippers just a few minutes ago when i was "dusting the floors" sock-mopping to Donny Osmond's 80s style paso noble on 'dancing with the stars.'

[theal3]

true story from 6:40 a.m. this morning: me, blind as a bat without my contacts or glasses on, buck naked about to step into the shower when i see a big black blurry thing scurrying along the bottom of the tub.... what do i do? go running into the "office" to get the bug jar and captured that "little" creature and set it free outside. yep... i could have cold heartedly washed him down the drain, BUT.... i chose life for that giant, hairy, gross-looking, fast moving wolf spider poor thing. :wub:

theal... i thought about your mop slippers just a few minutes ago when i was "dusting the floors" sock-mopping to Donny Osmond's 80s style paso noble on 'dancing with the stars.'

Love that show! Rock out. but speaking of spikes I was watching TV from across the room today and saw a spider hanging on a single thread/web smack in the middle of the room coming down from the ceiling! I called DH and said "look, get him outside!" He must have crawled, up a wall and out to the middle of my 17x 20 foot living room, quite a trip for it! Anyway he got the swatter and swiped at the web and saved it for outside. Sunny, you and I saved spider today! Karma LOL.

[theal3]

Finally got out the REAL vacuum today and cleansed by computer room, around the ceiling, sills, corners, shelfs, carpeted floor etc; and spiffed up the puters, Tv, radio and straightened "stuff" and tossed Stuff. One room down before kids come in 2 weeks, many more to do.

[theal3]

Oh man, I stumbled on a great trick tonight. I left the vaccum in the living room after vaccuming the computer room and half the living room thinking I'd do rest tomorrow, like the ceilings, window sills, then move on to other rooms. Well DH was gone this afternoon, and when he came home, he remarked," oh, I see you got out the power machine today," and I said yes, and proceeded to finish cooking supper. Here's the trick, he said, after supper: do you want me to vaccuming the back two rooms my office and studio, and I said: that would be nice, but you don't HAVE to, it's on my list. LOL, as a senior lady, age 67, maybe it's a sympathy vacuuming by him. He has never used the vacuum in his life. And he proceeded to ask me how to do the attachments and clean the filter. LOL. Man I was so nice to him. A teachable moment.

So ladies: leave a machine out, and maybe they'll feel sorry for you?

Hmm I wonder if I left the wet jet leaning against an obvious wall or something......

[sunbunny]

Haha, I just did something very similar. I e-mailed hubby and asked him to bring the vacuum upstairs and empty the canister as I was going to try to vacuum the living room furniture (2 cats) and see how the brush attachment worked on the new leather shag rug.
I have a broken leg right now. He better do it! :laugh:

i predict the vacuum will be upstairs and emptied. and that's IT!!! :cuss:

y'all would not believe how clean my WHITE socks still are - days after mopping those dang floors and walking in the socks! hubby must have been the filthy one. :glare:

ETA: what the heck is a leather shag rug????

[Noah]

I have a broken leg right now.

What? When did you break your leg and how come this is the first time I'm hearing about it? :confused:

I cleaned the entire entryway today. Front door (both sides), closet bi-fold door, doorways and walls. Blech.

I just HAD to start cleaning doors and woodwork, didn't I? :rolleyes:

Luckily I only have the kitchen left - the rest of my woodwork is a dark stain - thank the heavens above!!

[bugout]

I like my new shark, I now seem to be suffering from a vacuuming disorder, cannot stop using it lmao. :D

Thats a good thing! But any way; the hose is the only complaint I have, it's very heavy and tends to tip over the vacuum, I will have to watch it to make sure it doesn't land on me or come down on top of me. It's light weight, the hose is heavier than the whole vacuum. But is has gr8 suction so far. No bags, and it's easy to dump.

Bug

[DesertStars]

Mine looks a lot like this. Just a shag rug made out of strips of leather. The upright part of the vacuum doesn't work so good on it though. The strips get caught and it makes the vacuum belt smell like it's going to break.

http://www.therugs.com/GLACLEASSHAG.htm

That's one thing I hate about walking around on my wood floors with white socks. I look at them and think, where the heck did all this crap come from! :ohmy: Other than 3 area rugs, my whole house is floor.

I hear your about the floors. Downstairs it is tile and upstairs it is hardwood. No carpet. DH walks around in his bare feet and his feet get dirty. GRRRRR.... it is only the two of us! I agree with you... where does this crap come from?! BTW, we have only cat and no dogs so I can't even blame it on the pets. I use one of those mops with the strips of cloth, a sponge mop and a Swiffer WetJet. One time I got really fed up and did part of it on my hands and knees the old fashioned way with a cloth and boy did my knees get sore. At that point I gave up and used my feet to swirl around the cloth. My legs were unbelievable sore the next few days. Sigh. I'm missing the days when I could just fire up the good old Kirby vacuum cleaner and let her rip. :mad:

[Noah]

I'm missing the days when I could just fire up the good old Kirby vacuum cleaner and let her rip. :mad:

We've discussed ripping out all our carpeting and replacing it with tile and hardwood. BUT one of the things I worry about is all the cat & dog hair, dust, etc. Not to mention dogs scratching the wood.

I think I'll hang onto my carpet a little longer. :w00t:

[Lavinya]

i'm not sure if any of you know this little secret... after you mop floors and vacuum, a really lovely clean smell occurs!!! :blushing: just thought i'd let y'all know.




:chicken:

Urban legend!

[sunbunny]

Urban legend!

got scared off the Caylee board, eh? :laugh:

no.... it's actually TRUE. i think i saw it on Mythbusters. did you know that is filmed in my little hometown?

[Noah]

I was worried about the same thing but now I wouldn't go back to carpet. I have laminate on the middle floor, tile on the lower floor and carpet upstairs on the 3rd level (until Spring). I also have too many cats to mention, all with claws and hairballs. It's so much easier to clean up after them on laminate and tile. (Especially now that someone turned me onto the Holloway House products:wub:)

Ooooh - the hairballs! Yes, I could see that tile would make it easier to clean those up.

Serious question to all hardwood/tile owners - does it stain if your animals throw up on it? This was another worry of mine. Not that carpet is fun to shampoo. :crying:

[pebblepup]

Noah, I had tile floors and never had a problem with staining. However, the dog had issues with walking across the floor in fear of slipping and sliding. :rolleyes:

If you decide to go with tiles you can always use a darker grout. I prefer white grouting as it cleans beautifully with a scrub brush and equal parts of very hot water and white vinegar.

Just don't forget the knee pads! :tongue:

[Pashie]

Quoting myself...Oh this is a sad day :cry:

I had a legit question up thread (see above quote by me)...please what did I do wrong with the vinegar:confused:
1 part vinegar, to 2 parts water.

But, even then, when I use it, it smells for a while. It will go away.

Hey, did you know that vinegar is a mold retardant? Keep a pray bottle in your bathroom, and spray it around the tub grout, etc when you get out of the shower everyday, and never see mold again!

[Noah]

Noah, I had tile floors and never had a problem with staining. However, the dog had issues with walking across the floor in fear of slipping and sliding. :rolleyes:

If you decide to go with tiles you can always use a darker grout. I prefer white grouting as it cleans beautifully with a scrub brush and equal parts of very hot water and white vinegar.

Just don't forget the knee pads! :tongue:

Ah yes - I remember you teaching us how to actually CLEAN that white grouting. :lol:

Funny you should mention the dog having issues with the tile floors. It seems like every time I go to the vet, there's a dog in there that almost has to be CARRIED to an exam room cuz it's skeered of the tile.

[Pashie]

Ah yes - I remember you teaching us how to actually CLEAN that white grouting.

Funny you should mention the dog having issues with the tile floors. It seems like every time I go to the vet, there's a dog in there that almost has to be CARRIED to an exam room cuz it's skeered of the tile.

Noah, a little known fun "extra" is included if you choose wood flooring!

It is extremely comical to watch your cats try and run really fast on a wood floor! Think of a car spinning it's tires! :laugh: I crack up every single time my cats run, and for the first few seconds all you hear is scratch scratch scratch scratch...and they have not moved an inch!

Plus, one thing I learned going from carpet to wood...When I see all the endless amounts of dust, dirt, tracked in leaves, and cat fur tumbleweeds that I have to sweep/swiffer/mop/hunt down and dispose of, I image all of that stuff embedded in carpet, that you will never get out....gives me the heebee jeebies!
:scared:

[sunbunny]

I prefer white grouting as it cleans beautifully with a scrub brush and equal parts of very hot water and white vinegar.



:lol: :lol: OMG, you are tooooo funny!! i can't even catch my breath!!! ::bending over and slapping knee::

you WERE making a funny, weren't you?? :angry:

[Noah]

Plus, one thing I learned going from carpet to wood...When I see all the endless amounts of dust, dirt, tracked in leaves, and cat fur tumbleweeds that I have to sweep/swiffer/mop/hunt down and dispose of, I image all of that stuff embedded in carpet, that you will never get out....gives me the heebee jeebies!:scared:

I've thought about that, too! That's why I broke down and bought an "Animal" Dyson. Jeez - that thing is amazing.

LOL @ the cats and the hardwood. I have hardwood in my kitchen and entryway and that's exactly what they do. :lol:

[theal3]

Yikes my bagless vaccum is fun, where DOES all that dust come from. I love to empty, then do the area again and see if there's more, LOL, easy to empty, clean filter, and go at it again. I did all the ceilings checking for any "webs", window sills, under coffee tables, nooks and crannies, and shelfs. Tomorrow I'll also run Roomba "Herman" and see if still finds "stuff." I also swiffered lamp shades, pictures, paintings, etc. Phew!

[sunbunny]

Yikes my bagless vaccum is fun, where DOES all that dust come from. I love to empty, then do the area again and see if there's more, LOL, easy to empty, clean filter, and go at it again. I did all the ceilings checking for any "webs", window sills, under coffee tables, nooks and crannies, and shelfs. Tomorrow I'll also run Roomba "Herman" and see if still finds "stuff." I also swiffered lamp shades, pictures, paintings, etc. Phew!


OMG!!!!!!!! don't do all this YET!!! thanksgiving is still like ... um....uh.... well, it's like.... :unsure: well, it is weeks away or sumthin'. you'll just have to do it all over again before your kids come. :crying:

[theal3]

OMG!!!!!!!! don't do all this YET!!! thanksgiving is still like ... um....uh.... well, it's like.... :unsure: well, it is weeks away or sumthin'. you'll just have to do it all over again before your kids come. :crying:

How bad can it get in two weeks? I'll just do touch ups then! DH is secretly so excited the kids are coming home..... and I didn't even do a guilt trip on them, I never do..... I want to spoil the grandkids and like show them or have them "help" me make fresh pasta with my cool machine! How fun. and have them "help" set the table etc.; and play Wii with them! yes, I bought a Wii, a few months ago for "exercise" indoor golf and tennis. LOL, and bowling. Last time they were at our house they were 5 and 3, and now 6 and nearly 9..... great ages to help gram and gramps. We've always been traveling up there for holidays or summer......

[sunbunny]

How bad can it get in two weeks? I'll just do touch ups then! DH is secretly so excited the kids are coming home..... and I didn't even do a guilt trip on them, I never do..... I want to spoil the grandkids and like show them or have them "help" me make fresh pasta with my cool machine! How fun. and have them "help" set the table etc.; and play Wii with them! yes, I bought a Wii, a few months ago for "exercise" indoor golf and tennis. LOL, and bowling. Last time they were at our house they were 5 and 3, and now 6 and nearly 9..... great ages to help gram and gramps. We've always been traveling up there for holidays or summer......

oh, sounds so fun with the grandkids!! did you see that 'new' Wii Food Network game??? i saw it on the Neely show the other day... her daughter & hubby had a Wii chopping contest while Gina did it in real life! THAT would be so fun, don't you think? to have a little contest like that? :wub:

[theal3]

oh, sounds so fun with the grandkids!! did you see that 'new' Wii Food Network game??? i saw it on the Neely show the other day... her daughter & hubby had a Wii chopping contest while Gina did it in real life! THAT would be so fun, don't you think? to have a little contest like that? :wub:

I missed that, there's a cooking game? I'm on it, LOL, and my grandkids haven't seen my Roomba yet, I can't wait to put them in charge of "Herman" while they're here. I will take pics! that is for sure. I just may have them "wet jet" the kitchen floor, too, LOL, their gram has cool "stuff."

[sunbunny]

I missed that, there's a cooking game? I'm on it, LOL, and my grandkids haven't seen my Roomba yet, I can't wait to put them in charge of "Herman" while they're here. I will take pics! that is for sure. I just may have them "wet jet" the kitchen floor, too, LOL, their gram has cool "stuff."

HA! yes! there is a Food Network Wii game!! check it out! http://www.gamespot.com/wii/action/foodnetworkcookorbecooked/index.html

hey, maybe your grandkids want to visit alameda and learn how to clean. HO HO HO!!! :laugh:

[Justice4all]

Yikes my bagless vaccum is fun, where DOES all that dust come from. I love to empty, then do the area again and see if there's more, LOL, easy to empty, clean filter, and go at it again. I did all the ceilings checking for any "webs", window sills, under coffee tables, nooks and crannies, and shelfs. Tomorrow I'll also run Roomba "Herman" and see if still finds "stuff." I also swiffered lamp shades, pictures, paintings, etc. Phew!

Our Shih Tzu hates our Rhonda ( Roomba ). but i love her....

[Jayne]

Our little street (one of the safest, actually) in the area was tagged with bright orange paint...sidewalk, mailbox, car, and hedge.

Any suggestions as to how to get it off? (Yeah..it's up to the landlady who I am going to help.) I have Goo Off and Paint Remover..but what about the sidewalk? The car isn't mine..but I think naptha gas or WD40 would take it off? Would just suggest it to the owner..would never touch another person's car.

TIA

J

[Noah]

oh, sounds so fun with the grandkids!! did you see that 'new' Wii Food Network game??? i saw it on the Neely show the other day... her daughter & hubby had a Wii chopping contest while Gina did it in real life! THAT would be so fun, don't you think? to have a little contest like that? :wub:

I saw that!! That would be kinda fun, huh?

[Themis]

Our little street (one of the safest, actually) in the area was tagged with bright orange paint...sidewalk, mailbox, car, and hedge.

Any suggestions as to how to get it off? (Yeah..it's up to the landlady who I am going to help.) I have Goo Off and Paint Remover..but what about the sidewalk? The car isn't mine..but I think naptha gas or WD40 would take it off? Would just suggest it to the owner..would never touch another person's car.

TIA

J
While I cannot speak from experience, a quick Google brought up this website:

http://www.ehow.com/how_4907872_marks-graffiti-paint-concrete-cement.html

Item 3 speaks to graffiti removal. There are other website discussing this problem. If I were the landlord I would try to: (1) contact someone knowledgeable in the police/sheriff department because I believe someone there may be well versed on dealing with this problem, and (2) talk with someone at a large retail paint store.

If your landlord has not already filed a police report she should do so immediately. Then she will have access to the police report if she had to turn this over to her insurance company to pay for professional cleaners. The landlord also needs to take pictures BEFORE attempting any cleaning -- photos from afar to show extent of damage and then closeups of each area.

It's kind of you to help your landlord, Jane. Not many tenants would think to do that.

[JMO * Themis]

[Pashie]

Our little street (one of the safest, actually) in the area was tagged with bright orange paint...sidewalk, mailbox, car, and hedge.

Any suggestions as to how to get it off? (Yeah..it's up to the landlady who I am going to help.) I have Goo Off and Paint Remover..but what about the sidewalk? The car isn't mine..but I think naptha gas or WD40 would take it off? Would just suggest it to the owner..would never touch another person's car.

TIA

J
Find out if your neighborhood has a graffiti removal program. I don't know about where you are, but when I lived in Socal they had one. To get it off sidewalks, and sides of buildings, they used a pressure washer.

[Jayne]

While I cannot speak from experience, a quick Google brought up this website:

http://www.ehow.com/how_4907872_marks-graffiti-paint-concrete-cement.html

Item 3 speaks to graffiti removal. There are other website discussing this problem. If I were the landlord I would try to: (1) contact someone knowledgeable in the police/sheriff department because I believe someone there may be well versed on dealing with this problem, and (2) talk with someone at a large retail paint store.

If your landlord has not already filed a police report she should do so immediately. Then she will have access to the police report if she had to turn this over to her insurance company to pay for professional cleaners. The landlord also needs to take pictures BEFORE attempting any cleaning -- photos from afar to show extent of damage and then closeups of each area.

It's kind of you to help your landlord, Jane. Not many tenants would think to do that.

[JMO * Themis]

thanks so much to you and Pashie.

I got up early this morning, before landlady, took photographs - 2 sets of all the markings..south to north and vice versa, in order. Then cleaned the mailbox (Goo Off and Paint Thinner)..but the sidewalk - gheesh..I tried everything..and there are Drips from the aerosal can..and that poor woman's car.

..yeah.."we" need graffitti removal. yes..she filed a police report and today I called the local school (the kids walk by here and it happened within 1 1/2 hour time period when they get out of school)..principal came by..and squad cards were patrolling the side street..just hope they keep it up.

They "marked" it with initials, it seems..so the PO and Landlady both have a CD copy of the photos.

Thanks again..it's disgusting when kids do this. She's such a nice lady and is nice to the kids. It was just random UNKINDNESS, I think.

jmo

J

[theal3]

No cleaning today, but I sure did mess up the kitchen making biscuits and rolls, testing for Turkey Day. Their posted on foodie thread and i took Pics and posted there. But yikes, flour on counters, floor, got it all wiped clean with Awesome. DH does the dishes! Lucky me.

[theal3]

Months ago I bought a BIG liquid container, on sale, of another brand of laundry detergent..... I had always used powdered Tide before, and I FINALLY used it up and didn't like it, so today, I cracked open my big box of TIDE. I had used Tide since we were married decades ago, and so back using it again. I also boost the wash with Oxyclean... doing laundry today....

[Noah]

I prefer Tide, too. Our Food Lion just had a Buy 1/Get 1 sale on Tide and I stocked up. There was a limit of 2, so I had to go back in the store a couple of times. But who could pass up that kind of deal?

I didn't get anything done around the house or yard today - too many errands to run.

But my Animal Dyson is already sitting here in my family room for tomorrow. I really need to start vacuuming every other day again. :sad:

[sunbunny]

I prefer Tide, too. Our Food Lion just had a Buy 1/Get 1 sale on Tide and I stocked up. There was a limit of 2, so I had to go back in the store a couple of times. But who could pass up that kind of deal?

I didn't get anything done around the house or yard today - too many errands to run.

But my Animal Dyson is already sitting here in my family room for tomorrow. I really need to start vacuuming every other day again. :sad:


i only use LIQUID Tide. with febreze! :D i can't remember the last time i used powder detergent!

yeah, i know what you mean..... i need to start vacuuming every other day again, too. :mellow:




BWAAHAHAAAHAHAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Noah]

i only use LIQUID Tide. with febreze! :D

That's what I use, too. Liquid only for me. I didn't even know they still sold powdered laundry soap these days. :ohmy:

[sunbunny]

That's what I use, too. Liquid only for me. I didn't even know they still sold powdered laundry soap these days. :ohmy:

oh! maybe they don't! i haven't looked! it always got clumpy and made icky "spots" on my jeans. :crying:

[Noah]

oh! maybe they don't! i haven't looked! it always got clumpy and made icky "spots" on my jeans. :crying:

I think they do cuz in Theal's post ^ it sounds like she uses powder.

Yeah - and the powder gets oogie if it gets wet on your hands. Ach - just thinking about it makes me kinda :scared:.

[sunbunny]

I think they do cuz in Theal's post ^ it sounds like she uses powder.

Yeah - and the powder gets oogie if it gets wet on your hands. Ach - just thinking about it makes me kinda :scared:.

i know, i get kinda lightheaded too!! :eek: i can't remember... did we even used to measure that stuff? it seems to me i just remember shaking the box into the washer while the water was running.

[Noah]

i know, i get kinda lightheaded too!! :eek: i can't remember... did we even used to measure that stuff? it seems to me i just remember shaking the box into the washer while the water was running.

We need to stop thinking about it or we'll have nightmares!

Hmmm - I *think* they gave us a little scoop to use. THAT's why I always got it on my hand - prolly digging for that stupid scooper. hammer

[Jayne]

We need to stop thinking about it or we'll have nightmares!

Hmmm - I *think* they gave us a little scoop to use. THAT's why I always got it on my hand - prolly digging for that stupid scooper. hammer

I know..I've used liquid for years..but now for economical reasons I'm back to powder. I take a plastic container with a lid...start the water and fill the container with the hot water..and if I am washing cold..I take hot water from the faucet. Add the powder..and shake it..a LOT...then pour it in as the water is coming in..before adding the clothes. I used to HATE that when lumps of soap residue would be on my jeans, too. My brother used those "discs" - they were sort of white/blue speckled. Ugh..but they worked.

jmo

J

[Noah]

I know..I've used liquid for years..but now for economical reasons I'm back to powder. I take a plastic container with a lid...start the water and fill the container with the hot water..and if I am washing cold..I take hot water from the faucet. Add the powder..and shake it..a LOT...then pour it in as the water is coming in..before adding the clothes.


That's exactly what I used to do when I switched to cold water washing!

[Pashie]

Have ya'll seen these? I don't know how well they work, but I would like to try them once!

http://www.purex.com/purex-3-in-1/product

[Noah]

Have ya'll seen these? I don't know how well they work, but I would like to try them once!

http://www.purex.com/purex-3-in-1/product

I just saw a commercial about those earlier tonight. I wonder how expensive they are!

[Jayne]

Have ya'll seen these? I don't know how well they work, but I would like to try them once!

http://www.purex.com/purex-3-in-1/product

Let us know how it works. I did like the DryCleaning..stuff (Dryell??)..those sheets..put the drycleanable clothes in the dryer..then there was a tube for particular stains. Sure Saved a LOT on dry cleaning.

[Pashie]

I just saw a commercial about those earlier tonight. I wonder how expensive they are!

If I ever see them, I will check out the price..might even grab some. So far I have not seen them anywhere!

I'm out for the night cleaning ladies! :tonguewag:

[warhorse46]

Ooooh - the hairballs! Yes, I could see that tile would make it easier to clean those up.

Serious question to all hardwood/tile owners - does it stain if your animals throw up on it? This was another worry of mine. Not that carpet is fun to shampoo. :crying:


I have hardwood or tile throughout my house & 4 house dogs. I have not noticed any staining when they have gotten sick on any of the floors. I will never have carpet again. The hardwood or tile floors are sooooo much easier to take care of.

[theal3]

I have hardwood or tile throughout my house & 4 house dogs. I have not noticed any staining when they have gotten sick on any of the floors. I will never have carpet again. The hardwood or tile floors are sooooo much easier to take care of.

Took the carpet out of living and dining area and put in lamininate in hall and living room, vinal in the kitchen and dining room. Much easier. Bedrooms still have carpet. My vinal looks like blue slate cobble stone, fell in love with it when I saw it. Doesn't show the dirt either.

[warhorse46]

Took the carpet out of living and dining area and put in lamininate in hall and living room, vinal in the kitchen and dining room. Much easier. Bedrooms still have carpet. My vinal looks like blue slate cobble stone, fell in love with it when I saw it. Doesn't show the dirt either.

That is what my kitchen floor looks like & I agree, it does not show dirt.

[Jayne]

I wish I still had all hardwood floors (like my last residence). I dislike (hate) carpeting. My cats do not "pee" but they have "regurgs" (fur balls..or gluttenous spurts after eating too fast?)..and it takes me a long time to get the stuff out of the carpet. With hardwood floors, it wasn't much of an issue. Plus, I grew up with hardwood flooring. I LOVE it..then just throw down a rug where you like.

I will have to invest (again) in a shampooer - like Bissel or something to help with this, when I can. I can't stand it ..I've used that "Orange" stuff and a scrub brush to bring it out of the carpeting. Then we have a neighbor here who drips oil on the street..so I have a "no shoes" rule...but despite my Rule people don't abide..then I have spots on my carpets. Drives me nuts. I put a sign on my door..shoes off at entry. There is a basket inside with flops, cushie slippers..learned that from a friend..so I've a few..don't get many, if any, visitors..but you dont' come into my house without taking off your shoes and wearing the slippers or nothing! My kid and I take off our shoes before entering..I have a box on the landing.

jmo

J

[SavannahStar]

Well speaking of floors......I have carpeting now but it is old and worn and I need to replace flooring BADLY. I really want ceramic tile, at least everywhere except the bedrooms. Problem is, my two dogs still occasionally have "accidents" (urine). I worry about staining the grout. I've been researching this a bit and have read about sealing the grout....does this solve the problem pretty much? Anyone got any experience with ceramic tile and pet accidents? TIA.

[theal3]

Well speaking of floors......I have carpeting now but it is old and worn and I need to replace flooring BADLY. I really want ceramic tile, at least everywhere except the bedrooms. Problem is, my two dogs still occasionally have "accidents" (urine). I worry about staining the grout. I've been researching this a bit and have read about sealing the grout....does this solve the problem pretty much? Anyone got any experience with ceramic tile and pet accidents? TIA.

That's my next wish, ceramic for the bath room floor. Still have tile.

[sunbunny]

O..M...G.....!!!! did anyone realize that if you mop your floors before they actually become filthy .... it takes only HALF the time??? :w00t: i swear, i learn something new every day!! :blush:

[Noah]

O..M...G.....!!!! did anyone realize that if you mop your floors before they actually become filthy .... it takes only HALF the time??? :w00t: i swear, i learn something new every day!! :blush:

It's amazing, isn't it?

That's prolly why I do a quick mop every day - takes no time at all! :lol:

[Humdinger]

Well speaking of floors......I have carpeting now but it is old and worn and I need to replace flooring BADLY. I really want ceramic tile, at least everywhere except the bedrooms. Problem is, my two dogs still occasionally have "accidents" (urine). I worry about staining the grout. I've been researching this a bit and have read about sealing the grout....does this solve the problem pretty much? Anyone got any experience with ceramic tile and pet accidents? TIA.

We had ceramic at our last house, lived there 15 years and had quite a few chips out of it from things being dropped. I'm sure the new owners replaced it.

In our new house, we opted for porcelain tile. I LOVE IT!

Hubby dropped a very heavy bar stool on the porcelain while he was putting the legs on them which caused a chain reaction into the other 3 bar stools he had already finished.

There isn't one single scratch on the porcelain, and I KNOW it would have chipped the ceramic all to pieces!

Porcelain is much tougher but a little more money - well worth it though!

[theal3]

Did a small load of laundry. Enough work for one day. ;)

[sunbunny]

Did a small load of laundry. Enough work for one day. ;)

i got you beat! 2 loads of laundry, a little wet jetting, raked the yard, LOTS of dishes to be washed.... whew. time for a glass of Franzia!!! :wink:

[birdwatch]

I have little teeny tiny ants on my kitchen counters. So small you almost need a magnifying glass to see them and there are usually just a few - 1/2 dozen or so. Can't tell where they are coming from - there is no nice marching line to follow. I was trying a vinegar and water solution: spraying the counters each night after I had cleaned them. Thought that worked - but they are back. Now trying a bleach/water solution. I have bay leaves around the edges and under the microwave and toaster - and I put some cinnamon accross the windowsill outside and a little in the corners of the window inside; though I don't usually see them anywhere near the window. Any other things I should try?
Didn't want to get into the Borax thing.

[daniel green]

Well speaking of floors......I have carpeting now but it is old and worn and I need to replace flooring BADLY. I really want ceramic tile, at least everywhere except the bedrooms. Problem is, my two dogs still occasionally have "accidents" (urine). I worry about staining the grout. I've been researching this a bit and have read about sealing the grout....does this solve the problem pretty much? Anyone got any experience with ceramic tile and pet accidents? TIA.

Hey, you!!!

It won't stain the grout if you clean it within a reasonable time and/or put Tylex on it--which gives you back brand-new looking grout!

I have not seen any difference with sealing the grout as opposed to unsealed. Wears the same, etc.

You can also use dark grout which conceals any imperfection or stain much better--but depending on the color tile, may or may not be feasible.

We have ceramic tile in the bathrooms and have a problem with Paco, our Bichon, doing that sometimes--and the Tylex is a lifesaver. Makes all light grout look like new.

[daniel green]

It's amazing, isn't it?

That's prolly why I do a quick mop every day - takes no time at all! :lol:

I've done a quick mop of the downstairs every day for ever. We have hardwoods throught the downstairs and with kids, cats, dogs and lots of traffic it gets to be a mess. It takes no longer to do a quick mop than it does to swiffer.

[warhorse46]

I have little teeny tiny ants on my kitchen counters. So small you almost need a magnifying glass to see them and there are usually just a few - 1/2 dozen or so. Can't tell where they are coming from - there is no nice marching line to follow. I was trying a vinegar and water solution: spraying the counters each night after I had cleaned them. Thought that worked - but they are back. Now trying a bleach/water solution. I have bay leaves around the edges and under the microwave and toaster - and I put some cinnamon accross the windowsill outside and a little in the corners of the window inside; though I don't usually see them anywhere near the window. Any other things I should try?
Didn't want to get into the Borax thing.



Combat. I have used it when I discovered ants in my bathroom, works great.

http://www.combatbugs.com/ant-products/

[Noah]

It takes no longer to do a quick mop than it does to swiffer.

ITA - grab the mop and just go, go, go! It's done before ya know it!

I can always tell when I skip a day. :scared:

[theal3]

I have little teeny tiny ants on my kitchen counters. So small you almost need a magnifying glass to see them and there are usually just a few - 1/2 dozen or so. Can't tell where they are coming from - there is no nice marching line to follow. I was trying a vinegar and water solution: spraying the counters each night after I had cleaned them. Thought that worked - but they are back. Now trying a bleach/water solution. I have bay leaves around the edges and under the microwave and toaster - and I put some cinnamon accross the windowsill outside and a little in the corners of the window inside; though I don't usually see them anywhere near the window. Any other things I should try?
Didn't want to get into the Borax thing.

This worked for my daughter: sprinkle some corn meal on their route, and they'll pick it up bring it to nest to eat, and it swells up and they die.

[Themis]

I have little teeny tiny ants on my kitchen counters. So small you almost need a magnifying glass to see them and there are usually just a few - 1/2 dozen or so. Can't tell where they are coming from - there is no nice marching line to follow. I was trying a vinegar and water solution: spraying the counters each night after I had cleaned them. Thought that worked - but they are back. Now trying a bleach/water solution. I have bay leaves around the edges and under the microwave and toaster - and I put some cinnamon accross the windowsill outside and a little in the corners of the window inside; though I don't usually see them anywhere near the window. Any other things I should try?
Didn't want to get into the Borax thing.
I do not know what you mean when you typed "Borax thing."

I believe you might be referring to ant bait you can mix up at home using: boric acid powder, sugar, and water.

I tried just about every *natural* ant bait and none of them were what I call a success.
The ants thought I was serving up salad, a stew, and cinnamon rolls.:laugh:

If you don't want to get into the boric acid/sugar/water recipe -- is it because you just don't want to be bothered mixing up a batch on your own? If that IS the case, then buy the commercial version called Terro. It comes in a very small bottle where you can just place drops around as you want. Or they have pre-filled stations. Here is the website.

http://www.terro.com/

Note: There are dozens and dozens different types of ants. So I will just note that the ants now invading your kitchen might not like a sugar-based bait. The whole idea about setting bait of any type is that it is not just the ants you see you want to do away with. It is that the ants you see will take the bait back to the home nest where many thousands live and put an end to the cycle of the queen ant producing many thousands more. Good luck!:smile: [JMO * Themis]

[Noah]

If that IS the case, then buy the commercial version called Terro. It comes in a very small bottle where you can just place drops around as you want. Or they have pre-filled stations.

I use the pre-filled stations from Terro - works like a charm every time!

[birdwatch]

I do not know what you mean when you typed "Borax thing."

I believe you might be referring to ant bait you can mix up at home using: boric acid powder, sugar, and water.

I tried just about every *natural* ant bait and none of them were what I call a success.
The ants thought I was serving up salad, a stew, and cinnamon rolls.:laugh:

If you don't want to get into the boric acid/sugar/water recipe -- is it because you just don't want to be bothered mixing up a batch on your own? If that IS the case, then buy the commercial version called Terro. It comes in a very small bottle where you can just place drops around as you want. Or they have pre-filled stations. Here is the website.

http://www.terro.com/

Note: There are dozens and dozens different types of ants. So I will just note that the ants now invading your kitchen might not like a sugar-based bait. The whole idea about setting bait of any type is that it is not just the ants you see you want to do away with. It is that the ants you see will take the bait back to the home nest where many thousands live and put an end to the cycle of the queen ant producing many thousands more. Good luck!:smile: [JMO * Themis] Yuck - wish I could find their nest! I've only seen one ant so far today, but its not yet noon. Maybe I'll drop a bit of sugar and a bit of cornmeal to my salad, stew and cinnamon rolls (LOL) and see which one they like. I did start out with little "Hot Shot" baits in the back corners of cabinets and under the sink: I don't think they like it.
Just trying to stay away from the real poisons. But another day or so and here comes the Borax team!

[theal3]

That corn meal trick worked well for ants for my daughter.

Meanwhile, laundry to today, and cleaned the bathroom. Tomorrow is wet jet kitchen floors day, and run the Roomba.

[Noah]

I feel bad when I use Terro, because an ant really does no harm and carries no diseases, but they are SO not fun to see running around everywhere. :sad:

I know. :sad:

But when they start going into my cabinets - it's time for Terro. If they would just stay by the sink for water, I wouldn't care.

I'm sick of cleaning and will be SO glad when Thanksgiving is here so I can relax. Been washing throw pillows and afghans and anything that will spruce the place up a bit cuz Mom's coming. Not that she cares, but I do.

[wanabegeek]

Nope no cleaning :laugh:

[wanabegeek]

You are excused...you are getting married:thumbsup:

Next Wednesday :) :thumbsup:

[theal3]

Next Wednesday :) :thumbsup:

Congrats!!! Great News.

Swiffered and Rumbahad my place today.

[witchywoman]

Hi ya'll

I washed dishes 2day, lol

thats it, nothing nadda else..

went on cleaning spree tues aftynoon, so house in good shape..

i got off easy, just dishes today whooooooooooooooooo:tonguewag:

[sunbunny]

Hi ya'll

I washed dishes 2day, lol

thats it, nothing nadda else..

went on cleaning spree tues aftynoon, so house in good shape..

i got off easy, just dishes today whooooooooooooooooo:tonguewag:

i'm not even doing THAT much!! :lol: yep... i left my morning coffee cup, one little frying pan from dinner, a dish and a fork in my sink and that's where they'll sit until tomorrow. or maybe even saturday! :w00t: i will, however, wash my coffee cup!