General

Re: Re: Spring Cleaning

Brandy — Tue, 08 May 2007 22:58:20 GMT

It's too hot in the summer for too much activity so I'll really clean everything including emptying closets, washing the ceilings, shampooing carpets and furniture in the fall. I find winter dreary and my energy levels are usually down then so when spring hits I open the windows and deep clean again.

Re: Re: Spring Cleaning

latenightleader — Tue, 08 May 2007 16:45:27 GMT

Unforetunately, due to price, they work great, and smell great- The lemon v. is energizing, I think!

Tracy

Re: Re: Spring Cleaning

SpiritedOne — Tue, 08 May 2007 16:26:31 GMT

I use their dryer sheets--the lemon verbena. Very nice!

I have not wanted to spend the money on their other products. Are they effective, or do they just smell nice? LOL!

Jen M.

Re: Re: Spring Cleaning

SpiritedOne — Tue, 08 May 2007 16:22:19 GMT

I'm the same, but I open the windows a lot in the spring to air out the house.

In my house, cleaning and decluttering are ongoing processes. If I left it for spring, my house would be a disaster area, and I'd lose momentum, so I keep up routines.

Jen M.

Re: Spring Cleaning

SpiritedOne — Tue, 08 May 2007 16:18:30 GMT

I use a combination. I tend to get a lot of commercial cleaners for free--I will either take them off of Freecycle, or my parents will hand off products that they don't like, don't use, etc. (I don't like to buy them for a couple of reasons.)

The only exception to that rule is enzyme cleaners for pet stains/odor. I absolutely NEED to keep that on hand. Fortunately, I have a little stockpile right now--My mom just gave me several bottles of different brands that did not work for her. I'll use those until I run out, but I have a brand I like. (I don't honestly think any of them work all that well, but the one I use is the best I've found--Petzyme.)

I also just started making my own spray cleaner for spot cleaning: dish soap, water, lavendar oil. I'm still experimenting with getting it to the point that it doesn't leave as much of a soapy residue. :S

I also use white vinegar for some things.

Jen M.

Re: Re: Spring Cleaning

SpiritedOne — Tue, 08 May 2007 16:15:26 GMT

Wow! What a great idea! I never thought of this, and i will try it. With the number of cats I have, this is bound to help a lot!

Thanks!

Jen M.

Re: Re: Spring Cleaning

Pat — Tue, 08 May 2007 13:54:05 GMT

Cheryl:
I'm very sensitive to some chemicals so it is difficult here. (asthma) I'd love good suggestions on what we could use to clean rust stains out of the bathtub. Our house was built in the 50s, so it is an old kind, not the new fiberglass. I think it may even be metal. I don't know.

Here's a whole page of ideas on cleaning rust from bathtubs:

http://www.stretcher.com/stories/00/000306b.cfm

The lemon juice solution works, I can vouch for that.

Re: Re: Spring Cleaning

Brandy — Tue, 08 May 2007 12:10:10 GMT

On the mildew, try Borax.

Re: Re: Spring Cleaning

Cheryl — Tue, 08 May 2007 11:18:43 GMT

I'm very sensitive to some chemicals so it is difficult here. (asthma) I'd love good suggestions on what we could use to clean rust stains out of the bathtub. Our house was built in the 50s, so it is an old kind, not the new fiberglass. I think it may even be metal. I don't know.

Also, if anyone has any suggestions on how to clean mildew with the least amount of chemical smell, I would appreciate it.

Thanks,
Cheryl

Re: Spring Cleaning

Anonymous — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 23:32:55 GMT

I've heard of having the ductwork professional cleaned out, but have never had mine done that way. We usually just vacuum them out once a year with the shop vac as far as the hose will go. But the dryer hose and vent we do at least 2 times a year. I know when it's time to do it again because the dryer will take a lot longer to dry a load than it normally does. Too much lint in the hose and vent can also pose a fire hazard. We also had to replace a part in our dryer this winter and when my husband removed the front cover of the dryer I couldn't believe how much lint was built up inside the cabinet so I also vacuumed that out.

Re: Spring Cleaning

Brandy — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 12:06:46 GMT

I had never heard of getting duct work professionally cleaned until this post. I asked my husband and he said he had and it is a good idea especially for those with allergies.

Of course until a few recent posts I didn't know anyone who got their carpets professionally cleaned either.

Re: Re: Spring Cleaning

helen — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 08:06:22 GMT

when we moved house, I had the gas heater serviced. When he took the big cover off, I was utterly disgusted by how much fluff and dirt was in it! Dust is dust... of course you should clean it!

Re: Spring Cleaning

latenightleader — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 01:08:45 GMT

So, today was my day off, I had the ductwork cleaned and the furnace, and the dryer vent, I usually do it every two years as three of us are allergic to dust- so my sister and her friend say they never get it done! She says it's a myth you should do it.

How about you? Is it worth $191?

Tracy

Re: Spring Cleaning

Brandy — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 12:21:06 GMT

I am looking at this leather trim and it's 23 years old. I doubt the previous owner did any special cleaning of it so I doubt experimenting with Pledge could make it worse. It's not hideous, mind but it is showing it's age.

Re: Spring Cleaning

squirrelchaser — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 02:55:42 GMT

Well--we have a leather couch and loveseat and it is nearly 10 yrs old--bought it new and on super store closing clearance of course.....but since we have kids and dogs--it gets grimy--BUT on the upside...Leather is really wipeable and cleanable. much more so than fabric would have been for us! I don't use the spendy leather cleaners--I asked a friend who works in a furniture store and she said that once in a while they will use pledge on the leather (not suede-but smooth leather). I go to the dollar store and get the wood polish---and it works and has worked REALLY great for the last 9 yrs! just make sure to wipe off well...it leaves a nice sheen on the leather and the oils in the polish help to soften and protect it!

FYI==my leather is navy blue.....no discoloring of it...but use at your own risk!

Oh--as far as the spring cleaning goes-I have started......but am nowhere near finished!