Comments on: Spring Cleaning Time? Here Are Some Tips For Cleaning Supplies On The Cheap http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/06/spring-cleaning-time-here-are-some-tips-for-cleaning-supplies-on-the-cheap/ Simple, applicable personal finance advice for the modern world Sat, 21 Nov 2009 16:09:53 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Victoria http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/06/spring-cleaning-time-here-are-some-tips-for-cleaning-supplies-on-the-cheap/comment-page-1/#comment-743310 Victoria Sat, 01 Aug 2009 18:18:41 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/06/spring-cleaning-time-here-are-some-tips-for-cleaning-supplies-on-the-cheap/#comment-743310 Pet Urine & Stain Remover: In a small bucket mix the following ingredients: *4 cups of water *2 TBS white distilled vinegar *1 TSP dishwashing soap Depending on the fabric, use this mix with a clean washcloth, sponge or brush; wipe or brush the affected area. Let it dry. Smell and stain should be gone. I used this mix on both new and old pet urine stains and it worked. We had one room that still had a strong urine odor even after I had previously used an expensive store brand. After using this mix, the smell is now gone! Pet Urine & Stain Remover: In a small bucket mix the following ingredients:
*4 cups of water
*2 TBS white distilled vinegar
*1 TSP dishwashing soap

Depending on the fabric, use this mix with a clean washcloth, sponge or brush; wipe or brush the affected area. Let it dry. Smell and stain should be gone.

I used this mix on both new and old pet urine stains and it worked. We had one room that still had a strong urine odor even after I had previously used an expensive store brand. After using this mix, the smell is now gone!

]]> By: Leah http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/06/spring-cleaning-time-here-are-some-tips-for-cleaning-supplies-on-the-cheap/comment-page-1/#comment-641804 Leah Sun, 26 Apr 2009 17:34:59 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/06/spring-cleaning-time-here-are-some-tips-for-cleaning-supplies-on-the-cheap/#comment-641804 I know this is a late comment, but this is for trish (#14) -- if you truly want to disinfect, even commercial cleaners aren't the way to go. Killing 99.9% of something is not the same as 100%, especially when you're talking about something that comes in the millions or more and multiples rapidly. In most areas, you don't need to sanitize; our immune systems can handle having "germs" on basic surfaces. You do want to disinfect the kitchen counter, the toilet, and places like that. The best disinfectant, bar none, is bleach. Not super environmentally friendly, but it will work really well. put one part bleach to 10 parts water into a bucket or spray bottle, and it will work just fine. FYI, bleach does break down over time, so you need to mix this every time you want to disinfect. I usually just put a capful of bleach into a little bucket with some water. I know this is a late comment, but this is for trish (#14) — if you truly want to disinfect, even commercial cleaners aren’t the way to go. Killing 99.9% of something is not the same as 100%, especially when you’re talking about something that comes in the millions or more and multiples rapidly.

In most areas, you don’t need to sanitize; our immune systems can handle having “germs” on basic surfaces. You do want to disinfect the kitchen counter, the toilet, and places like that. The best disinfectant, bar none, is bleach. Not super environmentally friendly, but it will work really well. put one part bleach to 10 parts water into a bucket or spray bottle, and it will work just fine. FYI, bleach does break down over time, so you need to mix this every time you want to disinfect. I usually just put a capful of bleach into a little bucket with some water.

]]> By: trish http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/06/spring-cleaning-time-here-are-some-tips-for-cleaning-supplies-on-the-cheap/comment-page-1/#comment-333038 trish Mon, 21 Jul 2008 03:57:38 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/06/spring-cleaning-time-here-are-some-tips-for-cleaning-supplies-on-the-cheap/#comment-333038 this sounds great but do your products sanitize and disinfect? this sounds great but do your products sanitize and disinfect?

]]> By: cg http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/06/spring-cleaning-time-here-are-some-tips-for-cleaning-supplies-on-the-cheap/comment-page-1/#comment-37344 cg Thu, 21 Jun 2007 04:34:16 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/06/spring-cleaning-time-here-are-some-tips-for-cleaning-supplies-on-the-cheap/#comment-37344 Thanks for the tips. There is one more product that I love! It's called "Awesome." You can find it at your local 99 cents store. It works on everything! I include about 1/2 cup or less with my laundry. Especially good on grass stains, punch and ice-crem stains, carpet, ovens, etc. The greatest product ever. Says it contains no chemicals or bleaches. You have to try it. CG Thanks for the tips. There is one more product that I love! It’s called “Awesome.” You can find it at your local 99 cents store. It works on everything! I include about 1/2 cup or less with my laundry. Especially good on grass stains, punch and ice-crem stains, carpet, ovens, etc.
The greatest product ever. Says it contains no chemicals or bleaches. You have to try it.
CG

]]> By: Cherie http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/06/spring-cleaning-time-here-are-some-tips-for-cleaning-supplies-on-the-cheap/comment-page-1/#comment-36370 Cherie Tue, 19 Jun 2007 01:22:35 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/06/spring-cleaning-time-here-are-some-tips-for-cleaning-supplies-on-the-cheap/#comment-36370 I use a spray bottle of half water and half vinegar. After it dries it absorbs odors as well so I don't get that "dog" smell in my house anymore or baby diaper smell. I also spray it on the plexiglass after every shower so that I don't have to use harsh chemicals to get rid of soapscum. I also have a bottle with a little soap in it as well for tougher stains like hairspray buildup on the counter. I think any essential oil will do fine. The point is to mask the vinegar smell. I use a spray bottle of half water and half vinegar. After it dries it absorbs odors as well so I don’t get that “dog” smell in my house anymore or baby diaper smell. I also spray it on the plexiglass after every shower so that I don’t have to use harsh chemicals to get rid of soapscum. I also have a bottle with a little soap in it as well for tougher stains like hairspray buildup on the counter. I think any essential oil will do fine. The point is to mask the vinegar smell.

]]> By: HardwareGuy http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/06/spring-cleaning-time-here-are-some-tips-for-cleaning-supplies-on-the-cheap/comment-page-1/#comment-27365 HardwareGuy Sun, 20 May 2007 22:45:17 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/06/spring-cleaning-time-here-are-some-tips-for-cleaning-supplies-on-the-cheap/#comment-27365 I've had luck with Simple Green for general cleaning but lately my wife and I have been using OxyClean. the big tub of it is just under 10 bucks and lasts a long time. We used it to save a bundle by mixing our own solution last time we rented a steam cleaner. I’ve had luck with Simple Green for general cleaning but lately my wife and I have been using OxyClean. the big tub of it is just under 10 bucks and lasts a long time. We used it to save a bundle by mixing our own solution last time we rented a steam cleaner.

]]> By: Eric B http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/06/spring-cleaning-time-here-are-some-tips-for-cleaning-supplies-on-the-cheap/comment-page-1/#comment-15987 Eric B Fri, 06 Apr 2007 05:11:43 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/06/spring-cleaning-time-here-are-some-tips-for-cleaning-supplies-on-the-cheap/#comment-15987 Where do you find your tea tree oil inexpensively? I'm seeing the cheapest online as 2oz for 11.50, and many are twice that. Where do you find your tea tree oil inexpensively? I’m seeing the cheapest online as 2oz for 11.50, and many are twice that.

]]> By: Carrie http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/06/spring-cleaning-time-here-are-some-tips-for-cleaning-supplies-on-the-cheap/comment-page-1/#comment-9439 Carrie Wed, 07 Mar 2007 17:20:49 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/06/spring-cleaning-time-here-are-some-tips-for-cleaning-supplies-on-the-cheap/#comment-9439 Thanks for the list. This should keep me busy. It's normally not my work to shop and to clean. But since I've run across this post, I might as well try doing it for a change. I can even do it for a cheap price. Thanks for the list. This should keep me busy. It’s normally not my work to shop and to clean. But since I’ve run across this post, I might as well try doing it for a change. I can even do it for a cheap price.

]]> By: George http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/06/spring-cleaning-time-here-are-some-tips-for-cleaning-supplies-on-the-cheap/comment-page-1/#comment-9428 George Wed, 07 Mar 2007 15:56:20 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/06/spring-cleaning-time-here-are-some-tips-for-cleaning-supplies-on-the-cheap/#comment-9428 Be care with tea tree oil since it is a powerful natural drug. Limit your handling of the oil. It can especially have an impact on young boys. Read http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/jan2007/niehs-31.htm Be care with tea tree oil since it is a powerful natural drug. Limit your handling of the oil. It can especially have an impact on young boys. Read http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/jan2007/niehs-31.htm

]]> By: Julie http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/06/spring-cleaning-time-here-are-some-tips-for-cleaning-supplies-on-the-cheap/comment-page-1/#comment-9425 Julie Wed, 07 Mar 2007 14:10:15 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/06/spring-cleaning-time-here-are-some-tips-for-cleaning-supplies-on-the-cheap/#comment-9425 Great info as usual! Thanks! Great info as usual! Thanks!

]]> By: Todd http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/06/spring-cleaning-time-here-are-some-tips-for-cleaning-supplies-on-the-cheap/comment-page-1/#comment-9361 Todd Wed, 07 Mar 2007 04:07:38 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/06/spring-cleaning-time-here-are-some-tips-for-cleaning-supplies-on-the-cheap/#comment-9361 Second on the Simple Green. That stuff does everything. Second on the Simple Green. That stuff does everything.

]]> By: Ursula http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/06/spring-cleaning-time-here-are-some-tips-for-cleaning-supplies-on-the-cheap/comment-page-1/#comment-9329 Ursula Wed, 07 Mar 2007 03:12:52 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/06/spring-cleaning-time-here-are-some-tips-for-cleaning-supplies-on-the-cheap/#comment-9329 Great tips -- I can see myself using the SoftScrub and Windex substitutes. BTW, Trent, I just ran across your site this weekend and I really like it. You certainly put a lot of time into this, and it shows. Can't say I agree with all your opinions, but most of them are pretty right on. I've bookmarked you and sent some links to friends! And to RazzBari: Thanks for the link to the vet article. I have kitties so I really appreciate the info on the tea tree oil. Great tips — I can see myself using the SoftScrub and Windex substitutes.

BTW, Trent, I just ran across your site this weekend and I really like it. You certainly put a lot of time into this, and it shows. Can’t say I agree with all your opinions, but most of them are pretty right on. I’ve bookmarked you and sent some links to friends!

And to RazzBari: Thanks for the link to the vet article. I have kitties so I really appreciate the info on the tea tree oil.

]]> By: MVP http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/06/spring-cleaning-time-here-are-some-tips-for-cleaning-supplies-on-the-cheap/comment-page-1/#comment-9310 MVP Tue, 06 Mar 2007 23:58:35 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/06/spring-cleaning-time-here-are-some-tips-for-cleaning-supplies-on-the-cheap/#comment-9310 We buy a giant bottle of Simple Green (available at most home improvement and discount retail chains)and use it for practically everything, from cleaning kitchen counters to showers. We also use inexpensive Borax for many household tasks. We buy a giant bottle of Simple Green (available at most home improvement and discount retail chains)and use it for practically everything, from cleaning kitchen counters to showers. We also use inexpensive Borax for many household tasks.

]]> By: !wanda http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/06/spring-cleaning-time-here-are-some-tips-for-cleaning-supplies-on-the-cheap/comment-page-1/#comment-9300 !wanda Tue, 06 Mar 2007 23:29:46 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/06/spring-cleaning-time-here-are-some-tips-for-cleaning-supplies-on-the-cheap/#comment-9300 Well, yes, it's probably a lot better than Windex, but it's a possible endocrine disruptor, so I wouldn't let your kid bathe in it: From the NYTimes a while back: "Clifford Bloch of the University of Colorado School of Medicine presented several cases of young men who had developed marked breast enlargement from using shampoos containing lavender and tea tree oils, which are widely used essential oil additives that present no problem for adults. ... Dr. Bloch collaborated with scientists at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences in North Carolina to test the oils on human breast cells grown in test tubes. Lavender and tea tree oil had the same effect on the cells as estrogen. " Full link: http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/17/science/17puberty.html?ei=5088&en=ed072921988bcaee&ex=1318737600&adxnnl=1&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&adxnnlx=1161097392-xgmX5WtxhJGHqEuhUfnq8g Well, yes, it’s probably a lot better than Windex, but it’s a possible endocrine disruptor, so I wouldn’t let your kid bathe in it:

From the NYTimes a while back:
“Clifford Bloch of the University of Colorado School of Medicine presented several cases of young men who had developed marked breast enlargement from using shampoos containing lavender and tea tree oils, which are widely used essential oil additives that present no problem for adults. …
Dr. Bloch collaborated with scientists at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences in North Carolina to test the oils on human breast cells grown in test tubes. Lavender and tea tree oil had the same effect on the cells as estrogen. ”

Full link: http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/17/science/17puberty.html?ei=5088&en=ed072921988bcaee&ex=1318737600&adxnnl=1&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&adxnnlx=1161097392-xgmX5WtxhJGHqEuhUfnq8g

]]> By: Tim http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/06/spring-cleaning-time-here-are-some-tips-for-cleaning-supplies-on-the-cheap/comment-page-1/#comment-9290 Tim Tue, 06 Mar 2007 21:59:06 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/06/spring-cleaning-time-here-are-some-tips-for-cleaning-supplies-on-the-cheap/#comment-9290 spring cleaning should also include reviewing things that you haven't used in the past 6months or longer, collect them, and get rid of them by sale or donation. spring cleaning should also include reviewing things that you haven’t used in the past 6months or longer, collect them, and get rid of them by sale or donation.

]]> By: RazzBari http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/06/spring-cleaning-time-here-are-some-tips-for-cleaning-supplies-on-the-cheap/comment-page-1/#comment-9289 RazzBari Tue, 06 Mar 2007 21:56:44 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/06/spring-cleaning-time-here-are-some-tips-for-cleaning-supplies-on-the-cheap/#comment-9289 Be careful with the tea tree oil around cats (or other pets): http://www.vet-task-force.com/Abstract-tea-tree-oil.htm Otherwise, great ideas! Be careful with the tea tree oil around cats (or other pets):

http://www.vet-task-force.com/Abstract-tea-tree-oil.htm

Otherwise, great ideas!

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