Cleaning Tip - Grapefruit Seed Extract

  If you know me, you have probably at some point or another heard me singing praises of grapefruit seed extract. It is a powerful herbal supplement made from (what else?) the seeds and guts of a grapefruit. It is anti just about everything that can harm you. Bacteria, viral and fungal infections cower before it. Liquid drops or pills can be taken to take care of a nauseous stomach, flu like symptoms, diarrhea, ect. It works miracles.
 All of that brought me to thinking that the liquid could perform double duty as a household disinfectant. So many of the anti-bacterial cleaners we use aren't good for us, and wind up getting in our food when used in the kitchen. GSE is the perfect green solution.
 Most of the liquid supplements of GSE can be found for under $15, and with it serving multiple purposes, will surely earn its keep.

  You Will Need:
- 40 Drops of Grapefruit Seed Extract
- Medium or large spray bottle
- Water
   
  Add the GSE to the spray bottle. Add water. Shake it up. Spray, let sit for a few minutes and wipe away. For bigger jobs like cutting boards or toilets, let it sit at least ten minutes. Clean and rinse thoroughly. Enjoy the feeling of a clean green space.

So You Want To Clean Your Bathroom?

 So today has me cleaning, bustling about my own home and thinking of ways to simplify the way we live. One way to save time and frustration is to spend time on keeping things clean. We all differ in the way that we clean, what products we use, ect. I'm going to share what I think is the best way.  ;) Today's topic. . .the bathroom. Hair, dirt, moisture. Yuck.

You will need:

• Common Sense 
• Rubber Gloves
• Glass cleaner 
• Magic eraser(s)
• Method All Purpose Cleaner ( I prefer the mint scent) 
• A disinfectant
• Cleaning cloths 
• Toilet Brush    

Extra Helpful Items:

• Toothbrush
• Scrub brush 
• Elbow Grease 

Time: Depending on the size of your bathroom, around 20 minutes

1.Turn on the lights. Seriously. Even if you have sun light streaming in. Remove rugs, shake outside, vacuum or throw them in the wash. Empty trash. Vacuum or sweep the floor with the broom. You want to do this first because it makes things easier when you actually wipe or mop the floor. Dirt and debris sticks to water, and water is sure to splash while cleaning and get on the floor. It will make sweeping pointless, and can ruin your vacuums motor.

2. (Though optional, now would be the time to pre-spray all the bathroom pieces, including the vanity, tub/shower and toilet. ) Begin with the vanity and scrub the sink. I use a magic eraser and Method products on the vanity, since they are green and not murder on my lungs. Thoroughly clean the vanity before cleaning the mirror. If you clean the mirror before the vanity, you risk splashing on your clean mirror. Dry the vanity.

Tip: Shine your chrome and toothbrush around the faucets/fixtures and drain! Details like this make a room look so much nicer!

3. Remove shampoo bottles/soap/products from the shower area. You want to be thorough. So much builds up under those things!  Scrub your tub or shower in a top to bottom left to right manner. It saves time and ensures that you wont miss a spot. If you have a shower combination, scrub all the walls first before focusing on the tub. Rinse with HOT water and check with your finger for soap scum. If it's still there, it's not clean. You may need to re-scrub a spot or two. This is normal. Put products back in their places after you've wiped them off.

Tip: Toothbrush or scrub brush in the grout every so often even if you don't see mold or mildew. There are still tons of bacteria living in there. Toothbrush around the drain as well.

4. Moving on to the toilet. I recommend a mild disinfectant for the seat, lid and tank. You can use a stronger product in the bowl if you want. Use a curved toilet brush to scrub the inside of the bowl first, make sure to get under the lip of the bowl where dirt and mildew builds up. More detailed scrubbing with a toothbrush is necessary from time to time. Wipe the tank, toilet seat and base thoroughly. Flush.

5. You're almost done! Prepare a mop if your bathroom is big, or get down on those hands and knees. I love my hands and knees for the bathroom because you are getting closer to what is actually dirty. Do what makes sense. It's easier to see things. Spray a disinfectant on the floor and wipe. If you use a lot of hair spray, you'll want to use a scrub brush, or toothbrush any grout. That is the only way it's coming off. So much dirt builds up in those crevices. Start in a corner and clean your way out of the bathroom.

Tip: This is more of a command. Wipe behind the toilet!

6. Take a moment to check over and admire your work. You just improved your house!

  I can't stress enough the importance of details if you want things to truly be clean. Quick de-cluttering and straightening has it's place, but there must be time to focus on the nitty gritty. Not making time for these things just leads to frustration, poor air quality and bacteria build up. Next time we'll focus on the kitchen! Feel free to leave comments or link back. :)