Tidying Thursday...

My goal with this day is to share something that makes my house/body/life a bit neater.  I think today I will spotlight one of my favorite shows, "How Clean is Your House?"  There is actually an American version that is still entertaining, but today I'd like to talk about the British Version. 

Anyone who knows me knows I am a sucker for shows where bossy people barge in and tell you how to live your life.  Super Nanny, Dog Whisperer, Clean House... I am obsessed with the intoxicating combo of voyeurism, helpful hints, and motivation.  Kim Woodburn and Aggie Mackenzie are the perfect hosts of this British cleaning show, and not only do the nightmare houses that they invade make you want to take a shower (after cleaning it of course), they show plenty of affordable cleaning tips.  

Now if you remember I am a big fan of Method cleaning products... I love the mild fragrances and how gentle they are on surfaces, hands, and pets.  They are the only supplies I purchase - the rest of my cleaning is done with common household items.  Here are a few can't-miss household tips that I have gleaned from watching this show.

1. Baking Soda is invaluable.  I use it for lots of things, but one of my favorites is a simple drain cleaner... Prime your drains with boiling water, pour baking soda down the drain and add plenty of white vinegar.  The famous "volcano" reaction of elementary school busts up mild clogs and helps keep things running smoothly.
2. Toothpaste is a very mild abrasive.  I use it to clean my bathtub, sink, stovetop, and other places that get really gunky - and it smells great!  Always use plain non-gel kind.
3. Lemons are a good degreaser... I literally rubbed a cut lemon on a very greasy part of my stove and it took it right off.  Just be sure to wipe it off with a damp cloth after you're done, since the acid might not be good for certain surfaces.
4. Fruit flies are a pest that we always have to deal with come summer.  The best trap that I have found to get rid of them is a mason jar with plastic wrap covering the top.  Poke a few small holes in the top and fill about 1/4 of the way with apple cider vinegar or similar fruit juice (vinegar works best right away.)  Put a few drops of dish detergent on the top of the water to destroy the surface tension, and the flies go in and drown.
5. Put a thin layer of shaving cream on mirrors to avoid fogging after showers.  Be sure to avoid any kind with moisturizer or fancy scents - generally the cheaper the better!