When Cloth Diapers Cause A Rash

There’s nothing more frustrating than deciding disposables aren’t a healthy choice for your baby but having to use them because your cloth diapers are giving her a rash. When our baby came down with thrush, we switched to disposables for about a month. We did this, because the cloth diapers we use can’t be used in combination with any diaper ointments or creams. We were thrilled when her thrush rash went away, and switched her back to our trusty bumGenius 3.0’s. I was dismayed when, a few diaper changes later, she developed a rash. I dug around on the internet, … Continue reading

Keeping Toddler Toys Clean

We all know that toddlers can be very messy. They are just learning to do so many new things. They haven’t quite mastered coordination yet. They are too busy to slow down and “be careful.” So, accidents will happen. With toys, the possibility of acquiring germs is probably limitless. Toddlers may still put toys in their mouths. They certainly have plenty of germs on their hands. Even if their hands are washed frequently, toddlers check out most everything with their hands. They also wipe their nose, pet the dog, pick up trash and then go right back to playing with … Continue reading

Guide to Six Laundry Bleaching Agents

When you are in the laundry aisle of the grocery store, do you automatically grab the same kind of bleach each time because bleach is bleach? In fact, there are several types of bleaching agents that can be used on clothing. Each one has its own strengths and weaknesses and are more appropriate for some types of clothing than are others. Here is a guide to common and uncommon bleaching agents that are available right now. Chlorine Bleach Chlorine bleach is the old standby that we usually associate with whitening our whites. It is the strongest and fastest-acting bleaching agent … Continue reading

Five Tips for Laundry Bleach

Chlorine bleach can be a lifesaver for your laundry. I can’t count the number of times that it saved a hand-me down dress from being tossed out or rescued dingy socks after being used on the dingy garage floor. How do you use chlorine bleach? Here are five tips that will help you make the most of bleach without weakening or ruining your clothes. 1. Check to make sure that your fabrics can withstand bleach. Just because they are white does not mean that they should be bleached. In general, the following fabrics can often be bleached: acrylic, cotton, linen, … Continue reading

Tips for Household Stains

Here are a few tips for getting rid of those dreaded household stains: Greasy Stains If you don’t happen to have a specialized grease remover on hand, you can use a few drops of grease cutting dish washing liquid. Wet the area, apply the dish detergent, and rub the soap into the stain well. Rinse and repeat as necessary. Allow the fabric to air dry and check to make sure the greasy spot is removed. Reapply if necessary then wash and dry as usual. For stationary items that cannot be machine washed, apply dish soap, rinse with a clean damp … Continue reading

Does Your Home have Mold?

Okay, I know what you’re thinking: Yuck! I agree. Unfortunately, hot humid weather can be problematic for homes and other structures that are prone to mold. If you’ve ever had a mold problem, you may be confident that it’s been cleared up. It’s important to continue checking often to ensure that mold does not return. The sooner it’s found, the better chance you have of getting rid of it. It also helps to treat suspect areas before mold begins to grow. If mildew is a problem, treat those areas regularly as well. Bleach and bleach based products are your friend. … Continue reading

Cleaning Tips

Try these ideas to make cleaning simpler. Non-Stick Cooking Spray It makes sense to use non-stick cooking spray before cooking, but what about after? When you have a stuck on mess, spray cooking spray directly onto the problem area. Allow it to soak in for a few minutes and it will begin to release cooked on food. Scrape away as much of the debris as possible, rinse, and then scour as usual with your favorite dish washing liquid. Ammonia Straight ammonia, not just a cleaner that contains ammonia, is one of the best weapons against waxy build up. It will … Continue reading

Mold and Mildew

The best way to deal with mold and mildew is to prevent them in the first place. One way to help prevent their occurrence is using mold and mildew resistant primer and paint in damp areas such as kitchens and baths. These solutions are specially formulated to make water bead and roll off instead of settling on surfaces or being absorbed. Another way prevent mold and mildew is to limit moisture. Run an exhaust fan or even a regular fan from time to time to circulate air in an extremely damp space, such as a small bathroom or the laundry … Continue reading

More Homemade Household Cleaning Products

For the budget minded, safety minded homeowner, or the person in a pinch, here are some more recipes for helpful homemade household cleaners. Dusting and Polishing Solution Mix one half cup of real lemon juice with one teaspoon of olive oil. Mix thoroughly and apply sparingly to furniture with soft cloth. Store excess in closed glass container and keep in the refrigerator. Let stand until room temperature before use. Surface Cleaner You can use full strength vinegar or ammonia for surface cleaners or dilute either option two-to-one and make a spray. Pour two parts water and one part solution into … Continue reading