Pay attention to what you use when you cook. Cut your vegetables first, then your meat so you don't need to use a second knife or cutting board. If you need to fry something the add it to sauce, fry it in the pot and then add stuff on top. That sort of thing.
Pay attention to what you use when you cook. Cut your vegetables first, then your meat so you don't need to use a second knife or cutting board. If you need to fry something the add it to sauce, fry it in the pot and then add stuff on top. That sort of thing.
TRUTH. When my parents were teaching us how to cook, this lesson came up again and again. We had a small kitchen. We hated doing dishes. Along with "Clean up as you go" This makes kitchen tasks and keeping it clean so, so much easier. Of course, over the years it means you get rid of your fancy serving dishes and serve everything family style from a pot, which may or may not be acceptable in your circle.
Only own one type of sock. You will never spend time looking for pairs and matching them up ever again. (I actually cheat at this and own about eight pairs of black socks and eight pairs of white athletic socks. Still works great.)Yes, i have done the unmustashian thing of tossing out socks so that
Pay attention to what you use when you cook. Cut your vegetables first, then your meat so you don't need to use a second knife or cutting board. If you need to fry something the add it to sauce, fry it in the pot and then add stuff on top. That sort of thing.
EDIT - (swick beat me to this one) Have a designated place for every single thing that you own. Personally, I get into the habit of loosely throwing stuff into a drawer, a heap in the corner, a pile on a counter when there isn't a specific place for something. When designating the OFFICIAL place for each item, you will find a lot of stuff that you don't really need to be hanging on to . . . and throwing out that crap also makes your life easier.
Knowing when to do my tasks helps as well. If I try to sweep *after* I've done dishes, little water splatters with smear and catch dirt and annoy me. Once I noticed this, I switched the order of these tasks. Ta da, life is just that much easier.
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Not something I *did*, but something I benefit from: we have nice big wood slat blinds. There are WAY easier to dust than those dinky clinky little metal mini blinds.
A lot of it really is working out a routine, though. Just like it's easier to clean up as you are cooking, once you build a routine for other household chores, you don't have to think about them anymore.
I never "clean the bathrooms". Every morning I take about 2 minutes to wipe off the counter, change the hand towel, and empty the wastebasket.
Every Thursday, I wash the kitchen and bathroom floors, and toss the bucket of cleaning water into the toilet and give it a swish.
Every Saturday - which is also the morning I clean the catboxes - I scrub out one of the showers. (Both of these involve bleach water.)
The bathrooms always look nice.
I just have specific things that I do every day, and a few once/year things that get done on specific days once/year. I never need to "clean up".
(Except now, because we're remodelling the kitchen and the whole house is a mess. It's inspiring me to throw a lot of stuff away, though!)
I'm loving reading everyone's suggestions. And I thought of one more! I also follow the "one minute rule". http://gretchenrubin.com/happiness_project/2006/12/need_a_simple_a/ (http://gretchenrubin.com/happiness_project/2006/12/need_a_simple_a/) Basically, if it can be done in one minute, do it *right then*, no putting it off. This helps hugely for things like coats not accumulating on chairs, junk mail not piling up, etc.
I am working on getting rid of the cat..... or giving DH the ultimatum to start cleaning up after it himself or it is gone. Darn thing pees ALL OVER the garage, and on anything sitting on or near garage floor... mainly because DH does not clean its litter box,(his cat, his job, right?) the poor frustrating, stinky, thing!
Can't get rid of teenagers, though.
I am working on getting rid of the cat..... or giving DH the ultimatum to start cleaning up after it himself or it is gone. Darn thing pees ALL OVER the garage, and on anything sitting on or near garage floor... mainly because DH does not clean its litter box,(his cat, his job, right?) the poor frustrating, stinky, thing!
Can't get rid of teenagers, though.
Yeah, that isn't the cat's fault. It's not fair to the cat to not meet it's needs and then be annoyed when it finds a why to meet its needs, just in a way you don't like. Your DH needs to get his act together, or some other arrangement needs to be sorted out so that the litter box is cleaned regularly. The risk you're running is that even once the litter box is clean, the cat may have developed behavioral problems and continue to not use the litter box. That is MUCH harder to solve.
And this isn't against you specifically, cause clearly you're not the problem, but in general. If you're not willing to provide proper and adequate care, attention, training, exercise, and medical care for an animal for the entire lifespan of that animal, then don't get an animal.
yeah, he has exactly TWO chores he is responsible for... his laundry (or he can wear stinky laundry), and the cat box (because he loves the cat and is likely to be nice to it). Oh, he will do other chores from time to time, but only when requested and does not "own" them My bad for taking over the cat box for the past three years, because I liked the cat, too. And I think you are right about behavioural issues. It started out of an aggressive neighborhood cat that would try to sneak into garage and eat its food. I worked hard to resolve that, mainly by cleaning up everything and never leaving anything on the garage floor..setting up several litter boxes and moving them gradually closer together... using enzyme cleaning on any spots, throwing out many items that I liked to prevent reoccurance.. DH was then cleaning the cat box a couple of times... but then just stopped, and now I have a big problem again. u\agguh.I am working on getting rid of the cat..... or giving DH the ultimatum to start cleaning up after it himself or it is gone. Darn thing pees ALL OVER the garage, and on anything sitting on or near garage floor... mainly because DH does not clean its litter box,(his cat, his job, right?) the poor frustrating, stinky, thing!
Can't get rid of teenagers, though.
Yeah, that isn't the cat's fault. It's not fair to the cat to not meet it's needs and then be annoyed when it finds a why to meet its needs, just in a way you don't like. Your DH needs to get his act together, or some other arrangement needs to be sorted out so that the litter box is cleaned regularly. The risk you're running is that even once the litter box is clean, the cat may have developed behavioral problems and continue to not use the litter box. That is MUCH harder to solve.
And this isn't against you specifically, cause clearly you're not the problem, but in general. If you're not willing to provide proper and adequate care, attention, training, exercise, and medical care for an animal for the entire lifespan of that animal, then don't get an animal.
Good idea! Plus, I find that I'm more likely *have* these thoughts occur to me if I keep the place clean in the first place. Once clutter starts to build up, I become almost blind to it; but if I keep everything clean then the one new bit of clutter stands out and gets my attention.I'm loving reading everyone's suggestions. And I thought of one more! I also follow the "one minute rule". http://gretchenrubin.com/happiness_project/2006/12/need_a_simple_a/ (http://gretchenrubin.com/happiness_project/2006/12/need_a_simple_a/) Basically, if it can be done in one minute, do it *right then*, no putting it off. This helps hugely for things like coats not accumulating on chairs, junk mail not piling up, etc.
I've been doing something similar which I think of as "If not now, when?" If a task occurs to me (like "I should really wipe that dirty mark off the door sometime") then I try to catch myself before it becomes a "some time in the future" and ask "If not now, when?" If I can't think of an actual reason not to do it right now and an actual better time in the future, I do it now. It's great as long as I remember to catch myself and ask the question rather than going on autopilot!
I bought the Don Aslett book and wow, that must be one of the best £3.51 I've ever spent. Haven't even finished it yet!I find that fabric shades are easier to clean (non cotton). Thrift shops often have modern looking and attractive ones. Then a damp microfibre cloth is all I need... I can't think of a way to clean them after the dust has "worked in"
One thing got me thinking, though: how is dust actually generated in a home? I understand a lot of it is dead skin, but how are the other components actually produced?
Also: lampshades! Help! I've been looking round my home and wondering what annoys me most and it's definitely lampshades. We have what I think of as 'normal' paper ones on a wire frame and they just attract dust and it works in. What's the better option (for someone who likes desk lamps and standard lamps a LOT LOT more than ceiling lights)?
My past 2 apartments have been all wood/tile floors, with no rugs. I loved the aesthetic, and the lack of vacuuming, but I used to be really puzzled by the large dust bunnies that would sometimes just appear. I'm pretty vigilant about cleaning, so where could those almost sentient dust balls becoming from?
I finally figured out they were accumulating under furniture, and drifting out on the breeze. Not cool.
We clean and our lampshades with a lint roller from the dollar store with the peel off strips - works like a charm.
Hard surface floors and no glass shower doors to gather soap scum. Personally I find white appliances the easiest to keep clean.Yes!
About a year ago I got tired of cleaning the house inefficiently and put some effort into researching how professional cleaners get done so quickly. I came across the "many rags" method.
Supplies:
1. 1 bottle of spray cleaner. I use diluted Mr Clean in an old spray bottle
2. 1 spray bottle of glass cleaner
3. 1 magic eraser
4. 1 bottle of toilet cleaner (aka bleach)
5. 1 bale of microfiber cloths from the car wash isle. I have 15-20.
6. 1 bucket or tote that holds everything
7. vacuum
8. spray mop with the widest head you can find and a microfiber pad. A wider head makes mopping go much faster
9. Another tote, or laundry basket to put the dirty rags, towels and sheets in.
Basic Technique: Start in the furthest corner of each room and work your way out the door. Clean everything in 1 room before moving to the next. This prevents running all over the house. Do not stop to rinse out the rags. Use each rag until it's dirty and then toss it in the basket. Then grab another clean rag.
Method:
Bathrooms (aka wet rooms)
1. clean the toilet bowl with bleach and a toilet brush. Using a dry rag, dust the top and sides of the outside all the way down to the floor, including all the funny crevices around the trap. Using the same rag, spray the inside of the lid, the seat and the top of the rim with spray cleaner. Wipe with the rag. Toss the rag in the dirty tote.
2. Using a dry rag, wipe the light fixtures.
3. Use glass cleaner and a fresh rag to clean the mirror and windows. Use the same rag and some spray cleaner to wipe the counter, faucets and sinks. Toss the rag.
4. Use the magic eraser and some spray cleaner to clean the shower/tub.
5. Replace dirty towels/mats with clean ones.
6. Vacuum yourself out of the room.
7. Spray mop yourself out of the room
Dry rooms (bedrooms, living rooms, etc)
1. Strip bed linens
2. Using a dry rag, dust light fixtures, lamps, shelves, and decorative things (including pictures on the wall)
3. Clean windows with glass cleaner and a clean rag
4. Remake the bed with clean sheets
5. Vacuum yourself out of the room
6. Spray mop yourself out of the room (if there are hard surface floors)
When you're done with all the rooms (or the rooms you've chosen to clean that day) put all the dirty rags and linens in the washing machine. Refill your spray mop and cleaning bottles with fresh cleaner. If necessary, put in a new vacuum bag or empty the dirt reservoir.
Since I started cleaning this way, my house has never been cleaner and it takes way less time. Plus, this method doesn't rely on having cleaners and tools cluttering up every room in the house.
About a year ago I got tired of cleaning the house inefficiently and put some effort into researching how professional cleaners get done so quickly. I came across the "many rags" method.
<snip> how to clean </snip>
Since I started cleaning this way, my house has never been cleaner and it takes way less time. Plus, this method doesn't rely on having cleaners and tools cluttering up every room in the house.
This is quite possibly the most helpful thing I have ever read, thank you so much! We have a clutter problem in our home that I'm attempting to address, but as that improves and I get the hang of this method, I hope I can keep it clean most of the time!
Ooh, I like this many rags method, except for the part about actually having to own many rags...
Ooh, I like this many rags method, except for the part about actually having to own many rags...
If you own any clothing at all, you own an inexhaustible source of future rags. Just cut 'em up with scissors when they're too shot to wear any more. My wife doesn't let me do this with underwear though, so that gets rattier and rattier until one morning it thins out so much that a gust of wind causes every fiber to simultaneously release and the garment completely vanishes in a puff of lint. It's the circle of underwear life.
Only own one type of sock. You will never spend time looking for pairs and matching them up ever again. (I actually cheat at this and own about eight pairs of black socks and eight pairs of white athletic socks. Still works great.)
I bought the Don Aslett book and wow, that must be one of the best £3.51 I've ever spent. Haven't even finished it yet!
One thing got me thinking, though: how is dust actually generated in a home? I understand a lot of it is dead skin, but how are the other components actually produced?
Also: lampshades! Help! I've been looking round my home and wondering what annoys me most and it's definitely lampshades. We have what I think of as 'normal' paper ones on a wire frame and they just attract dust and it works in. What's the better option (for someone who likes desk lamps and standard lamps a LOT LOT more than ceiling lights)?
Only own one type of sock. You will never spend time looking for pairs and matching them up ever again. (I actually cheat at this and own about eight pairs of black socks and eight pairs of white athletic socks. Still works great.)
*snip*
I was wondering if anyone here has wire shelving. Don Aslett is very enthusiastic about its cleaning-lowering potential (allegedly all the dust just falls right through to the floor and you can just sweep/hoover it up) but I wonder if it's quite as good as he says. Do you never end up cleaning the little wire bits? Because that seems like a fiddly job! It's not an aesthetic I particularly like but I'd be willing to put it inside cupboards if it was worth it. Also, does anyone store clothing on wire shelving? All the falling dust and air circulation stuff sounds great but I'd be worried about getting little wire imprints on my folded clothes! I fold things vertically these days (yes, KonMari) and I do like clothes. Maybe a fine crossed wire mesh would be best?
About a year ago I got tired of cleaning the house inefficiently and put some effort into researching how professional cleaners get done so quickly. I came across the "many rags" method.
........
Since I started cleaning this way, my house has never been cleaner and it takes way less time. Plus, this method doesn't rely on having cleaners and tools cluttering up every room in the house.
Thank you so much for posting this! This may sound stupid, but I was never taught how to clean, so I'm not very good at it. And to be honest, "researching how to clean" is not at the top of my to-do list. :) I'm starting to see the effects of the lack of thorough cleaning, though, and it's to a point now where I am self-conscious about it any time someone is at our house.
This specific, simple how-to is perfect for me, and is just what I think I need to get started. Thank you so much!
About a year ago I got tired of cleaning the house inefficiently and put some effort into researching how professional cleaners get done so quickly. I came across the "many rags" method.
........
Since I started cleaning this way, my house has never been cleaner and it takes way less time. Plus, this method doesn't rely on having cleaners and tools cluttering up every room in the house.
Thank you so much for posting this! This may sound stupid, but I was never taught how to clean, so I'm not very good at it. And to be honest, "researching how to clean" is not at the top of my to-do list. :) I'm starting to see the effects of the lack of thorough cleaning, though, and it's to a point now where I am self-conscious about it any time someone is at our house.
This specific, simple how-to is perfect for me, and is just what I think I need to get started. Thank you so much!
Also, for you entrepreneurial types, how about offering a "How to Clean Your House" course? I'm too cheap to pay someone else to clean my house, but I would pay big bucks for a few sessions for someone to teach me how to simply and effectively keep my own house clean!
My 2 cents:I've never heard of a rubber broom. Do you use it like a regular broom?
I like the book Organic Housekeeping by Ellen Sandbeck. Some great tips in there.
1. Never set something down temporarily. I often find myself about to set something down because I'm in a hurry when I can put the thing away in less than 15 seconds. It's a mantra I repeat often and it has made a HUGE difference.
2. I also have many microfiber rags. Costco has huge packs of them and walmart has good prices too. Tip: Look in the automotive section for the best deals.
I combine the many rags technique, two buckets, and a dutch rubber broom to clean floors and dusty surfaces. I have this one
http://www.simplygoodstuff.com/rubber_brooms.htm?gclid=CjwKEAjw97K_BRCwmNTK26iM-hMSJABrkNtbNLhQl1xcHIVXZRV62Noc4KPe7eSDl--t6Pz6axtTeBoCJaDw_wcB
which I highly recommend because the handle is adjustable for kids and for reaching high places. I get out two buckets: one bucket with super hot water and a bunch of rags, and one empty bucket for the dirty bunch.
So basically, you just use the rubber broom to hold or push the rags around until they are dirty. Then throw into the dirty bucket and grab a clean, wet one from the other bucket.
I live in a log home with soaring ceilings and lots of spiders, unfortunately. It's also very dusty. I can reach all of my logs with the dutch rubber broom to clean them off. The microfiber cloths work wonders at grabbing spider webs and bringing them down. MUCH better than a vacuum.
For the really high parts of our ceiling, we use a LONG 16 ft telescoping pole with a hook. ON the hook we put a fuzzy car mitt (see link) which just grabs those webs like crazy.
https://smile.amazon.com/Chemical-Guys-MIC_493-Microfiber-Scratch-Free/dp/B003TTL0TE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1475172939&sr=8-1&keywords=car+mit
My greatest cleaning tool is my bluetooth headphones because I can clean and listen to music (amazon prime stations), which really motivates me in the evenings after my family has all gone to bed.
<snip>
I was wondering if anyone here has wire shelving. Don Aslett is very enthusiastic about its cleaning-lowering potential (allegedly all the dust just falls right through to the floor and you can just sweep/hoover it up) but I wonder if it's quite as good as he says. Do you never end up cleaning the little wire bits? Because that seems like a fiddly job! It's not an aesthetic I particularly like but I'd be willing to put it inside cupboards if it was worth it. Also, does anyone store clothing on wire shelving? All the falling dust and air circulation stuff sounds great but I'd be worried about getting little wire imprints on my folded clothes! I fold things vertically these days (yes, KonMari) and I do like clothes. Maybe a fine crossed wire mesh would be best?
Another great sheet storage idea is to use the pillowcase as a bag to hold the sheet set inside of.
So my queen sheet sets are folded up (bottom, top, and pillowcase1) and then placed inside pillowcase2.
Twin sets only have one pillowcase which is used as the bag for the bottom and top sheet.
These packets stack nicely on my shelves and when you pull out the pillowcase you know that you have the entirety of the set inside.
Each bed in the house only has two sets of sheets. One to use and one to wash.
My sister got me a cordless shark navigator vacuum cleaner for my birthday. I hate to come on this thread and say "this doohickey is exactly what you need to achieve your cleaning goals!" But that thing was a game changer for me. It is much easier than lugging out my big canister vac (which I still love and use every other week or so). But daily little messes can get cleaned up in no time w/ the cordless vac that is strategically placed for easy access. The canister vac must live upstairs due to space constraints. I've long wanted another smaller vac for daily pick ups, but couldn't bring myself to purchase one when the one I have works great and my problem with it is that it is inconvenient to get out of storage. I would just park it out in the middle of the living room, but that gets to be annoying to look at it strewn about all the time...
I was wondering if anyone here has wire shelving.
'
I've never heard of a rubber broom. Do you use it like a regular broom?
My greatest cleaning tool is my bluetooth headphones because I can clean and listen to music (amazon prime stations), which really motivates me in the evenings after my family has all gone to bed.
My past 2 apartments have been all wood/tile floors, with no rugs. I loved the aesthetic, and the lack of vacuuming, but I used to be really puzzled by the large dust bunnies that would sometimes just appear. I'm pretty vigilant about cleaning, so where could those almost sentient dust balls becoming from?
I finally figured out they were accumulating under furniture, and drifting out on the breeze. Not cool.
Now, all my furniture comes in three varieties: either light enough to move easily; or flush to the floor; or arched high enough to get a swiffer stick under. When I sweep up, I start by swiffering under the fixed pieces. The pad either picks the the debris up, or pushes it into the open for the broom to pick up. Next I dust anything that needs dusting. Then I sweep, shifting the moveable furniture as I go. Final step is to swiffer the rest of the room.
My apartment is 350sf, so it's easy to complete the process all at once. Larger places might need to be staggered into zones, to avoid annoyance.
I used to have a Roomba, and I loved it. I bought it for ~$100 on Woot and did some refurbishments myself (replaced IR sensor, new batteries). Now we live in a house with mostly hardwood, laminate, and tile flooring. Anyone have a recommendation of a robot option?My past 2 apartments have been all wood/tile floors, with no rugs. I loved the aesthetic, and the lack of vacuuming, but I used to be really puzzled by the large dust bunnies that would sometimes just appear. I'm pretty vigilant about cleaning, so where could those almost sentient dust balls becoming from?
I finally figured out they were accumulating under furniture, and drifting out on the breeze. Not cool.
Now, all my furniture comes in three varieties: either light enough to move easily; or flush to the floor; or arched high enough to get a swiffer stick under. When I sweep up, I start by swiffering under the fixed pieces. The pad either picks the the debris up, or pushes it into the open for the broom to pick up. Next I dust anything that needs dusting. Then I sweep, shifting the moveable furniture as I go. Final step is to swiffer the rest of the room.
My apartment is 350sf, so it's easy to complete the process all at once. Larger places might need to be staggered into zones, to avoid annoyance.
This issue is why I have a roomba. (* don't buy them new; see below). They're great at getting under furniture that you miss with normal vacuuming or sweeping.
I've found that for me, the Roomba is actually a great forcing function. I hate cleaning, but I'm very happy picking my crap off the floor so that the robot can do it for me. I'm not sure why I have this particular brokenness, but - it works. :)
-----
My trick for getting a Roomba: The batteries, particularly on > 3y/o models, tended to die pretty easily. You can pick up a third-party replacement on Amazon for about $25. Combine that with finding someone on craigslist who's dumping theirs because it's stopped working (or because it only runs for a minute or two before dying) and doesn't know that you can replace the battery trivially -- whoom, robot vacuum for under $100. There's some risk of truly getting a lemon, but of the four or so I've purchased over the last ~12 years, I think I was able to get 3 working again with some amount of work. Ranged from new battery to 50% disassemble, clean, and reassemble.
As with all craigslist things, of course, patience is a virtue. People seem to sell a lot of unwanted roombas in the post-xmas era -- didn't work with their carpet, dog, child, whatever.
(I don't know how the craigslist market is for used robot vacuums any more; ours has just kept working for a while.)
Yep, love the Roomba. Sometimes it's not even really less work than a vacuum, but somehow tending to a complaining robot every few minutes is still preferable to pushing a vacuum around myself?My past 2 apartments have been all wood/tile floors, with no rugs. I loved the aesthetic, and the lack of vacuuming, but I used to be really puzzled by the large dust bunnies that would sometimes just appear. I'm pretty vigilant about cleaning, so where could those almost sentient dust balls becoming from?
I finally figured out they were accumulating under furniture, and drifting out on the breeze. Not cool.
Now, all my furniture comes in three varieties: either light enough to move easily; or flush to the floor; or arched high enough to get a swiffer stick under. When I sweep up, I start by swiffering under the fixed pieces. The pad either picks the the debris up, or pushes it into the open for the broom to pick up. Next I dust anything that needs dusting. Then I sweep, shifting the moveable furniture as I go. Final step is to swiffer the rest of the room.
My apartment is 350sf, so it's easy to complete the process all at once. Larger places might need to be staggered into zones, to avoid annoyance.
This issue is why I have a roomba. (* don't buy them new; see below). They're great at getting under furniture that you miss with normal vacuuming or sweeping.
I've found that for me, the Roomba is actually a great forcing function. I hate cleaning, but I'm very happy picking my crap off the floor so that the robot can do it for me. I'm not sure why I have this particular brokenness, but - it works. :)
-----
My trick for getting a Roomba: The batteries, particularly on > 3y/o models, tended to die pretty easily. You can pick up a third-party replacement on Amazon for about $25. Combine that with finding someone on craigslist who's dumping theirs because it's stopped working (or because it only runs for a minute or two before dying) and doesn't know that you can replace the battery trivially -- whoom, robot vacuum for under $100. There's some risk of truly getting a lemon, but of the four or so I've purchased over the last ~12 years, I think I was able to get 3 working again with some amount of work. Ranged from new battery to 50% disassemble, clean, and reassemble.
As with all craigslist things, of course, patience is a virtue. People seem to sell a lot of unwanted roombas in the post-xmas era -- didn't work with their carpet, dog, child, whatever.
(I don't know how the craigslist market is for used robot vacuums any more; ours has just kept working for a while.)
My #1 tip is pretty obvious - get rid of every single thing you don't truly need. It is so freeing, and it makes cleaning, organizing and finding things SO much easier. Owning less = cleaning less.
For your new place, I highly recommend selecting furniture and flooring in light or natural colors. I learned the hard way that dark floors show every speck of dust and require constant attention. Same with dark kitchen table, coffee tables, even fabric items like couches.
More storage (closets, dressers, wardrobes, cabinets, etc) means less stuff laying around on tables/counters, less crowded shelves, etc. You basically can't have too much storage that's hidden. Not that every cupboard should be hiding a giant mess, but for me personally it's easier to maintain tidiness when most things have a place to "live" behind a door or in a drawer.
Good luck!
I used to have a Roomba, and I loved it. I bought it for ~$100 on Woot and did some refurbishments myself (replaced IR sensor, new batteries). Now we live in a house with mostly hardwood, laminate, and tile flooring. Anyone have a recommendation of a robot option?
Others have given good advice: de-clutter, and have a place for everything.
You did say "no routines", but I think this is relevant to reducing the stress you report. I have a list of several things, like,
- sweep kitchen
- vacuum
- un/load dishwasher
- oven
- fridge
- surfaces
- toilets
- showers
- sheets
- laundry - one of do a load and hang it, bring it in, or sort it
and my thing is, I will do a minimum and maximum of two of these each day. "Dishes? Nope, already swept the kitchen and sorted the laundry, dishes will have to wait till tomorrow." So on average everything gets done 1-2 a week. The place is never spotless but it's never a filthy mess.
Wow, all y'all, this is amazing! Please keep it coming!
We've done pretty well at a first wave of decluttering, but it's taking my husband a while to come round to wanting to get rid of any of his stuff (like his bajillion books or every single pair of shoes ever)
I get rid of junk mail ASAP, tear off addresses and put in shredder and try to get rid of paper clutter as much as possible.
I get rid of junk mail ASAP, tear off addresses and put in shredder and try to get rid of paper clutter as much as possible.
I go one step further when we get junk mail with our address on it. I call the supplier of the junk mail and ask them to take our name off their mailing list. Works like a charm to reduce the amount of junk I have to deal with and hopefully saves some trees at the same time.
I get rid of junk mail ASAP, tear off addresses and put in shredder and try to get rid of paper clutter as much as possible.
I go one step further when we get junk mail with our address on it. I call the supplier of the junk mail and ask them to take our name off their mailing list. Works like a charm to reduce the amount of junk I have to deal with and hopefully saves some trees at the same time.
Another great sheet storage idea is to use the pillowcase as a bag to hold the sheet set inside of.
So my queen sheet sets are folded up (bottom, top, and pillowcase1) and then placed inside pillowcase2.
Twin sets only have one pillowcase which is used as the bag for the bottom and top sheet.
These packets stack nicely on my shelves and when you pull out the pillowcase you know that you have the entirety of the set inside.
Each bed in the house only has two sets of sheets. One to use and one to wash.
I get rid of junk mail ASAP, tear off addresses and put in shredder and try to get rid of paper clutter as much as possible.
I get rid of junk mail ASAP, tear off addresses and put in shredder and try to get rid of paper clutter as much as possible.
I have a mail trash can 3 feet from the mailbox. I go through it right then and the junk mail, which is almost 100% of it goes into the can. Never gets in the house.
Our recycling company does not like loose pieces of paper in the bins, so I just throw it away. When they don't like something you did, they throw the empty bin back so that it blocks your driveway.
I was able to reduce the junk mail quite a bit with an app called PaperKarma. You take a picture of the return address within the app and they contact the company on your behalf. It worked for awhile and then I got less diligent about scanning the new junk sources.
Others have given good advice: de-clutter, and have a place for everything.
You did say "no routines", but I think this is relevant to reducing the stress you report. I have a list of several things, like,
- sweep kitchen
- vacuum
- un/load dishwasher
- oven
- fridge
- surfaces
- toilets
- showers
- sheets
- laundry - one of do a load and hang it, bring it in, or sort it
and my thing is, I will do a minimum and maximum of two of these each day. "Dishes? Nope, already swept the kitchen and sorted the laundry, dishes will have to wait till tomorrow." So on average everything gets done 1-2 a week. The place is never spotless but it's never a filthy mess.
5. Instead of having 3-4 laundry baskets in everyone's room, I throw all clothes now downstairs at the bottom of the basement stairs. When I go downstairs in the basement (which happens multiple times per day anyway), I pick everything up and put in baskets next to the washer. Our basement door is centrally located in our ranch, I never have to take the laundry baskets back to everyone's room and the rooms stay decluttered of dirty clothes (I would always forget to take them back upstairs after I started running a load). Plus, I have all dirty clothes in one spot when I want to run a load.
Laundry is always washed in cold, so there is no need to sort by color. Loads are instead done by person.
All my laundry goes straight from my hamper, into the machines, into a basket (it's only my clothes in the basket) and then I fold it or steal from it. My husband has his own loads as do each of my children. Glorious.
I wash almost all of our clothes together--jeans, sheets, towels separately. If I'm worried about something bleeding, I'll use a color catcher. We don't have enough clothes to separate and wait for a full load.Laundry is always washed in cold, so there is no need to sort by color. Loads are instead done by person.
All my laundry goes straight from my hamper, into the machines, into a basket (it's only my clothes in the basket) and then I fold it or steal from it. My husband has his own loads as do each of my children. Glorious.
This will save time, but cost $ in the long run. Even if you wash in cold water, whites & lights will get dingy faster. Washing jeans with soft clothes (t-shirts, yoga pants) can damage them. And clothes that are meant to be washed in warm or hot water won't get as clean.
Sorting only takes me about 5 minutes on laundry day; I think it's time well spent.
I don't know if someone already posted this but....hooks, hooks everywhere!
I live on my own in a one bedroom studio and I have 7 hooks. It keeps my clothes, towels, bags etc off my floor, bed and couch.
I've found that for me, the Roomba is actually a great forcing function. I hate cleaning, but I'm very happy picking my crap off the floor so that the robot can do it for me. I'm not sure why I have this particular brokenness, but - it works. :)
-----
My trick for getting a Roomba: The batteries, particularly on > 3y/o models, tended to die pretty easily. You can pick up a third-party replacement on Amazon for about $25. Combine that with finding someone on craigslist who's dumping theirs because it's stopped working (or because it only runs for a minute or two before dying) and doesn't know that you can replace the battery trivially -- whoom, robot vacuum for under $100. There's some risk of truly getting a lemon, but of the four or so I've purchased over the last ~12 years, I think I was able to get 3 working again with some amount of work. Ranged from new battery to 50% disassemble, clean, and reassemble.
As with all craigslist things, of course, patience is a virtue. People seem to sell a lot of unwanted roombas in the post-xmas era -- didn't work with their carpet, dog, child, whatever.
(I don't know how the craigslist market is for used robot vacuums any more; ours has just kept working for a while.)
I just bought two Roombas for $50 on eBay. It looks like the previous owner ran it until the brushes became too full and sold them to me. I spent about 30 minutes cleaning them and bought a new battery for one of them ($20). Now they both run great!
*. It is astonishing the number of people (friends and neighbours) who make like comments like, "Your husband should do that for you!"
Thanks to this thread and the Don Aslett book, I just spent £20 on a suspended bin. SO WORTH IT. I also finally swapped rubbish and recycling over so recycling gets the bigger bin.What is a suspended bin? Can you please post pictures? I feel like I NEED one now and I don't even know what it is! :) I am addicted to cleaning and organizing!
Thanks to this thread and the Don Aslett book, I just spent £20 on a suspended bin. SO WORTH IT. I also finally swapped rubbish and recycling over so recycling gets the bigger bin.What is a suspended bin? Can you please post pictures? I feel like I NEED one now and I don't even know what it is! :) I am addicted to cleaning and organizing!
I promise never to laugh at home organization products! I promise, I am an addict. I love finding the perfect thing for function while still looking great. I don't think that will be the right solution for me, because you still need to touch the bin to open it. I do have a goal to consolidate my trash into a smaller bin though. Right now I have this for garbage: http://www.simplehuman.com/30-litre-butterfly-step-can-fingerprint-proof-brushed-stainless-steel (http://www.simplehuman.com/30-litre-butterfly-step-can-fingerprint-proof-brushed-stainless-steel) and I use this: http://www.cabinetparts.com/p/revashelf-organizers-kitchen-organizers-RV8785302SS?utm_source=google&utm_medium=paid_search&utm_campaign=paid_search_google_pla&scid=scplp11755691&sc_intid=RV8785302SS&gclid=CjwKEAjwkJfABRDnhbPlx6WI4ncSJADMQqxdjF7ZGRrlXsbA2ece18h3Va7e2Alb79oA1Uo5pB4aNhoCqzHw_wcB#prettyPhoto (http://www.cabinetparts.com/p/revashelf-organizers-kitchen-organizers-RV8785302SS?utm_source=google&utm_medium=paid_search&utm_campaign=paid_search_google_pla&scid=scplp11755691&sc_intid=RV8785302SS&gclid=CjwKEAjwkJfABRDnhbPlx6WI4ncSJADMQqxdjF7ZGRrlXsbA2ece18h3Va7e2Alb79oA1Uo5pB4aNhoCqzHw_wcB#prettyPhoto). Big bin for recycling and small bin for dirty dish towels.Thanks to this thread and the Don Aslett book, I just spent £20 on a suspended bin. SO WORTH IT. I also finally swapped rubbish and recycling over so recycling gets the bigger bin.What is a suspended bin? Can you please post pictures? I feel like I NEED one now and I don't even know what it is! :) I am addicted to cleaning and organizing!
Only if you promise not to laugh at me! Spending less effort cleaning is definitely a financial priority for me, and I'm trying to get better at actually buying things when they will improve my life. What I used to have was a bin like this (http://homebase.scene7.com/is/image/homebase/679024_R_Z001?$TMB$&wid=420&hei=420) for rubbish and then a bucket for recycling. I also stored my string mop and bucket next to them. So the rubbish bin gets stinky (even though we have food waste collection, because if you empty your bin every two weeks then even a smear is going to start growing things), the recycling spills out onto the floor, and moving the three bins/buckets to clean under them is way too much effort.
So now I bought this bin (http://www.simplehuman.com/uk/in-cabinet-can) because it can hook onto a ridge that's there already (no suitable cabinet and rental so not allowed to drill into walls). That's now the rubbish bin and the big grey one is the recycling bin and I also splashed out on an e-cloth washable mop which hangs on a hook so got rid of the mop and bucket. It's great! So easy to move the recycling bin out the way to clean and the bin sizes are much more appropriate for how much rubbish we create in each category so they're emptied at more appropriate intervals.
It sounds silly, but I never thought it could make that much difference!
Those little whisk brooms and dust pans (sold at the dollar stores) are great for kids to use to clean up their own messes! I teach at a Montessori, and even the teenagers still use them.
This is the best thread. I bought the Ergonomics book recommended earlier in the thread and it has already changed my life. My kids (4 & 6) are terrible eaters at the table - up, down, up, down, food on floor etc. Instantly fixed by putting a stool under their feet. Also bought a stick vacuum so we (incl them) can clean up the messes we make during the day. I also bought them a step stool and their own cutlery and crockery in separate colours and they are taking full responsibility for serving themselves, washing their dishes, drying and putting them away. And they love that they are able to be helpful. Feel a bit silly that I didn't notice earlier that our house didn't really allow them to be independent. And I'm still waiting for the arrival of Don Aslett's book - takes ages for mail to come from US to NZ! Thanks for the great tips everyone.
This is the best thread. I bought the Ergonomics book recommended earlier in the thread and it has already changed my life.
Which ergonomics book? Missed it!
So a stool under their feet while sitting makes them sit better??!
I buy the disposable square plastic ziplock containers (which I use over and over). Multiples of two sizes - medium and large. They stack and the lids sit underneath in the cupboard. Instead of random sizes of "Tupperware" taking up a lot of space this covers almost everything that needs to go in a container and takes up very little space as they stack. I know they are plastic and maybe not great but I never reheat in them only use for storage in fridge.
About a year ago I got tired of cleaning the house inefficiently and put some effort into researching how professional cleaners get done so quickly. I came across the "many rags" method.
Supplies:
1. 1 bottle of spray cleaner. I use diluted Mr Clean in an old spray bottle
2. 1 spray bottle of glass cleaner
3. 1 magic eraser
4. 1 bottle of toilet cleaner (aka bleach)
5. 1 bale of microfiber cloths from the car wash isle. I have 15-20.
6. 1 bucket or tote that holds everything
7. vacuum
8. spray mop with the widest head you can find and a microfiber pad. A wider head makes mopping go much faster
9. Another tote, or laundry basket to put the dirty rags, towels and sheets in.
Basic Technique: Start in the furthest corner of each room and work your way out the door. Clean everything in 1 room before moving to the next. This prevents running all over the house. Do not stop to rinse out the rags. Use each rag until it's dirty and then toss it in the basket. Then grab another clean rag.
Method:
Bathrooms (aka wet rooms)
1. clean the toilet bowl with bleach and a toilet brush. Using a dry rag, dust the top and sides of the outside all the way down to the floor, including all the funny crevices around the trap. Using the same rag, spray the inside of the lid, the seat and the top of the rim with spray cleaner. Wipe with the rag. Toss the rag in the dirty tote.
2. Using a dry rag, wipe the light fixtures.
3. Use glass cleaner and a fresh rag to clean the mirror and windows. Use the same rag and some spray cleaner to wipe the counter, faucets and sinks. Toss the rag.
4. Use the magic eraser and some spray cleaner to clean the shower/tub.
5. Replace dirty towels/mats with clean ones.
6. Vacuum yourself out of the room.
7. Spray mop yourself out of the room
Dry rooms (bedrooms, living rooms, etc)
1. Strip bed linens
2. Using a dry rag, dust light fixtures, lamps, shelves, and decorative things (including pictures on the wall)
3. Clean windows with glass cleaner and a clean rag
4. Remake the bed with clean sheets
5. Vacuum yourself out of the room
6. Spray mop yourself out of the room (if there are hard surface floors)
When you're done with all the rooms (or the rooms you've chosen to clean that day) put all the dirty rags and linens in the washing machine. Refill your spray mop and cleaning bottles with fresh cleaner. If necessary, put in a new vacuum bag or empty the dirt reservoir.
Since I started cleaning this way, my house has never been cleaner and it takes way less time. Plus, this method doesn't rely on having cleaners and tools cluttering up every room in the house.
This is quite possibly the most helpful thing I have ever read, thank you so much! We have a clutter problem in our home that I'm attempting to address, but as that improves and I get the hang of this method, I hope I can keep it clean most of the time!
+2. One thing I changed that changed my kitchen routine enormously -- I moved my tupperware/rubbermaid reusable storage containers form the bottom hidden cabinets to star billing -- they now have their own BIG drawer and it's the primary drawer in the kitchen. For years, I thought tupperware had to be hidden in the bottom cabinet, making it so hard to find the right pieces. Now I have nice, nesting rubbermaid set that is stacked neatly. My mom still gets shivers when she realizes that plastic containers are in my most-accessible places instead of relegated to the under-sink cabinet!I buy the disposable square plastic ziplock containers (which I use over and over). Multiples of two sizes - medium and large. They stack and the lids sit underneath in the cupboard. Instead of random sizes of "Tupperware" taking up a lot of space this covers almost everything that needs to go in a container and takes up very little space as they stack. I know they are plastic and maybe not great but I never reheat in them only use for storage in fridge.
+1
Food Basics carries these store-brand rectangular ones that hold about 3 cups. I think it's their soup/salad one. We bought 12 and tossed out or repurposed all other containers. Added aa couple tiny ones for salad dressing/sauce, and that's it.
Easy to stack, you always have a lid, it's still cheaper than buying the mismatched multipack with one of each size and it NEVER overfills the drawer. Plus the rectangular size fits a good meals worth of food and fits better in a bag than a square one.
Lots of power points. It's easier to keep a room looking tidy if you don't have to use extension leads and adaptors.
Wow, great thread.
+1 declutter, store away, clean-as-you-go.
I hadn't heard of the "many rags" tip before, will give it a try. I'm sold on the lampshade lint roller tip!
I keep a bucket in the bathroom to catch shower water. I use this to mop floors or for other cleaning where re-used water is fine. One less step of getting the bucket, filling it in the sink etc, and saves water.
I have also passed Don Aslett's book to my sister who is about to build a house and had left her husband in charge of choosing fixtures when he's never cleaned a thing in his life! Life changing stuff!
I have also passed Don Aslett's book to my sister who is about to build a house and had left her husband in charge of choosing fixtures when he's never cleaned a thing in his life! Life changing stuff!
Ug, yes. I had a terrible fight with DH about saying no to little mosaic tiles (and lots of grout lines) in the master shower. He just did not understand my displeasure at using a toothbrush to scrub the shower groat after 5 years....
I got so sick of the amount of junk mail in our mailbox so I googled "stop junk mail Canada Post" and all it takes is to put a note in the mailbox (taped to the inside saying "NO neighbourhood mail please". Voila no more junk mail. Also called up the free newspaper company and told them I do not want it. The paper wasn't the problem it was the million flyers. Downloads the app "Flipp" and all the flyers are on it.
I still really like my home decor magazines and shows, but I've noticed this too. As well as "why do they have so much STUFF in that room?!"I have also passed Don Aslett's book to my sister who is about to build a house and had left her husband in charge of choosing fixtures when he's never cleaned a thing in his life! Life changing stuff!
Ug, yes. I had a terrible fight with DH about saying no to little mosaic tiles (and lots of grout lines) in the master shower. He just did not understand my displeasure at using a toothbrush to scrub the shower groat after 5 years....
Becoming an adult and cleaning my own dwelling space has ruined my appreciation for those home improvement shows. All those tiny tiles with miles of grout! All those open kitchen shelves! And now I just look at them and think "Who is stuck cleaning all of that? Will they get a maid?" The only way I would use those tiny tiles is if they were behind a large sheet of glass.
Find a friend with those mosaic tiles and ask if DH can clean his/her bathroom. :)
How do you shower if there's a bucket in the way?
Why do you recommend a spray mop rather than a regular mop? It seems like it wouldn't get as clean? But maybe the ease of use means you're more likely to do it frequently compared to the bucket mop method? Thanks!
My past 2 apartments have been all wood/tile floors, with no rugs. I loved the aesthetic, and the lack of vacuuming, but I used to be really puzzled by the large dust bunnies that would sometimes just appear. I'm pretty vigilant about cleaning, so where could those almost sentient dust balls becoming from?
My past 2 apartments have been all wood/tile floors, with no rugs. I loved the aesthetic, and the lack of vacuuming, but I used to be really puzzled by the large dust bunnies that would sometimes just appear. I'm pretty vigilant about cleaning, so where could those almost sentient dust balls becoming from?
These dust balls are just human hair, and skin, and parts of your clothes. You can easily collect them dry wiping with a microfiber cloth (like Swiffer).
Why do you recommend a spray mop rather than a regular mop? It seems like it wouldn't get as clean? But maybe the ease of use means you're more likely to do it frequently compared to the bucket mop method? Thanks!
I would not recommend the use of floor wipes that are soaked in cleaning material. I bought some of these last year when we we selling the house and I wanted to clean better than normally. We found out that my husband is allergic to the cleaning material and he gets serious problems breathing. The other thing is that they don't clean as well as a normal mop. After I wiped the bathroom floor with the wipes, I did it again with the normal mop with water (to get rid of the smell, after my husband reacted so strongly) and got a surprisingly lot of dirt off the floor. The microfiber mop worked much better.
When it comes to cleaning sprays in general, you could also use a homemade spray, made of vinegar and dishwashing soap. This also cleans bathrooms and kitchens well and does not contain chemicals that cause allergy.
I was just folding laundry and have had a genius idea to eliminate a step, so I had to come and tell all y'all about it! I don't have all identical socks (although I am slowly moving in that direction by committing to only buying blue socks, but I like having different shades and patterns!) and so my sock laundry involves washing, hanging to dry, pairing and then folding. But... who says socks have to live in a drawer?
I'm thinking that if I hang my socks to dry in pairs on a hanger like this: http://g01.a.alicdn.com/kf/HTB1O8o4NpXXXXbMXpXXq6xXFXXXF/Plastic-Storage-Clothes-Hangers-Dryer-Organization-Cabide-De-Veludo-Socks-font-b-Drying-b-font-Clips.jpg. It's basically the same effort as hanging them on the rack, but then I can just move the hanger from the drying rack straight into the wardrobe and clip off a pair of socks every day. Being a mustachian, I'm not about to run out and buy some fancy-pants hangers, but I figure I can do it with existing hangers and clothes pegs (which I somehow have hundreds of). Anyway, I'm going to try it out!
I was just folding laundry and have had a genius idea to eliminate a step, so I had to come and tell all y'all about it! I don't have all identical socks (although I am slowly moving in that direction by committing to only buying blue socks, but I like having different shades and patterns!) and so my sock laundry involves washing, hanging to dry, pairing and then folding. But... who says socks have to live in a drawer?
I'm thinking that if I hang my socks to dry in pairs on a hanger like this: http://g01.a.alicdn.com/kf/HTB1O8o4NpXXXXbMXpXXq6xXFXXXF/Plastic-Storage-Clothes-Hangers-Dryer-Organization-Cabide-De-Veludo-Socks-font-b-Drying-b-font-Clips.jpg. It's basically the same effort as hanging them on the rack, but then I can just move the hanger from the drying rack straight into the wardrobe and clip off a pair of socks every day. Being a mustachian, I'm not about to run out and buy some fancy-pants hangers, but I figure I can do it with existing hangers and clothes pegs (which I somehow have hundreds of). Anyway, I'm going to try it out!
Save yourself the trouble of pairing and safety pin your socks together when you remove them from your feet! Then toss in the wash. They get just as clean, and it will be easier to hang them on a normal hanger (with one sock on each side, pin in the middle over the hanger bar).
I was just folding laundry and have had a genius idea to eliminate a step, so I had to come and tell all y'all about it! I don't have all identical socks (although I am slowly moving in that direction by committing to only buying blue socks, but I like having different shades and patterns!) and so my sock laundry involves washing, hanging to dry, pairing and then folding. But... who says socks have to live in a drawer?
I'm thinking that if I hang my socks to dry in pairs on a hanger like this: http://g01.a.alicdn.com/kf/HTB1O8o4NpXXXXbMXpXXq6xXFXXXF/Plastic-Storage-Clothes-Hangers-Dryer-Organization-Cabide-De-Veludo-Socks-font-b-Drying-b-font-Clips.jpg. It's basically the same effort as hanging them on the rack, but then I can just move the hanger from the drying rack straight into the wardrobe and clip off a pair of socks every day. Being a mustachian, I'm not about to run out and buy some fancy-pants hangers, but I figure I can do it with existing hangers and clothes pegs (which I somehow have hundreds of). Anyway, I'm going to try it out!
Save yourself the trouble of pairing and safety pin your socks together when you remove them from your feet! Then toss in the wash. They get just as clean, and it will be easier to hang them on a normal hanger (with one sock on each side, pin in the middle over the hanger bar).
Save myself the trouble? Safety pinning socks seems like a lot more trouble than just washing, pegging and folding.
Do you all have gremlins who live in your washing machine and steal socks? I always thought reports of lonely socks were exaggerated. They get taken off at the same time, washed at the same time, and pegged on the line at the same time - where else are they going to go?
Love the professional cleaning "many rags" method. I'm going to try it.
How long do you think it'll take to clean a 1 bed 1 bath house?
Why do you recommend a spray mop rather than a regular mop? It seems like it wouldn't get as clean? But maybe the ease of use means you're more likely to do it frequently compared to the bucket mop method? Thanks!
Do you all have gremlins who live in your washing machine and steal socks? I always thought reports of lonely socks were exaggerated. They get taken off at the same time, washed at the same time, and pegged on the line at the same time - where else are they going to go?
Save yourself the trouble of pairing and safety pin your socks together when you remove them from your feet! Then toss in the wash. They get just as clean, and it will be easier to hang them on a normal hanger (with one sock on each side, pin in the middle over the hanger bar).Save myself the trouble? Safety pinning socks seems like a lot more trouble than just washing, pegging and folding.
Do you all have gremlins who live in your washing machine and steal socks? I always thought reports of lonely socks were exaggerated. They get taken off at the same time, washed at the same time, and pegged on the line at the same time - where else are they going to go?
Posting to follow. I can't think of anything to add, except that I recently discovered why an otherwise tidy bedroom gets dusty so fast: it's because I sort and fold the laundry in that room. So if you want to dust a room less often, keep it isolated from laundry folding.
I have small plastic bins in my closet and keep one bin for work socks (identical sets), peds, and one labelled "orphans". All of the socks that come out of the dryer without a mate go in my orphan bin until the other one reappears. It's amazing how many socks get reunited this way!
Do you all have gremlins who live in your washing machine and steal socks? I always thought reports of lonely socks were exaggerated. They get taken off at the same time, washed at the same time, and pegged on the line at the same time - where else are they going to go?
Do you all have gremlins who live in your washing machine and steal socks? I always thought reports of lonely socks were exaggerated. They get taken off at the same time, washed at the same time, and pegged on the line at the same time - where else are they going to go?
Of course there are sock gremlins in the washing machine. They never steal a pair, only one, because they wear them as hats and only have one head and favour individuality in headwear.
Some machines are notorious for getting single socks trapped in them, either in the rubber seal or in the bit before the filter. The sock washing cycle is not a closed system in practice.
I'm sort of curious to know if MPGH actually does the sock washing or is making a theoretical observation.
Do you all have gremlins who live in your washing machine and steal socks? I always thought reports of lonely socks were exaggerated. They get taken off at the same time, washed at the same time, and pegged on the line at the same time - where else are they going to go?Of course there are sock gremlins in the washing machine. They never steal a pair, only one, because they wear them as hats and only have one head and favour individuality in headwear.
Some machines are notorious for getting single socks trapped in them, either in the rubber seal or in the bit before the filter. The sock washing cycle is not a closed system in practice.
I'm sort of curious to know if MPGH actually does the sock washing or is making a theoretical observation.
Individual gremlin headwear... love it!
I absolutely do the sock washing ... and all the other washing. (My husband could probably identify a washing machine out of a line-up, but certainly not ours specifically.)
Maybe Australian washing machines are different? I've never had my machine eat a sock. Then again, I have a top-loader - there's nowhere for them to go.
Paper shredder by your front door.
Mine is by the keys, I go through the mail, keep the bills, toss the adds and shred credit card offers.
Do you all have gremlins who live in your washing machine and steal socks? I always thought reports of lonely socks were exaggerated. They get taken off at the same time, washed at the same time, and pegged on the line at the same time - where else are they going to go?Of course there are sock gremlins in the washing machine. They never steal a pair, only one, because they wear them as hats and only have one head and favour individuality in headwear.
Some machines are notorious for getting single socks trapped in them, either in the rubber seal or in the bit before the filter. The sock washing cycle is not a closed system in practice.
I'm sort of curious to know if MPGH actually does the sock washing or is making a theoretical observation.
Individual gremlin headwear... love it!
I absolutely do the sock washing ... and all the other washing. (My husband could probably identify a washing machine out of a line-up, but certainly not ours specifically.)
Maybe Australian washing machines are different? I've never had my machine eat a sock. Then again, I have a top-loader - there's nowhere for them to go.
Hmmm Australian washing machines. Clearly this is the way forward. Next thing is to work out is it the machine or the southern hemisphere Coriolis effect that is working this magic? And how much is the excess baggage going to be on a washing machine.
And what will my poor little gremlins wear on their heads?
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- My mother always said she would have loved a house with a central vacuum. I'm not sure how common these are.
I work in a hospital and we have one of these (with a long handle) sitting in the medication room for the nurses to use. It's a hell of a lot easier than emu-bobbing up all the little scraps of paper and tape that fall to the floor during a procedure.
The two main things I struggle with and which contribute the most to a cluttered look in my house, is paper and clothing. I always have too much of both. So, I have a tray for paper and any paper, notices, mail I don't have time to look through in the moment all Goes there until I have time to sort through it. If I don't feel like hanging up clothes or don't have time to hang up clothes after washing I have a chair in my room that I neatly drape the clothes over so it doesn't wrinkle and then I go back later and fold and hang it while watching Netflix.
Here in Scandinavia we always take of our shoes when entering a house. In offices this is not the case and in the winter with snow on the roads, people enter the office with very dirty shoes. This melts on the floor all over the place and becomes a mess.
Ug, yes. I had a terrible fight with DH about saying no to little mosaic tiles (and lots of grout lines) in the master shower. He just did not understand my displeasure at using a toothbrush to scrub the shower groat after 5 years....
Ug, yes. I had a terrible fight with DH about saying no to little mosaic tiles (and lots of grout lines) in the master shower. He just did not understand my displeasure at using a toothbrush to scrub the shower groat after 5 years....
There is something to say about small tiles in a shower. Grout lines do not get as slippery as wet and soapy tiles do. Slipping in the shower can get your shoulder dislocated and other bad stuff. When we made a new bathroom in our previous house, we made a path of smaller tiles (10x10cm) out of the bathtub/shower and had 30x30cm tiles in the rest of the floor. I have not shrubbed on the grout lines with a toothbrush.
In our current house (not built by us), we have a pebble floor in the shower corner. I put an indoor broom in the bathroom, behind a cupboard and every other cleaning I shrub the pebble floor with the broom. Works fine and isn't a terrible lot of work. The rest of the floor is done with a wet microfiber mop.
Do you all have gremlins who live in your washing machine and steal socks? I always thought reports of lonely socks were exaggerated. They get taken off at the same time, washed at the same time, and pegged on the line at the same time - where else are they going to go?
I cannot speak highly enough about my bissel steam mop. We haven't used chemical cleaner in the floors since buying it in June. My floors are cleaner than they have ever been and it is very easy to use.On what type of floors does one use a steam mop? Specifically, can it be used on engineered wooden flooring or luxury vinyl tile?
I cannot speak highly enough about my bissel steam mop. We haven't used chemical cleaner in the floors since buying it in June. My floors are cleaner than they have ever been and it is very easy to use.On what type of floors does one use a steam mop? Specifically, can it be used on engineered wooden flooring or luxury vinyl tile?
And which model is it that you like so much? I see 6-8 types on Amazon. If you don't know the model number (and I'd be surprised if you could spout that information), please tell me the color. They all seem to be white ... but with different colors on the front.
Save myself the trouble? Safety pinning socks seems like a lot more trouble than just washing, pegging and folding.No, it's not trouble at all. I have those little plastic circles that hold socks together, and they're great:
There is something to say about small tiles in a shower. Grout lines do not get as slippery as wet and soapy tiles do. Slipping in the shower can get your shoulder dislocated and other bad stuff. When we made a new bathroom in our previous house, we made a path of smaller tiles (10x10cm) out of the bathtub/shower and had 30x30cm tiles in the rest of the floor. I have not shrubbed on the grout lines with a toothbrush.If you're re-doing your shower, your choice of tile can make a huge difference in the amount of labor you'll put in over the years: My own shower is white tiles. I could have said never-clean white tiles. I am constantly scrubbing those things. However, I re-did my kids' shower a few years ago, and -- by accident -- I did it right: I chose a multi-brown 2" mosaic tile for the floor and 12" tan tiles for the walls. They don't show dirt. They weren't expensive: just standard stuff from Lowes' Home Improvement.
Here, each bed has only two sets of sheets - one summer, one winter.My daughter just did her wedding registry, and they're still saying the same thing they did back when I was first married: You need six sets of sheets for each bed: Three sets of percale, three sets of flannel for the winter. One set to be on the bed at any given time, one set to be in the dirty clothes hamper, and one set waiting clean on the shelves.
Implementing a junkbox in most rooms saved my life. At the end of the day if I don't feel like cleaning up I can just throw everything in the junk box, or if I haven't created a place for something it goes in the junk box. Then every week or two I take the box and put everything away.That's actually one of the principles in the Make You House Clean Itself book that's been discussed on this thread! The idea is that you assign one spot in every room to be "the messy spot". You put your trash can, your Kleenexes, and your "this doesn't belong here" box in that area ... which means that the rest of the room stays clean, and when you come in to spot-clean, most of your attention goes to this one area.
Don't buy a shallow bathroom sink. We moved earlier this year and everyone who washes their hands in the bathroom gets water everywhere as the sink isn't deep enough to stop the spray.Ugh. I have the prettiest sinks in my bathroom: They're shaped like shells, but -- just as you describe -- they're so shallow. If you turn the water on past a trickle, they splash back at you. I didn't appreciate my plain-but-deep sinks in my old house. Guess what the house we're building is going to have!
Lots of good and familiar tips here. I originally came to say 'leave furniture vacuum distance apart' but a few early posters beat me to it.Here's a variation on that thought: When you're buying new furniture, choose items that the Roomba can easily scoot under ... or items that sit solidly on the floor. Avoid things like dressers that stand up on little feet -- unless you just like cleaning under things. This is true in bathrooms too; I don't know why you would not want a vanity that sits solidly on the floor.
If you haven't seen this Popular Mechanics article on Robert A. Heinlein's house from the early '50s, it's well worth a read. He and his wife designed the house to be as low-maintenance as possible in its time.
http://www.nitrosyncretic.com/rah/pm652-art-hi.html
If you haven't seen this Popular Mechanics article on Robert A. Heinlein's house from the early '50s, it's well worth a read. He and his wife designed the house to be as low-maintenance as possible in its time.
http://www.nitrosyncretic.com/rah/pm652-art-hi.html
On the sock thing, one thing we did when I was in military basic training, was use mesh laundry bags. everyone put their socks in their own mesh bags, tossed them in the laundry (with 20+ other peoples) and everyone got their own bag back. You could even have 2 per person, one mash bag that can immediately be put in the sock drawer (cuts down on folding) and one for dirty socks. I've seen mesh bags for as little as 2 for $5 at Walmart.
There is a dust mop that can be purchased at many stores which has a 18"-24" wide head on a broomstick handle. It has a elastic edged terry cloth cover that can be removed and washed. I wet or dry mop our kitchen with this.
On the sock thing, one thing we did when I was in military basic training, was use mesh laundry bags. everyone put their socks in their own mesh bags, tossed them in the laundry (with 20+ other peoples) and everyone got their own bag back. You could even have 2 per person, one mash bag that can immediately be put in the sock drawer (cuts down on folding) and one for dirty socks. I've seen mesh bags for as little as 2 for $5 at Walmart.
Have you seen them at Walmart (or elsewhere) recently? My good mesh bag with a drawstring developed a hole, and the only replacements I could find were dollar store zip-top ones... and the zippers have already broken.
I hope I'm not repeating myself, but I only buy (vertically) striped sheets for beds now (pinstripes, other stripes, it doesn't matter). It cuts down on putting on 3 corners of sheets only to discover you have to remove all three corners, shift the sheet around, then re-make.
I hope I'm not repeating myself, but I only buy (vertically) striped sheets for beds now (pinstripes, other stripes, it doesn't matter). It cuts down on putting on 3 corners of sheets only to discover you have to remove all three corners, shift the sheet around, then re-make.
Oh this is brilliant! Thank you.
I hope I'm not repeating myself, but I only buy (vertically) striped sheets for beds now (pinstripes, other stripes, it doesn't matter). It cuts down on putting on 3 corners of sheets only to discover you have to remove all three corners, shift the sheet around, then re-make.
Oh this is brilliant! Thank you.
Why not just draw an arrow on the sheets with a magic marker? That way you don't have to pay more for striped sheets, and who the hell ever looks under your comforter?
Why not just draw an arrow on the sheets with a magic marker? That way you don't have to pay more for striped sheets, and who the hell ever looks under your comforter?
I do, in my own home. That would bother me a ton.
Why not just draw an arrow on the sheets with a magic marker? That way you don't have to pay more for striped sheets, and who the hell ever looks under your comforter?
I do, in my own home. That would bother me a ton.
Definitely.
Why not just draw an arrow on the sheets with a magic marker? That way you don't have to pay more for striped sheets, and who the hell ever looks under your comforter?Better quality sheets cost more, but stripes and patterns do not cost any more than solids.
Ha! Who would have thought she'd be so "sensitive" to such grand practicality. Although there probably is a business idea there with a discreet and elegant label of some type.
Why not just draw an arrow on the sheets with a magic marker? That way you don't have to pay more for striped sheets, and who the hell ever looks under your comforter?Better quality sheets cost more, but stripes and patterns do not cost any more than solids.
I hope I'm not repeating myself, but I only buy (vertically) striped sheets for beds now (pinstripes, other stripes, it doesn't matter). It cuts down on putting on 3 corners of sheets only to discover you have to remove all three corners, shift the sheet around, then re-make.
Why not just draw an arrow on the sheets with a magic marker? That way you don't have to pay more for striped sheets, and who the hell ever looks under your comforter?
I have a lifetime's supply of cotton and linen sheets inherited from my aunt and grandparents, nearly all of which have laundry marks in permanent marker, including 3 different family names. I love them, and they are such good quality they will see me out. The tops and bottoms are obvious from the different hems.
Why not just draw an arrow on the sheets with a magic marker? That way you don't have to pay more for striped sheets, and who the hell ever looks under your comforter?
I do, in my own home. That would bother me a ton.
Definitely.
My wife caught me with a permanent marker out standing over our bedsheets this afternoon. It is safe to say that we will not be using an arrow to mark the correct direction of the bedsheets . . . no matter how much time it may save.
If using a permanent marker is not cool, how about a couple of stitches /\ to indicate which way the sheets go? Crafty people can use embroidery thread.
Don't keep loads of bathroom toiletries in open storage, especially if they are rarely used. They get filthy and dusty.
Don't keep loads of bathroom toiletries in open storage, especially if they are rarely used. They get filthy and dusty.
Where does the dust come from in a bathroom? I know towels would produce some dust. Is the answer really gross?
Don't keep loads of bathroom toiletries in open storage, especially if they are rarely used. They get filthy and dusty.
Where does the dust come from in a bathroom? I know towels would produce some dust. Is the answer really gross?
Are skin particles and the mist generated by toilet flushes "really gross"?
I haven't read the whole thread, but I used to clean houses for a living, and some points I would add:
Never have wooden kitchen counters. They go mouldy and need regular oil/varnish treatments. I would also avoid stone, as it can watermark easily. Get Formica or similar, preferably smooth.
Don't buy an old fashioned enamel bath, as then you need enamel friendly bath cleaner.
Have laminate instead of real wooden floor. Same reason.
Have lots of food prep boards, so you can throw them in the dishwasher or washing up rather than wiping counters constantly.
No open fires. They are dust factories, plus logs are great homes for bugs.
Don't keep loads of bathroom toiletries in open storage, especially if they are rarely used. They get filthy and dusty.
Leather sofas, especially if you eat on them and are messy with crumbs.
Don't keep loads of bathroom toiletries in open storage, especially if they are rarely used. They get filthy and dusty.
My go-to was always jif cream cleaner. Not sure if you can get it where you are. Pretty old-school, and a bugger to rinse, but I knew it was safe. Otherwise, if it is really bad get it re-enamelled and it should be easier to keep clean.Don't buy an old fashioned enamel bath, as then you need enamel friendly bath cleaner.
I love my enamel tub, but it does get rings and stains sometimes. How do I get them out? But it is so deep and big... Ahhhh!!
DH and I use the tag method--we figured out which way the sheets go and where the tag is when they're on the right way, and put the tag in the same place every time. No marker required! :)
My bathroom vanity is a single drawer with more than a foot of clearance to the floor.Same here. (http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S39023492/#/S89903251) Embarrassingly I was storing things under the cabinet until reading this thread. The sander, sandpaper, and draino which had been tucked there after use are now in the basement where they belong and only the scale is there now. Should
On moving day a family member pushed and pushed and pushed for me to buy storage baskets to sit under the drawer. It was almost embarrassing how insistent she was, and I had to keep saying no.
<snip>
Side note: I was unsure about the drawer at first but I love it. Everything is at my fingertips, and it's easy to clean underneath. Would recommend.
Does anybody have gray or black grout (I mean grout that is meant to be that color not just dirty)? I'm thinking about using it for tiled kitchen backsplash.
Never have wooden kitchen counters. They go mouldy and need regular oil/varnish treatments. I would also avoid stone, as it can watermark easily. Get Formica or similar, preferably smooth.
Anyone have a Roomba style vacuum and pets? When I've googled it seems none can cope with the hair, and that would be the main reason I'd get one. We need to vacuum about 3 times a week when the dog's hair is long.
AH-MAZING ideas here! We are moving in the Spring and I so badly want a fresh start! Decluttering seems to be my first logical step, pre-moving day.
Does anybody have gray or black grout (I mean grout that is meant to be that color not just dirty)? I'm thinking about using it for tiled kitchen backsplash.
Does anybody have gray or black grout (I mean grout that is meant to be that color not just dirty)? I'm thinking about using it for tiled kitchen backsplash.
We used gray grout when we had the living room tiled in 2009 during the Great Recession (super cheap. Total was like $2.10/square foot installed) - we sealed it at the time and it still looks great.
In May I decided I had too many sheets, towels, etc. So I now only have 2 sets of sheets for each bed which is plenty. I did keep more towels then sheets because we like to host people to spend the night when they are visiting and this summer I had 6 people come at once. Reducing the nik-naks helped too and now I can actually see and appreciate the items I kept. I got rid of my dolls and only kept my 3 favorite ones. It is amazing how much faster I can clean. When I was raising my 3 boys I always kept the lonely socks hoping for a mate:)) At one point I had a big garbage bag full of lonely socks. Finally I threw it out. Who knows what boys do with socks! I have a huskie/shephard mix dog that really sheds. My roomba does a good job at getting the hair picked up. I love it.
Anyone have a Roomba style vacuum and pets? When I've googled it seems none can cope with the hair, and that would be the main reason I'd get one. We need to vacuum about 3 times a week when the dog's hair is long.
How long is long? My roomba-style vacuum can do short (2-5 cm / 1-2 inch) hair but struggles with my long (30 cm / 1ft) hair. I tend to shed in one place, so I use a slightly damp rubber glove (I've heard good things about rubber brooms also) to pick that up before I set the robot vacuum going.
In May I decided I had too many sheets, towels, etc. So I now only have 2 sets of sheets for each bed which is plenty. I did keep more towels then sheets because we like to host people to spend the night when they are visiting and this summer I had 6 people come at once. Reducing the nik-naks helped too and now I can actually see and appreciate the items I kept. I got rid of my dolls and only kept my 3 favorite ones. It is amazing how much faster I can clean. When I was raising my 3 boys I always kept the lonely socks hoping for a mate:)) At one point I had a big garbage bag full of lonely socks. Finally I threw it out. Who knows what boys do with socks! I have a huskie/shephard mix dog that really sheds. My roomba does a good job at getting the hair picked up. I love it.
Anyone got any tips for cleaning dust on the bookshelves behind the books? The shelves are open at the back (Ikea Expedit) but almost against a wall so I can't reach behind. I just took all the books out today and it was so thick it was gross, plus there was mould. Maybe I should just get a different bookcase?? I thought the airflow would reduce the mould, but then on another thread MPGH told me that mould feeds on dust so...
Anyone got any tips for cleaning dust on the bookshelves behind the books? The shelves are open at the back (Ikea Expedit) but almost against a wall so I can't reach behind. I just took all the books out today and it was so thick it was gross, plus there was mould. Maybe I should just get a different bookcase?? I thought the airflow would reduce the mould, but then on another thread MPGH told me that mould feeds on dust so...
Critically go through all your books. Which ones does you really intend to read again? Maybe only a quarter of them. Give away the rest of the books. Store the remainder on a shelf in a dry and ventilated room.
Then buy an eReader and buy your next books electronically. No more shelf space needed.
I've slowly been reducing our book collection from several thousand to a few hundred over the past five years, all because of a rediscovery of a magical place called the library. It made me feel really stupid when I realized that nearly every book I paid for was available for free.
I've slowly been reducing our book collection from several thousand to a few hundred over the past five years, all because of a rediscovery of a magical place called the library. It made me feel really stupid when I realized that nearly every book I paid for was available for free.
There are at least two categories of books that are difficult to get rid off.
1. Some (a lot) of work related technical reference books. Some are starting to be available in PDF format but are quite expensive to repurchase usually ~$100 per book.
2. Foreign language books. Don't have that many but there are still a few.
The hardest part is actually trying to convince my OH to get rid of a lot of english language fiction. We have quite a few of those but can't get OH to part with any of them. Any suggestions on how to start convincing your partner to join in the declutter.
My main suggestion for harmonious decluttering is to sit down together before you even look at what you have and decide how many is a reasonable number. It might be in terms of number of items (e.g. One towel per person plus a spare) or in terms of what volume of storage space you are willing to dedicate (e.g. We can keep however many books fit into these four bookcases). Then your OH is free to decide which books of theirs to keep and which to get rid of but you know that it won't be more than the pre-agreed number (which you came up with TOGETHER). I have a trunk and three drawers for my sewing stuff and if it fits in there I'm allowed to keep it - my husband is happy because it's corralled in one place and I'm happy because I can choose what I want to keep without him shoving his oar in or trying to get me to get rid of more than I want to.
I've slowly been reducing our book collection from several thousand to a few hundred over the past five years, all because of a rediscovery of a magical place called the library. It made me feel really stupid when I realized that nearly every book I paid for was available for free.
There are at least two categories of books that are difficult to get rid off.
1. Some (a lot) of work related technical reference books. Some are starting to be available in PDF format but are quite expensive to repurchase usually ~$100 per book.
2. Foreign language books. Don't have that many but there are still a few.
The hardest part is actually trying to convince my OH to get rid of a lot of english language fiction. We have quite a few of those but can't get OH to part with any of them. Any suggestions on how to start convincing your partner to join in the declutter.
My main suggestion for harmonious decluttering is to sit down together before you even look at what you have and decide how many is a reasonable number. It might be in terms of number of items (e.g. One towel per person plus a spare) or in terms of what volume of storage space you are willing to dedicate (e.g. We can keep however many books fit into these four bookcases). Then your OH is free to decide which books of theirs to keep and which to get rid of but you know that it won't be more than the pre-agreed number (which you came up with TOGETHER). I have a trunk and three drawers for my sewing stuff and if it fits in there I'm allowed to keep it - my husband is happy because it's corralled in one place and I'm happy because I can choose what I want to keep without him shoving his oar in or trying to get me to get rid of more than I want to.
Good advice. We did go through our books, I was able to chuck half but he took most of them back. We only ended up getting rid of about 30. You've made me realise the bookcase is too big. He sees we have space, so we'll keep them, there's no reason (to him) to get rid of them. We sort of have a system for mementos - one trunk (I'd call it a box but it's bigger than that) each. If I could just contain his hobby stuff from spreading to every room in the house...
Roomba sells a version specifically for garages and pets. I know nothing about those versions first hand though.
We have an older 400 series (red). It has been a trooper. I need to tear it down and do a big cleaning. the side brush is struggling. Our bagless vacuum (different brand of course) also needs TLC to keep the filters cleaned. I clean its filters with the garage shop vac and air compressor outside.
That's the problem with vacuums and roombas IMHO - the need to tear them down and clean the machine occasionally might outweigh the effort to just sweep with a broom and dust pan.
I've slowly been reducing our book collection from several thousand to a few hundred over the past five years, all because of a rediscovery of a magical place called the library. It made me feel really stupid when I realized that nearly every book I paid for was available for free.
*snip*
The hardest part is actually trying to convince my OH to get rid of a lot of english language fiction. We have quite a few of those but can't get OH to part with any of them. Any suggestions on how to start convincing your partner to join in the declutter.
This is similar to my problem. The house is big and there is ample space for just the two of us. One of the bedrooms is a library with 4 bookshelves plus another two bookshelves in the living room. The books are certainly contained without overflowing. But a royal pain to clean these. Someday, I'd love to go down to just two bookshelves of only essential books.
I specifically avoid getting rid of books that I will reread, even if the library has them. The issue is that the local library system decides what gets cut from the collections based on what is not getting checked out within a certain time period. So, that contemporary lit piece that is on the reading list for the local high schools will stay forever. However, books by Asimov (one of the top classic sci-fi authors) are getting sold off because the public interest pendulum swung away from sci-fi for a bit. There are many science fiction classics where not a single copy is left at any branch in the local system. That is horribly depressing. I can get lots of new stuff at the library, but the old stuff gets sold or stolen, and then it is gone.
Has anyone ever Nikwaxed their furnishing fabrics? You can get spray-on or soak-in versions and I'm wondering if it's worth doing to avoid those minor stains. But...
1. Is there any reason not to? Like, will it come off on our clothes?
2. How long would it last?
3. Do bought furnishing fabrics have something like that already? Even if they're not in their finished form? I'm planning to make some of my own cushion covers and might reupholster a chair myself.
Has anyone ever Nikwaxed their furnishing fabrics? You can get spray-on or soak-in versions and I'm wondering if it's worth doing to avoid those minor stains. But...
1. Is there any reason not to? Like, will it come off on our clothes?
2. How long would it last?
3. Do bought furnishing fabrics have something like that already? Even if they're not in their finished form? I'm planning to make some of my own cushion covers and might reupholster a chair myself.
We have used something else than Nikwax, some set from Ikea. We don't use much and wipe it well in. Haven't gotten stains on clothes.
Text from Ikea's website:
Leather
Vacuum clean.
Protect from direct sunlight to prevent drying out.
For best possible result, wipe clean and treat the surface regularly with ABSORB leathercare set.
I can't find the product as a separate article on their website. But I wouldn't use Nikwax for shoes on a sofa. I presume any furniture store can sell you a suitable product for leather furniture.
I specifically avoid getting rid of books that I will reread, even if the library has them. The issue is that the local library system decides what gets cut from the collections based on what is not getting checked out within a certain time period. So, that contemporary lit piece that is on the reading list for the local high schools will stay forever. However, books by Asimov (one of the top classic sci-fi authors) are getting sold off because the public interest pendulum swung away from sci-fi for a bit. There are many science fiction classics where not a single copy is left at any branch in the local system. That is horribly depressing. I can get lots of new stuff at the library, but the old stuff gets sold or stolen, and then it is gone.
Thus the headline:
Why a Fake Patron Named 'Chuck Finley' Checked Out 2,361 Books at This Florida Library Last Year
Library workers wanted to ensure the classics stayed on the shelves.
http://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/why-a-fake-patron-named-chuck-finley-checked-out-2361-books-at-this-florida-library-last-year
Has anyone ever Nikwaxed their furnishing fabrics? You can get spray-on or soak-in versions and I'm wondering if it's worth doing to avoid those minor stains. But...
1. Is there any reason not to? Like, will it come off on our clothes?
2. How long would it last?
3. Do bought furnishing fabrics have something like that already? Even if they're not in their finished form? I'm planning to make some of my own cushion covers and might reupholster a chair myself.
I specifically avoid getting rid of books that I will reread, even if the library has them. The issue is that the local library system decides what gets cut from the collections based on what is not getting checked out within a certain time period. So, that contemporary lit piece that is on the reading list for the local high schools will stay forever. However, books by Asimov (one of the top classic sci-fi authors) are getting sold off because the public interest pendulum swung away from sci-fi for a bit. There are many science fiction classics where not a single copy is left at any branch in the local system. That is horribly depressing. I can get lots of new stuff at the library, but the old stuff gets sold or stolen, and then it is gone.This is reasonable, but I'd also point out that books -- even unique books -- are easy to find these days. Ebay and Amazon make it super easy. At worst, you have to wait a week or so for delivery.
Has anyone ever Nikwaxed their furnishing fabrics? You can get spray-on or soak-in versions and I'm wondering if it's worth doing to avoid those minor stains. But...
1. Is there any reason not to? Like, will it come off on our clothes?
2. How long would it last?
3. Do bought furnishing fabrics have something like that already? Even if they're not in their finished form? I'm planning to make some of my own cushion covers and might reupholster a chair myself.
Well, it smells like elmers glue, for starters, and weather proof fabrics for household furniture and items are readily available, but often the superior tech quality, but soft and wearable, outer wear garments still need help when they get dirty.
Also Nikwax is expensive! You really have to have a strong need for it.
In the past, this was called "ScotchGuard" and came in a spray format (typically), and has been replaced with the improved quality fibres now available for carpets, furniture, etc.
Basically I shriek at the family if they try to bring food into the living room, and that is my fabric protection.
I specifically avoid getting rid of books that I will reread, even if the library has them. The issue is that the local library system decides what gets cut from the collections based on what is not getting checked out within a certain time period. So, that contemporary lit piece that is on the reading list for the local high schools will stay forever. However, books by Asimov (one of the top classic sci-fi authors) are getting sold off because the public interest pendulum swung away from sci-fi for a bit. There are many science fiction classics where not a single copy is left at any branch in the local system. That is horribly depressing. I can get lots of new stuff at the library, but the old stuff gets sold or stolen, and then it is gone.This is reasonable, but I'd also point out that books -- even unique books -- are easy to find these days. Ebay and Amazon make it super easy. At worst, you have to wait a week or so for delivery.
You might be saying, "But it'll cost money!" Yeah, but two points: 1) it'll only cost money IF you decide you want that book again AND the library has ditched it. 2) keeping books costs something too; it costs in terms of space, bookcases, and dusting.
Have you people tried to buy books at antique stores? In Norway we have a website where we can search online for books in all antique stores. I have bought quite a few books there that are out of print, but very good books and not available elsewhere.
AH-MAZING ideas here! We are moving in the Spring and I so badly want a fresh start! Decluttering seems to be my first logical step, pre-moving day.
If you have time, there is a decluttering system somewhere that has you basically cover everything you own in a sheet, and then you take out every item that you use and mark it somehow (sticker?). Anything that remains under the sheet you aren't using that often and the default is to get rid of it. Anyone remember the website?
I'm looking to replace my selection of inherited tupperware which is an eclectic mix of sizes and includes lids for which we have lost the containers and containers for which we have lost the lids. My ideal new containers will have the following attributes:
1. Come in the following three approximate sizes: 200ml, 1 litre, 3.5 litres.
2. Can buy lids and containers separately if required. (So we can replace just one bit if it's lost or breaks.
3. Suitable for the freezer and oven, and ideally can go straight from freezer to oven. (Container, not lid.)
4. Lid won't crack if I try and take it off straight out of the freezer.
5. Can buy each size as a single individual container, not as part of a set. (So I can get exactly the quantity and sizes I want.)
6. Compactly stackable.
7. And the ultimate miracle... the medium and large sizes take the same size lid.
8. Won't be discontinued in the near future.
9. Square, not round.
Do they exist?!
I'm looking to replace my selection of inherited tupperware which is an eclectic mix of sizes and includes lids for which we have lost the containers and containers for which we have lost the lids. My ideal new containers will have the following attributes:
1. Come in the following three approximate sizes: 200ml, 1 litre, 3.5 litres.
2. Can buy lids and containers separately if required. (So we can replace just one bit if it's lost or breaks.
3. Suitable for the freezer and oven, and ideally can go straight from freezer to oven. (Container, not lid.)
4. Lid won't crack if I try and take it off straight out of the freezer.
5. Can buy each size as a single individual container, not as part of a set. (So I can get exactly the quantity and sizes I want.)
6. Compactly stackable.
7. And the ultimate miracle... the medium and large sizes take the same size lid.
8. Won't be discontinued in the near future.
9. Square, not round.
Do they exist?!
I use pyrex, and love everything about it. I checked, and they do sell in the UK (http://www.pyrexuk.com/products/storage.html). They don't fulfill your number 7, but they hit everything else.
How do I check which type modern Australian pyrex is?I'm looking to replace my selection of inherited tupperware which is an eclectic mix of sizes and includes lids for which we have lost the containers and containers for which we have lost the lids. My ideal new containers will have the following attributes:
1. Come in the following three approximate sizes: 200ml, 1 litre, 3.5 litres.
2. Can buy lids and containers separately if required. (So we can replace just one bit if it's lost or breaks.
3. Suitable for the freezer and oven, and ideally can go straight from freezer to oven. (Container, not lid.)
4. Lid won't crack if I try and take it off straight out of the freezer.
5. Can buy each size as a single individual container, not as part of a set. (So I can get exactly the quantity and sizes I want.)
6. Compactly stackable.
7. And the ultimate miracle... the medium and large sizes take the same size lid.
8. Won't be discontinued in the near future.
9. Square, not round.
Do they exist?!
I use pyrex, and love everything about it. I checked, and they do sell in the UK (http://www.pyrexuk.com/products/storage.html). They don't fulfill your number 7, but they hit everything else.
UK pyrex may still be the original borosilicate glass, while modern US "pyrex" no longer is - it's tempered normal (soda-lime) glass.
Real borosilicate pyrex is FAR more resistant to temperature shock. Freezer to hot oven? No problem. Modern US stuff is garbage, IMO.
UK pyrex may still be the original borosilicate glass, while modern US "pyrex" no longer is - it's tempered normal (soda-lime) glass.How do I check which type modern Australian pyrex is?
Real borosilicate pyrex is FAR more resistant to temperature shock. Freezer to hot oven? No problem. Modern US stuff is garbage, IMO.
How do I check which type modern Australian pyrex is?I'm looking to replace my selection of inherited tupperware which is an eclectic mix of sizes and includes lids for which we have lost the containers and containers for which we have lost the lids. My ideal new containers will have the following attributes:
1. Come in the following three approximate sizes: 200ml, 1 litre, 3.5 litres.
2. Can buy lids and containers separately if required. (So we can replace just one bit if it's lost or breaks.
3. Suitable for the freezer and oven, and ideally can go straight from freezer to oven. (Container, not lid.)
4. Lid won't crack if I try and take it off straight out of the freezer.
5. Can buy each size as a single individual container, not as part of a set. (So I can get exactly the quantity and sizes I want.)
6. Compactly stackable.
7. And the ultimate miracle... the medium and large sizes take the same size lid.
8. Won't be discontinued in the near future.
9. Square, not round.
Do they exist?!
I use pyrex, and love everything about it. I checked, and they do sell in the UK (http://www.pyrexuk.com/products/storage.html). They don't fulfill your number 7, but they hit everything else.
UK pyrex may still be the original borosilicate glass, while modern US "pyrex" no longer is - it's tempered normal (soda-lime) glass.
Real borosilicate pyrex is FAR more resistant to temperature shock. Freezer to hot oven? No problem. Modern US stuff is garbage, IMO.
Don't keep loads of bathroom toiletries in open storage, especially if they are rarely used. They get filthy and dusty.
Where does the dust come from in a bathroom? I know towels would produce some dust. Is the answer really gross?
I'm looking to replace my selection of inherited tupperware which is an eclectic mix of sizes and includes lids for which we have lost the containers and containers for which we have lost the lids. My ideal new containers will have the following attributes:
1. Come in the following three approximate sizes: 200ml, 1 litre, 3.5 litres.
2. Can buy lids and containers separately if required. (So we can replace just one bit if it's lost or breaks.
3. Suitable for the freezer and oven, and ideally can go straight from freezer to oven. (Container, not lid.)
4. Lid won't crack if I try and take it off straight out of the freezer.
5. Can buy each size as a single individual container, not as part of a set. (So I can get exactly the quantity and sizes I want.)
6. Compactly stackable.
7. And the ultimate miracle... the medium and large sizes take the same size lid.
8. Won't be discontinued in the near future.
9. Square, not round.
Do they exist?!
How do I check which type modern Australian pyrex is?I'm looking to replace my selection of inherited tupperware which is an eclectic mix of sizes and includes lids for which we have lost the containers and containers for which we have lost the lids. My ideal new containers will have the following attributes:
1. Come in the following three approximate sizes: 200ml, 1 litre, 3.5 litres.
2. Can buy lids and containers separately if required. (So we can replace just one bit if it's lost or breaks.
3. Suitable for the freezer and oven, and ideally can go straight from freezer to oven. (Container, not lid.)
4. Lid won't crack if I try and take it off straight out of the freezer.
5. Can buy each size as a single individual container, not as part of a set. (So I can get exactly the quantity and sizes I want.)
6. Compactly stackable.
7. And the ultimate miracle... the medium and large sizes take the same size lid.
8. Won't be discontinued in the near future.
9. Square, not round.
Do they exist?!
I use pyrex, and love everything about it. I checked, and they do sell in the UK (http://www.pyrexuk.com/products/storage.html). They don't fulfill your number 7, but they hit everything else.
UK pyrex may still be the original borosilicate glass, while modern US "pyrex" no longer is - it's tempered normal (soda-lime) glass.
Real borosilicate pyrex is FAR more resistant to temperature shock. Freezer to hot oven? No problem. Modern US stuff is garbage, IMO.
In theory, you *can* do any glass from frozen to oven. In practice, it's a matter of WHEN, not IF, it will explode. There is no substance that exists that always will handle this temperature swing. Even the best original pyrex will still sometimes explodes with temp shock.
Sorry =( Just gotta plan ahead or switch containers.
If you think ahead, you can line your glass containers with foil before freezing them, then take the frozen block out of the glass later. That way you can use the containers many times, instead of leaving them in the freezer. And I daresay they may be less prone to shatter, even if you plop a frozen block into a room temperature pyrex container, then put the whole thing in the oven.
oops, just saw Bracken_Joy's comment-- is that true for aluminum as well?
Don't use foil to store foods that are high in acids. This means tart fruits and dishes made with vinegar, tomatoes, or tomato sauce. After a few days in foil, the acids in lasagna, for example, interact with the aluminum and erode the foil, says McGee. Small amounts of aluminum can then migrate into the food, creating both pinprick holes in the wrap and a metallic taste in the lasagna. Also, white spots (actually aluminum salts) can form on these foods when their acidity reacts with the aluminum. Theoretically you can cut these spots away; they're not harmful. But they are certainly not appetizing either, so stick to plastic storage for the acidic goods.
Metal changes tastes majorly though, especially for acidic foods like red sauces. =(
The thing I don't understand about temperature shock, now that I have read about it a bit, is this: I completely get that putting a frozen container into a hot oven would put it under strain. But what if you put the frozen container into a COLD oven and then turned it on?
1) I only buy books that I have either read multiple times or know the author's work so well that I know I will love to reread anything they write.I remember this being "a thing" when Kindles came out. Some people were very against them, saying, "But I want to touch my books!" I realized that -- with the exception of a few special books that were gifts or were signed by the author -- I don't care about touching paper. In fact, I like the idea that the book doesn't take up space, doesn't grow old and brittle. Here's what I've decided: Some people love reading, and some people love books. I love reading.
2) I have the space either way. Bookcases are free on CL. :) And I don't dust enough anyway...
I see your point, but I really like my physical books.
I'm looking to replace my selection of inherited tupperware which is an eclectic mix of sizes and includes lids for which we have lost the containers and containers for which we have lost the lids. My ideal new containers will have the following attributes:I don't know about your dream food storage ... but over the last year or two I've started buying vintage Pyrex refrigerator boxes. I found a bunch to start with at an antique store, and I've bought more from ebay. Sometimes they're reasonable; other times they're quite expensive. They're rectangular (more efficient) and they stack nicely. They're available in two sizes, which I think of as single serving vs. family serving. The lids (within the same size) are all interchangeable. And they're not plastic, which I like, and they can go straight into the microwave for single-serving lunches. And with all the same size /brand, they fit efficiently into my cabinets for storage.
1. Come in the following three approximate sizes: 200ml, 1 litre, 3.5 litres.
2. Can buy lids and containers separately if required. (So we can replace just one bit if it's lost or breaks.
3. Suitable for the freezer and oven, and ideally can go straight from freezer to oven. (Container, not lid.)
4. Lid won't crack if I try and take it off straight out of the freezer.
5. Can buy each size as a single individual container, not as part of a set. (So I can get exactly the quantity and sizes I want.)
6. Compactly stackable.
7. And the ultimate miracle... the medium and large sizes take the same size lid.
8. Won't be discontinued in the near future.
9. Square, not round.
Do they exist?!
I havent heard of using stickers before but the rest of what you said sounds like The Minimalists. One of those guys packed up everything he owned and covered larger pieces of furniture under sheets and only took out or uncovered things as he needed them.Yeah, I've heard similar suggestions:
Remove all the kitchen gadgets from your drawers and place them in a box somewhere in another room. As you fetch them out and use them, return them to the drawer. After X amount of time, throw away any kitchen gadget that hasn't been used.
Remove all the kitchen gadgets from your drawers and place them in a box somewhere in another room. As you fetch them out and use them, return them to the drawer. After X amount of time, throw away any kitchen gadget that hasn't been used.
My sister actually did this when her kitchen was redone. She ended up getting rid of about a third of the stuff. Part was duplication, part was "neat" things she never actually used, part was her kids getting older.
When we got married, I explained to my husband that I had very strong feelings about spatulas and he had to like it or lump it. We have one Rubbermaid curved spatula and one flat sort of crescenty one which I always called a palette knife but I have recently found out is not actually a palette knife. So one for scraping, one for spreading. Never will I permit another spatula into my house. Thus spake shelivesthedream unto Mr Shelives, and lo, Mr Shelives decided he had better like it. And even into this day do they remain married.
Remove all the kitchen gadgets from your drawers and place them in a box somewhere in another room. As you fetch them out and use them, return them to the drawer. After X amount of time, throw away any kitchen gadget that hasn't been used.
Remove all the kitchen gadgets from your drawers and place them in a box somewhere in another room. As you fetch them out and use them, return them to the drawer. After X amount of time, throw away any kitchen gadget that hasn't been used.
I've heard of this technique for clothes a million times - how did it not occur to me to do the same with the bloody utensil drawer?
I have the perfect box, too. Starting this tonight!
(Husband is OS so it's always fun when I start projects like this and he comes home to random empty drawers and I have to fill him in.)
Sorry, this is long because of detail: Re storage, when my parents made big batches of stuff, they chilled it, then put it into the Corning-ware lined with aluminum foil which was then lined with plastic wrap, so the food was touching wrap not metal. Then they froze it, took it out of the Corning ware, and finished wrapping it for long-term storage (including labeling it because one frozen lump in foil looks like any other lump in foil). They would end up with several frozen packages that fit a Corning ware dish. When they wanted one they would take it out of the freezer, let it sit on the counter long enough that the wrappings would come off easily, slide it into the dish, let it thaw in the fridge, and then it was ready to go. The containers were available because they were not being used for storage, but the frozen item could be heated easily.
Remove all the kitchen gadgets from your drawers and place them in a box somewhere in another room. As you fetch them out and use them, return them to the drawer. After X amount of time, throw away any kitchen gadget that hasn't been used.
I've heard of this technique for clothes a million times - how did it not occur to me to do the same with the bloody utensil drawer?
I have the perfect box, too. Starting this tonight!
(Husband is OS so it's always fun when I start projects like this and he comes home to random empty drawers and I have to fill him in.)
Hmmm, maybe I can use this method to prove we don't need a sushi rolling mat thingy and 10 pairs of chopsticks and two corkscrews...
In theory, you *can* do any glass from frozen to oven. In practice, it's a matter of WHEN, not IF, it will explode. There is no substance that exists that always will handle this temperature swing. Even the best original pyrex will still sometimes explodes with temp shock.
Sorry =( Just gotta plan ahead or switch containers.
Metal changes tastes majorly though, especially for acidic foods like red sauces. =(
Well, shoot. I knew that was the case for aluminum, but I thought stainless steel was good. I've noticed that some cheap utensils/flatware taste bad when I'm eating, which is unpleasant and probably related.The thing I don't understand about temperature shock, now that I have read about it a bit, is this: I completely get that putting a frozen container into a hot oven would put it under strain. But what if you put the frozen container into a COLD oven and then turned it on?
Not that you need to worry about this, as the UK stuff is still borosilicate, but in the US there are complaints from people who took new-US Pyrex hot out of the oven and put it on a wet countertop, causing it to shatter. The countertop would have been room temperature, so for soda-lime glass, this is a really big issue.
I don't know if a cold oven would warm slowly enough to be okay for soda-lime glass, but maybe your borosilicate glass would work with that.
I just... don't want to be using all that disposable stuff all the time. *sigh* I hoped there was an amazing solution I didn't know about, but maybe I'll just have to prioritise. I might buy one Pyrex as a test, though, and see how it goes. I'll have to go through all the thousand different options on the website, though...
Sorry, this is long because of detail: Re storage, when my parents made big batches of stuff, they chilled it, then put it into the Corning-ware lined with aluminum foil which was then lined with plastic wrap, so the food was touching wrap not metal. Then they froze it, took it out of the Corning ware, and finished wrapping it for long-term storage (including labeling it because one frozen lump in foil looks like any other lump in foil). They would end up with several frozen packages that fit a Corning ware dish. When they wanted one they would take it out of the freezer, let it sit on the counter long enough that the wrappings would come off easily, slide it into the dish, let it thaw in the fridge, and then it was ready to go. The containers were available because they were not being used for storage, but the frozen item could be heated easily.
Yes, towels are a major contributor. The other is TP. Most toilet paper, even (especially) the soft expensive kinds, is very friable. Rip off a square, and you unleash a cloud of fine paper threads into the air. This, like towel usage, probably happens several times a day. Every few days, I can wipe a thick sheen of particles off the counter and top of the toilet tank in each bathroom.Don't keep loads of bathroom toiletries in open storage, especially if they are rarely used. They get filthy and dusty.Where does the dust come from in a bathroom? I know towels would produce some dust. Is the answer really gross?
I havent heard of using stickers before but the rest of what you said sounds like The Minimalists. One of those guys packed up everything he owned and covered larger pieces of furniture under sheets and only took out or uncovered things as he needed them.Yeah, I've heard similar suggestions:
...
Hypothetically, you could use this type of system for anything in your house.
To all the people saying two corkscrews are unnecessary: are you limiting yourself in the number of places you drink wine. I have bottle openers in my study, games room, sitting room and kitchen. Is there anything worse in the (first) world than bringing one opened and two unopened bottles through for dinner and then realising that you need to pause your game to go get a bottle opener? You may choose to believe that I'm referring to huge, multi-person gatherings if you wish.
I havent heard of using stickers before but the rest of what you said sounds like The Minimalists. One of those guys packed up everything he owned and covered larger pieces of furniture under sheets and only took out or uncovered things as he needed them.Yeah, I've heard similar suggestions:
...
Hypothetically, you could use this type of system for anything in your house.
That's the one, thanks.
To all the people saying two corkscrews are unnecessary: are you limiting yourself in the number of places you drink wine. I have bottle openers in my study, games room, sitting room and kitchen. Is there anything worse in the (first) world than bringing one opened and two unopened bottles through for dinner and then realising that you need to pause your game to go get a bottle opener? You may choose to believe that I'm referring to huge, multi-person gatherings if you wish.
Yes! Chopsticks!
A dozen pairs of those (never use). Two packets of skewers (never use).
To all the people saying two corkscrews are unnecessary: are you limiting yourself in the number of places you drink wine. I have bottle openers in my study, games room, sitting room and kitchen. Is there anything worse in the (first) world than bringing one opened and two unopened bottles through for dinner and then realising that you need to pause your game to go get a bottle opener? You may choose to believe that I'm referring to huge, multi-person gatherings if you wish.
Goddamn you crack me up.
I can touch my fridge, wine rack and dining table at the same time. From there it's five steps to the lounge. It's an even shorter walk to the non-existent study and games room, so strategic bottle opener placement is covered.
Darling, you should just drink champagne! Or wine with screw caps. It pretty much all comes like that in Aus now.
We mainly drink beer, and I too can stand in one spot and touch my wine rack, fridge and dining table. Although the table is with leg extended.
I'm pretty sure my chopsticks are covered in a varnish that means I wouldn't want to use them in an oven or on a BBQ, and my skewers would stab me in the tongue while trying to eat...Yes! Chopsticks!
A dozen pairs of those (never use). Two packets of skewers (never use).
These items are redundant. If you have chopsticks, you have skewers. If you have skewers, you have chopsticks.
And if you are drunk enough you can open the beer with your teeth too I hear...
To all the people saying two corkscrews are unnecessary: are you limiting yourself in the number of places you drink wine. I have bottle openers in my study, games room, sitting room and kitchen. Is there anything worse in the (first) world than bringing one opened and two unopened bottles through for dinner and then realising that you need to pause your game to go get a bottle opener? You may choose to believe that I'm referring to huge, multi-person gatherings if you wish.
Yes, towels are a major contributor. The other is TP. Most toilet paper, even (especially) the soft expensive kinds, is very friable. Rip off a square, and you unleash a cloud of fine paper threads into the air. This, like towel usage, probably happens several times a day. Every few days, I can wipe a thick sheen of particles off the counter and top of the toilet tank in each bathroom.Don't keep loads of bathroom toiletries in open storage, especially if they are rarely used. They get filthy and dusty.Where does the dust come from in a bathroom? I know towels would produce some dust. Is the answer really gross?
This is the answer, thank you. We have two loos, one is always dusty (and has fancy multi-ply quilted TP), the other one much less (and has what I call regular TP and what my SO calls sandpaper). I had thought it was because the first had a soft close lid (so if you push it shut and flush it straightaway isn't closed while the stinky is being aerated) while the second had a cheap lid. I like this answer more.
Sounds like cleaning the fancy bathroom is HRH Dainty-Ass SO's job from now on! I will clean the utilitarian non-fluffy one.
Where does the dust come from in a bathroom? I know towels would produce some dust. Is the answer really gross?Yes, towels are a major contributor. The other is TP. Most toilet paper, even (especially) the soft expensive kinds, is very friable. Rip off a square, and you unleash a cloud of fine paper threads into the air. This, like towel usage, probably happens several times a day. Every few days, I can wipe a thick sheen of particles off the counter and top of the toilet tank in each bathroom.
I just... don't want to be using all that disposable stuff all the time. *sigh* I hoped there was an amazing solution I didn't know about, but maybe I'll just have to prioritise. I might buy one Pyrex as a test, though, and see how it goes. I'll have to go through all the thousand different options on the website, though...
Okay, back to my kitchen gadgets.... I don't know whether to keep or toss the following:How pushed are you for space? Because you do actually have uses for each of those things, even if only a few times a year, so they are an indication of decadence rather than obsolescence.
1) Nutcracker. no, not the doll, the simple little metal one joined at the end. Doesn't take up space, but I only use it two times every three years -- But what would I sub for it?
2) Pumpkin carving set. I will keep the two funny little knives, but the battery operated squash scooper (spins and takes out all the threads)... we use it every year on three pumpkins. but it is larger than a remote control... keep? Toss?
3) Lemon / orange juicer / reamer -- only used when I mix cocktails, but I have gotten lazy lately, (and cheap) just drinking spirits straight with ice.
4) Serving utensils like a large fork or a spoon -- family dinners we just use regular size serving tools. should I ditch the ones that are dedicated to serving that are only used 6 times per year?
About a year ago I got tired of cleaning the house inefficiently and put some effort into researching how professional cleaners get done so quickly. I came across the "many rags" method.
........
Since I started cleaning this way, my house has never been cleaner and it takes way less time. Plus, this method doesn't rely on having cleaners and tools cluttering up every room in the house.
Thank you so much for posting this! This may sound stupid, but I was never taught how to clean, so I'm not very good at it. And to be honest, "researching how to clean" is not at the top of my to-do list. :) I'm starting to see the effects of the lack of thorough cleaning, though, and it's to a point now where I am self-conscious about it any time someone is at our house.
This specific, simple how-to is perfect for me, and is just what I think I need to get started. Thank you so much!
Also, for you entrepreneurial types, how about offering a "How to Clean Your House" course? I'm too cheap to pay someone else to clean my house, but I would pay big bucks for a few sessions for someone to teach me how to simply and effectively keep my own house clean!
I was thinking exactly the same earlier this week - I grew up in a very untidy / unclean family and never learnt how to clean. It had never previously occured to me that I'm struggling to keep things clean because I actually don't know how to do it. I was wondering if I could find a local cleaner to come and teach me. Actually maybe a chambermaid would be better than a cleaner - I had a temp job once doing that and the full time people were super-efficient.
The trick to a clean house is: clean often. That sounds obvious. But for instance, if you only clean the bathroom once every 6 months, it is going to be a 2 hour horror of scrubbing, and then it is only clean for a week. Whereas if you wipe it down every day or every other day, you don't have to scrub or use any terrible chemicals, and the bathroom is always clean!
It helps to set a little schedule and route for each room, i.e. I always first put cleaning solution in the toilet, then clean the sink, then the shower, wipe sink dry with rags and polish all stainless fixtures, then use old rags on toilet last. Finally spritz the bathroom mirror with glass cleaner, wipe with paper towel or newspaper, then use the damp paper to sweep up stray hairs and dust from the floor. This usually takes me about 5 minutes if I do it every day, plus the house is always company-ready. Twice a week I'll also mop myself out of the bathroom.
Oh, one thing I do also is I cut my bathroom sponges in half in a special way, so that sink/tub sponges are shaped like triangles, and toilet sponges are half-rectangles. That way nobody will confuse the two.
Okay, back to my kitchen gadgets.... I don't know whether to keep or toss the following:How pushed are you for space? Because you do actually have uses for each of those things, even if only a few times a year, so they are an indication of decadence rather than obsolescence.
1) Nutcracker. no, not the doll, the simple little metal one joined at the end. Doesn't take up space, but I only use it two times every three years -- But what would I sub for it?
2) Pumpkin carving set. I will keep the two funny little knives, but the battery operated squash scooper (spins and takes out all the threads)... we use it every year on three pumpkins. but it is larger than a remote control... keep? Toss?
3) Lemon / orange juicer / reamer -- only used when I mix cocktails, but I have gotten lazy lately, (and cheap) just drinking spirits straight with ice.
4) Serving utensils like a large fork or a spoon -- family dinners we just use regular size serving tools. should I ditch the ones that are dedicated to serving that are only used 6 times per year?
Oh, one thing I do also is I cut my bathroom sponges in half in a special way, so that sink/tub sponges are shaped like triangles, and toilet sponges are half-rectangles. That way nobody will confuse the two.
The bathroom sponge idea is genius. So simple, but brilliant. Thanks!
Oh, one thing I do also is I cut my bathroom sponges in half in a special way, so that sink/tub sponges are shaped like triangles, and toilet sponges are half-rectangles. That way nobody will confuse the two.
The bathroom sponge idea is genius. So simple, but brilliant. Thanks!
Yeah, that's a great one. I've been living with Yellow and Blue Sponges for 30 years. "Yellow Zone" means yellow sponges ONLY are ever used in the bathrooms. Blue sponges are always for kitchens. Then one time the store only had pink sponges. I still have them because I don't know where to use them. :)
*snip listing of utensils/gadgets*
Space is not an issue... lol, this is a gigantic kitchen with over 30 drawers...
The challenge (minor) is all the crumbs / smudges in the bottom of the utensil drawers, that need a good scrub out. Full drawers are a hassle. Each time I wonder if I should toss these objects. and sometimes other people use them too... hm.. maybe I will just put them into a shoebox in the pantry -- and throw what remains in the box out after 24 months... but then the pantry gets full too....
Love to your hear input / advice, this thread is great.
[I was thinking exactly the same earlier this week - I grew up in a very untidy / unclean family and never learnt how to clean. It had never previously occured to me that I'm struggling to keep things clean because I actually don't know how to do it. I was wondering if I could find a local cleaner to come and teach me. Actually maybe a chambermaid would be better than a cleaner - I had a temp job once doing that and the full time people were super-efficient.
I also read about a sponge system where you cut off a corner every time you 'downgrade' it.
The dishes sponge lives by the sink until it becomes a bathroom sponge with one diagonal \ drawn across it, at which point it retires to under the kitchen sink. In time, the bathroom sponges become toilet sponges by having an X drawn on them in permanent marker (just crossing the previous line with /).
*snip listing of utensils/gadgets*
Space is not an issue... lol, this is a gigantic kitchen with over 30 drawers...
The challenge (minor) is all the crumbs / smudges in the bottom of the utensil drawers, that need a good scrub out. Full drawers are a hassle. Each time I wonder if I should toss these objects. and sometimes other people use them too... hm.. maybe I will just put them into a shoebox in the pantry -- and throw what remains in the box out after 24 months... but then the pantry gets full too....
Love to your hear input / advice, this thread is great.
Take out drawer, dump it into wire basket (or dish drainer or whatnot). The wire basket will let crumbs fall through to the floor to be swept up quickly. Scrub drawer, let dry. Dump utensils back from basket into drawer.
I also read about a sponge system where you cut off a corner every time you 'downgrade' it.Holy cow, I can't believe I'm learning so much. I thought I was the ONLY PERSON IN THE WORLD who knew how to clean properly, but I've learned a lot of good tricks on this thread. Thanks!
The dishes sponge lives by the sink until it becomes a bathroom sponge with one diagonal \ drawn across it, at which point it retires to under the kitchen sink. In time, the bathroom sponges become toilet sponges by having an X drawn on them in permanent marker (just crossing the previous line with /).
We have almost the same progression, but in our household nobody would notice anything so subtle or sensible as lines or snipped corners on the sponges even if I pointed them out a hundred times!
Posting mostly to follow, but also to say, I use cloth rags, not sponges. (I also use dish cloths for the dishes, with scrubbies if necessary.) They get bleached after every use. No need to worry about where I've used them last... unless there is a need, and my mom just never thought to mention it...
I'm renting in a place where the landlord has picked the worst surfaces. Glossy whites, lots of glass and the dreaded chrome and stainless steel. The place literally always looks dusty/grimy and you can see every water mark on the appliances and sinks etc. Despite frequent cleaning.
This is definitely a case, where the LL should have read this thread! I am tearing my hair out as I am trying to get ready for the end of lease cleaning inspection.
But today I discovered that chrome actually comes up nicely if you spray it with window cleaner! Any other tips for cleaning against terrible odds, gratefully accepted :)
Do you really need to get it water-spotless for the end of lease cleaning inspection? In my area, the standard is broom-clean. It is not expected that things will be pristine, but that there won't be bits or dried-on spills on the floor or any major stains in the carpets and all personal possessions and trash will be removed.
If it really needs to be spotless, you shouldn't bother with most of it until a few hours before the inspection. As you move out, clean up and close off one room at a time so that no one goes back in and puts fingerprints and water spots all over it. In the rooms you are still using, a few hours before the inspection kick out all small children and get the older kids and any adults using cloths, a squeegee, and spray to get things wiped up. Work methodically from far side of each room to the door, then close the door.
Quote
Do you really need to get it water-spotless for the end of lease cleaning inspection? In my area, the standard is broom-clean. It is not expected that things will be pristine, but that there won't be bits or dried-on spills on the floor or any major stains in the carpets and all personal possessions and trash will be removed.
If it really needs to be spotless, you shouldn't bother with most of it until a few hours before the inspection. As you move out, clean up and close off one room at a time so that no one goes back in and puts fingerprints and water spots all over it. In the rooms you are still using, a few hours before the inspection kick out all small children and get the older kids and any adults using cloths, a squeegee, and spray to get things wiped up. Work methodically from far side of each room to the door, then close the door.
Yep, it really does have to be spotless as the rental agency is pushing for a professional level cleaning. They've quoted me 250 pounds, in case I want to pay for their affiliated cleaning service to do it. (Which I won't)
But I will do as you suggest and do those bits last!
I'm renting in a place where the landlord has picked the worst surfaces. Glossy whites, lots of glass and the dreaded chrome and stainless steel. The place literally always looks dusty/grimy and you can see every water mark on the appliances and sinks etc. Despite frequent cleaning.
This is definitely a case, where the LL should have read this thread! I am tearing my hair out as I am trying to get ready for the end of lease cleaning inspection.
But today I discovered that chrome actually comes up nicely if you spray it with window cleaner! Any other tips for cleaning against terrible odds, gratefully accepted :)
I am getting stressed out by coat hangers! I and my husband both hang our shirts and jackets in a wardrobe. Obviously, as the days pass we take a shirt off a hanger, wear it and put it in the laundry basket. We then have an empty hanger for a week or two.
What do we do with it?? If I leave it in the wardrobe it gets tangled up and lost among the other hangers and it's a pain to fish them all out again when I'm hanging clean shirts. At the moment we have a box by the laundry basket that we put them in, but they just get tangled up with each other again and I hate having the box hanging around.
Is there some magical coat hanger storage solution? If it makes a difference, all the shirt hangers are simple wire ones.
I am getting stressed out by coat hangers! I and my husband both hang our shirts and jackets in a wardrobe. Obviously, as the days pass we take a shirt off a hanger, wear it and put it in the laundry basket. We then have an empty hanger for a week or two.
What do we do with it?? If I leave it in the wardrobe it gets tangled up and lost among the other hangers and it's a pain to fish them all out again when I'm hanging clean shirts. At the moment we have a box by the laundry basket that we put them in, but they just get tangled up with each other again and I hate having the box hanging around.
Is there some magical coat hanger storage solution? If it makes a difference, all the shirt hangers are simple wire ones.
Is there some magical coat hanger storage solution? If it makes a difference, all the shirt hangers are simple wire ones.
Remove all the kitchen gadgets from your drawers and place them in a box somewhere in another room. As you fetch them out and use them, return them to the drawer. After X amount of time, throw away any kitchen gadget that hasn't been used.
Wow, intense hatred for wire hangers! I hate plastic ones! I always end up cracking them. Wire hangers are just fine for shirts - we have wooden ones for anything that needs a bit more TLC. *Sigh* Seems like I'll just have to get better at hanging them up in the wardrobe properly.
(Also, is hangar the American spelling? Several uses upthread, and makes me think of planes!)
(Also, is hangar the American spelling? Several uses upthread, and makes me think of planes!)
I am getting stressed out by coat hangers! I and my husband both hang our shirts and jackets in a wardrobe. Obviously, as the days pass we take a shirt off a hanger, wear it and put it in the laundry basket. We then have an empty hanger for a week or two.
What do we do with it?? If I leave it in the wardrobe it gets tangled up and lost among the other hangers and it's a pain to fish them all out again when I'm hanging clean shirts. At the moment we have a box by the laundry basket that we put them in, but they just get tangled up with each other again and I hate having the box hanging around.
Is there some magical coat hanger storage solution? If it makes a difference, all the shirt hangers are simple wire ones.
Does anyone know whether those Clorox hard tablets that you put inside your toilet tank have bad environmental effects (or are there other reasons not to use them)? I discovered these about a month ago and I have to say, they make the most amazing difference - our toilets are now spotless all the time, even without scrubbing.
Does anyone know whether those Clorox hard tablets that you put inside your toilet tank have bad environmental effects (or are there other reasons not to use them)? I discovered these about a month ago and I have to say, they make the most amazing difference - our toilets are now spotless all the time, even without scrubbing.
They can off gas a little, and will gradually weaken (make more friable) cheap plastic parts in your tank if you leave them in longer than directed or double up (not usually a problem). Never mix ammonia or other types of toilet cleaners when you do clean, so if you have kids around who may clean, think about what products you bring into the home.
Also, they are disinfecting tablets, not so much "cleaning" tabs (unless there is a detergent combo I haven't seen). You will still need to scrub the toilet occasionally, or a typical build up (looks clean but isn't) may occur. e.g., twice a month instead of every other day, however.
Oh, obviously they don't clean the toilet seat or rim. For us, it is the seat / rim / behind the toilet seat areas that gross me out the most, so I don't use them anymore after trying them for a short time.
I just love this thread. The many rags method has been a revelation. I know this sounds weird but can anyone talk me through cleaning a toilet. I was never taught and now I have three boys peeing everywhere I need a more thorough and professional approach as my bathroom often smells like a urinal. Help!
I just love this thread. The many rags method has been a revelation. I know this sounds weird but can anyone talk me through cleaning a toilet. I was never taught and now I have three boys peeing everywhere I need a more thorough and professional approach as my bathroom often smells like a urinal. Help!Please, do yourself and the world a favour: teach your boys to pee properly by aiming where it won't splash. If necessary, threaten them by saying you will take the lock off the door and supervise them and/or require them to sit down until they get it right.
Have them sit down?
Or make them clean it up themselves.
Does anyone know whether those Clorox hard tablets that you put inside your toilet tank have bad environmental effects (or are there other reasons not to use them)? I discovered these about a month ago and I have to say, they make the most amazing difference - our toilets are now spotless all the time, even without scrubbing.
They can off gas a little, and will gradually weaken (make more friable) cheap plastic parts in your tank if you leave them in longer than directed or double up (not usually a problem). Never mix ammonia or other types of toilet cleaners when you do clean, so if you have kids around who may clean, think about what products you bring into the home.
Thanks Linda, that is very helpful especially with all details covered. I have one boy who sits and another who has started to clean up after himself so yes, I'm working on that angle too. I have to do a lot of reminders about flushing too. We will get to the point of being appropriately socialised but they are 4 & 6 so still on that learning curve. Thanks everyone.I just love this thread. The many rags method has been a revelation. I know this sounds weird but can anyone talk me through cleaning a toilet. I was never taught and now I have three boys peeing everywhere I need a more thorough and professional approach as my bathroom often smells like a urinal. Help!
I do it like this:
First I pour toilet duck into the toilet. Pour it as close as you can under the rim. It will by itself sink down. I also squeeze some in the water. Then I clean the sink, so that the toilet duck can do it's work.
Then I start cleaning the toilet from the top. I use water with a detergent and a cloth. Just use a wet and sqeezed cloth and wipe dust from the top of the water reservoir and the flush buttons. Then wipe the outside of toilet lid. And the porselain behind the lid. Then open the lid and wipe the other side. Then wipe the seat. Do the rims on outside and inside extra well. Open seat and clean the other side. Clean well where the seat it connected to the toilet. Then clean the rim of the toilet and outside of the toilet.
Take the brush and brush the inside of the toilet. Make sure to brush as far as you can under the rim. Brush also under the water surface, as deep as you can. Flush and keep the brush in the flush water to clean the brush.
I also wipe off the lid and seat with a dry cloth afterwards.
If you have a mat in front of the toilet, that mat should be washed in the machine from time to time. Or just remove it at all.
Over the past year or so I've been re-evaluating which cleaning products I really need.
I've found it's much easier for my husband and guests to clean up after themselves if they open the cupboard under the sink and find a handful of items, rather than being overwhelmed by single-use products (stainless steel wipes, anyone?).
I have glass cleaner, dishwasher powder (cheaper and easier than tablets), dish soap, a spray bottle of diluted dish soap for surfaces, and a timber and leather polish. Those plus a roll of paper towel and a basket of clean cloths means it's pretty simple to navigate.
(I also keep toilet cleaner next to both toilets, and laundry powder, pre-wash spray, and bathroom cleaner in the laundry.)
As I've finished single-use products, such as wool wash or floor cleaner, that I've been given, I haven't bothered to replace them.
I just love this thread. The many rags method has been a revelation. I know this sounds weird but can anyone talk me through cleaning a toilet. I was never taught and now I have three boys peeing everywhere I need a more thorough and professional approach as my bathroom often smells like a urinal. Help!
I do it like this:
First I pour toilet duck into the toilet. Pour it as close as you can under the rim. It will by itself sink down. I also squeeze some in the water. Then I clean the sink, so that the toilet duck can do it's work.
Then I start cleaning the toilet from the top. I use water with a detergent and a cloth. Just use a wet and sqeezed cloth and wipe dust from the top of the water reservoir and the flush buttons. Then wipe the outside of toilet lid. And the porselain behind the lid. Then open the lid and wipe the other side. Then wipe the seat. Do the rims on outside and inside extra well. Open seat and clean the other side. Clean well where the seat it connected to the toilet. Then clean the rim of the toilet and outside of the toilet.
Take the brush and brush the inside of the toilet. Make sure to brush as far as you can under the rim. Brush also under the water surface, as deep as you can. Flush and keep the brush in the flush water to clean the brush.
I also wipe off the lid and seat with a dry cloth afterwards.
If you have a mat in front of the toilet, that mat should be washed in the machine from time to time. Or just remove it at all.
Not wanting to create a huge mound of foam, but why do men/boys insist on peeing standing up? The amount of aggravation caused by peeing everywhere and leaving the seat up - surely it would be of great value to society if all mothers taught their boys to sit down as a matter of course. (Not fathers because I assume they stand up now and are part of the "problem"!)
I love the tablets. They're ridiculously expensive (I do wait until I have a coupon and sale, but they're still ridiculous), and I probably should switch back to the powder.I have glass cleaner, dishwasher powder (cheaper and easier than tablets), dish soap, a spray bottle of diluted dish soap for surfaces, and a timber and leather polish. Those plus a roll of paper towel and a basket of clean cloths means it's pretty simple to navigate.
My mother in law once told me I should use dish washer tablets which were much "better" than loose powder. I have always been a fan of using powder, deciding for myself how much I want to use per wash.
I don't have much I can add about cleaning, that's not really my forte, but if you like the dishwasher tablets, try these:I love the tablets. They're ridiculously expensive (I do wait until I have a coupon and sale, but they're still ridiculous), and I probably should switch back to the powder.I have glass cleaner, dishwasher powder (cheaper and easier than tablets), dish soap, a spray bottle of diluted dish soap for surfaces, and a timber and leather polish. Those plus a roll of paper towel and a basket of clean cloths means it's pretty simple to navigate.
My mother in law once told me I should use dish washer tablets which were much "better" than loose powder. I have always been a fan of using powder, deciding for myself how much I want to use per wash.
I use vinegar to clean almost everything. I buy gallon bottles of white vinegar, and I put it in my nice spray bottles as needed. I also use vinegar while washing my towels (along with detergent).
(Also, is hangar the American spelling? Several uses upthread, and makes me think of planes!)
I just love this thread. The many rags method has been a revelation. I know this sounds weird but can anyone talk me through cleaning a toilet. I was never taught and now I have three boys peeing everywhere I need a more thorough and professional approach as my bathroom often smells like a urinal. Help!
<snip>
Thanks Linda, that is very helpful especially with all details covered. I have one boy who sits and another who has started to clean up after himself so yes, I'm working on that angle too. I have to do a lot of reminders about flushing too. We will get to the point of being appropriately socialised but they are 4 & 6 so still on that learning curve. Thanks everyone.
I've said this on other threads, but start teaching them to clean the toilets now, and assign them to take turns cleaning their bathrooms on a regular basis (we do weekly). It will take up to 6 months of instructional time and being calm and consistent for them to do a reasonable job -- be patient, and explicit about what constitutes acceptance criteria. It is now their job to clean the toilet they use (and you can expand this to having them clean the entire bathrooms -- it's not a huge job). Aim will vastly improve, and future roommates/partners will thank you.
I am using this vacuum at the moment. Despite being very cheap, it is doing a great job. Its very lightweight and I am definitely more inclined to pull it out for a quick vacuum, as a result. We have a cat (hair) and stairs and it deals with both of those very well.
https://www.amazon.com/VonHaus-Upright-Handheld-Cleaner-Filtration/dp/B00OHTKVM2
I don't have much I can add about cleaning, that's not really my forte, but if you like the dishwasher tablets, try these:I love the tablets. They're ridiculously expensive (I do wait until I have a coupon and sale, but they're still ridiculous), and I probably should switch back to the powder.I have glass cleaner, dishwasher powder (cheaper and easier than tablets), dish soap, a spray bottle of diluted dish soap for surfaces, and a timber and leather polish. Those plus a roll of paper towel and a basket of clean cloths means it's pretty simple to navigate.
My mother in law once told me I should use dish washer tablets which were much "better" than loose powder. I have always been a fan of using powder, deciding for myself how much I want to use per wash.
I use vinegar to clean almost everything. I buy gallon bottles of white vinegar, and I put it in my nice spray bottles as needed. I also use vinegar while washing my towels (along with detergent).
Finish All in 1 Powerball Fresh 85 Tabs, Automatic Dishwasher Detergent Tablets (Packaging May Vary) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GLXKDPC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_yT.ZybPD5NTFE
Current print works out to around .$0.17 per load. Is the powder significantly cheaper than that?
...
Not wanting to create a huge mound of foam, but why do men/boys insist on peeing standing up? The amount of aggravation caused by peeing everywhere and leaving the seat up - surely it would be of great value to society if all mothers taught their boys to sit down as a matter of course. (Not fathers because I assume they stand up now and are part of the "problem"!)
Okay, I wondered this too! And so I looked it up. Thankfully, the internet provides answers. I will censor the most oft given reason:Here is the thread I saw this on: https://www.reddit.com/r/AskMen/comments/14xtoi/why_dont_guys_just_pee_sitting_down/ (https://www.reddit.com/r/AskMen/comments/14xtoi/why_dont_guys_just_pee_sitting_down/)Spoiler: show
I am using this vacuum at the moment. Despite being very cheap, it is doing a great job. Its very lightweight and I am definitely more inclined to pull it out for a quick vacuum, as a result. We have a cat (hair) and stairs and it deals with both of those very well.
https://www.amazon.com/VonHaus-Upright-Handheld-Cleaner-Filtration/dp/B00OHTKVM2
Not wanting to create a huge mound of foam, but why do men/boys insist on peeing standing up? The amount of aggravation caused by peeing everywhere and leaving the seat up - surely it would be of great value to society if all mothers taught their boys to sit down as a matter of course. (Not fathers because I assume they stand up now and are part of the "problem"!)
Okay, I wondered this too! And so I looked it up. Thankfully, the internet provides answers. I will censor the most oft given reason:Here is the thread I saw this on: https://www.reddit.com/r/AskMen/comments/14xtoi/why_dont_guys_just_pee_sitting_down/ (https://www.reddit.com/r/AskMen/comments/14xtoi/why_dont_guys_just_pee_sitting_down/)Spoiler: show
Not wanting to create a huge mound of foam, but why do men/boys insist on peeing standing up? The amount of aggravation caused by peeing everywhere and leaving the seat up - surely it would be of great value to society if all mothers taught their boys to sit down as a matter of course. (Not fathers because I assume they stand up now and are part of the "problem"!)
Okay, I wondered this too! And so I looked it up. Thankfully, the internet provides answers. I will censor the most oft given reason:Here is the thread I saw this on: https://www.reddit.com/r/AskMen/comments/14xtoi/why_dont_guys_just_pee_sitting_down/ (https://www.reddit.com/r/AskMen/comments/14xtoi/why_dont_guys_just_pee_sitting_down/)Spoiler: show
That's one of those things that I can never un-know. :) Still doesn't explain why parents don't teach their little boys to sit down until *it* becomes a problem for the boys. You could get a decade of cleanliness at least.
Thanks Cyanne, that was easy. I now have an orange spot for everyone to take aim at.
Not wanting to create a huge mound of foam, but why do men/boys insist on peeing standing up? The amount of aggravation caused by peeing everywhere and leaving the seat up - surely it would be of great value to society if all mothers taught their boys to sit down as a matter of course. (Not fathers because I assume they stand up now and are part of the "problem"!)
Okay, I wondered this too! And so I looked it up. Thankfully, the internet provides answers. I will censor the most oft given reason:Here is the thread I saw this on: https://www.reddit.com/r/AskMen/comments/14xtoi/why_dont_guys_just_pee_sitting_down/ (https://www.reddit.com/r/AskMen/comments/14xtoi/why_dont_guys_just_pee_sitting_down/)Spoiler: show
That's one of those things that I can never un-know. :) Still doesn't explain why parents don't teach their little boys to sit down until *it* becomes a problem for the boys. You could get a decade of cleanliness at least.
Not wanting to create a huge mound of foam, but why do men/boys insist on peeing standing up? The amount of aggravation caused by peeing everywhere and leaving the seat up - surely it would be of great value to society if all mothers taught their boys to sit down as a matter of course. (Not fathers because I assume they stand up now and are part of the "problem"!)
Okay, I wondered this too! And so I looked it up. Thankfully, the internet provides answers. I will censor the most oft given reason:Here is the thread I saw this on: https://www.reddit.com/r/AskMen/comments/14xtoi/why_dont_guys_just_pee_sitting_down/ (https://www.reddit.com/r/AskMen/comments/14xtoi/why_dont_guys_just_pee_sitting_down/)Spoiler: show
That's one of those things that I can never un-know. :) Still doesn't explain why parents don't teach their little boys to sit down until *it* becomes a problem for the boys. You could get a decade of cleanliness at least.
I seriously was not understanding this explanation until just now (and I spent a good deal of time thinking about it). I was picturing the [masked] explanation for the guys who were standing up, and picturing that I was pretty dumbfounded because I have never known anyone with THAT problem. But now I realize that it becomes a problem when they are sitting. Thank you very much.
Not wanting to create a huge mound of foam, but why do men/boys insist on peeing standing up? The amount of aggravation caused by peeing everywhere and leaving the seat up - surely it would be of great value to society if all mothers taught their boys to sit down as a matter of course. (Not fathers because I assume they stand up now and are part of the "problem"!)
Okay, I wondered this too! And so I looked it up. Thankfully, the internet provides answers. I will censor the most oft given reason:Here is the thread I saw this on: https://www.reddit.com/r/AskMen/comments/14xtoi/why_dont_guys_just_pee_sitting_down/ (https://www.reddit.com/r/AskMen/comments/14xtoi/why_dont_guys_just_pee_sitting_down/)Spoiler: show
That's one of those things that I can never un-know. :) Still doesn't explain why parents don't teach their little boys to sit down until *it* becomes a problem for the boys. You could get a decade of cleanliness at least.
Okay, a few items:
1) I have no problem peeing sitting down.It's really NBD on most toilets.Spoiler: show
Not wanting to create a huge mound of foam, but why do men/boys insist on peeing standing up? The amount of aggravation caused by peeing everywhere and leaving the seat up - surely it would be of great value to society if all mothers taught their boys to sit down as a matter of course. (Not fathers because I assume they stand up now and are part of the "problem"!)
Okay, I wondered this too! And so I looked it up. Thankfully, the internet provides answers. I will censor the most oft given reason:Here is the thread I saw this on: https://www.reddit.com/r/AskMen/comments/14xtoi/why_dont_guys_just_pee_sitting_down/ (https://www.reddit.com/r/AskMen/comments/14xtoi/why_dont_guys_just_pee_sitting_down/)Spoiler: show
That's one of those things that I can never un-know. :) Still doesn't explain why parents don't teach their little boys to sit down until *it* becomes a problem for the boys. You could get a decade of cleanliness at least.
Okay, a few items:
1) I have no problem peeing sitting down.It's really NBD on most toilets.Spoiler: show
2) My son is being taught to pee sitting down. If he wants to pee standing up, he can do it in the tub. If he pees on himself he gets hosed down.
3) Urinals. In most public restrooms, men pee standing up: To avoid having to wait, or sit on a questionable toilet seat. Reinforces a habit of standing to pee. And I'm NOT sitting in a portajohn unless it's an emergency. But they all have a pee funnel anyway.
4) Outdoors. Ladies, if you're not around - most guys aren't coming back in the house from the back yard to pee. They're peeing in the bush.
Not wanting to create a huge mound of foam, but why do men/boys insist on peeing standing up? The amount of aggravation caused by peeing everywhere and leaving the seat up - surely it would be of great value to society if all mothers taught their boys to sit down as a matter of course. (Not fathers because I assume they stand up now and are part of the "problem"!)
Okay, I wondered this too! And so I looked it up. Thankfully, the internet provides answers. I will censor the most oft given reason:Here is the thread I saw this on: https://www.reddit.com/r/AskMen/comments/14xtoi/why_dont_guys_just_pee_sitting_down/ (https://www.reddit.com/r/AskMen/comments/14xtoi/why_dont_guys_just_pee_sitting_down/)Spoiler: show
That's one of those things that I can never un-know. :) Still doesn't explain why parents don't teach their little boys to sit down until *it* becomes a problem for the boys. You could get a decade of cleanliness at least.
Okay, a few items:
1) I have no problem peeing sitting down.It's really NBD on most toilets.Spoiler: show
2) My son is being taught to pee sitting down. If he wants to pee standing up, he can do it in the tub. If he pees on himself he gets hosed down.
3) Urinals. In most public restrooms, men pee standing up: To avoid having to wait, or sit on a questionable toilet seat. Reinforces a habit of standing to pee. And I'm NOT sitting in a portajohn unless it's an emergency. But they all have a pee funnel anyway.
4) Outdoors. Ladies, if you're not around - most guys aren't coming back in the house from the back yard to pee. They're peeing in the bush.
What do you mean, when we're not around? :-)
How do y'all wash dishes? I'm thinking about renovating my kitchen and am trying to decide on layout, such as 1 sink vs. 2 sinks. I know some soap up their dishes in one sink then use the second sink for rinsing.If you need to rinse your dishes you are using too much soap - you just need enough for a few bubbles on the top of the washing water, and then no need to rinse.
Other questions:
extra sink or dish tub?
sponge, washcloth, or brush?
Thanks!! One more question, how many are you washing up for? I really like pbkmaine's setup (because it's so nice and clean) but I suspect that our left sink would get filled up very quickly. 3 kids, cook 3X a day, lots of pots and pans, also washing overflow from dishwasher.
former player, don't you have issues with grease and scummy water? Maybe I overdo it... always feel like I want to rinse the old water off because it is full of crumbs, germs, etc.
I have the same rack with a dollarama mat under to pick up water. They both fold flat, so hides under the sink when not in use, only using a few inches of space.
Why not just have a counter top draining rack? We use this one:
Why not just have a counter top draining rack? We use this one:
We did have one (a stainless steel version), but this year made the decision to get rid of it... now just lay a dish towel down next to the sink.
What I have in mind is something like this:
http://99percentinvisible.org/article/finnish-dishes-simple-nordic-design-beats-dishwashers-drying-racks/
Why not just have a counter top draining rack? We use this one:
We did have one (a stainless steel version), but this year made the decision to get rid of it... now just lay a dish towel down next to the sink.
What I have in mind is something like this:
http://99percentinvisible.org/article/finnish-dishes-simple-nordic-design-beats-dishwashers-drying-racks/
See, my worry is that inadequate airflow and cleaning options would mean the cupboard would get funky and warped. Admittedly, I'm in a higher humidity area than many, but that would be my personal hesitation. Particularly if the wood of the cupboard itself got warped (sides/door), that's really awful because it would be quite expensive to replace.
Just wanted to say thanks to everyone who contributed to this thread. I recently moved to a new home, and I've set up a cleaning routine that makes me so happy! Having the right tools and some sort of organized process makes the whole task of maintaining a clean home easy and even pleasant. I now have a little closet full of homemade cleaners, microfiber towels, and two Sharks (vacuum and steam mop). I also used some essential oils that were given to me to add nice scents to my homemade cleaners, Costco hand soap, etc. Anyone can stop by anytime and even use the bathroom, and I have no fear that they'll spot a ring around the toilet or a fur tumbleweed in a corner!
Draining boards are not common in US kitchens. I've seen them in IKEA set ups and in pictures of European kitchens in general. I had one built into the sink in an apartment we lived in where the whole setup probably dated from the 1930's, but I've not seen them otherwise.My grandmother had a draining board, but I havnet seen once since then. Her house was 1930s also.
I think we prefer to pretend that the dishes magically dry themselves. ;-)
Draining boards are not common in US kitchens. I've seen them in IKEA set ups and in pictures of European kitchens in general. I had one built into the sink in an apartment we lived in where the whole setup probably dated from the 1930's, but I've not seen them otherwise.My grandmother had a draining board, but I havnet seen once since then. Her house was 1930s also.
I think we prefer to pretend that the dishes magically dry themselves. ;-)
I don't like double sinks. how do you wash the big dishes that can't fit in the smaller sink? I have a huge trough for a sink. I got it right when those started being manufactured, and unfortunately, mine has the square corners. One year later and I would have had rounded corners...easier to clean. Oh well.
Draining boards are not common in US kitchens. I've seen them in IKEA set ups and in pictures of European kitchens in general. I had one built into the sink in an apartment we lived in where the whole setup probably dated from the 1930's, but I've not seen them otherwise.My grandmother had a draining board, but I havnet seen once since then. Her house was 1930s also.
I think we prefer to pretend that the dishes magically dry themselves. ;-)
I don't like double sinks. how do you wash the big dishes that can't fit in the smaller sink? I have a huge trough for a sink. I got it right when those started being manufactured, and unfortunately, mine has the square corners. One year later and I would have had rounded corners...easier to clean. Oh well.
I don't like double sinks. how do you wash the big dishes that can't fit in the smaller sink?
What is your sink made of?
When you do this reno, make sure to get a spray nozzle! That would make rinsing dishes easier. With my single-basin, I could just soap up all the dishes, set them in the rack in the sink, spray them down to rinse, then put the rack on the draining board.
When you do this reno, make sure to get a spray nozzle! That would make rinsing dishes easier. With my single-basin, I could just soap up all the dishes, set them in the rack in the sink, spray them down to rinse, then put the rack on the draining board.
VERY clever! I currently have a large white porcelain sink, with spray nozzle. Dry my dishes on a towel set next to the sink. The surface of the porcelain is worn so it stains constantly. I try not to let dishes pile up in it, and wipe it dry with a kitchen towel a few times a day. We spray it with dilute bleach about 1x per week. Not crazy about my method though... too often dirty, drying dishes clutter the counter, and wasteful of water too.
But I am going to try your rack method today!
Posting to follow. My biggest issue is mail and school paperwork. I always have bills and statements laying all over, even if the most urgent ones are in a cork board above the desk. I have most of my bills in electronic form, but some, like the credit card statement, I prefer to have in paper to keep track of different budget lines.
Why not just have a counter top draining rack? We use this one:
We did have one (a stainless steel version), but this year made the decision to get rid of it... now just lay a dish towel down next to the sink.
What I have in mind is something like this:
http://99percentinvisible.org/article/finnish-dishes-simple-nordic-design-beats-dishwashers-drying-racks/
I think the standard is a double sink with two 15" or even 17" full size sink bowls, depending on if your cupboard is 30" or 36" wide below.Draining boards are not common in US kitchens. I've seen them in IKEA set ups and in pictures of European kitchens in general. I had one built into the sink in an apartment we lived in where the whole setup probably dated from the 1930's, but I've not seen them otherwise.My grandmother had a draining board, but I havnet seen once since then. Her house was 1930s also.
I think we prefer to pretend that the dishes magically dry themselves. ;-)
I don't like double sinks. how do you wash the big dishes that can't fit in the smaller sink? I have a huge trough for a sink. I got it right when those started being manufactured, and unfortunately, mine has the square corners. One year later and I would have had rounded corners...easier to clean. Oh well.
My silly question is.....my sink NEVER feels clean. How do get yours clean? How often do you clean it? What do you clean with (baking soda, something harsher)? I clean it, wipe it down every night, but would never think to actually put clean dishes in there to dry. That grosses me out. Let alone every time I see a rack for drying dishes, it looks dirty (like at my family or friend's houses), dusty, crumbs in their racks, or gunk in the corners of rack. How do you all clean the rack or is there some kind of regularity to it?
I have a small amount of counterspace (my kitchen is a fabulous original midcentury kitchen), and I suppose getting over my phobias over a clean sink and/or clean drying rack would give me back a lot of counter space.
Also, I am home all day with my kids, so our sink is used constantly. Water cups, snacks, lunch, prepping dinner, baking, etc.
Any ideas on having a clean sink? Has anyone thought of this?
Edited to add: I have a stainless steel sink.
You know, even my big water bath canner fits easily into both sides of my double sink. I have a tall arch-over style faucet, and I think that makes more difference in things fitting than sink size. That said, I did pick the sink and designed the counters around it...I can fit a five gallon bucket in both sides of my double sink and the high-arching faucet easily swivels over both sides when filled with said bucket. We got deep sinks and a very tall faucet. Ours is also a 'low-divide' sink which I think is the best of both worlds.
The myth that you can get rid of the germs from your beloved kitchen sponge by tossing the grubby thing into the microwave has officially been busted.
A new study in the journal Scientific Reports, conducted by a team of German researchers, has found that the methods we use to clean our kitchen sponges are all relatively ineffective in reducing bacteria.
You know, even my big water bath canner fits easily into both sides of my double sink. I have a tall arch-over style faucet, and I think that makes more difference in things fitting than sink size. That said, I did pick the sink and designed the counters around it...I can fit a five gallon bucket in both sides of my double sink and the high-arching faucet easily swivels over both sides when filled with said bucket. We got deep sinks and a very tall faucet. Ours is also a 'low-divide' sink which I think is the best of both worlds.
If you need to rinse your dishes you are using too much soap - you just need enough for a few bubbles on the top of the washing water, and then no need to rinse.
Our shower has a drain grate that looks like this:
https://megaflis.no/design-slukrist-n-12-borstet-stal.html
After every hair washing shower I pick up my hairs that I find on top of this drain grate. But obviously a lot of hair found it's way through the holes in the past 7 years (we have only lived there for 2 years). Yesterday I cleaned it out and that is just a disgusting job.
In our previous house we showered in the bath tube where I could put in a small round grate in the drain and catch most of my hair. Is there any way to improve the drain in our current house to prevent (half) long hairs from getting into it? Or do I need to do this job every 5 years or so? There was also a lot of other brown grim right underneath the grate that had to be brushed away. I do not want to millimeter my hair.
Our shower has a drain grate that looks like this:
https://megaflis.no/design-slukrist-n-12-borstet-stal.html
After every hair washing shower I pick up my hairs that I find on top of this drain grate. But obviously a lot of hair found it's way through the holes in the past 7 years (we have only lived there for 2 years). Yesterday I cleaned it out and that is just a disgusting job.
In our previous house we showered in the bath tube where I could put in a small round grate in the drain and catch most of my hair. Is there any way to improve the drain in our current house to prevent (half) long hairs from getting into it? Or do I need to do this job every 5 years or so? There was also a lot of other brown grim right underneath the grate that had to be brushed away. I do not want to millimeter my hair.
I have waist-length hair so I'm careful to keep it out of drains.
I use a drain wig in the shower (mine is a $2 version from eBay), and clear it every three weeks or so.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DC4E1X8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_vvzIzbKDW8E31
Our shower has a drain grate that looks like this:
https://megaflis.no/design-slukrist-n-12-borstet-stal.html
After every hair washing shower I pick up my hairs that I find on top of this drain grate. But obviously a lot of hair found it's way through the holes in the past 7 years (we have only lived there for 2 years). Yesterday I cleaned it out and that is just a disgusting job.
In our previous house we showered in the bath tube where I could put in a small round grate in the drain and catch most of my hair. Is there any way to improve the drain in our current house to prevent (half) long hairs from getting into it? Or do I need to do this job every 5 years or so? There was also a lot of other brown grim right underneath the grate that had to be brushed away. I do not want to millimeter my hair.
I have waist-length hair so I'm careful to keep it out of drains.
I use a drain wig in the shower (mine is a $2 version from eBay), and clear it every three weeks or so.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DC4E1X8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_vvzIzbKDW8E31
I've been surprised by how effective the tubshroom is...catches *lots* of hair, and easy to clean out!Our shower has a drain grate that looks like this:
https://megaflis.no/design-slukrist-n-12-borstet-stal.html
After every hair washing shower I pick up my hairs that I find on top of this drain grate. But obviously a lot of hair found it's way through the holes in the past 7 years (we have only lived there for 2 years). Yesterday I cleaned it out and that is just a disgusting job.
In our previous house we showered in the bath tube where I could put in a small round grate in the drain and catch most of my hair. Is there any way to improve the drain in our current house to prevent (half) long hairs from getting into it? Or do I need to do this job every 5 years or so? There was also a lot of other brown grim right underneath the grate that had to be brushed away. I do not want to millimeter my hair.
I have waist-length hair so I'm careful to keep it out of drains.
I use a drain wig in the shower (mine is a $2 version from eBay), and clear it every three weeks or so.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DC4E1X8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_vvzIzbKDW8E31
That looks like an excellent invention! My sister has super long hair and only a shower grate, so maybe I'll point her in that direction.
I just bought a tubshroom from Amazon on prime day, and it is working out pretty well, in addition to my primary "I'm going to stick all the hair on my hands to the wall of the tub" course of action. Unfortunately it only works if you have a drain cover/stopper that you can remove, and a drain that is the right size.
https://www.amazon.com/TubShroom-Revolutionary-Protector-Catcher-Strainer/dp/B01BYMTYBS
I've been surprised by how effective the tubshroom is...catches *lots* of hair, and easy to clean out!Our shower has a drain grate that looks like this:
https://megaflis.no/design-slukrist-n-12-borstet-stal.html
After every hair washing shower I pick up my hairs that I find on top of this drain grate. But obviously a lot of hair found it's way through the holes in the past 7 years (we have only lived there for 2 years). Yesterday I cleaned it out and that is just a disgusting job.
In our previous house we showered in the bath tube where I could put in a small round grate in the drain and catch most of my hair. Is there any way to improve the drain in our current house to prevent (half) long hairs from getting into it? Or do I need to do this job every 5 years or so? There was also a lot of other brown grim right underneath the grate that had to be brushed away. I do not want to millimeter my hair.
I have waist-length hair so I'm careful to keep it out of drains.
I use a drain wig in the shower (mine is a $2 version from eBay), and clear it every three weeks or so.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DC4E1X8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_vvzIzbKDW8E31
That looks like an excellent invention! My sister has super long hair and only a shower grate, so maybe I'll point her in that direction.
I just bought a tubshroom from Amazon on prime day, and it is working out pretty well, in addition to my primary "I'm going to stick all the hair on my hands to the wall of the tub" course of action. Unfortunately it only works if you have a drain cover/stopper that you can remove, and a drain that is the right size.
https://www.amazon.com/TubShroom-Revolutionary-Protector-Catcher-Strainer/dp/B01BYMTYBS
It might fit UNDER a large shower grate, maybe?
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Why not just have a counter top draining rack? We use this one:
We did have one (a stainless steel version), but this year made the decision to get rid of it... now just lay a dish towel down next to the sink.
What I have in mind is something like this:
http://99percentinvisible.org/article/finnish-dishes-simple-nordic-design-beats-dishwashers-drying-racks/
See, my worry is that inadequate airflow and cleaning options would mean the cupboard would get funky and warped. Admittedly, I'm in a higher humidity area than many, but that would be my personal hesitation. Particularly if the wood of the cupboard itself got warped (sides/door), that's really awful because it would be quite expensive to replace.
My current kitchen setup doesn't allow this, but in my last two homes, I solved this by having just a wire rack over the sink, attached to the bottoms of the cabinets on either side, rather than an entire cabinet. So there was airflow all around. Of course, since there were no doors, you could see all the dishes drying up there, but that never bothered me. I think seeing them was actually a constant reminder to put the damn things away, whereas hiding them behind a door might have made it too easy to leave them there forever!
In regards to making your home easier to maintain, I have a few aqua globes and they make it easier to keep my plants watered. If you don't know what they are, they are glass globes that you fill with water and stick in your plants and they will be watered for about 1-2 weeks.
I got them because I was having issues over watering some of my finicky plants and the plants are now thriving with the aqua globes. It doesn't work well for plants that like dry soil though.
I'm going to start asking for these for birthdays and holidays. They will easily cut down the time I spend each day water plants and when we go out of town we don't worry about those plants dying.
In regards to making your home easier to maintain, I have a few aqua globes and they make it easier to keep my plants watered. If you don't know what they are, they are glass globes that you fill with water and stick in your plants and they will be watered for about 1-2 weeks.
I got them because I was having issues over watering some of my finicky plants and the plants are now thriving with the aqua globes. It doesn't work well for plants that like dry soil though.
I'm going to start asking for these for birthdays and holidays. They will easily cut down the time I spend each day water plants and when we go out of town we don't worry about those plants dying.
What a fun and useful thread! Thanks, all.
My big thing, now that I'm nearly sixty and can be as crotchety as I like, is that anything that needs special handling goes right out the door. No more dishes that have to be hand-washed because they're delicate, or funny shaped, or can't endure hot water. No clothes that can't stand the regular washer cycle. No fragile anything anywhere. Any time I start cleaning and run into something that holds me up because it needs to be dealt with in some special way -- I give it a baleful look and resolve to get rid of it. If it can't be cleaned quickly in the ways I already clean things, I don't want it, no matter how pretty or trendy or supposedly convenient it is.
My parents used to have this problem (with middle-tier Reidels), but their most recent place has a dishwasher with stemware holders, so eventually they caved and started putting them in. I don't think they've lost as many glasses to washing as to dad's crushing grip since then! I also think there are probably affordable aftermarket plastic doodads available for dishwashers without this feature.What a fun and useful thread! Thanks, all.
My big thing, now that I'm nearly sixty and can be as crotchety as I like, is that anything that needs special handling goes right out the door. No more dishes that have to be hand-washed because they're delicate, or funny shaped, or can't endure hot water. No clothes that can't stand the regular washer cycle. No fragile anything anywhere. Any time I start cleaning and run into something that holds me up because it needs to be dealt with in some special way -- I give it a baleful look and resolve to get rid of it. If it can't be cleaned quickly in the ways I already clean things, I don't want it, no matter how pretty or trendy or supposedly convenient it is.
A very good advice. I have adapted this idea for clothes. I just wash clothes in the washing machine no matter what. If they don't survive, I get rid of them. Although I still don't put woolen shirts in the tumble dry. I like using woolen undershirts and they just always shrink in the dryer.
Unfortunately we still have a bunch of nice wine glasses that are always standing on the kitchen counter near the dishwasher, because they should not be put into there and because we don't like handwashing. So they can be standing there for a long time. Maybe I should start adopting your strategy, ruining them in the dishwasher and then buy more solid glasses.
I have a wood cutting board that's designed for the dishwasher, so that's nice. I don't have an issue with cross contamination though.
For the laundry policy, I also included not doing a load of reds. I either have a load of white or everything else. If the middle ground colors can't keep their colors (besides the first wash) then they aren't worth my time.
I have a friend who calls her dishwasher the Darwinator. Meaning that if something can't survive the dishwasher, it wasn't meant to survive at all. She throws everything in there, including wine glasses, and if they don't make it out... oh well. On the Mustachian side of things, she has learned not to buy things that probably won't survive the Darwinator.
I have a friend who calls her dishwasher the Darwinator. Meaning that if something can't survive the dishwasher, it wasn't meant to survive at all. She throws everything in there, including wine glasses, and if they don't make it out... oh well. On the Mustachian side of things, she has learned not to buy things that probably won't survive the Darwinator.
I'm adopting the Darwinator! Brilliant!
I just wash clothes in the washing machine no matter what. If they don't survive, I get rid of them.
for glass shower doors, use a squeegee on it after every shower. I never have issues with soap scum.QuoteI just wash clothes in the washing machine no matter what. If they don't survive, I get rid of them.
What do you do about bras?
QuoteI just wash clothes in the washing machine no matter what. If they don't survive, I get rid of them.
What do you do about bras?
Personally, I do mesh lingerie bags (on delicate setting) and then hang them to dry. It seems like it's the dryer that murders them the most, not washing.
QuoteI just wash clothes in the washing machine no matter what. If they don't survive, I get rid of them.
What do you do about bras?
Personally, I do mesh lingerie bags (on delicate setting) and then hang them to dry. It seems like it's the dryer that murders them the most, not washing.
Yep, bras, knits and a couple of light work tops go in mesh bags. I don't use the dryer for anything, so it's all line-dried.
I peg jeans and a few other things inside out to prevent them from fading and deteriorating in the sun.
I have a friend who calls her dishwasher the Darwinator. Meaning that if something can't survive the dishwasher, it wasn't meant to survive at all. She throws everything in there, including wine glasses, and if they don't make it out... oh well.
Totoro -- you reminded me of one thing I changed a couple of years ago...
I now store my spices in the spice drawer in alphabetical order. This saves a lot of time when cooking, and I am more likely to use them (or a variety) now.
Easier to clean? hmmm,,,, easier to put away?, for certain.
In regards to making your home easier to maintain, I have a few aqua globes and they make it easier to keep my plants watered. If you don't know what they are, they are glass globes that you fill with water and stick in your plants and they will be watered for about 1-2 weeks.
I got them because I was having issues over watering some of my finicky plants and the plants are now thriving with the aqua globes. It doesn't work well for plants that like dry soil though.
I'm going to start asking for these for birthdays and holidays. They will easily cut down the time I spend each day water plants and when we go out of town we don't worry about those plants dying.
In regards to making your home easier to maintain, I have a few aqua globes and they make it easier to keep my plants watered. If you don't know what they are, they are glass globes that you fill with water and stick in your plants and they will be watered for about 1-2 weeks.
I got them because I was having issues over watering some of my finicky plants and the plants are now thriving with the aqua globes. It doesn't work well for plants that like dry soil though.
I'm going to start asking for these for birthdays and holidays. They will easily cut down the time I spend each day water plants and when we go out of town we don't worry about those plants dying.
We have a few of these, and they're great! My husband recently discovered that empty wine bottles work well, too. Well, empty of wine, refilled with water! (We used to get boxed wine, but after we moved, we discovered a grocery outlet store that sells wine for as low as $3/bottle, and it's good!) We use them around the yard in places where we haven't set up drip irrigation yet, and they last for about a week. The globes are obviously prettier, though, so we use those in the house.
In regards to making your home easier to maintain, I have a few aqua globes and they make it easier to keep my plants watered. If you don't know what they are, they are glass globes that you fill with water and stick in your plants and they will be watered for about 1-2 weeks.
I got them because I was having issues over watering some of my finicky plants and the plants are now thriving with the aqua globes. It doesn't work well for plants that like dry soil though.
I'm going to start asking for these for birthdays and holidays. They will easily cut down the time I spend each day water plants and when we go out of town we don't worry about those plants dying.
We have a few of these, and they're great! My husband recently discovered that empty wine bottles work well, too. Well, empty of wine, refilled with water! (We used to get boxed wine, but after we moved, we discovered a grocery outlet store that sells wine for as low as $3/bottle, and it's good!) We use them around the yard in places where we haven't set up drip irrigation yet, and they last for about a week. The globes are obviously prettier, though, so we use those in the house.
Well, I never knew I was meant to do a 'red' wash! I do whites and... the rest. I do ruminate for far too long over striped items though!
I agree that tumble drying, rather than washing, is what ruins bras. I have some that are older than I should probably admit, but still doing their job well. The heat ruins the elastic, which really is key.
In regards to making your home easier to maintain, I have a few aqua globes and they make it easier to keep my plants watered. If you don't know what they are, they are glass globes that you fill with water and stick in your plants and they will be watered for about 1-2 weeks.
I got them because I was having issues over watering some of my finicky plants and the plants are now thriving with the aqua globes. It doesn't work well for plants that like dry soil though.
I'm going to start asking for these for birthdays and holidays. They will easily cut down the time I spend each day water plants and when we go out of town we don't worry about those plants dying.
We have a few of these, and they're great! My husband recently discovered that empty wine bottles work well, too. Well, empty of wine, refilled with water! (We used to get boxed wine, but after we moved, we discovered a grocery outlet store that sells wine for as low as $3/bottle, and it's good!) We use them around the yard in places where we haven't set up drip irrigation yet, and they last for about a week. The globes are obviously prettier, though, so we use those in the house.
I supposed you'll need to recork the bottles and make a small hole in the cork? Or how else would a wine bottle work?
In regards to making your home easier to maintain, I have a few aqua globes and they make it easier to keep my plants watered. If you don't know what they are, they are glass globes that you fill with water and stick in your plants and they will be watered for about 1-2 weeks.
I got them because I was having issues over watering some of my finicky plants and the plants are now thriving with the aqua globes. It doesn't work well for plants that like dry soil though.
I'm going to start asking for these for birthdays and holidays. They will easily cut down the time I spend each day water plants and when we go out of town we don't worry about those plants dying.
We have a few of these, and they're great! My husband recently discovered that empty wine bottles work well, too. Well, empty of wine, refilled with water! (We used to get boxed wine, but after we moved, we discovered a grocery outlet store that sells wine for as low as $3/bottle, and it's good!) We use them around the yard in places where we haven't set up drip irrigation yet, and they last for about a week. The globes are obviously prettier, though, so we use those in the house.
I supposed you'll need to recork the bottles and make a small hole in the cork? Or how else would a wine bottle work?
I asked my husband something similar when he first showed me the upside-down wine bottles in the dirt... isn't the hole too big? Doesn't the water all just drain out at once? He said no, you just have to press the wine bottle firmly into the dirt, so the dirt goes into the narrow part of the bottle and holds most of the water in.
I finished a bottle of wine on Saturday, and I'm using this technique in my raised bed. So far, so good! No need to spend $1 on an aquaglobe. I'm able to use my garbage (actually recycling, but whatever).In regards to making your home easier to maintain, I have a few aqua globes and they make it easier to keep my plants watered. If you don't know what they are, they are glass globes that you fill with water and stick in your plants and they will be watered for about 1-2 weeks.
I got them because I was having issues over watering some of my finicky plants and the plants are now thriving with the aqua globes. It doesn't work well for plants that like dry soil though.
I'm going to start asking for these for birthdays and holidays. They will easily cut down the time I spend each day water plants and when we go out of town we don't worry about those plants dying.
We have a few of these, and they're great! My husband recently discovered that empty wine bottles work well, too. Well, empty of wine, refilled with water! (We used to get boxed wine, but after we moved, we discovered a grocery outlet store that sells wine for as low as $3/bottle, and it's good!) We use them around the yard in places where we haven't set up drip irrigation yet, and they last for about a week. The globes are obviously prettier, though, so we use those in the house.
I supposed you'll need to recork the bottles and make a small hole in the cork? Or how else would a wine bottle work?
I asked my husband something similar when he first showed me the upside-down wine bottles in the dirt... isn't the hole too big? Doesn't the water all just drain out at once? He said no, you just have to press the wine bottle firmly into the dirt, so the dirt goes into the narrow part of the bottle and holds most of the water in.
Tomatoes is lookin' peaky, hon: we better buy another case of wine!I didn't see you there in the corner of my kitchen ;) haha.
We are installing sconce lights in all the rooms, where you can just flip a switch on the wall and not have cords all over the place collecting dust. Even the bedrooms.
We are installing sconce lights in all the rooms, where you can just flip a switch on the wall and not have cords all over the place collecting dust. Even the bedrooms.
This is why I would love ceiling fans. No more pedestal fans cluttering up the floor, collecting dust. But we're renting.
what is a window fan? **Google** hmm, but we tend to have flyscreen on our windows, doesn't seem compatible?We are installing sconce lights in all the rooms, where you can just flip a switch on the wall and not have cords all over the place collecting dust. Even the bedrooms.
This is why I would love ceiling fans. No more pedestal fans cluttering up the floor, collecting dust. But we're renting.
Window fans are the way to go for renters!
what is a window fan? **Google** hmm, but we tend to have flyscreen on our windows, doesn't seem compatible?We are installing sconce lights in all the rooms, where you can just flip a switch on the wall and not have cords all over the place collecting dust. Even the bedrooms.
This is why I would love ceiling fans. No more pedestal fans cluttering up the floor, collecting dust. But we're renting.
Window fans are the way to go for renters!
that sounds good, then. I have seen air conditioners stuck in a window, but normally it's booked in. I've not seen a window fan before, I'll be looking for one before summer cos it sounds greatwhat is a window fan? **Google** hmm, but we tend to have flyscreen on our windows, doesn't seem compatible?We are installing sconce lights in all the rooms, where you can just flip a switch on the wall and not have cords all over the place collecting dust. Even the bedrooms.
This is why I would love ceiling fans. No more pedestal fans cluttering up the floor, collecting dust. But we're renting.
Window fans are the way to go for renters!
To clarify for everybody, I think of window fans such as in this pic (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/81RK2qKYd4S._SL1500_.jpg) or this other pic (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/512FjFzWajL.jpg). One or more fans arranged horizontally in a solid frame that fits inside the opening of a partially-closed window, usually with sidewalls of adjustable length to keep air from going back the wrong way. Fancier versions allow you to either pull air in or push air out by flipping a switch. Are they uncommon in Australia?
Mine sits inside the screen/flyscreen with no issues. In my windows (and other windows I see in the US) there is a gap of a few inches between the windowpane and the screen, which is plenty of space for the back of a window fan.
that sounds good, then. I have seen air conditioners stuck in a window, but normally it's booked in. I've not seen a window fan before, I'll be looking for one before summer cos it sounds greatwhat is a window fan? **Google** hmm, but we tend to have flyscreen on our windows, doesn't seem compatible?We are installing sconce lights in all the rooms, where you can just flip a switch on the wall and not have cords all over the place collecting dust. Even the bedrooms.
This is why I would love ceiling fans. No more pedestal fans cluttering up the floor, collecting dust. But we're renting.
Window fans are the way to go for renters!
To clarify for everybody, I think of window fans such as in this pic (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/81RK2qKYd4S._SL1500_.jpg) or this other pic (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/512FjFzWajL.jpg). One or more fans arranged horizontally in a solid frame that fits inside the opening of a partially-closed window, usually with sidewalls of adjustable length to keep air from going back the wrong way. Fancier versions allow you to either pull air in or push air out by flipping a switch. Are they uncommon in Australia?
Mine sits inside the screen/flyscreen with no issues. In my windows (and other windows I see in the US) there is a gap of a few inches between the windowpane and the screen, which is plenty of space for the back of a window fan.
This is the best thread. I bought the Ergonomics book recommended earlier in the thread and it has already changed my life. My kids (4 & 6) are terrible eaters at the table - up, down, up, down, food on floor etc. Instantly fixed by putting a stool under their feet. Also bought a stick vacuum so we (incl them) can clean up the messes we make during the day. I also bought them a step stool and their own cutlery and crockery in separate colours and they are taking full responsibility for serving themselves, washing their dishes, drying and putting them away. And they love that they are able to be helpful. Feel a bit silly that I didn't notice earlier that our house didn't really allow them to be independent. And I'm still waiting for the arrival of Don Aslett's book - takes ages for mail to come from US to NZ! Thanks for the great tips everyone.
Which ergonomics book? Missed it!
So a stool under their feet while sitting makes them sit better??!
This is the best thread. I bought the Ergonomics book recommended earlier in the thread and it has already changed my life. My kids (4 & 6) are terrible eaters at the table - up, down, up, down, food on floor etc. Instantly fixed by putting a stool under their feet. Also bought a stick vacuum so we (incl them) can clean up the messes we make during the day. I also bought them a step stool and their own cutlery and crockery in separate colours and they are taking full responsibility for serving themselves, washing their dishes, drying and putting them away. And they love that they are able to be helpful. Feel a bit silly that I didn't notice earlier that our house didn't really allow them to be independent. And I'm still waiting for the arrival of Don Aslett's book - takes ages for mail to come from US to NZ! Thanks for the great tips everyone.
Which ergonomics book? Missed it!
So a stool under their feet while sitting makes them sit better??!
Sorry am only a year late but the awesome book I was referring to was Ergonomic Living: How to create a user friendly home and office by Gordon Inkeles and Iris Schenck. And yes, having chairs that support kids feet makes a huge difference. Quite honestly my kids were right pigs at the table but are 100% better with foot support. I sat on a bar stool without foot support recently and realised how distracting it was, like having a conversation dangling from a cliff by one arm.
I completely understand. I am short legged and often find myself awkwardly perched. And I have long term back pain issues. I made the change for the kids but now you mention it I have just realised that there is no chair in my entire house that I can seat on with feet of the floor. More changes needed. Where are the giants that furniture is currently designed for? The struggle is REAL!
I completely understand. I am short legged and often find myself awkwardly perched. And I have long term back pain issues. I made the change for the kids but now you mention it I have just realised that there is no chair in my entire house that I can seat on with feet of the floor. More changes needed. Where are the giants that furniture is currently designed for? The struggle is REAL!
One of the giants is ny husband! I'm 5'2", he's 6'2". Imagine trying to buy chairs together! And all the handy diagrams suggesting you alter your kitchen countertops if you're taller or smaller than average...yer 'avin a laff! One day I dream of a kitchen big enough that we furnish ourselves to have his n hers countertops.
This is the best thread. I bought the Ergonomics book recommended earlier in the thread and it has already changed my life. My kids (4 & 6) are terrible eaters at the table - up, down, up, down, food on floor etc. Instantly fixed by putting a stool under their feet. Also bought a stick vacuum so we (incl them) can clean up the messes we make during the day. I also bought them a step stool and their own cutlery and crockery in separate colours and they are taking full responsibility for serving themselves, washing their dishes, drying and putting them away. And they love that they are able to be helpful. Feel a bit silly that I didn't notice earlier that our house didn't really allow them to be independent. And I'm still waiting for the arrival of Don Aslett's book - takes ages for mail to come from US to NZ! Thanks for the great tips everyone.
Which ergonomics book? Missed it!
So a stool under their feet while sitting makes them sit better??!
Sorry am only a year late but the awesome book I was referring to was Ergonomic Living: How to create a user friendly home and office by Gordon Inkeles and Iris Schenck. And yes, having chairs that support kids feet makes a huge difference. Quite honestly my kids were right pigs at the table but are 100% better with foot support. I sat on a bar stool without foot support recently and realised how distracting it was, like having a conversation dangling from a cliff by one arm.
In recent news, horizontal blinds are a terrible window covering choice for a bathroom with no ventilation. Good job, previous tenant. I washed them in the tub the other day. I'm glad I only have the one window, as they took far too long. They are still somewhat grayed, but now they feel like plastic instead of grime. I call that a win.
So, the lesson is that tricky-to-clean blinds are a poor choice in moisture-rich environments. Go for a curtain that can be tossed in the wash or a roller shade that can just be wiped down instead.
Ah I have horizontal blinds, they seem very nice quality compared to other ones I've seen but that doesn't stop them being a pain to clean! They're also really heavy to pull up, so I just tilt them and as a result feel like I'm living in a cage. Ugh.
I am definitely looking forward to having easy to open blinds in a house of my own.
PS Zoot I would hate plantation shutters too, because of the cage effect, but they would be easier to clean.
In recent news, horizontal blinds are a terrible window covering choice for a bathroom with no ventilation. Good job, previous tenant. I washed them in the tub the other day. I'm glad I only have the one window, as they took far too long. They are still somewhat grayed, but now they feel like plastic instead of grime. I call that a win.
So, the lesson is that tricky-to-clean blinds are a poor choice in moisture-rich environments. Go for a curtain that can be tossed in the wash or a roller shade that can just be wiped down instead.
Your post is very timely--DH and I are considering installing plantation shutters in our master bathroom. Would these be as icky to clean as blinds would be?
...But I've never lived anywhere with window treatments in the bathroom so maybe it's regional?
...But I've never lived anywhere with window treatments in the bathroom so maybe it's regional?
I currently live in a region where every neighbor is in sight of the bathroom window, including the backyard where my landlord's kids play. So window covering in general is not optional. :)
...But I've never lived anywhere with window treatments in the bathroom so maybe it's regional?
I currently live in a region where every neighbor is in sight of the bathroom window, including the backyard where my landlord's kids play. So window covering in general is not optional. :)
...But I've never lived anywhere with window treatments in the bathroom so maybe it's regional?
I currently live in a region where every neighbor is in sight of the bathroom window, including the backyard where my landlord's kids play. So window covering in general is not optional. :)
I honestly would look into privacy film. The patterns and opacity can make a huge difference. We used to overlook the backs of two houses with large downstairs bathroom windows and privacy film. In one we could tell if the light was on or off and that was it. In another, there was a day when we glanced out of the window and said, "Wait, I swear there are TWO people in that shower...!"
Does anyone have any pro tips for easing that final, crucial step of laundry: putting away? We line dry in summer and tumble in winter and both wear shirts a lot that require ironing. What usually happens is that stuff comes in and I don't have time to iron it straight away so it rests in a tangled mess in the laundry basket and then I do another load and have to put that on top and it spills out onto the floor and...argh!
So is there anything I can change to ease the transition from line/dryer to actually away? Either physical reorganisation or new methods are welcome, but habit suggestions like "Just do it right away!" or "Have you tried doing a little bit every day?" are unlikely to be useful.
Fresh Bread: wait, you put the shirt on the hanger then the hanger on the line?! Wow! Funnily enough, I find the dryer makes the shirts harder to iron. Line-dried shirts are relatively crease-free.
My husband's button ups are hung with a peg on the bottom corner of the front pieces, and then as we take them off the line they go straight onto clothes hangers. He's happy enough with the result that there is no ironing.Fresh Bread: wait, you put the shirt on the hanger then the hanger on the line?! Wow! Funnily enough, I find the dryer makes the shirts harder to iron. Line-dried shirts are relatively crease-free.
Yep. Put a peg between each one or they slide into each other. If it's really really windy it might not work.
We had a washer dryer once and abandoned it because the dried clothes were impossibly creased.
Does anyone have any pro tips for easing that final, crucial step of laundry: putting away? We line dry in summer and tumble in winter and both wear shirts a lot that require ironing. What usually happens is that stuff comes in and I don't have time to iron it straight away so it rests in a tangled mess in the laundry basket and then I do another load and have to put that on top and it spills out onto the floor and...argh!
His jeans go straight on a hanger (this works for heavy denim but not lighter blends that are prone to wrinkles).
I wear a lot of sheer tops for work - they go straight on a hanger, as do my corporate dresses.
Does anyone have any pro tips for easing that final, crucial step of laundry: putting away? We line dry in summer and tumble in winter and both wear shirts a lot that require ironing. What usually happens is that stuff comes in and I don't have time to iron it straight away so it rests in a tangled mess in the laundry basket and then I do another load and have to put that on top and it spills out onto the floor and...argh!
@shelivesthedream, are you both involved in this process or are you doing it all?
People who are not me who put clothing into the laundry inside out get their laundry washed, dried, folded and put away inside out. Life is too short for me to have to turn 25+ shirts right side out each week, much less socks!
People who are not me who put clothing into the laundry inside out get their laundry washed, dried, folded and put away inside out. Life is too short for me to have to turn 25+ shirts right side out each week, much less socks!
Thank you for this. I am going to start doing that!
Our dryer caught fire for the second time (turns out this model was the subject of a class action lawsuit but we missed the deadline to benefit) so we are going to replace instead of repairing. We're going to redo the laundry nook a little while we're at it... it's terribly inefficient and a big mess. Will be mining this thread for suggestions! Some things we are going to build in are:
-platform with storage for baskets/drawers
- fold out drying racks so we can use the dryer less
- bar for hangers (same)
- table for folding laundry/craft projects
- 4-5 storage bins for too-small kid clothes and textile recycling
- Ironing bin
- iron/board
-vertical shelving for electronics (our printer/router live in that room)
- and possibly a small TV so we can lure the kids in there to fold laundry while watching (we haven't owned a TV in their lifetimes)
People who are not me who put clothing into the laundry inside out get their laundry washed, dried, folded and put away inside out. Life is too short for me to have to turn 25+ shirts right side out each week, much less socks! (4 people, 7 days, plus exercise clothes, but I put my stuff in the laundry the right way.) If you leave crap in your pants, woe is you! (We've had some near misses with gum, but no pen incidents ... yet.)
*snip*
I do check pockets though. I don't want to ruin a microSD card or a passport, I don't want bits of delaminated business card all over my clothes, and I don't want to damage my machine by washing coins.
Also:Very good point about the presoak bucket! There's no sink in our laundry room but I definitely want a basin there as the nearest sink is the first floor bathroom, where all the guests go.
- a high enough shelf to very conveniently hold laundry detergent (and whatever else you use regularly). Place to put the dryer tennis balls (for drying puffy stuff).
- a way to be sure you regularly clear out the too-small clothing, so they don't pile up.
- make sure you can get through when all the drying racks are spread out.
- we also have a couple of cabinets in there that hold school supplies and craft supplies (and desperately need to be cleaned out)
- place to put the laundry baskets
- sink? bucket for pre-soaking things (that fits in the sink, hopefully)?
This doesn't add much to the discussion, and I won't be surprised if it's removed:
I don't think my parents realized it, but I was named after the patron saint of LAUNDRY WORKERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That explains my life
To whom it may concern....
I am not an alcoholic. I sometimes post shit here when I'm drunk, but that does not imply anything!
Thankyou
Marty
To whom it may concern....
I am not an alcoholic. I sometimes post shit here when I'm drunk, but that does not imply anything!
Thankyou
Marty
Yeah, no-one thought you were an alco until you posted that!
Anyway, this is a cleaning thread. Post a tip for sparkling windows or immaculately pressed collars, or be gone with you!
For the habits, I've found that it helps me keep the dishes in check (no dishwasher machine) if I do dishes while the kettle is boiling for tea and then as my tea is steeping. It's just enough time to get a bunch of plates and tableware washed. Similar little waiting-times might be enough time for you to do one or two shirts, if hanging from wet/the dryer isn't enough.
@shelivesthedream we buy non-iron cotton shirts from m&s for dh - they may do women’s as well. Either line dry or take out of the dryer warm then hang straight away - i have hardly ever ironed dh’s shirts - he would never do it himself and doesn’t care less what he looks like - but I would prefer him to not look like a homeless tramp
@shelivesthedream we buy non-iron cotton shirts from m&s for dh - they may do women’s as well. Either line dry or take out of the dryer warm then hang straight away - i have hardly ever ironed dh’s shirts - he would never do it himself and doesn’t care less what he looks like - but I would prefer him to not look like a homeless tramp
We've been using the standing laundry rack for weeks and it's fine, but we are short of indoor floorspace, so I'd like to find a wall-mounted alternative.We have both. I have an indoor retractable closeline that I use for light things (undergarmets, dry fit shirts, etc.). I also have a folding rack that I keep in between my washer and dryer. I pull it out when I need it, but I keep it folded up most of the time. Since the rack is taller than my machines, I do use it to hang a few heavier items when it's folded.
Here are some of the options I'm mulling over (click on Google images)
http://images.google.com/search?tbm=isch&q=retractable+clotheslines
http://images.google.com/search?tbm=isch&q=foldout+drying+rack
http://images.google.com/search?tbm=isch&q=swivelling+towel+rods
The last option is probably good only to dry a few items, whereas sometimes I'd like to dry an entire load indoors. The retractable lines look the most compact and easiest to install, though it seems like people have issues with flimsy construction and sagging lines. The fold out wooden racks are sturdiest, but it seems like they would be harder to maneuver around in a cramped space.
http://images.google.com/search?tbm=isch&q=laundry+pullout+rack
We would of course be building this ourselves whenever possible.
I might have missed it but why not use the dryer? Other than electricity costs, am I missing something?Carbon emissions: your contribution to the warming of the planet. Unless you are on 100% renewables, of course, but even then there are the manufacturing costs of the dryer.
@shelivesthedream we buy non-iron cotton shirts from m&s for dh - they may do women’s as well. Either line dry or take out of the dryer warm then hang straight away - i have hardly ever ironed dh’s shirts - he would never do it himself and doesn’t care less what he looks like - but I would prefer him to not look like a homeless tramp
Women's shirts from M&S are woeful (I remember them being better). This is an ongoing sadness in my life. They are transparent, need ironing if you take them out of the dryer too soon and shrink if you leave them in the dryer too long (if the dryer goes cold they will be both shrunk and creased). Recommendations for alternative shirts are welcomed.
Not sure if this has been mentioned before, but I just stumbled upon a crazy way to keep the dishes from piling up. Having everyone who uses a dish, immediately wash, DRY, AND put it away! This has been a total game changer for us. We used to let a few dishes pile up, then wash and put them in the drain board. It was good for keeping the sink cleared but I realized no one likes putting away their dishes! The drain board would get so overloaded that kitchen towels would appear on the countertops with drying dishes on top.
Not anymore. Mrs. D put her foot down. Take a dish, use it, wash it, dry it, put it away. Problem solved. So far.
*snip*
I have identified my optimal shirt. It is the standard Oxford from Crew Clothing Co. The fabric is thick enough that you cannot see the outline of my underwear through it! This is a rarity in women's shirts. I have two white ones currently and will be buying more as my other shirts wear out - and even if I wear a white vest underneath, you cannot see the vest zinging through the shirt fabric! They are shaped but not skintight. If you are looking to buy shirts, I would definitely recommend trying one on - you can always send it back. It is by far the best fabric quality I have found in my extensive survey of white women's shirts, and the fit suits me very well.* They do pastel colours and I think stripes, but I wanted just plain white.
*snip*
Your vest is our waistcoat. Perhaps Americans prefer "vest" because they no longer have waists? [/jk]
This US-UK difference is new to me. :) In the US, I've only ever heard "vest" used to describe a sort of sleeveless jacket/coat, such as might be part of a three-piece suit or a light-weight cold-weather top layer, never an undergarment. A UK vest I would call a tank top or camisole.
Your vest is our waistcoat. Perhaps Americans prefer "vest" because they no longer have waists? [/jk]
This US-UK difference is new to me. :) In the US, I've only ever heard "vest" used to describe a sort of sleeveless jacket/coat, such as might be part of a three-piece suit or a light-weight cold-weather top layer, never an undergarment. A UK vest I would call a tank top or camisole.
*snip*
I have identified my optimal shirt. It is the standard Oxford from Crew Clothing Co. The fabric is thick enough that you cannot see the outline of my underwear through it! This is a rarity in women's shirts. I have two white ones currently and will be buying more as my other shirts wear out - and even if I wear a white vest underneath, you cannot see the vest zinging through the shirt fabric! They are shaped but not skintight. If you are looking to buy shirts, I would definitely recommend trying one on - you can always send it back. It is by far the best fabric quality I have found in my extensive survey of white women's shirts, and the fit suits me very well.* They do pastel colours and I think stripes, but I wanted just plain white.
*snip*
This US-UK difference is new to me. :) In the US, I've only ever heard "vest" used to describe a sort of sleeveless jacket/coat, such as might be part of a three-piece suit or a light-weight cold-weather top layer, never an undergarment. A UK vest I would call a tank top or camisole.
But that sounds like a great line of shirts!
In the US, I've only ever heard "vest" used to describe a sort of sleeveless jacket/coat...
*snip*
I have identified my optimal shirt. It is the standard Oxford from Crew Clothing Co. The fabric is thick enough that you cannot see the outline of my underwear through it! This is a rarity in women's shirts. I have two white ones currently and will be buying more as my other shirts wear out - and even if I wear a white vest underneath, you cannot see the vest zinging through the shirt fabric! They are shaped but not skintight. If you are looking to buy shirts, I would definitely recommend trying one on - you can always send it back. It is by far the best fabric quality I have found in my extensive survey of white women's shirts, and the fit suits me very well.* They do pastel colours and I think stripes, but I wanted just plain white.
*snip*
This US-UK difference is new to me. :) In the US, I've only ever heard "vest" used to describe a sort of sleeveless jacket/coat, such as might be part of a three-piece suit or a light-weight cold-weather top layer, never an undergarment. A UK vest I would call a tank top or camisole.
But that sounds like a great line of shirts!
A camisole is a vest that is slightly fancy and decent enough to be seen. Maybe silk or a colour or with a bit of lace.
Depending on your age, a tank top is either a sporty vest worn by teenagers as a top, or a knitted sleeveless jumper.
A vest comes in white, black or beige and you buy them in packs of five from M&S and wear them exclusively to keep warm. It's the kind of thing you'd sneak off to quietly remove from underneath if you thought an early date night go really well, but by the time you're married it's more like, "Honey, what's that stain on your vest? Oh well, it's still functional. Now, will you fill up the hot water bottles or shall I?"
*snip*
I have identified my optimal shirt. It is the standard Oxford from Crew Clothing Co. The fabric is thick enough that you cannot see the outline of my underwear through it! This is a rarity in women's shirts. I have two white ones currently and will be buying more as my other shirts wear out - and even if I wear a white vest underneath, you cannot see the vest zinging through the shirt fabric! They are shaped but not skintight. If you are looking to buy shirts, I would definitely recommend trying one on - you can always send it back. It is by far the best fabric quality I have found in my extensive survey of white women's shirts, and the fit suits me very well.* They do pastel colours and I think stripes, but I wanted just plain white.
*snip*
This US-UK difference is new to me. :) In the US, I've only ever heard "vest" used to describe a sort of sleeveless jacket/coat, such as might be part of a three-piece suit or a light-weight cold-weather top layer, never an undergarment. A UK vest I would call a tank top or camisole.
But that sounds like a great line of shirts!
A camisole is a vest that is slightly fancy and decent enough to be seen. Maybe silk or a colour or with a bit of lace.
Depending on your age, a tank top is either a sporty vest worn by teenagers as a top, or a knitted sleeveless jumper.
A vest comes in white, black or beige and you buy them in packs of five from M&S and wear them exclusively to keep warm. It's the kind of thing you'd sneak off to quietly remove from underneath if you thought an early date night go really well, but by the time you're married it's more like, "Honey, what's that stain on your vest? Oh well, it's still functional. Now, will you fill up the hot water bottles or shall I?"
I bask in the glow of this wisdom.
And I wipe coffee off my keyboard in the glow of this humour.
The shirts are on a 2 for £80 offer now.
Here's a question to get, cough, back on topic...
I was looking for a 2nd hand robot vacuum a while ago to help with pet hair and asked about it here. The dog is now deceased :( :( :( I could vacuum once a fortnight now and that could be enough, but I just can't be arsed cleaning is what it comes down to.
My question is - do non-pet owners that own one think it's worth it? A cheap no-brand one is available for $35 or a possibly better one for $100.
I used to have a basic Roomba, and I loved it. My place was small, so I would start it every day when I would leave for my run. It rarely made it back on the charger, so I would spend a few minutes looking for it. However, I didn't vacuum at all (didn't own one), and my place was fine.Here's a question to get, cough, back on topic...
I was looking for a 2nd hand robot vacuum a while ago to help with pet hair and asked about it here. The dog is now deceased :( :( :( I could vacuum once a fortnight now and that could be enough, but I just can't be arsed cleaning is what it comes down to.
My question is - do non-pet owners that own one think it's worth it? A cheap no-brand one is available for $35 or a possibly better one for $100.
One of my colleagues has 2 children and no pets. She loves her good quality robot vac, bought on sale for 1/2 the price. One of my other colleagues without a dog and without children loves his robot as well.
Do you have carpet? Then you might not see the dust so well. But it probably still there. We (2 adults without pets) have a wooden floor and a week after cleaning it is usually looking quite dusty and I feel the need to clean it.
2. Sort laundry (dont fold)
Posting this here to keep it all together...
If you could recommend one book (or other substantial, organised resource) on cleaning routines and efficiency, what would it be? I know "Speed Cleaning" has been mentioned a few times but I'd be interested to know if there are any other candidates.
There are a few things that we incorporated into our kitchen remodel a few years ago that I am so glad we have as they function so well.
1. Recessed tile shelf above stovetop for frequently used spices.
2. Tall, narrow built in spice cabinet - fit in-between studs. It has like 8 shelves and all my spices are so easy to find.
3. Flip out panel under sink (all my previous homes it was just a solid panel) that I store scrubbier, sponges, etc.
I am much more excited about function than decor.
I don't know if this is too fussy, but when I put dirty silverware in the dishwasher, I sort it at that time, i.e. put dirty spoons next to dirty spoons, etc. Then when I put the clean silverware away, I can grab all the forks with one motion, all the spoons, etc. Helps to have a silverware drawer in the dishwasher if you are worried about the spoons spooning.
Even though I am the only person in the entire family who does this, it still speeds up the process of emptying the dishwasher (possibly because I am also the person who does the most dishwashing...)
I don't know if this is too fussy, but when I put dirty silverware in the dishwasher, I sort it at that time, i.e. put dirty spoons next to dirty spoons, etc. Then when I put the clean silverware away, I can grab all the forks with one motion, all the spoons, etc. Helps to have a silverware drawer in the dishwasher if you are worried about the spoons spooning.
Even though I am the only person in the entire family who does this, it still speeds up the process of emptying the dishwasher (possibly because I am also the person who does the most dishwashing...)
Sounds indeed like time saving when sorting out. But don't you use additional time putting the stuff in the dishwasher?
I don't know if this is too fussy, but when I put dirty silverware in the dishwasher, I sort it at that time, i.e. put dirty spoons next to dirty spoons, etc. Then when I put the clean silverware away, I can grab all the forks with one motion, all the spoons, etc. Helps to have a silverware drawer in the dishwasher if you are worried about the spoons spooning.
Even though I am the only person in the entire family who does this, it still speeds up the process of emptying the dishwasher (possibly because I am also the person who does the most dishwashing...)
Sounds indeed like time saving when sorting out. But don't you use additional time putting the stuff in the dishwasher?
There are a few things that we incorporated into our kitchen remodel a few years ago that I am so glad we have as they function so well.
1. Recessed tile shelf above stovetop for frequently used spices.
2. Tall, narrow built in spice cabinet - fit in-between studs. It has like 8 shelves and all my spices are so easy to find.
3. Flip out panel under sink (all my previous homes it was just a solid panel) that I store scrubbier, sponges, etc.
I am much more excited about function than decor.
Thank you for this! I am planning a kitchen reno and these are exactly the kind of things I wanted to know. I long for a shelf over the stovetop, but have been worried that shelf and items would get coated with grease. Also, spice storage is a big question mark for me, as I cook from many traditions and thus have hundreds of spices.
This is a little excessive but scores tidy points - we have a robovac that didn't have a sensible home for a long time, until OH had the idea to relocate the power supply under the kitchen cabinets and hinge a section of baseboard (it works like a human operated pet door) so that it could be stored out of sight.
I would just like to say how totally thrilled I am to see this thread resurrected. It has greatly improved my life since its inception, especially when we moved house and had the opportunity to organise things sensible from the start.
I don't know if this is too fussy, but when I put dirty silverware in the dishwasher, I sort it at that time, i.e. put dirty spoons next to dirty spoons, etc. Then when I put the clean silverware away, I can grab all the forks with one motion, all the spoons, etc. Helps to have a silverware drawer in the dishwasher if you are worried about the spoons spooning.
Even though I am the only person in the entire family who does this, it still speeds up the process of emptying the dishwasher (possibly because I am also the person who does the most dishwashing...)
I used to do this, until my mom pointed out that the silverware can all "spoon" each other, making it harder for water and soap to get in and do its job. Ever since, I purposely try to put unlike silverware together in each cubby.
Sounds indeed like time saving when sorting out. But don't you use additional time putting the stuff in the dishwasher?
Not quite as much time as is saved, I feel. One already has the single utensil in one's hand, so you just make the split second decision to put it next to another one of the same type. Then when putting away, a single motion to pick a bunch up. Whereas the other way, you have multiple motions dropping in the utensils anyway/multiple motions sorting them. I could see this being a different calculation for people who load the dishwasher a sink at a time, rather than having individuals drop the items in one by one.
We put all our spice jars in a pull out drawer and then put masking tape on top of each jar labelling it so you can immediately see what you need. And then organize them alphabetically. :P
On the topic of spice storing, I have a very small kitchen and cabinet space is at a premium. My fridge is within arm's length of the stove, so I store the majority of my spices in magnetic metal jars. They live on the side of the fridge. Easy and convenient!
Here's a link to what I'm talking about:
https://www.amazon.com/12-Tins-Talented-Containers-Refrigerator/dp/B01FY69CPS
On the topic of spice storing, I have a very small kitchen and cabinet space is at a premium. My fridge is within arm's length of the stove, so I store the majority of my spices in magnetic metal jars. They live on the side of the fridge. Easy and convenient!
Here's a link to what I'm talking about:
https://www.amazon.com/12-Tins-Talented-Containers-Refrigerator/dp/B01FY69CPS
On the topic of kitchen organisation, I absolutely love my magnetic strip (Ikea) which holds our knives, kitchen scissors and tongs. It is right next to the stove and replaced the big, bulky, ugly wooden knife block. Wish I'd done it years ago. We also have a strip with hooks (again, Ikea) which holds almost all our implements like microplane grater, soup ladle, metal strainers, basically anything with a hole that can hang on a hook.
We put all our spice jars in a pull out drawer and then put masking tape on top of each jar labelling it so you can immediately see what you need. And then organize them alphabetically. :PI need to do this! DW does the vast majority of the cooking, and whenever I'm looking for a spice I have to pull out half of them. Sounds like a great project for this weekend!
We put all our spice jars in a pull out drawer and then put masking tape on top of each jar labelling it so you can immediately see what you need. And then organize them alphabetically. :PI need to do this! DW does the vast majority of the cooking, and whenever I'm looking for a spice I have to pull out half of them. Sounds like a great project for this weekend!
We put all our spice jars in a pull out drawer and then put masking tape on top of each jar labelling it so you can immediately see what you need. And then organize them alphabetically. :PI need to do this! DW does the vast majority of the cooking, and whenever I'm looking for a spice I have to pull out half of them. Sounds like a great project for this weekend!
It's a huge time saver! Dunno what we were doing before this, but it wasn't as good.
My trick for keeping my home extremely tidy is to organize by frequency of use and not by type of item...I've described in another thread how I don't keep all of my pants in the same spot. In one drawer I will have all of the tops and bottoms that I'll wear in a particular context. So every drawer has tops and bottoms...Likewise, I'll keep multiples of things around the house if they're used frequently instead of having one spot where they're supposed to be put away. For example, I have little bins with hand cream and lip balm all over the house. Anywhere you might sit has a designated spot for these moisturizers within arm's reach.
Likewise, certain sweaters are kept in the living room in a bin beside the sofa.
Cleaning supplies are also kept wherever they might be needed so that they're easy to grab the moment I see something that needs cleaning.
We put all our spice jars in a pull out drawer and then put masking tape on top of each jar labelling it so you can immediately see what you need. And then organize them alphabetically. :PI need to do this! DW does the vast majority of the cooking, and whenever I'm looking for a spice I have to pull out half of them. Sounds like a great project for this weekend!
A visiting teenager once pulled open our (alphabetized) spice drawer and stared at it in open-mouthed amazement. A few weeks later he brought a gift: a bottle of spices with a note on it that said "Alphebetize under "W" for "What the heck are you going to do with this?""
(It was star anise -- I used it to infuse some sugar and made sugar cookies, for starters.)
It's a huge time saver! Dunno what we were doing before this, but it wasn't as good.
In the beginning, I divided between green herbs and coloured spices. But after collecting lots and lots of spices, as well as quite a few herbs, I had to implement the alphabeth method, which works much better.
We put all our spice jars in a pull out drawer and then put masking tape on top of each jar labelling it so you can immediately see what you need. And then organize them alphabetically. :PI need to do this! DW does the vast majority of the cooking, and whenever I'm looking for a spice I have to pull out half of them. Sounds like a great project for this weekend!
A visiting teenager once pulled open our (alphabetized) spice drawer and stared at it in open-mouthed amazement. A few weeks later he brought a gift: a bottle of spices with a note on it that said "Alphebetize under "W" for "What the heck are you going to do with this?""
(It was star anise -- I used it to infuse some sugar and made sugar cookies, for starters.)
It's a huge time saver! Dunno what we were doing before this, but it wasn't as good.
In the beginning, I divided between green herbs and coloured spices. But after collecting lots and lots of spices, as well as quite a few herbs, I had to implement the alphabeth method, which works much better.