Cleaning

Closet Overhaul

February 1, 2013 by Denisesawyer 2 Comments

I’ve been cleaning up a few trouble spots in my house lately {did you see my post on organizing my bathroom cabinets and the one on capturing my kids crafts supplies?} My mom and I were brainstorming on what to tackle next and she told me she really had been wanting to clean up her spare bedroom closet {the catch all} and the linen closet. They were both out of hand and the space just wasn’t being utilized the best way. {Can you say AVALANCHE!?} The bedroom closet housed grandkids toys, table cloths, decorations, cushions for patio furniture, beach towels, and clothing overflow from her own bedroom closet.

The linen closet was in even worse shape, although it did only house linens. After much discussion one how to organize these closets we decided to turn the linen closet into a “game closet” for the grandkids – housing all the games and other playthings. And, as for the bedroom closet, we decided it would best be used as a much larger linen closet to hold all the linens that were in the linen closet plus the beach towels, patio cushions, and table decorations.

The first thing we did was meet at Walmart to pick up the items we needed to organize this mess! We bought three shelving units {they cost around $20 each} and several Rubbermaid tubs for under $100. Judah and I had fun helping Nana put the shelves together (they were super simple!). While we were busy putting things together Nana was deciding which items to keep and which items needed to go to another home.

The shelving units fit perfect under the clothes rod in what used to be my brother’s old bedroom closet. These made for almost custom – but much more affordable closet organization system. Nana stacked beach towels and pool things on the first shelving unit, table linens (table cloths, runners, etc) and picnic supplies on the second shelving unit, and bed linens on the third shelving unit {separated by size – double, queen, king). On the top shelf of the closet (the existing shelf) holds the plastic tubs with seasonal decorations. My mom and I have amassed lots of pretty things for decorating in the fall. These tubs are perfect up high since they only need to be accessed once a year. She also left her patio cushions on the top shelf.

The linen closet, turned game closet is perfect! The kids know exactly where their toys are AND where they need to go when they are finished with them. The games are a little high up for my two tots but that’s a god thing! They can’t drag out all the games and jumble the pieces. They have to ask one of us for help once they’ve selected a game. The closet could use one more shelf on the bottom but my dad can fix that pretty easily.

All the loose toys are in the bottom of the closet in a wagon that can be easily pulled out. Even my smallest one can get to her toys. The other crate in the bottom is filled with books and dress up items – making them easier to get to too.

My mom was very pleased with how the two closets turned out and that she was able to get everything she needed to organize both closets for under $100 at Walmart. I’ve got one more organizing project to share with you in the coming week. I redid my pantry and I am soo happy with the results. Stay tuned!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I’m a participant in the Walmart Moms Program. Walmart has provided me with a product sample and compensation for my time and efforts in creating this post. Participation in this program is voluntary and the opinions stated above are entirely my own.

Pin It

Filed Under: Cleaning, Home Improvement, Wholesome Living Tagged With: bedroom closet, linen closet, organization, organizing, organizing a closet, Walmart

{ 2 Comments }

Organizing Kids Craft Supplies – No Longer Out of Control!

January 26, 2013 by Denisesawyer 3 Comments

closet

My kids and I have amassed a large collection of art supplies. Obviously, from the picture above you can see that our organizational system (ie: a basket and a box) was not working so well. The craft supplies were taking over my laundry room, I was tripping over them, and my 1 year old thinks it is her duty to take a few items and litter the house with them each time someone leaves the laundry room door open.

closet 2

I bought this cabinet from Walmart.com and chose “Pick it up Today.” For just $29.47 I had a cheap solution that solved my problem! The first thing I did was sort the craft supplies to try to figure out how to organize them in the new cabinet.

closet 4

I remembered I had a bunch of empty diaper wipe boxes that would work great for corralling items in the cabinet. I went and found my stash and I was right! They fit perfectly! {Hey that’s green – reusing items – and FREE! The best kind.} I found a couple of other containers I had lying around for holding other supplies, like a big cup from a show at Phillips Arena for markers, a take-out container for paint brushes, and a coffee container for glue sticks.

closet 3

Every item now has a home in the cabinet and it is infinitely easier to locate the items we need for projects. Everytime I go in laundry room and I see my tidy little cabinet I smile. I love being organized. {I’m weird like that!}.

closet 5

To finish off the project I added some labels to the containers. They make it much easier to remember where I put little bits of this and that. I found my labels online but I can’t find the link for the life of me. however, I found two very similar ones here and here. You can see other printable labels I’ve found on my pinterest board here.

What do you think? I think I have regained a little bit of my sanity.

Pin It

Filed Under: Cleaning, Going Green, Home Improvement, Wholesome Living Tagged With: cabinet, craft supplies, DIY, organize, organizing

{ 3 Comments }

Operation Organizing the Bathroom Cabinets

January 11, 2013 by Denisesawyer 2 Comments

declutter
Hubby’s Bathroom Cabinet

I’ve decided to tackle a major clutter zone in my home: the bathroom cabinets. They are a jumbled mess and it is nearly impossible to find anything I need. It is like going into the black hole.

Declutter2

My Bathroom Cabinet & Drawers {WHOA!}

After a good inventory and a short brainstorming session I headed out to my local Walmart with a list in hand. A good two hours was spent “in the trenches” decluttering and organizing and afterwards I emerged pooped but elated with the results. I am going to share with you the after photos along with some comentary on what I did.

declutter3

Walmart asked me to declutter a problem space in my home for $50. I got pretty darn close. I ended up spending $52.73 for all the items I bought, pictured here. I got several sizes of Sterilite latch boxes for a total of ten boxes. I also got a lazy susan and 3 of these glass jars. Not bad! That averages to under $4 an item.

To start this project off, I drug everything out from under the cabinets and started sorting the items into common groups. Then, I tackled the medicine basket. Until now, all of our medicines were just piled and jumbled into a very tall basket. It was difficult to know what we had, much less find what we needed. So, I decided to separate them into smaller groups of like items: First aid kit, children’s medicines, tummy trouble aids, vitamins, and cold and allergy medicines.

declutter6

After I filled all my new bins, I printed, cut, and attached these cute labels to everything. You can get the labels I printed here at World Label. Or, if you prefer, I have lots of other cool printable labels on my pinterest board here you can choose some of your very own!

Declutter9

I think the end result turned out nice – an much more “user friendly.” This is the photo of my husband’s bathroom cabinet after the makeover.

Declutter7

The medicine buckets are MUCH more useful this way. I can find band aids when I need them, my husband will know just where to look for antacid, and we won’t have to dig for days to find a tube of Neosporin! I can’t say enough how excited I am about this part of the organization!

declutter5

Here are the photos of my bathroom cabinet after. Now there is a place for everything – one basket for bath items (shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream, and body wash), a basket for lotions & powders, a basket for travel sized items, one for face cleaners and lotions, one for make-up (these are extras and not ones I’m currently using – they are in my make-up bag), and finally one for femine products. I ended up using the jars for razors and cotton balls.

declutter10

Of course, every good declutter project means a good purging is in order… I ended up throwing out 5 bags of garbage. Most where expired medicines and expired products. It felt good to get rid of junk, and get our cabinets organized. Now I’ll know exactly what I already have so that I am not purchasing more of something when I already have something in the cabinet I could use.

I realized I didn’t take after photos of the drawers – well, you’ll be glad to know after cleaning they are EMPTY! I was literally beside myself and had no idea what I was going to do with these empty drawers. Finally, I came to the conclusion that i could actually keep the items I use daily in them – like my hairbrush and make up bag – rather then leave them out on the counter. What a novel idea, right!?

Disclosure: I am a Walmart Mom. This post is sponsored by Walmart. Walmart has provided me with product and/or compensation in exchange for my time and efforts in creating this post. My participation is voluntary. As always, my opinion is my own.

Pin It

Filed Under: Cleaning, Home Improvement, Wholesome Living Tagged With: bathroom cabinet, declutter, organization, organizing

{ 2 Comments }

The Natural Soap Chef

July 25, 2012 by Denisesawyer Leave a Comment

I just finished reading a book titled, “The Natural Soap Chef,” a book that leads you step-by-step through the DIY soap process. It’s all about the how to of making homemade, luxurious soap —all in your kitchen!

It features the cold process soap-making method and is packed with easy-to-follow instructions and photos for dozens of inventive recipes. Heidi’s step-by-step process takes the fear out of making soap for the first time. I have a little experience with making soap and have read several how-to books, but Heidi’s book is the most clear and simplified I have seen yet.

The photos are very helpful as is the general overview including necessary terms and definitions of the various processes. I especially like the practical tips like using paper milk cartons for molds, and kitchen tools that I already have, to help keep the cost down as you are first getting started.

Some of the recipes use fresh herbs that I have available in my garden like rosemary, and lemon verbena. I can’t wait to try some of her recipes like Georgia Peach, Bananas Foster, Chocolate Soufflé, and Pumpkin Spice, yum! If you are interested in learning to make your own soaps I highly recommend this book. It is very comprehensive and Heidi’s writing style feels like you are being provided personal one-on-one instructions from your best friend.

*Disclosure: I received a copy of this book for review purposes…and that is all. No other compensation was provided for this review – it was just something I was interested in. All opinions are, of course, my own.

Filed Under: Cleaning, Product Reviews & Giveaways, Uncategorized, Wholesome Living Tagged With: book review, DIY, how-to, making soap, Price Comparison, soap

{ Leave a Comment }

Safe Cleaning

April 17, 2012 by Denisesawyer 1 Comment

I dramatically changed my cleaning regimine about a year and half ago. My family had already made radical changes to the foods we were eating so changing the chemicals we put on our bodies and in our home was really just the next step. What pushed us to finally jump in with both feet was the diagnosis that my husband recieved, that he had leukemia. Now it has been over a year since his report of remission but our philosphy about the chemicals we bring into our home remains the same.

1. We do not use air fresheners or other products that have fragrance. That beautiful smell you have grown used to smelling could be toxic to you – there is nothing natural about it. So, we just say no to scented electrical air fresheners, canned air fresheners, scented candles, and scented wax burners. If I want to make the house smell good I bake something or boil some water with cinnamon and orange peels. (:

2.Speaking of fragrance, I also kicked the scented laundry detergent and fabric softener. I only use fragrance free laundry detergent. And, actually, there are only a few brands that I really trust and like the price: Seventh Generation, Earth Fare’s house brand, and ECOS.

3. I use only a few cleaners that I either make myself or purchase. I have really dwindled down the amount of products that I use. That was actually the first step I took to kicking the chemicals in my home. I realized I had a whole cabinet full of toxic chemicals that I used on my home and furniture on a regular basis. I then realized I could do the same cleaning with just a few products.

4. I purchase or make my own natural cleaners including multi-surface cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner, floor cleaner, and glass cleaner. I use vinegar water for “floor cleaner,” and I use a mixture of water and castile soap for my toilet bowl with a sprinkle of baking soda. I like to purchase an all purpose/multi-surface cleaner like Seventh Generation’s because I know it disinfects and kills 99.99% of germs with only plant ingredients. I can use it safely on my kitchen counters, bathroom counters and other surfaces.

With a baby and a toddler at home it is important to me to use products that are safe and non-toxic while making my home clean enough for a baby who likes to put EVERYTHING in her mouth. I don’t need to smell my cleaners and they don’t need to burn my nose hairs for me to know my home is clean. On the contrary, I want cleaners that won’t cause an asthma attack!

After a swift run through the house to pick up and clean the bathrooms and kitchen (and attack that mountain-sized pile of laundry) I make a little time to do an art project, read a book, or play choo-choos with my son. He is good to help me pick up and help me carry the laundry and it feels good to end the day doing something HE wants to do. He has absolutely LOVED the story of the Lorax since SEventh Generation sent it for us to enjoy. He has asked me to read it daily (sometimes more than once) for the past two weeks. I really like the story too, the rhyme and rhythm is good for his preschool brain and I like that it teaches him about taking care of our Earth and using our resources wisely. He is the perfect age to begin learning about how to not waste things and to clean up after himself “just like the Lorax tells us too.” (:

*Disclosure: I am a Walmart Mom. This post is sponsored by Walmart. Walmart has provided me with product and/or compensation in exchange for my time and efforts in creating this post. My participation is voluntary. As always, my opinion is my own.

Filed Under: Cleaning, Wholesome Living Tagged With: cleaning, natural cleaning, seventh generation

{ 1 Comment }

Castile Soap

September 7, 2010 by Denisesawyer 1 Comment

Many people have asked about what castile soap is and where to get it since I wrote about making my own cleaning products yesterday.

Castile soap is pure soap made from olive oil and can be used to make just about anything! You can use it to make household cleaners, shampoo, body wash, massage oil, and other personal care products.

I bought mine at Amazon for $26.91 for 2 (32 oz) bottles. I bought baby mild (no scent/essential oils added) because I wanted to be able to add my own essential oils depending on what I was using it for. That way the scents didn’t clash. I can use lavender one time, or eucalyptus for the grease cutting properties, etc. It is concentrated so when you want to use it you use about a Tbsp of castile soap to 1 gallon of water. That means it will last me a good long while. Since most of the other ingredients you need are things you have on hand it is super frugal – as well as good for the environment and YOUR environment – to make your own cleaning products. I made all 4 of the cleaning products I mentioned in my post in about 10 to 15 minutes.

If you are interested in getting some castile soap, here is the link where I bought mine: Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps Pure-Castile Soap, 18-in-1 Hemp Unscented Baby Mild, 32-Ounce Bottles (Pack of 2).

I’ll be sharing more about essential oils and which ones are good for what soon! Did you know many of them have antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties?! Still others are grease fighters and odor eliminators.

Filed Under: Cleaning, Wholesome Living Tagged With: castile soap, cleaning house, homemade, homemade cleaners, housekeeping

{ 1 Comment }

Cleaning House

September 6, 2010 by Denisesawyer 14 Comments

I’ve been cleaning out my cleaning cabinet and the first thing that I noticed is how many different cleaners were in there! There must have been about 15 different items for cleaning my house. Albeit I don’t use all of them every time, that is just way too many chemicals in my home. I boxed them up and started thinking about what cleaning products I really needed.

This is what I came up with:

Toilet cleaner
Glass cleaner
All -Purpose Cleaner
Mopping/Floor cleaner

That’s it. Just 4 cleaners to clean the whole house. Then, I began to think outside of floors, counters, windows, and mirrors. I started thinking about what other cleaner/chemicals we use in our home. Here’s what I came up with:

Laundry detergent
Dish liquid
Automatic Dish detergent
liquid hand soap (this could fall into personal care)

So, I began researching products, trying products, and making products and I think I have a plan now. I’m making my own toilet cleaner, glass cleaner, all-purpose cleaner, mopping liquid, dish liquid, and hand soap. I’m purchasing laundry detergent, I like Charlie’s Soap, and I’m still up in the air on automatic dish detergent. I’m thinking of trying my own recipe and seeing how it words or I might stick with Seventh Generation’s dish washing tablets.

First, I bought two spray bottles for $1 each at the Dollar Tree for my all-purpose cleaner and glass cleaner. I had a squirt bottle that I bought a while back at Walmart for the toilet cleaner, and I re-purposed an old maple syrup bottle (from buying bulk at Earth Fare) for my dish washing liquid. Then, I found these recipes in a book I have about green cleaning:

:: Mopping Liquid
I just use good ‘ol vinegar and water. I know it isn’t the best smelling concoction, but it works. And, when the water evaporates, so does the smell. If you just can’t handle the smell, you can add a few drop of essential oil to make it more pleasant AND essential oils can add to the cleaning properties as well! You could try a few drops of lavender, orange, lemon, eucalyptus, or tea tree oil; all have antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.

:: Toilet Cleaner
I mixed castile soap and water in a squirt bottle (25% pure concentrated castile soap, 75% water). You squirt the soap mixture into the toilet around the edge (like you would a gel cleaner). Then, you sprinkle baking soda into the bowl (like you would a powder toilet cleaner, such as Comet). Leave it to sit for a about ten minutes. Then, come back and scrub as you would with any toilet cleaner. I was amazed at the result! I thought so few ingredients couldn’t possibly work, but I felt that it actually worked better than the national brand cleaner I used to buy.

:: All Purpose Cleaner
I mixed1 Tbsp borax, 1/4 cup vinegar, 3 1/2 cups hot water, 1/2 tsp of castile soap, and 10 drops of orange essential oil (you could use a different essential oil such as lemon, lavender, or eucalyptus). This is great for any surface cleaner (bathroom and kitchen).

:: Glass Cleaner
I mixed 1/4 cup white vinegar, 1 Tbsp cornstarch, and 3 1/2 cups warm water.

I haven’t used the glass cleaner or the all purpose cleaner yet, but I can’t wait to see how it works. I’m anxious to see the glass cleaner at work, especially. It says it is a “streak free formula.” We’ll see. I have several more recipes if these don’t work.

After all my concocting was finished I made some cute labels with the names and ingredients to add to my bottles. You can download the PDF: Homemade Cleaners Labels. You will need some regular white mailing labels (10 to a sheet) for printing.

Seventh Generation and Walmart challenged me to take a month and share the things I’m doing to make my home greener. You can see what other Walmart Moms are doing, too. Sheena from Sophistishe, Monica from MommyBrain Reports, Jenn from Frugal Upstate and Jenna of Green Your Decor are also participating. Be sure to come back next week for more!

Disclosure: I am a participant in the Walmart Moms program. Seventh Generation has provided me with products. Walmart has provided me with compensation to blog about attempting a more sustainable household for a month. Participation in this program is voluntary. All opinions are my own.

Filed Under: Cleaning, Wholesome Living Tagged With: chemical free cleaners, cleaners, cleaning, green cleaners, green cleaning, non-toxic

{ 14 Comments }

Kicking the Chemicals: Shower Scrubin’

September 3, 2010 by Denisesawyer 10 Comments

I’ve been testing some cleaning supplies lately and ordering some ingredients to make a few of my own as well! I’ve been very pleased with what I’ve used so far, so I thought I would share some of my favorites here with you.

First off, Seventh Generation has a great line of products that I’ve been very pleased with! And, just recently, Walmart began caring them! A win-win! I love that I can buy great products at a great price without driving mile and miles. As you may know, I drive about 45 minutes to my local Earth Fare where I buy most of our groceries every two weeks. So, I am so excited that I can purchase some of my green cleaning products at Walmart – which is much closer. If only they would carry MORE of my favorite organic and natural products…maybe in time.

I must say, I had no doubt that I could find a good, green and chemical free all purpose cleaner, but when it came down to shower cleaner and toilet cleaner, well, let’s just say I was a skeptic. You know those two places can get really grimy and can be a real pill to clean!

Well, I can check off shower cleaner. Seventh Generation’s tub and shower cleaner is a real winner! I have a large tile shower and all I did was spray it all down and walk away. I left it to stand for several hours (and the smell didn’t take my breath away – that in and of itself was nothing short of wonderful). Then, I went back and sprayed it all down with the shower head. I took a scrub brush and scrubbed just the really icky areas like the corners and places where the shaving cream or shampoo had clumped up. As for the rest of the shower, I didn’t even wipe it, the grime just sprayed off. It even wiped out the soap scum on the shower door – no scrubbing needed!

Shower cleaner…check.

And as for the all purpose cleaner, well I’m making my own. I’ll be sharing the recipe with you in the next few days. But, Seventh Generation makes a terrific one too! They have a disinfecting multi-surface cleaner that is the first of its kind. Until now, you couldn’t buy a disinfectant that wasn’t made with harsh chemicals. Seventh Generation’s disinfecting multi-surface cleaner kills 99.9& of germs and it is an all natural disinfectant made with botanical ingredients and essential oils.

Now, on to find a great toilet bowl cleaner. More on that later.

Seventh Generation and Walmart challenged me to take a month and share the things I’m doing to make my home greener. That’s a little tough, since making my home green is all I ever aim to do. Still, we can always do more, right? In this series, I’ll share with you some of the new, and old, things I’m doing to make sustainability a priority in my home. You can see what other Walmart Moms are doing, too. Sheena from Sophistishe, Monica from MommyBrain Reports, Jenn from Frugal Upstate and Jennae of Green Your Decor are also participating. Be sure to come back next week for more!

Filed Under: Cleaning, Wholesome Living Tagged With: chemical free, cleaning, clearners, green, homemade cleaning, homemaker, homemaking, house cleaning, seventh generation, sustainable

{ 10 Comments }

Closet Overhaul

Organizing Kids Craft Supplies – No Longer Out of Control!

Operation Organizing the Bathroom Cabinets

The Natural Soap Chef

Safe Cleaning

Castile Soap

Cleaning House

Kicking the Chemicals: Shower Scrubin’

Click the Image for a Printable Meal Plan

@WholesomeMommy on Twitter