Home & Garden Blog » Cleaning Supplies

Houseware Accessories that Make Life Easier

Ritika Puri — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 23:24:42 +0000

Living on a budget, I’m always surprised how the smallest accessories can make a world of difference in my every day life. As you have probably noticed, your everyday home & garden needs are either terrible or a blast. Fun: interior decorating, shopping, lighting, hosting parties, and grilling outside. Horrible and not fun: dishes, laundry, cleaning, organizing, scrubbing, and spending money.

My first apartment was one of the most important learning experiences of my life. I grew up in a household that taught me that decorating was no big deal and that I’m better off living on my floor. If it weren’t for my roommates, I probably would not have even bought a bed. My roommates, Kayla, Emily, and Ashley taught me so many small and inexpensive ways to make domestic routines easier.

1) Hate doing dishes? Well here’s a simple solution: buy some dishwashing gloves and a dish drainer. While my boyfriend will fight to the death for stacks of disposable cuttlery (I’m not joking), I think that dishes are a necessary evil if you are looking to be resourceful. Who hates dishes that aren’t dishwasher safe? I do! With a dish drainer, I can hate them a little less.

2) Hate using a sponge? Try a long-handled sponge instead.

3) Sick of carrying around a mop and bucket? Yuck! Use a Swiffer with removable wipes instead. Wipe down your hardwood floors, bathroom, and kitchen in no time!

Have a clean house without sacrificing your life!

Image source: flickr.com/photos/krisandapril

Organic Carpet Cleaner

colleen — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 21:04:48 +0000

Remember all those times you came home from the beach or a muddy day out on a hot summer day? All that mud and muck and sand you tracked into the house is still living in your rugs and carpets. You certainly want to get it cleaned out before the flu season starts so you can have the freshest, cleanest air possible to start the season and protect your family from the get-go. Why not go with an organic carpet cleaner this year, which will be healthier for your family and the environment in the long run? Here are some of the top organic carpet cleaners on the market:

Rug Doctor Professional Carpet Cleaner Package from Amazon.com: $149.95

Simple Green Carpet Cleaner Concentrate: $18.43/gallon

Carpet Cleaner and Deodorizer from Bestvalsup.com: $82.50

Shop for more carpet cleaner at Smarter.com.

The Perfect Vacuum Cleaner

homegarden — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 00:50:56 +0000

Black is the new green. The Electrolux Ultra Silencer Green is a newly revolutionized vacuum cleaner. It is black for a reason–it’s made of recycled plastic material. This has been called the most energy efficient vacuum cleaner out there. It’s also very compact.

Another notable feature is that you no longer will be forced to turn down the volume every time you vacuum. It won’t be an inconvenience because it operates at 65 decibels, which is as loud as a typical conversation, according to the NY times. It is relatively ultra silent.

Although it may come in other colors like red and white, black is the only one that’s made of recycled material. It’s going to be available this month for roughly $300–not bad considering you’re helping the environment. As far as actually cleaning, this cleaner runs on 1,250 watt motor and has a newly, more efficient designed nozzle. How can it not give you the most optimum results. It’s also got a dust bag full indicator. Very convenient. Also, this cleaner reduces power consumption by 33%. As far as I’m concerned, this really is the perfect vacuum cleaner.

Image source: NYtimes.com

Shop through a variety of vacuum cleaners at Smarter.com.

Eco-Friendly Choices: Cleaning Green

colleen — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 21:03:05 +0000

We all know that we need to clean off our fruits and vegetables after buying them from the supermarket because of pesticides and all that invisible, potentially harmful junk. But, did you know what we use to clean our furniture, bedding, floors, dishes, houses, sinks, etc can have even more disastrous effects on our health and the environment? Unfortunately, our technologies and inventions have just become so efficient that we forget that toxic and polluting substances and chemicals are what make our cleaning so easy. Whatever can dissolve a sink clog or burn off a rug stain will do the same (or worse) to any living creature, plant, or household pet. So what does it do to you? On an immediate level, your skin may be irritated or your breathing may be tough, but in the long run who knows what this over-exposure to chemicals will do to our bodies and minds. There are plenty of easy, at-home replacements to commercial cleaning products, and they are-tried-and-true effective solutions. Here are some effective replacements:

1. All-Purpose Cleaner
-1/2 tsp washing soda
-A dab of liquid soap
-2 cups hot tap water

Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake until the washing soda has dissolved. Apply and wipe off with a sponge or rag.

Where to buy these ingredients:

Washing Soda, otherwise known as Detergent Boosters or All-Purpose Cleaners, are offered by a variety of general brands, like Arm & Hammer. The Arm & Hammer Washing Soda goes for about $2 a cup.

2. Oven Cleaner
-1 cup or more baking soda
-water
-A squirt or two of liquid detergent

Liquid detergent, of course, can come with all sorts of coloring chemicals and residues that would outweigh the extra work you go into making your own home cleaning products. Make sure you look for a green liquid detergent, like the Sals Suds Liquid Cleaner. For only $7.39 for 16 oz of all-natural liquid detergent product, this is exactly where you want to be to clear your conscious and your oven!

3. Mold Killer
-2 teaspoons tea tree oil
-2 cups water

Combine in a spray bottle, shake to blend, and spray on problem areas. Do not rinse.

Ah, tea tree oil. Almost as much magic as aloe, tea tree oil can solve all sorts of burns or itches with it’s soothing quality. Apparently it’s not so smooth or soothing to mold, though. Now Tea Tree Oil is offered for sale at GNC.com for $12.99, and $10.39 if you sign up for the GNC Gold Card membership.

Find at Smarter.com: Shop for more environmentally friendly cleaning products.

Green Washing Machines: Save More Money!

colleen — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 18:48:47 +0000

Do you ever think about how much water gets used (and wasted) when washing your clothes? Of course you want them to be fresh, smelling sweet and clean, but is there any way for you to be more green and eco-friendly with your washing? You try the all-natural soaps and use a broom instead of a vacuum cleaner at home, which are all perfect ways to help the environment. Now let’s talk big picture, big investment and big savings for both you and the environment: Eco-Friendly Washing Machines!

Tips for looking for Eco-Friendly Washing Machines:

1. Look for words like “energy efficient” and “economic operation”: Look for a front-loading washing machine instead of a top-loading washing machine, too. We’ll get to the specifics later. You also want to see if the machine can handle high-efficiency of condensed detergents, so that you don’t use too many chemicals. While the words are well and good, to be a true savvy shopper you need to know the statistics.
2. The average top-loading washing machine uses over 40 gallons of water per wash! That’s a lot of wasted water, when you think that the average front-loading washing machine uses between 15-20.
3. If you’re washing for a big family and still need the top-loader to fit in the bulky items, make sure the machine is extremely efficient and comes with a good spin cycle, so you don’t have to waste as much energy on the drying machine as well.

Top rated Machines:

1. Maytag Neptune 2.4 Cu. Ft. Energy Star Compact Front Load Washer is compact on the outside, yet very economical on the inside, with a 2.4 cubic feet capacity that can hold up to 16 bath towels! The machine is very economical in price and in system support, with 22 different wash cycles to perform just the way you need. Starting at $689, the Maytag Neptune is a star in the making.

2. Fisher & Paykel Intuitive Eco IWL16 is a top loader with a great rating. Gentle operation and very energy efficient even considering it’s size (measuring in at 3.7 cubic feet capacity!). Praised for being very quiet and efficient, and costing between $769-799, the machine is a perfect companion for a large family home.

Take care of the environment and still keep your family clean–eco-friendly washing machines are not sacrifices, but great investments for your own future and the future of the environment.

Find at Smarter.com: Shop for more front-loading washing machines.
Discount on washing machines.

Christmas Party is Over – Time to Clean Up those Spills with a Steam Cleaner

evette — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 13:00:23 +0000

The Christmas party is over, as you awake the next morning you are greeted by piles of discarded cups, assorted empty bottles and GASP! spills, spills, spills!

Check out the SteamFast Steam Cleaner, the worst dirt in your home does not stand a chance!

Without the use of cleaning solutions or chemicals, this powerful 1500-watt steam cleaner uses pressurized steam from ordinary tap water to remove tough grease, dirt, and grime from household hard surfaces. After filling its large-capacity, 50-ounce water tank, the cleaner can run for one full hour under normal usage. The unit’s steam power is ideal for cleaning and deodorizing kitchens, bathrooms, appliances, counter tops, patio furniture, barbecue grills, garbage cans, car tires and wheels, and more. The amount of steam coming from the unit is easy to control, and nine convenient accessories make it possible to clean nooks and crannies in hard-to-reach places. Other useful features include a lighted “on/off” switch with a steam-ready light, the ability to eliminate dust mites and other allergens, a utility-brush storage compartment, and castors for easy mobility.

Originally priced at $129.99

Now on SALE for $110.87 (you save 15%)

If you are interested in purchasing the SteamFast Steam Cleaner, click here.

Still need more discount cleaning supplies? Check these out!

Pretty Trash? – Suncast Outdoor Trash Hideaway

evette — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 18:53:28 +0000

People often tell me that I keep a well kept, (modest) home. Well folks the secret to my success is continuous up keep and hyper attention to the details.

For example, most people would never think twice about the aesthetics of trash. But I do. Such things nibble at my nerves until I find a solution to my eye sore. Which is why the Suncast Outdoor Trash Hideaway peaked my attention. I find it really silly when people spend precious time and money to make the inside of their home comfortable but leave broken furniture outside and leave their trash all stinky and overflowing in the driveway. Not only does it depreciate the value of your home, but it’s an eyesore for the whole neighborhood. At least that’s my opinion, seems trivial right but like I said it’s all in the”details”…

The Hideaway Trash Container is styled to look attractive for patios and eating areas, the receptacle includes a latching lid to keep waste out of sight. Long lasting taupe resin construction withstands outdoor use and includes a solid bottom panel. It has a 24 gallon capacity but is designed for 30-33 gallon disposable liners.

Basically it looks sharp, clean and classy.

Originally $49.99 but is available for $39.99

If you are like me and would like to spruce up your trash, check out the Suncast Outdoor Trash Hideaway.

I Hate the Germies – Check out the Touchless Automatic Trash Can

evette — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:18:10 +0000

I once scrubbed my former aluminum trash can with a mystery mix of bleach, water and pine sol. That is how O.C.D I am about germs! Even after a thorough rub down and hose off, I still felt that it was infested so I chucked it. Crazy huh? And that trash can cost me 5o bucks.

Now before you go judging me and shaking your head, I had a couple of problems with my former aluminum trash can. It was a an oval shape, which I felt initially looked lovely but ended up being a problem moving forward. Whenever I would empty the trash the shape would make it difficult to lift the plastic bag freely from the can. For example whenever I had stuffed or crammed cardboard items (like cereal boxes) into the trash, when I would go to pull it out the edges in the bag would always get stuck and sometimes would even tear the bag. Truly a pain in the tooshie.

I made a solemn vow that my next trash can would be a simple circle. Which is why the Touchless, Automatic Sensor Trash Can appeals to me so much.

much easier and more sanitary – the 100% touch-free operation is designed to open and close automatically by infrared sensor
helps to create a germ-free environment, helps keep your hands clean while cooking and prevents cross contamination
highly sensitive to prevent accidental opening and features a mechanically superior lid opening mechanism for longer lasting, more durable operation
fits any standard sized trash bag
and you can use AC power adapter to save on battery costs
There is an Open/Close button on the front of the trashcan for manual operation and an On/Off power switch on the back
also includes a trash bag retainer ring to secure the bag

I seriously think I love this trash can. I can’t think of anything I do not like about it.

Plus it is affordable, Price $ 89.99

Which if you have ever shopped for a decent aluminum trash can, with none of these features is a very reasonable price!

To shop or find out even more about the Touchless Automatic Sensor Trash Can, click here.