Life Savers

This topic comes up only because I spent a large part of this last Saturday cleaning my home. I really do try to follow the advice that Becky at Clean Mama offers. I do try to do laundry, sweep the floors, wipe the counters, and pick up the clutter EVERY.DAY but sometimes life just gets in the way of a spotless house.

I really did use to be one of those people who couldn't have one thing out of place. Ask my brother, we used to have battles over him walking across my perfectly lined up vacuum marks in the carpet. (He still loves to torture me, he's just found new ways.) My bed used to get made every day, and I was my mother's cleaning lady, which she loved! All of this changed when I got my first dog. To those who don't have dogs, they are worse than kids sometimes. They don't care if they ruin your vacuum lines, they leave hair everywhere, chew things up, are great running partners, and love you unconditionally. One dog became two and were great preparation for being a mother. I got used to messes and learned not to panic when one happened.

Despite all of this, I really do try to keep things as clean as possible and have come up with tools that are "Life Savers" in helping me. I'm sure a lot of you are familiar with these but they still deserve a shout out from me. These tools are....ta da!:
My Swiffer duster, for wiping the dust and cobwebs off of things right before I get notice someone is on the way over for a visit. Another Swiffer product...I love this company...my Swiffer sweeper that catches all of that dog/cat hair that inexplicably escapes the broom and dustpan.
My new find and hallelujah product is this little Libman mop that has washable microfiber pads and a chamber you can fill with the cleaning solution of your choice. (I use vinegar and water.) I did formerly love the Swiffer Spray and Mop but this is so much better because it saves.me.money. I don't have to buy disposable pads (you can just put the microfiber ones in the wash) or any special fluid. LOVE IT!
Finally, the last and the best...Clorox Wipes! These help me to keep my sanity. They wipe up any mess you can imagine that 3 boys or 2 dogs could make. I've even used these things on my mirrors in a pinch! (Not perfect, but good enough most of the time.) I wipe down door knobs, bathroom counters, toilets, floors, etc. with these things. I know it's bleach, I know it's not organic, but it settles my nurse sensibilities and need for clean. These few things are my favorite, but not only cleaning products. An honorable mention goes to Mr. Clean erasers, and Clorox toilet wands.

By the way, my next thing to try is the line of Shaklee products. I do like the idea of non-toxic organic cleaners. I'll let you know in the future if they earn the ranking of best cleaner. Rumor is they do. However, I don't think I'll ever give up my Clorox Wipes! Also, I don't have a cleaning routine or any other special advice, other than I try to clean up whenever the opportunity presents itself. (This is not after my kids are in bed, because I'm exhausted at the end of the day, and am not the Energizer Bunny who just keeps going and going!) I know this must seem mundane to ya'll, but it sure is a big part of my life and I just had to get it out there...amazing what makes my world turn, huh?