Cleaning Supplies

Down-to-earth people are very cool to me.  Do you know what kind of folks I’m talking about?  Have you ever met someone---or a family of people---and walked away from them thinking, “They are so genuine and real---so down-to-earth.”

Me and Scott aspire to be those kinds of people.  We like the aroma of their approachableness and vulnerability.  Sometimes I fear, though, that the blog world can give people impressions that aren’t so down-to-earth.  It can seem like we’ve got everything together, when, in reality, we’re only holding on by a thread in our strivings to keep everything together.  Things aren’t always as they seem.  You know, kinda like those cinnamon rolls they sell at the Mall---they smell a lot better than they actually taste.

So, what in the world does any of this have to do with cleaning supplies?  Everything!  And there’s just a few confessions to be confessed before going any further on my cleaning supply rampage: 

1. My house is NOT always clean.  Just ask Scott.

2. Cleaning is not always enjoyable.  I have to fight my flesh and remind myself keeping a clean house is an act of faith.

3. I like cleaning supplies. 

There you have it.  In my attempt to be down-to-earth, I want you to know that just because I'm sharing with you, my fellow blog-stalkers, my favorite cleaning supplies, it doesn’t mean you’ll be able to see your reflection in the floors of my house if you ever come to visit. 

Whew!  So glad to get that off my chest.

Now, for the cast of characters:

1. Comet Cleanser: I’m pretty sure this cleanser has been around since the 1960s.  It’s a staple in my cleaner stash.  I use it to clean my sinks (kitchen and bathroom), tubs, and toilets.  And the best part is that it’s dirt cheap.  Like under-a-dollar cheap.

2. Pledge Multi-Surface Cleaner: I love a multi-surface cleaner.  It’s like killing two birds with one stone.  AND it’s great when I’m making a surface-cleaning whirlwind through my den---I can knock out all the glass, wood, and appliances without switching cleaners.

3. Tide {White Lilac Scented} Detergent: It smells so good that you’ll want to wash your sheets once a week.

4. Spot Shot Carpet Cleaner: This carpet cleaner has saved us from having to get our carpet professionally cleaned.  It’s kinda pricy but worth the buy if you have tough stains.

5. Aveeno Baby Wash: I’m usually an old-fashioned Johnson & Johnson momma, but I happened upon a coupon for this wash/shampoo combo and loved it.  Sam smells so sweet and fresh after a bath that I just want to kiss his little cheeks off.

6. Mrs. Meyer’s {Lemon Verbena Scented} All-Purpose Cleaner: I’m somewhat new to the Mrs. Meyer’s cleaning line, but, so far, I’m sold.  This all-purpose cleaner is very concentrated and great for E V E R Y T H I N G---even for mopping your hardwood floors!  Oh, and it smells good, too.

7. Armor All {Orange Scented} Car Cleaning Wipes: We keep these wipes in our car for Goo-Goo runs.  They are handy for dusting off the dash and wiping down leather seats. 

8. Dove Exfoliating Bar Soap: It’s what we use to clean our…selves.  I like the simple, clean smell.

9. Caldrea {Citron Ginger Scented} Countertop Cleaner: I have a compulsive countertop wiping disorder, and this cleaner is probably why.  Target used to carry the Caldrea line, but I haven’t been able to find the countertop cleaner there lately.  I’m hoping they’re just out right now.  Update: I ran to Target tonight and found all the Caldrea cleaners.  Hooray!  They’re somewhat hidden and not in the usual cleaning agents section.  Try looking in the houseware area near the dishtowels and table cloths.   

Happy cleaning!