Posted by: wings Mar 21 2006, 10:26 AM

Okay, while I was planning to make the laundry soap I found these and wondered if anyone else had tried them.

Dishwasher

1Tablespoon Borax
1T Baking soda

Put in the cup mix and go


Dish Soap

1/4 soap flakes (fels naptha or ivory bar grated)
2 cups hot water
1/4 glycerin

Combine soap flakes in water and stir
Stir in glycerin and cool. Use

Ber

Posted by: hs4hmom Mar 21 2006, 10:27 AM

I've never tried these. Are those the only two ingredients for the dishwasher soap? I like that idea, but I use Dawn because it's better for our septic system since we are not on a sewer line.

Posted by: chocolatechic Mar 21 2006, 10:30 AM

Yes they are. I have used it many times. You can also just use straight vinegar in place of your rince aid. That is what I do.

Posted by: hs4hmom Mar 21 2006, 10:32 AM

Thanks. I use the vinegar--it's my cure-all for just about everything. Apple cider vinegar for the inside ( people/animals) and distilled vinegar for the outside (cleaning).

Posted by: mtbriere Mar 21 2006, 11:12 AM

I've used borax for the dishwasher & it didn't do a very good job. I need to try it mixed with the baking soda.
off to try it...

Posted by: chocolatechic Mar 21 2006, 11:15 AM

I found that it doesn't work as well as a store bought soap, but if you increase the amounts to 2 tbsp....it works much better.

Posted by: Blaise Mar 21 2006, 12:28 PM

I'm really gonna havta try that in my dishwasher!

Posted by: AKHomemom Mar 21 2006, 01:37 PM

Ok, Tanya, are you saying that using 2T Borax and 2T baking soda per load in the dishwasher?

If this is indeed a formula that works and breaks down the food particules, DH doesn't want me using something that will necessitate having to pre wash the dishes before loading them, then it would be cheaper to do that than the Cascade complete or Kirkland gel that I currently use.

Not sure about making the laundry soap.

The dish soap might be interesting to try. Where do you find the glycerine?

Posted by: chocolatechic Mar 21 2006, 01:40 PM

Yes, 2 tbsp of each.

It really depends on how good your dishwasher is. It is cheeper than even the store brand soaps.

Walmart carries glycerine.

Posted by: AKHomemom Mar 21 2006, 02:05 PM

Ok, I'll look at WM next time I'm there. Is it in the cleaning section?

I should finish up the gel stuff as I've found if I leave it unused for too long it breaks down and isn't any good. The Cascade will keep much longer. I'll need to find a good container to put this in, probably a rubbermaid one.

Posted by: chocolatechic Mar 21 2006, 02:07 PM

No, the glycerine is found in the pharmacy section.

I never did much like the gel stuff.......it is just the powdered stuff, liquified......a bit, and they charge you extra for it.

Posted by: mimzie Mar 21 2006, 04:14 PM

That's suppose to be WASHING soda isnt it??? The recipe I have calls for washing soda!!! I dont guess it would hurt anything but baking soda isnt gonna get your stuff clean like washing soda would LOL and I've used the borax and washing soda, takes just a tiny bit and works pretty good.

Rachel

Posted by: chocolatechic Mar 21 2006, 04:39 PM

yes...washing soda....

Posted by: jessicasmom Mar 21 2006, 05:01 PM

What is washing soda?

Posted by: chocolatechic Mar 21 2006, 05:05 PM

I am not sure, but Walmart sells it. Kind of like Borateem......

Posted by: Appliejuice Mar 21 2006, 06:13 PM

I made dishwasher soap a few years ago. It had a lot more ingredients than Ber's and it was really nasty. It covered everything in the load with a iky film. Right now we are using Sam's brand of dishwashing soap. We have no problems with it.

I do have a laundry soap recipe somewhere in the house. It is really cheap to make, but hubby doesn't want me making it. I have too much other stuff to do.

Posted by: Sammi Mar 21 2006, 08:28 PM

It is very cool that you ladies do this!

Very cool.

Posted by: AKHomemom Mar 23 2006, 06:23 PM

Well where do you find this "washing soda"? I've never heard of it

Posted by: TiffinKY Mar 27 2006, 07:38 PM

I think it can be found in the laundry section of the supermarket. I've read that it comes in a 55oz yellow box similar to baking soda, but it should say Super Washing Soda on the box. I'm going to check WM this week and see what I find.

Posted by: AKHomemom Mar 29 2006, 10:00 AM

I was just at WM yesterday and I forgot to check for any of this stuff

Another day I guess.

Posted by: praise_singer Mar 29 2006, 10:59 PM

I made up the dishwasher soap today w/Borax and baking soda. I ran a load with it and it seemed to work fine. Not any better than my Cascade Gel thingy's but not worse either. I will definitely be doing this from now on. Much cheaper!!! I made up a whole crock of it so that we will have it available everytime we run a load of dishes.

Thanks everyone!

Posted by: chocolatelover Mar 29 2006, 11:56 PM

I should try that washing recipe....


Can you use it for people Or children who have very sensitive skin???

We use All free and clear for the kids' clothes.....they are too sensitive.

Posted by: Beth S...in AK Mar 30 2006, 01:45 AM

I saw it at our Fred Meyers yesterday, Elaine. I didn't look at the cost though. We are trying to use stuff up and I am using the easy store bought stuff right now!

Posted by: TiffinKY Mar 30 2006, 10:59 AM

I couldn't find the washing soda at WM. I was told they didn't carry it. I picked up a big box of baking soda and will just try that instead.

Posted by: mimzie Mar 30 2006, 11:35 AM

I have read everywhere that the homemade laundry soap is better for sensitive skin! Less chemicals than any store bought detergents! Even if you use cheap bar soap, there's no/less reaction (I would just say no but not really sure) than store bought.Give it a try and save a ton of money!

Rachel

Posted by: AKHomemom Mar 30 2006, 10:28 PM

Ok, I'll have to go there tomorrow anyway as I have a Starbucks coupon to use by tomorrow and a coupon for 2 slices of pizza as well.

Posted by: Beth S...in AK Mar 30 2006, 11:36 PM

Sounds like a great opportunity for you and lunch for the Dc!

It was in the aisle with the laundry detergent.

Posted by: Hindsfeet Mar 31 2006, 11:29 AM

The washing soda I have comes in a plastic bag and it's just laying on a bottom shelf in the grocery store in the laundry section. It's pretty cheap. It's a 5 lb bag for less than $2.

Posted by: quiltinmommy Apr 18 2006, 11:11 AM

Last night I was making pancakes and eggs for dinner. I had one leftover banana, so on a whim, I chopped it up and added to the pancake batter. It was so YUMMY! I don't remember the last time I did that.

Posted by: Dr. Pepper Apr 18 2006, 11:14 AM

I throw in some chocolate chips with the bananna and talk about HEAVEN!!!

Posted by: gsmp Apr 18 2006, 11:16 AM

I will add chopped pecans.

We will actually buy banannas and let them go brown so that we can save the mushy banana and freeze it.

Oh yumm.............

Posted by: jessicasmom Apr 18 2006, 11:25 AM

Last week me and Jessica made peanut butter pancakes and whole wheat oatmeal pancakes. They were really yummy I haven't tried banana pancakes yet

Posted by: quiltinmommy Apr 18 2006, 11:30 AM

My daughter wanted chocolate chip pancakes.... I just can't imagine that one....

Posted by: chocolatechic Apr 18 2006, 11:39 AM

I was just going to start a post about this....

I closed my eyes, stuck my hand in the freezer to get a "hunk'o'meat" and out I pulled maple sausage links....

I couldn't for the life of me think of what to have with them. Now I know....pancakes with bananas, chocolate chips and pecans! The husband will really appreciate this!!!

Posted by: Donna Apr 18 2006, 11:49 AM

That sounds good.

Posted by: Dr. Pepper Apr 18 2006, 12:21 PM

Sounds better than Pizza to me!!!

Posted by: Beth S...in AK Apr 18 2006, 12:54 PM

My Dc and Dh would love this...but I won't be making it!

I don't like banana's!

Posted by: AKHomemom Apr 18 2006, 04:18 PM

Beth, you have managed to shock me.
You don't like bananas I just can't comprehend this.


Tanya, I think that I would like to come have dinner with you ..........










Except that Dh is grilling hamburgers and hotdogs on my request. He will cook dinner while I have DS at his Spanish lesson so that when we can come home and I can eat dinner instead of junk food before leaveing for class.

Posted by: M. Diana Cerepaka Apr 18 2006, 04:24 PM

I am going to have to try this. I have been using the frozen bananas for banana bread. These suggestions sound good!

Posted by: chocolatechic Apr 18 2006, 04:35 PM

I ended up not putting the chocolate chips in it. They were good.

Posted by: Beth S...in AK Apr 18 2006, 06:16 PM

Sorry I shocked you, Elaine...
I just don't like banana's...I have tried to like them but !
I do not like them....
Not in a box, not with a fox, not in a house, not with a mouse!

Posted by: chocolatechic Apr 18 2006, 06:17 PM

Thought that was ham.....

Posted by: Beth S...in AK Apr 18 2006, 06:19 PM

You mean it isn't left up to interpretation?

Posted by: chocolatechic Apr 18 2006, 06:20 PM

interpretation??? of course....

Posted by: Beth S...in AK Apr 18 2006, 06:21 PM

The Dc made Choc. Chip pancakes on Sat....I didn't get any but they said they were really yummy.

Posted by: Michelle Apr 18 2006, 09:19 PM

You know...I think I will have to try this for dinner tomorrow.


shhh....don't tell the kids though...I'll surprise them. No, make that shock them.

Tanya, I like the idea of maple sausage too. Only I will make regular sausage, then drizzle maple syrup over them.

Posted by: quiltinmommy Apr 18 2006, 10:18 PM

I like maple sausage with maple syrup drizzled over THEM!

Only real maple syrup though....

Posted by: Sherinova Apr 18 2006, 10:50 PM

I use bananas as a pancake or waffle topping quite often. I don't think I've ever mixed them in w/the batter. This is so good that its more like dessert!

Posted by: gsmp Apr 19 2006, 05:48 AM

Shhhhhh...........You weren't supposed to disclose that little bit of information.

If children figured out we were letting them have dessert for breakfast or dinner.....there would be a worl wide revolt...........we could longer force them to eat that healthy stuff anymore.......


But they are really good if you make some homemade whipped cream to be served on topalong with some more fruit.........


They are also good with crushed pineapple.............

Posted by: chocolatelover Apr 19 2006, 09:22 AM

Beth, have you ever tried eating your Bananas while still green?
I don't like them yellow.... too...but green, oh that's a whole different story.
All execpt hubby love Green Bananas...for some unknown reason he likes them yellow???


I may chop up some Bananas and fry them w/ butter and add maple syrup to them for topping.

I knew I should have bought that bottle of whipping cream, Ginger.
Oh well, powdered sugar will to the trick....

Yummy.... breakfast is on the way.... today......breakfast will be yummy......today......(singing...I'm happy today )

Posted by: javaprof23 Apr 19 2006, 12:59 PM

Dh made pancakes for everyone for dinner last night because I was gone. He didn't put bananas in them though. My kids actually like homemade buckwheat pancakes and dh makes his and mine with almond meal, other binder ingredients and club soda as the leavening. They're yummy, too!

Posted by: Beth S...in AK Apr 19 2006, 01:55 PM

Posted by: Dr. Pepper Apr 21 2006, 02:30 PM

Has anyone tried freezing homemade mash potatoes? If so, do I have to do anything special with them so they are not soggy or dry??

Posted by: gsmp Apr 21 2006, 02:38 PM

I've done a couple different things with them.....I have put the leftovers in an aluminum pan and baked them.

They get a nice crispy topping on them.

The other two ways I fix them is after they have thawed I will reheat them in the microwave but usually need to add some extra milk and rewhip them.

the other thing is something my MIL does with leftover mashed potatoes...it's like a Pennsylvania dutch type dish.....but I chop up some celery and onion and saute it in a frying pan then add the leftover mashed potatoes and reheat them that way.

Posted by: Michelle Apr 21 2006, 02:53 PM

We usually mix an egg with them, make patties, cook in skillet. Or...just forget the egg

I don't always freeze the leftovers, but once in a while have. I have usually found they weren't as good as the first time round, if you are expecting first rate quality. But..when mixed with something, or used in a different way (like twice baked potatoes) they are great.

Posted by: jessicasmom Apr 21 2006, 02:57 PM

We do what Michelle said; make potato patties or potato cakes. I usually use the egg in mine to help hold the potatoes together but if they are thick enough you can omit the egg

Posted by: krodriguez Apr 21 2006, 04:52 PM

I freeze mine in plastic bags. Sometimes I use them for refrigerator dough and then others for whatever calls for mashed potatoes. If I am using for dough I defrost in warm water. If for eating I defrost and then put in a pot again and warm slowly. Sometimes I add chicken broth to help make a little less tough.

Posted by: Donna Apr 19 2006, 03:24 PM

I just finished cleaning out the pots and pans cabinet. It took 2 hours, but the cabinet is a large one.. 6.5 feet long, 2 feet deep with two full shelves.

I doubt anyone really wants to hear about this job, but I'm going to tell how I do it anyway.

- Sweep your floor and lay a blanket on the floor.
- Get a cloth and the cleaning solution that you want to use. In my case I used a spray bottle with ammonia and water. The ammonia and water has two purposes.. it will kill any bugs I come across and it will be used for the cleaner.
- Get a good light source. I used a very adjustable portable halogen light.
- Get a laundry basket for loose items.
- Put the cat somewhere else because he will find the open cabinet(s) irresistible.

Start taking the stuff out of the cabinet. (If you have small kids, do this in sections instead of doing the whole big thing because you may not get to finish.)

Use the light to view the area before sticking your arm in there. There might be spiders! I found a black spider in my cabinet. I am leery of any spider that likes dark places. LOOK first!

Once the stuff is out, use the good light to look at the area. Inspect any 'litter' you find. If you find anything that looks like droppings, it probably is droppings. Small droppings means small bugs such as roaches; large droppings indicate mice. Lucky me, I found no droppings.

Clean the shelves. If you use shelf paper, replace it if it is in bad shape. Lucky for me, my shelves in some cabinets are covered with vinyl flooring. Vinyl flooring is a good covering for a heavy item cabinet such as a pots and pans cabinet. I also have vinyl flooring in my under-the-sink cabinet.

Look at the items that you removed. If you have items that have not been used in over two years, that is an item to consider getting rid of. An exception might be a little used item. In my case, the little used items are small corning ware cookware dishes that I used to use when it was just hubby and I. Someday, it will be just hubby and I once more, so I kept that stuff. Another item I kept is a punch bowl. I might use it someday for a wedding or a baby shower. I have room for it, so I am keeping it for now. Decide what to keep and what to get rid of.

Put everything back in.
Clean up the mess on the floor.

Unless there is an accident, this job won't have to be done again in a long while.

Posted by: Sammi Apr 19 2006, 04:29 PM

Unless you have children, who mess it up...it won't need done again!

Mine needs reorganized every few months. When the kids put things away, they put things any which way!

Posted by: Blaise Apr 19 2006, 05:44 PM

Mine do too. I can't find anything in my cabinets... ever! I open them and things fall out. I can't find anything in there when I'm looking for it. I always make the kids venture in and find things when I need them.

Posted by: wings Apr 19 2006, 05:56 PM

Sounds like my last few weeks!!!! Sheesh only once a year do I do all those cabinets!!!

Ber

Posted by: Donna Apr 19 2006, 05:58 PM

I don't have that problem. I showed my kids where things go in the kitchen and they put them there. If they didn't know where something went they would always ask me. My daughter will inspect the dishes for cleanliness before she puts them away, I didn't teach her that. She even stacks the flatware in neat single piles.

Posted by: chocolatelover Apr 19 2006, 10:37 PM

I wish I would have known about that vinyl flooring on the bottome of the cabinets and shelves...
What a great idea.

Making note of that one.

My kids are the same as all of yours. "It goes in there? Okay" Throw, Slam the door closed.
"Done"

Posted by: Sherinova Apr 19 2006, 11:18 PM

Bet its nice to have that task checked off the 'to do list'!

Vinyl flooring under the sink......***Oh honey, I have a new project for your list!***

I stick the long handle of the vacuum in places I can't see/reach....like in my corner round-a-bout cabinets.

I wish I could teach my husband as well as my children where 'stuff' belongs in the kitchen. Maybe they should teach him.

Posted by: siscaboo1512 Apr 20 2006, 07:10 AM

Great idea about the vinyl flooring in the cabinets.



Some of my kids do the throw slam method also. That is why they get stuff out of the pot and pan cabinet. Not me. Plus, they are closer to the ground. Lame excuse but, it works.

Posted by: javaprof23 Apr 20 2006, 07:19 AM

I like the vinyl flooring idea, too.

All my cabinets need to be cleaned/reorganized desperately. 13yo dd did it last time. She seems to like to organize things. Maybe she'll do it again!

Posted by: Appliejuice Apr 20 2006, 07:20 AM

Since you already know how to do this, Donna, how about you coming over to my house and clean mine out?

Actually, I have two that need to be deep cleaned. They are my corner cabinets that go back behind another cabinet, so the only way to clean them is to get into the cabinet. This is not going to happen until after school is over with, which will be in about 3 weeks.

At some point this summer I want hubby to put down vinyl in each of the lower cabinets. We have had it for two years now.

Thanks for telling us how to clean out the cabinet. It has inspired me to get to it. Must wait until after school.

Posted by: chocolatechic Apr 20 2006, 07:26 AM

Mine kind of did this, but they have learned to put it away where it goes, because when I find out who is doing the "throw and slam"...........they get to clean out ALL the cabinets....

Posted by: Grammie Apr 20 2006, 07:55 AM

Are our kids related? Or is this just a 'kid' thing? Of course, I almost killed my ex- once. I was putting away the cast iron skillets in the cabinet over the stove. I couldn't quite reach the cabinet, so instead of pulling them out and stacking them by size, I just put the larger ones on top of the smaller ones. He opened the cabinet and they all came tumbling down! Now, DGD, does the same thing -- luckily the pots and pans are kept in a lower cabinet!

Posted by: AKHomemom Apr 20 2006, 10:55 AM

Thank you for sharing your method, Donna.

You have inspired me as well to clean my cubbords out. But like Applie it will have to wait until summer to be done.

Posted by: Beth S...in AK Apr 20 2006, 12:09 PM

I will be having some help with cleaning out my cabinets, sometime next month! When they are all empty I will clean them....but the movers will be putting everything in boxes, so I won't have to put stuff back in.

Posted by: Donna Apr 21 2006, 08:48 PM

This one is that way. I had to get inside the lower cabinet to clean the corners. That part of the job was the worse part.

Posted by: Sammi Apr 22 2006, 02:00 PM

I was taking a quick break from cleaning and it made me wonder....


do any of you have a routine for cleaning? Would you share?

I know, if anyone does, it's Kenny, she is cleaning machine!

I never got started with under the sink. Everyone woke up at once, so I decided to get started w/ dd room. If you can believe it, I am still going strong in there.

She has a rather big room 16 x 26, and her sister shares some of the dressers, b'c her room, upstairs, doesn't have a closet and the room is very tiny, 10 x 14. So part of the room is her sisters and part is hers.

This room is a disaster area.

At the foot of her double bed, we put her junior bed and had stuffed animals on it. So we took that out and there is more room to walk. We moved her kitchen set out of our dining room, and moved it into her room. She is cleaning it up now.

She has two tall book shelves, which the top 2 shelves in both, are filled w/ stuffed animals. She just doesn't want to get rid of them. I can't blame her. They are cute... They are filled w/ memories of the people that gave them to her.

Anyway...I still have atleast a half of a room to go. I've been looking at this room for months, and just plain overwhelmed to start it.

I have a bag of books, a doll house, a kiddie piano and a toy box to go in the yard sale next weekend.

I should not have let it go on this long. It is my fault.

Well, I'm going back into dust bunny heaven now.

Posted by: HomeschoolLady03 Apr 22 2006, 02:11 PM

I think the machine broke this week......

Hopefully, when I get used to my glasses and my headaches go away, I'll get the house back into shape.
I just couldn't function at all this week. Hubby even helped clean the house and teach ds... The house needs a good mopping, dusting, laundry caught up....etc....

Sounds like you are doing great with your cleaning!

Posted by: ucfgizmo Apr 22 2006, 02:42 PM

My main cleaning day is Monday. It is an all day adventure. I like eveywhere to be clean for the week, and we do a lot in the yard over the weekend, so it needs it most then. I actually have a list and cross things off as I go, so I feel like I have accomplished something.

My oldest is really starting to be a big help with picking up and putting things back after I vac. She also entertains the little one, which of course is the biggest help of all!

Monday's order:
Strip beds & Spray Lysol
Sort Laundry
First load goes in, usually 4 loads progressively during the day in betw'n
Tidy everywhere, put things in their place
Make beds
Put smaller stuff up on chairs, beds, etc to make vac'ing easier
Vacuum & put back
Empty DW & wipe it down w/ lysol
Clean counters, sinks, stove, vent, fridge, micro, tables
Clean all 3 bathroom counters, sinks, & mirrors
Wash kitchen lino & rest of the tile (I have one of those Hoover Vac/Wash/Dry machines, so its pretty quick these days)
Soak Toilets (when girls are resting... I'm always afraid of the chemicals)
Scrub tubs & shower
Finish Toilets
One of my once a month jobs (either windows, wash all baseboards, clean ceiling fans, or empty, clean, and resort kitchen cupboards)
Make grocery list for Tuesday


Tuesday:
Dust
Sweep garage, lanai, front porch
Grocery Shop

Friday:
Laundry -- only 2 loads
Quick vac (living room, den, & playroom)
Wash lino again (kitchen and breakfast area only)

Posted by: Blaise Apr 22 2006, 04:57 PM

Cleaning routine? CLEANING ROUTINE???

Yeah, mine goes a little something like this:

DO YOUR CHORES! NOW!




I clean as something needs to be cleaned, so no real routine. There is a lot I can not do because of the Sciatica. It just won't let me.

Posted by: TiffinKY Apr 22 2006, 05:17 PM

I've been doing most of my cleaning on Saturdays with laundry being dispersed throughout the week. The only problem with this method is that I get tired and give up sometimes before I've gotten everything done. I'm thinking of making up a chore chart once we get moved and organize it so that each day is devoted to one room.

Posted by: krodriguez Apr 22 2006, 05:51 PM

My only routine is to pray that I get it done before someone stops over unexpectedly.

No, really, I do certain chores on certain days. It helps make the load easier.

Posted by: hs4hmom Apr 22 2006, 07:00 PM

I guess I have a sort of routine.
Monday: clean kitchen
Tuesday: family room
Wednesday: bathrooms
Thursday: living room
Friday: back hallway

The kids each have a "public" room they are responsible for keeping picked up and vacuumed/swept.

Having said all that, it is still an ongoing battle to make sure it all gets done. I am not a natural housekeeper like my mom, grandma, greatgrandma--you get the picture. It takes work on my part.

Posted by: Tressa Apr 22 2006, 07:39 PM

You mean I am the one that is supposed to clean this mess?! But..but..but.. I was waiting for the maid!

Honestly, I wish I had a routine. I just clean as it needs it and it usually needs it before I get to it and then I am overwhelmed. I need a routine.

Posted by: CelticMuse Apr 22 2006, 07:44 PM

Sammi,
I had the best routine going for months until I got the measles while pregnant with Camryn, then cam a new baby, then I had to go to work, another difficult pregnancy and birth. Now with four little ones again I'm struggling how to balance it all again. I'm so out of my routine that it is really getting to me.

Posted by: Beth S...in AK Apr 22 2006, 09:06 PM

I could have written this!

We used to do all the deep cleaning on Sat. morning....before anything else! But now I just do stuff as it needs cleaning!

Posted by: Donna Apr 22 2006, 09:53 PM

I have a routine. Once in a while family members blow it out of the water and it is hard to get back on track. That is okay with me since that is evidence of life in my household. I've never ever been super picky about my house.

I have my morning routine posted in my blog in a block. It has the daily bare essentials for me, but it alone doesn't cover everything that needs to be done. The rest.. vacuuming, mopping, etc is spread out over two or three days during the week with weekends off and a shopping day off. Even though I have this stuff written down, it doesn't mean that I always get to it. Aside from homeschool clutter, my house is fairly neat today since I did manage to do my list this week.

Posted by: sumi Apr 22 2006, 09:56 PM

I could have written this too!

Posted by: Blaise Apr 22 2006, 09:59 PM

Bah, I kind of like my organized chaos!

Posted by: Sherinova Apr 22 2006, 10:08 PM

I routinely come here every morning and see what everyone else is doing.




No, I don't have a set routine. Certain things get done daily (pick-up, beds, kitchen) and Monday seems to be the day I get most of my housecleaning done. Laundry & bathrooms are almost daily. Hubby does the floors so that is somewhat sporadic, but I am thankful he does this for me. Dusting and putting away folded laundry are my downfalls.

Posted by: Sammi Apr 23 2006, 05:50 AM

Dd room is done and looks beautiful!!!!

I was so tired, I could barely get off the couch to go to bed. Something is totally wrong w/ that picture. My husband said, well, how long has it been since you cleaned it? Okay, well, b'f Xmas. I know, it is totally my fault.

I asked about a cleaning routine, b'c I find it hard to keep one. Something always keeps creeping into our schedule.

We hs everyday and I find it difficult to keep up cleaning, b'c I am constantly being called to help. Which is fine, it is what I am supposed to do. But it does make it difficult to clean.

So ladies, with a wonderful schedule. How do you fit hs'g in there?

I find I just clean when I can fit it in. That makes me feel a bit disorganized and I am not thrilled with that.

Posted by: mimzie Apr 23 2006, 06:19 AM

My house is a mess!! lol My routine is to just clean every single day!!

I try to wash sheets on thursday, vacuum the couch on friday, weekend is bathrooms for sure cause I usually dont get to it during the week etc but often it gets done more often than the days I had planned cause something happens (4 little kids! lol)

I read something recently that helped though, it said when you go to the potty, do at least 1 thing to make it look better. My bathroom is a clothing magnet, 4 little kids taking baths each night, SMALL bathroom (like 2x6 walk way in there!) clothes really pile up quickly so now when I go in there I try to at least pick up all the clothes. They are picked up nightly but I try to do it each time I'm in the bathroom cause they go thru several pairs of clothes and the bathroom either drags the clothes in there or the kids throw em in there.. I think its the kids..

So I've tried to apply that to the rest of the house too, if I go in the front room I try to at least do 1 thing to make it look better, the stray bowl or the pillow on the floor, doesnt have to be spick and span, just do 1 thing each time you walk into a room. Of course it does help if you can start with a clean room, when all our kids are grown, we'll have clean houses!!! lol

Anyway, my kids rooms were both a total wreck too. I hate going in there, my oldest is 6. One room has papers scattered EVERY where! I didnt have the heart to go in there and throw all MY hard earned printings away lol but I had to, the other room was just a big ole mess! Finally when got in there one day and jsut cleaned til it was done and now DS (6) insist on keeping it looking nice He cleans it every day What has happened to my child?? I have no idea!! But we've been having a lot of talks about how when the whole house is clean, we feel better because our enviorment is clean!! I guess it has sparked something in him. ...

anyway, I'm rambling on, it's late!! So glad you got it all done. Its hard to juggle all these things, hs'ing, cleaning, cooking.. but just as your were new to parenting your first and cooking and cleaning up after them.. you'll get use to it (I hope, I'm still trying LOL.. did I fall off the wagon some where and it left me?) LOL but just wanted to let ya know, its not something that comes to you the instant you need it to, I think it really has to be grown and nutured for a bit then you just get the hang of it and do it naturally!

Posted by: hs4hmom Apr 23 2006, 08:07 AM

My kids are all old enough to be independent learners so I don't have to be quite so on-top of them/hs all the time.

I don't get the routine done everyday and I try not to stress about it. If a room doesn't get done that week it waits until next week--as long as the kids are doing their chores it looks okay.

But my kids are 17, 15, 13, and 11--tomorrow. My baby's birthday is tomorrow. How time flies.

Posted by: carmatlock Apr 23 2006, 08:21 AM

I "try" to do Fly Lady's routine. If you don't sign up for the emails and just look at her routine. . .she does a room per week (or zone as she calls it) and gives you assignments.

I have not done much with her lately. But it really helps to know people around the world are sticking with her program. And you have chances to de-clutter and all. When I was doing it. I loved it.


Also something I saw on a show called neat. .. .the girl did not want to get rid of her stuffed animals. . .. the lady (home organizer) told the girl to pick 10 top fav's of stuffed animals. she then did it. While the girl was out. . .the home organizer took kodak's of each stuffed animal. Placed them in a small photo album and gave it to the girl at the end of the show. This was very neat idea I thought. . .and thought of it when I read your post about all the animals. That way she still has the memory (and she could even journalize about the animals and slide that in the page with pic so she would always remember Grandma or Grandpa or Dad got them this animal and how special it was to her!) and a pic of the stuffed animal.

Hope this helps.

Car

Posted by: chocolatechic Apr 23 2006, 12:49 PM

This is mine....

Actually, their chores are dishes and sweeping. The floor gets vacuumed and swept every day. I do laundry, daily, bathrooms every other day, and the stuff that I absolutely HATE to do.........**ie, mopping and dusting** generally, the children want to earn an extra chore, so that is what I have them do.

What will I do when they move out????

Posted by: Melanie Apr 23 2006, 05:02 PM

I'm a FlyLady gal. My morning/evening routines are posted on my blog, and I have weekly cleaning chores as well as well as the work for whatever "zone" we're in for the week. Those are "supposed" to be done on Monday, but I spread them out over the week because spending more than a few minutes a day on housekeeping really gets me in a funk. My kids are older (10 and 7) and I delegate nearly all chores in the public areas of the house to them. They also do their schoolwork without much help (or is it interference?) from me, so that frees up a lot of hours for me to do whatever it is I need to do.

Tanya, I'm worried about when my kids move out, too! I know my parents miss having me around for all the chores I used to do to buy my way out of being grounded!

Posted by: Blaise Apr 23 2006, 05:07 PM

Well, there won't be nearly as much mess then will there?


Or...



Grandkids!

Posted by: carmatlock Apr 23 2006, 05:24 PM

Right now my kids do a wee bit of some work. . .. and love helping. . .6 yr old and 4 yr old and 4 yr old. . .so they are excited to help. . .or maybe it is just getting out of doing schoolwork.

They are still young enough I have to sit on them to do the work. . .(school) and yet they do like housework. . .and I figure I am teaching them lifeskills when we do fit it in the schedule.

I look forward to making a (and maybe I should start one now!) chore chart and they know they have xx amount of time to do school and their chores. . .so do them.

something to look forward to

Posted by: chocolatechic Apr 23 2006, 07:33 PM

You know..........your right...........there won't be.....alas...........the house will always need dusted....whether they are here or not..........sigh....

Posted by: Sammi Apr 23 2006, 07:50 PM

I have enjoyed reading what you all have written.

I must admit, I hate to clean. HATE to clean!

I like to organize, but the day to day...I really don't like at all.

I get no satisfaction from cleaning something, that in minutes is a mess.

* Wash the dishes...eat....wash the dishes.
* Wash the clothes, fold the clothes...wear the clothes...wash the clothes.
* Clean the bathroom sink...1/2 day later...a mess...again.

I don't mind vaccuming, b'c that seems to stay okay for more than a whole day...except the kitchen floor.

So I guess I just need to realize, that it is what I need to do and pray for God to give me joy in my job and do it.

Right?

I prayed before I cleaned my dd room. It helped tremendously. God is good.

Posted by: chocolatechic Apr 23 2006, 08:07 PM

It is good to know that I am not the only one.....

Posted by: Sammi Apr 23 2006, 08:10 PM

So not the only one!!

Posted by: Melanie Apr 23 2006, 08:10 PM

I feel the same way - I'd rather do just about anything than clean. It has to be done, though, so I try to make the best of it. It's hard to do it without grumbling some days!

Posted by: chocolatechic Apr 23 2006, 08:13 PM

to me it is like death and taxes...inevitable.........might as well bite the bullet and get it over with, so you can enjoy the day.

I don't put it off.....it is done first thing in the morning...

Posted by: Sammi Apr 23 2006, 08:14 PM

But I like to check out the forums first thing!!!!

Posted by: chocolatechic Apr 23 2006, 08:15 PM

That is my reward!!!

Posted by: Sammi Apr 23 2006, 08:16 PM

Then I'd have to get up at 4am!!!

Posted by: chocolatechic Apr 23 2006, 08:17 PM

I do, do some things that make cleaning much easier. I have a plastic box of wipies in each bathroom. I use wipies to clean my sink and toilets....then just pitch them. They are much cheeper than the wipies that are marketed for specific tasks, and the soap is right in them.

You can also use a dryer sheet to dust, instead of getting out the Pledge and a rag...

Posted by: Sammi Apr 23 2006, 08:19 PM

Do you mean baby wipes...or like a lysol wipe?

Posted by: Sandra314 Apr 23 2006, 10:10 PM

We try to do all the cleaning on Fridays before the weekend and I tidy up during the week. I admit it has been hard to keep this place clean with caring for a baby.

Posted by: chocolatechic Apr 24 2006, 06:19 AM

Baby wipes. I was purchasing the Huggies brand because they were so thick, but then I changed a baby's diaper, and the mom was using the Parent's Choice brand from Walmart, and they are just as thick as the Huggies, and so much cheeper........so I have been using them for the last year. Haven't noticed a bit of difference.

Posted by: Sammi Apr 24 2006, 10:48 AM

I would have never, in a million trillion, gazillion years, thought to clean with baby wipes!

Mmmmm, I guess if they are good enough for a babies bottom, they are certainly good enough for my bathroom sink!

Posted by: chocolatechic Apr 24 2006, 10:50 AM

Absolutely!!! I also wipe down toilet seats, and the top of the tank with them too....

Posted by: Sammi Apr 24 2006, 10:52 AM

so is it cheaper than buying a lysol wipe?

Posted by: chocolatechic Apr 24 2006, 11:33 AM

Sooooooooooo way cheeper! Think about it. The Lysol wipes cost about $3 for maybe what??? 20 wipes...even if there are 40 wipes, You can spend $3 for 80 baby wipes. I generally get the big box of 432 wipes for $8. If I bought Lysol wipes at that rate, I would be spending...about $303!

Posted by: Michelle Apr 24 2006, 04:56 PM

Yes, I have a routine. Like Donna mentioned earlier, mine has been blown out of the water this last few months, but that will get back to normal as soon as I get back home.