More details about cleaning supplies

Today I tried making shower cleaner. The recipe is simple: equal parts vinegar and Dawn. Again with the Dawn! This stuff is apparently made of pixie dust and other magical ingredients because I have to say I have never seen my tub so clean with such minimal effort.

I mixed together the ingredients (I didn't make a whole lot because I was skeptical) in a spray bottle, sprayed it on the tub and let it sit for about 10 minutes. As soon as I had sprayed it on the surfaces I kicked myself for not taking a "before" picture. We have one of those tubs that has the built-in anti-slip surface along the entire bottom of the tub. I have always just resigned myself to the fact that I would never be able to get that surface very clean and it would just always be a little bit dirty.

I am happy to say that I was able to get it *almost* completely clean! I have previously used scrubbing bubbles, kaboom, automatic shower cleaner, tilex...I stopped short of applying hydrochloric acid but I was tempted since nothing was working. However, this worked. Dawn and vinegar. No burning noses from caustic fumes. No worrying about what kind of damage it was going to do if I got it on my hands. You have to try this.

I also wanted to mention that if you like to have fresh scents when you clean your house, consider making these cleaning solutions and adding essential oils. Essential oils can be found at natural markets like Sprouts and Whole Foods. I actually wouldn't be surprised to find it in the chain stores since aromatherapy is popular for alternative cold treatments and other conditions.

In fact, when I was cleaning out our bathroom I found an unopened bottle of Tea Tree Oil in DH's drawer! He had purchased it on recommendation of his doctor for treating some dry scalp. Tea Tree Oil is a natural antiseptic and can be used in cleaning products for this purpose.

Lavender oil is also another one that is very nice for cleaning products. Lavender is a natural stress-reducer/relaxing scent. If you are just too stressful, add some of this to your cleaning solutions and relax! :-)

Essential oils can be a little expensive unless you coincidentally find some on clearance. But, they will last you a long time - a little bit goes a long way.

Good luck to you!
--Katie