Clean Freak!

Yes, that is me, I am a self-confessed clean freak. However, I have become more lax since it's just Pat and me. I don't seem to be so bothered by our messes as I am other people's! And if I don't keep up on it like I did constantly before it takes no time at all to whip things into shape. So, I guess it's understandable that my house isn't in perfect condition all the time... but it is close!

Our friend, Forrest, came over and cleaned our carpet yesterday. He came at the 'last minute' since we are having Amy's baby shower here in a week. He commented on how he doesn't understand how I keep my carpet so clean. Honestly, I don't think I do anything special, it just doesn't get that dirty anymore! The reason I began writing about Forrest was not because he commented on my carpet, but because my kitchen was a wreck when he came over! I had been cleaning the house and shopping for Brad and Amy coming so things were all over the place. I was okay with that, though, because it was a means to an end.

These are a few of the cleaning tips that I have figured out myself that I thought would be kind to pass along to others:
1. We get toilet bowl rings like no other place I've ever lived before! (and we even have a water softener) Since I was really tired of them I decided to be proactive and experiment with various cleaners. What I found has worked the best is to put the regular toilet bowl cleaner in the toilet before going to bed and letting it sit all night. It works wonderfully!
2. If you have tile counters and have a difficult time cleaning the grout inbetween the tiles just get one of the Mr. Clean bleach sponges - it works wonders!
3. If your whites are a bit dingy get some oxi-clean (not sure it's spelled right) and follow the directions. Your clothes will become brilliantly white!
4. When I lived in Idaho Falls I went to the cleaning store there (over by Roberts) and purchased some of their microfiber cloths. They are wonderful for getting up spills on any fabrics. We use them all the time!

So, those area few of my cleaning tips! Happy cleaning!