DIY Drying Mats

If you like to re-use items, you’re going to love this post!

DIY Non-Toxic Dryer Sheets

I've been taking stock of all of my household cleaning supplies and reviewing how toxic they actually are.  I found a site called the Environmental Working Group that is stellar at helping you classify the toxicity level of both household items and beauty supplies.  

To avoid feeling overwhelmed, I started by surveying my laundry cleaning supplies, only to discover that my absolutely favorite laundry item – dryer sheets – were the most toxic!  I was completely bummed until I found a DIY project that uses safe ingredients I always have on hand: vinegar, essential oil and J Cloths.  J Cloth  is a brand of multi-purpose cleaning cloths and is very reminiscent of my childhood (hence why I still refer to them as J Cloths even though I used a different brand).

DIY: Goo Gone

I’ve been on a DIY kick as of late and today I decided to attempt a non-toxic Goo Gone.  I love the original for its effectiveness; however, the harsh smell typically left me with a headache.  This version may require a little bit more scrubbing, but gets the job done in the end – naturally.

Cooktop Scraper

Things happen in strange ways sometimes.  Just last week my BFF was over for our weekly dinner and somehow we got on the topic of cleaning our ceramic cooktops (random, I know).  He was completely surprised that I use a cooktop scraper to get rid of caked on food; dubious that it was even appropriate to use and insisting the cooktop cream cleaner was the way to go. 

Then I was perusing Quora the other day and stumbled across a thread regarding the best way to clean a ceramic cooktop.  Since the cooktop scraper hadn’t been referenced as a solution, it left me thinking that not everyone has been privy to the benefits of the cooktop scraper.  I had assumed everyone knew, as my unit came equipped with one.  Alas, such is not the case and since I so heavily rely on my little scraper I just had to share this post!  

Happily they are not expensive and are available for under $10 at Future Shop or Home Depot.  Rona sells a kit that includes the cream cleaner, a sponge and the cooktop scraper for just over $10.

The cream is nice and certainly does a great job; however, I must admit that I seldom use it.  Most spills I'm able to catch before it cakes on using a regular cleaning cloth and soap, but once it gets baked in I always reach for my cooktop scraper.  It’s easy.  It’s safe.  It won’t scratch your surface.  What more can you ask for?!

Happy organizing!

Tidy Tips: Shelf Liners

Shelf liners are a relatively inexpensive and effective solution to protecting cupboard shelves, and drawers for that matter!  Once installed, they will help your dishes breathe, preventing mold and the clean-up is really easy.  This tip is particularly handy if the shelves have been painted, the shelf liner will protect your glassware and dishes from sticking to the paint.

There are a few options out there, but I have been loyal to the Ikea Rationell Variera for quite some time.

 

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After struggling to try and straighten the plastic roll, I finally figured out to toss them in the dryer for a few minutes.  Super easy fix that makes the laying process so much more enjoyable and efficient!

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Happy organizing!

Laundry Necessity - Rowenta Iron

It's amazing how much more efficient, not to mention enjoyable, a task can be when you use the appropriate tool! 

Earlier this year, I purchased a new iron.  Probably not the most exciting purchase to most, but I had taken some sewing lessons and learned that ironing is a key component of any well-made sewing project.  Seeing how a good iron could easily create well pressed seams with a hit of the "steam" button, well, I was sold.  And I was quickly on the hunt for a replacement of my decade old Proctor Silex. 

Having road tested a Rowenta at my Sew Basics I sewing lesson, provided by the lovely Emmeline of Emmeline & Annabelle, I was pretty convinced that I was getting myself a Rowenta.  I was happily surprised to see that Rowenta irons are readily available through Best Buy, Future Shop, and Sears; however, since each retailer carried a slightly different selection, I perused the Rowenta site to better understand their models. 

Having spent a whopping $24.99 on my Proctor Silex (which, at the time, I thought was a decent amount), I was a little shocked to see most of their units selling for over $100.  Following a review of each model's specifications, I ultimately decided on the Rowenta Focus II.  My selection is based on a few criteria, including:

1.    PRICE - Had to be somewhat reasonably priced.  Now you may be saying that $100 for an iron is steep, and I wouldn't have disagreed with you at the time (nor did my significant other, for that  matter!).  But I took the plunge and I haven't regretted my decision once.

2.      STEAM - Had to have a steam button.  Even if you have no intention of sewing, the steam button is an amazing feature for creating the perfect crease and for effortlessly removing wrinkles (without having to go over, and over, and over the same spot!).

3.    SELF CLEAN - Had to include a self-cleaning feature.  I am so in love with my iron, that I actually follow the recommended bi-weekly cleaning.  The fact that it is easy and quick to complete probably helps!

4.     AUTO OFF - This feature is quite practical if you like to sew.  This unit turns off and on automatically simply by moving the iron.  It heats up super quick and provides peace of mind, knowing that it will auto shut off if  I step away.  

From day one, I have loved using this iron, which totally took me by surprise.  Any doubt related to spending $100 completely disappeared after the first use.  Just the weight of the unit had me sold.  My previous iron was extremely light and cannot compete with the high heat settings the Rowenta offers.  The Precision Chrome Tip is designed to glide easily and perfectly fit to iron narrow edges, seams and collars. 

An iron is a basic laundry necessity, but having a really well-made version just makes the whole process that much more efficient and enjoyable.

Happy organizing!

Lavender Sachets

With spring in full swing and summer rapidly approaching I finally got around to switching my winter wardrobe for my summer one.  As I was packing my sweaters away, I was about to add my usual cedar balls to help fend off those pesky moths, when I recalled recently learning that dried lavender is another all natural way to protect your clothing.  Since I already make my own lavender sachets for my lingerie drawer, I just needed to toss one of those sachets in with my stored goods and I will have fresh smelling and hole free clothing come the fall!

Happy organizing!