Monday, April 30, 2012

Deep Cleaning

So i'm not going to say I love cleaning, because I don't. What I do love is the feeling after cleaning, knowing that everything is clean and sanitary. Since it is spring cleaning time, I have seen quite a few ideas on cleaning. The other night I cleaned the microwave, the dishwasher, the kitchen sink disposal and the washing machine. Some of you may be thinking I'm crazy but the dishwasher and washing machine really do need to be cleaned out. At my apartment there seems to be really hard water and I tend to have problems with the soap sticking on my dishes, what a pain! I have had this worked on once before and ran through a cleaning solution. The problem has reappeared but I think I may have found a solution! I love all of these cleaning recipes because they use inexpensive and earth friendly products: baking soda and white vinegar!

Sink Disposal
Directions found here
1. Pour 1 cup of baking soda in the drain
2. Pour 1/2 cup of vinegar in the drain and cover with a plate to plug the drain so it can do its work
3. Let it sit and work for 30 minutes. Do not use the sink during this time.
4. Remove the plate and run hot water through the pipes for 2-3 minutes.
5. If it is clogged really bad you may need to repeat. Doing this once a month keeps the drains clear and fresh.




Dishwasher
Thorough instructions found here

1. Start with a freshly ran dishwasher with no dishes in it
2. Clean around the seal with a baking sofa paste, then go over it with the toothbrush dipped in vinegar. Scrub around the seal and any other spots you can find stuck on dishwashing detergent, for me there was a lot stuck around the detergent dispenser.
3. Add two cups of vinegar to the bottom of the dishwasher (with nothing else in it) and run on a energy saving or low wash. If possible stop the machine in the middle of the wash and let the vinegar set in the bottom to work for about 20 minutes then finish the wash. If you have mold and mildew problems you can run through 1/2-1 cup of bleach, but don't do this if you have a stainless steel interior.
4. Clean the front of the dishwasher including the buttons and handle with an antibacterial cleaner.

Microwave
Original instructions found here

1. Place water and a splash of vinegar in a microwave proof bowl.
2. Put it in the microwave and microwave for five minutes
3. While it is cooking clean off the outside with an antibacterial spray
4. Once it is done let it sit for a few minutes for the steam to further work away the gunk. Then very carefully remove the bowl as it is very hot, I used oven mitts.
5. Begin wiping down the walls with nothing but a rag or paper towel. Remove the plate and wash it in the sink with hot soapy water.

Washing Machine (front loading)
Original and full instructions here

Mine wasn't very dirty so I didn't have to do all the steps the original source provided. However, I do always leave the door open for awhile after washing to let it air out and dry. Front loading washers get stinky and moldy if you don't do this!

1. Add one cup of baking soda and one cup of white vinegar into the soap dispenser.
2. Add one cup of baking soda and one cup of white vinegar into the actual washer. (When these ingredients combine they fizz up, don't be alarmed this is part of the process).
3. Run a quick wash on hot.
4. When the cycle ends wipe down all surfaces inside to get all the water off, then wipe out the plastic lip, this is where soap, lint, hair and grime get caught and needs to be wiped down regularly.

Always always use high efficiency detergent or if using regular detergent only use half the recommended amount.


·       
Now you're done! Pretty easy huh?
Have you been doing lots of spring cleaning lately? What are your favorite products or tips for getting your home clean?



Sunday, April 22, 2012

The Lucas Salon

The girl who does my hair recently began working at a new salon downtown that I am absolutely in love with! Its called The Lucas and was opened in Portland as a second location, the original is a well known salon in Los Angeles. What I love most about the new salon is the design, it is to die for! Check out the photos!  





Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Recipe Review: Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Tonight I hosted a Stella and Dot trunk show! If you haven't heard of it, check it out! Its a really cool collection of Jewelry. There are so many things I have been eyeing after looking through the catalog but I think I have figured out the pieces I am going to purchase.

I love the simple delicate chains giving the layered look. I can't decide if I want gold or silver.

The Vitality Necklace (lower necklace)
This is another sleek and simple necklace that could go with lots of things!

I'm loving the wrap look lately and this looks really cute layered with other bracelets. 



Love Love Love these!!!!



Trust me, I love many other things but a girls gotta have a budget!


Anyways, when I had my friends over I decided to have wine, chips, salsa, guacamole and spinach and artichoke dip. I found this great recipe that is a copy cat of Applebees spinach and artichoke dip on Budget Savvy Diva.



I have to say, it turned out pretty amazing! Everyone loved it! Definitely saving this in my recipe book. Have you tried any good recipes recently? 




Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Quick Tip: Linen Organization

I have seen this tip several times before but finally implemented it and I have to say it is so convenient and clean looking! All you have to do is neatly fold your sheets up to a rectangular size that will fit in the corresponding pillowcase. Neatly fold the other pillowcase and place inside. You will always be able to find the matching pillowcases and will know where each sheet set is at all times, all while keeping a clean organized look.


Here are detailed instructions on folding those annoying fitted sheets! 

Image from Martha Stewart.