I found one generic magic eraser in the cupboard this morning and decided to tackle the walls. Haha... it only lasted for one small wall. I love Mr. Clean. He's awesome and his magic erasers are amazing. After quickly using the generic one I'd found stashed away I was seriously considering running to the store to buy more. Of course this genius move would blow my budget and I've always hated buying one use cleaning items. I tried the multi purpose cleaner but there's just something about wall smudges... they're so stubborn and magic erasers are the only thing I've ever been able to get all the gunk off with. Ok, our walls haven't been painted in a long time. The paint on them is flat (which collects smudges like a magnet). I don't even really understand where all the marks come from but they sure do accumulate.
So I'm contemplating spending a load on magic erasers and then it dawns on me: baking soda. "I betcha backing soda will work." I am by no means a cleaning expert. I was raised by a single mom who NEVER cleaned, let alone did she pass down her cleaning skills to her daughters (maybe she passed down her lack of cleaning skills to us). Actually I grew up in a house that looked alot like those homes on that show hoarders. I actually can't watch that show cause I get flash backs and it makes me sick to my stomach. I've never tried baking soda on my walls before but let me tell you it works, like magic! All I did was wet a cloth, sprinkle on some baking soda, rub it in, wring, and wipe down the walls. Love the quick elbow grease free results and just thought I'd share. Also, really glad I didn't run out and pick up more magic erasers.
Wow-I would never have thought of baking soda-what a great idea! Good job with coming up with a frugal way to clean with ingredients that you already had at home. I use vinegar all the time for a lot of cleaning. It works great! I hope you are enjoying your time off from work. Don't forget to have a little fun-even if its some movies on netflix. Also-another thought-I think you mentioned that you stopped buying microwave popcorn a long time ago. Have you ever considered making the popcorn on your stove with loose kernels? It's ridiculously easy, much cheaper than microwave popcorn, and I think it tastes a lot better too. Just a suggestion if you want a small treat without breaking the bank. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat idea and great job! It looks much better :)
ReplyDeleteAnother good thing to use is men's shaving foam. Spray it on, leave a short while ( say 30 seconds ) then gently rub off. It is concentrated soap so it had magical qualities ( LOL ). Our doors that had dog feet and dog marks came up a treat!
ReplyDeleteCheers, TM
thats great cleaning tip and you really can see the difference!
ReplyDeleteI grew up in a house like those on hoarders too, I find watching that show makes me feel sad but relieved I wasn't the only one.
Oh yeah Louise, when I first started watching that show (hoarders) it was a huge feeling a relief knowing that there are tons of people out there who're living in the same dirty little secret that I grew up in. (horribly sad though) I NEVER had friends over and I always felt so ashamed about our house. I tried so hard to clean it all the time but it was never clean.
ReplyDeleteGreat tip. My walls are also in desperate need of cleaning. Hope you're enjoying time to yourself. I grew up with a mother who was obsessed with cleaning. She would clean my room when I refused to and it made me insane. She also cleaned to impress others and to (I think) instill a false sense of order in our disorderly lives (long story). When I started living on my own, I always felt like less of a person when I couldn't clean up to her standards. Thankfully I no longer feel that way. Still sometimes it stings when she comments on my often not so clean household. Just a thought. I realize hoarding is way more destructive.
ReplyDeletewhat a great alternative! i always have both on hand but it's good to know that if the magic eraser dissolves, i can still get things clean!
ReplyDeleteGood job!!! I will totally try this.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE Magic Erasers! And...Krud Kutter is amazing as well!
ReplyDeleteYou could also mix the baking soda with a little dish detergent to make a paste.
ReplyDeleteVery cool! I love Magic Erasers. You can also often find store brand “magic sponges” that work just as well for most things and are a little cheaper.Buy Melamine Foam
ReplyDeletethe raw produt for the Magic Eraser is manufactured by the largest chemical cmpany in the world - BASF - in Germany. Please tell your readers not to use "Made in China" melamine sponges which have been tested and may contain high levels of dangerous chemicals. They can buy sponges made from the identical material as the Magic Eraser at www.spongeoutlet.com for as little as $0.29 a piece with free shipping.
Delete