Cleaning The Toilet

Having a clean home is something most of us like to have. If you believe TV advertising, cleaning products can perform miracles. Showers are clean with one wipe and toilets are sparkling with one fragrant little disc. All is not what it seems to be.

Toilet cleaning products are so expensive and can easily increase your food budget by about $10 a month. It doesn't have to be that way. I've been a domestic cleaner for about 17 years and on average cleaned more than 10 toilets a week. I've used every toilet cleaning product on the market. This is what I've learnt over the years -

* Toilet cleaners do not keep mould from growing under the rim.
* Disinfectant wipes are too thin to do a good job. At approximately 8cents a cloth often you need to use two.
* Toilet brushes do NOT get into all the crevices.
* The stick on toilet discs get in the way of cleaning the bowl
* Toilet blocks without the cage disintegrate when you move them to clean the bowl.
* Cheap liquid toilet blocks do not last very long.
* Blu loo ends up splashed all over the walls.

Here's how I keep my toilets sparkling clean on a budget.  I use no name chux type cloths. If they are big I cut them in half.  I spray a couple of squirts of Miracle Spray or disinfectant into the toilet bowl and onto the cloth. I wipe the outside of the toilet first, folding over the cloth when it gets dirty so that I  get a clean surface. I then wipe the inside of the lid,  then the seat,  then the underneath of the seat then the top of the toilet bowl where the seat rests.   Using your rubber gloves and cloth, wipe over the toilet bowl digging down as far as you can go into the pipe. Then wedge the cloth up under the rim ( if your toilet has one ) to get out the grime.

Flush

I throw the cloths into a bucket with disinfectant to soak until my next wash day.   The cloths are put into a linen bag and thrown in the washing machine with the towels. These cloths are so durable they can last up to six months. All for about 10 cents per cloth. Combine that with the budget friendly Miracle Spray which costs about $1 per litre.   Cheap and easy as.

If you keep your toilets clean, then you'll find that toilet blocks and other products are not that necessary after all.

Bathroom Bin Liners.

Bathroom bins can get quite smelly and dirty.  A great way to protect the inner bin bucket is to use old bread bags as bin liners.  I use five bread bags at a time on a bin I purchased from Kmart for $7

Remove the inner bin bucket.

Cut a slit in the bread bag about 1/3 of the way down from the top

Line the inner bucket with the bag.  Move your hand around the inside to squash the air out of the liner.

Continue lining the bin another four times.  This is a great time saver and means your not scrounging around for bin liners each week.


When replacing the inner bin bucket,  flatten all the liners and edges to one side and slide the bucket into the bin.

February's Theme - Being Water Wise

Now that the kids are back in school,  I thought it was time to set a monthly theme to help save time,  money and energy.  I'm very goal driven and find that I achieve so much more when I have goals written down

Each month I'll post a new theme and I hope you will join in as we strive for cheaper bills,  more home cooked food and a well organised life

February's theme is being water wise.  Australia is a very dry country and for many,  many years we experienced a crippling drought.  Severe water restrictions were put in place and we eventually got used to watching every drop of water we used.

A couple of years ago the water restrictions were lifted with only minor restrictions still in place. Yet how many of us still watch our water usage ?  Do we still see water as a precious resource ? Water charges are on the increase each year and I must admit,  I don't like opening my water bill.  My family can't afford a rain water tank at this point so we need to find other ways to reduce the amount of water we use.

Here are some ways that my family saves water -

*  Saving the shower warm up water in a wide mouthed bucket.  If the weather is warm we use this water on the plants outside.  If the weather is cool or wet,  we pour the water into the washing machine.

*  Saving the washing machine rinse water and pouring it back into the machine for the next load.  I do this all year round and for every load.  The final rinse water for the last load of the day is poured onto the garden around the house.  It can't be used on the vegetable garden as it contains bacteria but it's safe for other plants and the grass.

*  Putting a large ice cream container or bucket in one of the kitchen sinks to catch the water from hand washing,  drink bottles and rinsing vegetables.  This saved water is then used to rinse dishes before being put in the dishwasher.  I also use the water for rinsing out the other sink.  If there is any leftover water after these tasks are done,  I pour it into a watering can outside to be used in the garden.  If it's really clean water I water vegetable seedlings with it.

*  Using a wind up timer for shorter showers.  I've tried digital timers but eventually they rust or the battery dies.  Replacement batteries cost more than the water you'd be saving.  I've picked up wind up timers at the Reject Shop and other discount stores.

*  Have a large jug or bottle of water in the fridge.  In Summer tap water is warm so having a jug in the fridge will eliminate the need to run the water waiting for it to come out cool..

*  Watering vegetable and garden plants with a watering can.  Using a watering can is great for getting the water where it's needed -at the base of the plant.  If your garden is large then maybe this option is not for you.

*  Having a water saving shower head.  This might sound basic but many homes still haven't changed over.  Even if you have a water saving shower head,  only turn on the taps until a reasonable stream of water comes through.  Not every shower needs to be a power shower.

*  If you have plants in pots,  put them in the shade on hot days.  You won't have to use as much water to keep them alive.

*  Water your garden early in the morning or after tea during Summer.  This gives the plants a chance to absorb the water before it evaporates.

*  Put a bucket under a out pipe on your hot water system.  Water drips out constantly so why not save it for a plant.

*  Use the shower to shower,  not brush your teeth or shave your face ( for the men ).  Even with a water saving shower head,  brushing your teeth uses about nine litres.  Shaving and brushing your teeth at the sink uses less than one litre.

*  Have the tap turned off when brushing your teeth.  Maybe use a cup of water to rinse your mouth.

*  Using the dishwasher when it's really full.


Please feel free to update us with your progress throughout the month.  We'd all love to hear how others are saving water..

What water saving goals do you have for the month of February ?

How do you save water around the home ?

My watering can.

Our new bathroom taps

An ice cream container in the kitchen sink .

Skin Care and Beauty Products On A Budget

I've had a few requests asking me to reveal what skin products and makeup I use.  My skin is slightly oily at times and I have very sensitive skin.  While this might pose a problem for some,  I've found I can use budget friendly products providing they are not cheap and nasty.

I wash my face with Dove soap and a face washer every day and once a week I exfoliate my skin with St Ives Apricot Scrub.  Exfoliating once a week seems to be enough to keep my skin smooth.  I then moisturise with Olay lotion.  The pink one is used in Autumn,  Winter and Spring.  When Summer comes I switch to the white lotion which has an SPF of 15.  I try to stay out of direct sunlight as much as possible.  Olay lotions are great as they are absorbed into the skin quickly, then I can start putting on my makeup.  I remove eye makeup with tissues and no name brand Vitamin E cream from Woolworth or Coles - it doesn't matter.  They both work really well.

 

Skin Care Products

Deodorants have been a bit tricky for me.  I've tried many brands over the years including the expensive ones and I've found the Avon deodorants work really well.  I use the 24 hour aluminium free one for every day use.  When the weather is super hot or I'm filming under hot lights I switch to the 24 hour plus one.  It just seems to work a little better.  The problem is I can only use this one for a couple of days before my skin reacts and becomes itchy.

The makeup I use consists of different brands.  I use face powder purchased from the supermarket.  I was using a brand called Tania and it was around for many years but has now been deleted.  Now I use a brand called Classics.  Face powder feels better than liquid foundation and looks natural ( with a little coler ) on my face.  The blusher brand I use at the moment comes from the $2 and cheap shops.The brand is BYS.  I try to pick a color that looks like a natural blush.  Nothing brown or orange.  Eye liner comes from Avon and is called Glimmersticks For Eyes in Cosmic Brown.  Eye shadow has been a problem for me.  I like to wear a medium brown color and every time I find one I like it gets deleted.  At the moment I'm using Rimmel but I have used Maybelline and Avon.  I always use dark brown mascara and for many years I've been using the Maybelline Waterproof. Full N Soft range. A year ago I switched to their standard Full N Soft one.

Makeup

Lipstick is generally an Avon one.  I'm using a Smooth Minerals lipstick in the shade of Rosy Brown at the moment.


When I'm on tv,  all makeup is applied in layers as the lights wash it out.  I learnt that the hard way with the first tv story I did about 3 - 4 years ago.  I thought I'd put plenty on.  The mirror told me I had enough but when the story went to air it only looked like I had a bit of lipstick on.  Now I put about six layers of mascara on,  three of lipstick,  two of face powder,  three of eye liner and extra blusher and eye shadow.  It's not a look I'd normally wear out.

Here are the approximate prices I pay for my makeup -

Dove soap - $1 or under
Exfoliating scrub - $10
Olay lotion - $9 - $10
Vitamin E cream - under $5 for a 500ml pump bottle
Deodorant - $1.50 - $1.99
Face powder - $6
Blusher - $4
Eye liner - $7
Eye shadow - $7 - $10
Mascara - approx $8 on clearance
Lipstick - 2 for $20

Making Your Own Air Freshener

Over the years I've tried buying many different brands and scents of air fresheners ( always on sale ). They smell so nice in the supermarket don't they ?  I have one can in each of my bathrooms / toilets and by the time I have half a can left  I can't stand the smell of it any more.  It seems to irritate my nose leaving it tingling and my eyes watering. I also had concerns about spraying all those chemicals in a small closed room.  It can't be good to breathe them in.

So one day I thought there must be a better and healthier way to freshen a room.  I already had a bottle of water soluble lavender oil that I use to help relieve bad headaches.  I thought I'd have a go at making my own air freshener and I've been very happy with the results.  My nose is very happy too.

Here's what you need to make your own air freshener -

Water soluble lavender oil
Cooled boiled water
Small spray bottle

Partially fill the spray bottle with the cooled boiled water.  For a 100ml bottle add about 10 - 15mls of the lavender oil.  Top up with the cooled boiled water,  replace the lid and give it a good shake.  Spray as needed.

TOTAL COST - 70 cents  - $1.05 approx. per 100ml bottle


NOTES -

*  I use Eureka water soluble Lavender Oil found in the toiletry aisle in the supermarket.  Generally it's on the bottom shelf next to the tea tree oil.

*  I used a small spray bottle from the Body Shop that originally had a body spray in it. Megan used a spray bottle that had an ear disinfectant spray in it at one time ( the one you use when you've had your ears pierced )..

*  Using cooled boiled water is important as normal tap water contains flouride etc.  Boiling it gets rid of any germs too.

*  Don't be tempted to use a large spray bottle.  We've found the small 100ml bottle lasts a very long time.

*  Other water soluble oils can be used eg - eucalyptus oil now comes in a water soluble form.'

Miracle Spray

Here it is.  The much talked about Miracle Spray.  This wonderful recipe was revealed by a member of The Cheapskates Club a couple of years ago.  She mentioned in passing that she was making a cleaning spray and all the members on the Cheapskate's forum begged her for the recipe.

 

I must say,  Miracle Spray has changed my life.  It was like having a " lightbulb moment " when I started using it. It replaces so many cleaning products and can save you a few hundred dollars a year.  It's so much better for your health.  I suffer from nasty sinus headaches from time to time.  If I can gather enough strength to clean my showers with the Miracle Spray,  my sinuses are cleared within minutes. 

 

 

1.5 litres of water ( 1 cup of very hot water ) 

300mls of white vinegar - no name

60mls of dishwashing liquid - good quality

25mls of eucalyptus oil - not water soluble

3 tablespoons of Lectric soda powder

Miracle Spray ingredients

 

 

Mix the Lectric soda in 1 cup of very hot water to dissolve.

Add remainder of ingredients into a 2 litre bottle,  fill up with tap water and shake well.  Decant into spray bottles.

NOTES -

This can be used on kitchen benches, sinks, toilets, laundry stains, washing  freshener, tiled / vinyl floors, showers and carpet stains.  It also removes stickers from items.  Just spray a few times and leave it for a couple of minutes then wipe the sticker off.

 

Please do not use on timber surfaces as it could damage the finish.

Please do not use on mirrors as the oil will leave the mirrors streaky.

 

I quite often make the Miracle Spray in double strength.  Just double all the ingredients into a 2 litre bottle and top up with water.  Label the bottles as " double strength ".  Dilute it when you fill up the spray bottles. 

 

 

 

 

 

Foaming Hand Wash Savings

I'm a firm believer in having soap of some description available to keep hands clean in my home.  I've tried many different soap products over the years.  A bar of soap might be the cheapest option but it has it's drawbacks.  If the soap dish isn't cleaned or wiped regulary the bar of soap ends up sitting in a pool of soapy water. getting softer by the minute.  I'm also not keen on the idea of everyone putting their dirty hands all over the same bar of soap.  Germs - mmmm  !!

Automatic soap dispensers leave drips of soap on the bench.  I've come across this many times when I'm cleaning client's homes.  I've accidently set them off when my hand gets too close.  They are expensive to buy in the first place and the refills are costly too.

Liquid hand soap dispensers are what my family has been using for years.  I don't mind them but it's hard to find a cheap refill.  I've tried making my own liquid hand soap with varying degrees of success.  Mostly it ends up goopy and clogs the dispenser.

The latest trend is foaming hand wash.  I'd heard you could get empty foaming soap pumps in the $2 stores but I couldn't find one.  Then I  saw foaming hand wash on sale at a local chemist for $1.99 .  I thought I'd give it a go and I must say I love it.  Those of you who know me know that I don't usually rave about any new product or trend simply because I don't buy them.   But this is a great product.

The bottle has a sturdy base making it easy for little kids to use.  It doesn't drip and you only need to use a little.  It feels luxurious on the hands and smells divine.  When the bottle was half empty I refilled it with water to see if it still worked and it did.  Then I got some shower gel out of the cupboard and thought I'd make my own.  After all,  foaming hand wash looks just like ruuny shower gel.

Here's what I did -

Use 1 part clear shower gel to 4 or 5 parts water.   Shake well and refill the pump.  How easy is that ?

Hand wash pump,  diluted shower gel and full strength shower gel 

 

If your foaming hand wash pump is empty them make it up in that.  If you have a bigger bottle of any type with a removable lid then use that.  Then you can continue to refill the pump when it gets low.  The shower gel can be colored as long as you can see through it.  I've used creamy shower gels and they do work.  Just not as well and the clear ones. 

  

Foaming hand wash refills are available in the stores but cost almost $6.  This will refill the pump bottle about three times.  I buy 500 ml shower gels on sale for $2.50 and can get 8 refills for the pump.  This costs 31 cents per refill. A bit of a bargain if I do say so.

Why don't you have a go of making foaming hand soap yourself.  I'd love to hear how you go.