Disclaimer: Always remember to check all labels before mixing any cleaning products. Never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia, dish soap, hydrogen peroxide, or rubbing alcohol. If you are unsure, never hesitate to do your own research. 100% at your own risk. The information which is summarized here in does nit constitute financial or professional advice and is general in nature. Clean Responsibly.

Email The Kitchen Sink

Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Volume 6 Issue 45

Hello Spring! Well, it’s almost spring. Spring showers have arrived and brought us more mud, but we always need the rain so we can’t complain, right? On the plus side, the tip for mud from last month carries over for March.  I know we should be getting ready for St. Pattrick’s Day but my mind is on Easter and prepping for spring cleaning. Easter is right around the corner and while my kids aren’t into hunting eggs anymore, they still want their easter baskets, so I have been shopping for a while. My oldest is almost 18, and I have been using the holidays as a good excuse to get them things to help set up house when the time comes. We all know how expensive that is, so a coffee maker or some small appliance in their easter basket is a gift they are super grateful for. Plus, it gives them something else in their baskets besides candy.

Let’s hop into Spring Cleaning! I will make sure a downloadable PDF of my spring-cleaning checklist is on the website and APP! I always thought the older my kids got the easier my spring cleaning would be. I was so wrong. We are so busy, it takes even longer. I now do a light clean during the week, basically everything I can do without help. Then, I deep clean that room whenever I can get the help to move big stuff. I am thinking some of the outdoor stuff we normally do, I might just hire a handy man. Things like cleaning the AC, power washing my porch, clearing away brush, my list is a mile long.  I mean think about it, you are so busy and if you can afford it. Throw a little money at it and it is done. I think it is a worthwhile investment. *Marge Simpson voice* It’ll be good for the economy.

Trendy cleaning products. Pastes are making a comeback! Why is that exciting? Well pastes have been around forever; people use to make a paste with ashes to clean pans, so forever. Nowadays they almost seem magical because they work on everything, especially on hard to clean things. The basic science is they are abrasive cleans and that’s why they seam magical. When using them, don’t overdo it, start with a little. Let it sit for a minute and put your back into it. The real magic is always elbow grease! I can not remember if we have ever talked about Dawn Powerwash. It isn’t new but it is one of my favorite things right now. My kids use too much of it, but it is great to spray on dishes then come back and finish them later. There are a handful of DIY recipes out there. I think it is important to understand the science behind it. It isn’t just foamy Dawn; it is so much more than that. Of course we know Dawn is a wonderful degreaser on its own. The added ingredients give it the extra boost that makes it special. There are surfactants which help with cutting through grease, then there is a solvent booster, Alcohol, which is one thats commonly used. So, if you find a DIY recipe and the extra ingredient is water it is probably a waste of your time and your Dawn.

These rainy days can be just as hard as winter days. Remember to be kind to yourself and others. If you are feeling off tell someone: your family, friends, even your doctor. We must ask for support during the hard times. I know the world is messy right now and that can make things feel heavy. Sometimes we just need to talk to someone who understands us. Letting it out can make us feel better and let us know we aren’t alone. 

Join me April 9^th where we will talk about the end of school, grilling and all things sunshine. I don’t know about y’all but after all this rain I need as much sunshine as I can get.

Happy Cleaning!

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Volume 6 Issue 41

Love is in the air! Valentine’s Day will be here before you know it. If you have kids, chances are you have been prepping for a bit. Class parties, valentines for the class, teacher gifts, valentines for their other friends. It feels never ending. I have been lucky enough to not be in charge of class parties. So grateful to the moms that take on the class parties! Get them a little Thank you card or treat because we all know that is so much work.

Lets talk flower vases! To extend the life of the flowers, I am sure you will be receiving them this year. A clean vase is the best foundation. I recommend cleaning with dish soap and a bottle brush. I know sometimes you can’t quite get down there even with a bottle brush. I suggest add a handful of rice. I know its odd but add it with you soap and a little bit of water and swirl around until clean. Works like a charm. Now, what you use to keep your flowers fresh there is always a debate there and it depends where they come from. Lets say store bought. I always use the packet that comes with, but I always trim them at a 45 degree angle and cut out any extra leaves. I’ve heard add a aspirin or sugar, even bleach, whatever works for you.

Now to cleaning! With all the snow and ice, salt, comes mud. Which means floors will need cleaning. My first suggestion is to not deep clean until the mud outside is dry. You don’t eat Oreos and brush your teeth? Right! Basic clean, vacuum and sweep the salt to keep it from going everywhere. Then when you are ready to mop or clean the carpet. Vinegar is going to be your best friend here. A 1 part vinegar to 10 part water mixture to get the salt residue out. I would suggest using this for both wood and carpet. Mop or use your carpet cleaner, you may have to do multiple passes, make sure you raise cleaning after.

**For future floor saving purposes. When there is snow and ice like this, I always put towels by the door for shoes and swap them out each day. It’s the most effective way I have come up with. We have wood floors now, but when we had carpet it was such a soggy mess. I would put multiple towels down to help keep things dry and from the salt getting everywhere. The mess can’t be helped, kids and pets going in and out multiple times a day. Happy kids with great snow day memories, make the struggle worth it.

With all snow, ice, and cold and now temps are back in the 60s. Allergens will be high, which means lots of dusting. Gotta love Oklahoma weather right. I recommend tracking your area’s air quality, it helps let me know when to run the air purifier and when to vacuum even if I don’t think it needs to be done, I try to dust a little extra these days. It has helped my son’s allergies and asthma quite a bit.

Join us March 11^th, when we will talk about springing into spring and hopping into Easter.

Happy Cleaning

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Volume 6 Issue 37

Hello 2026!

I am so excited to see what 2026 will bring! What’s that saying New Year, New Me! It never seems to stick. Did you know? Creating a new habit can take an average of 66 days, and for some things it could be up to 254 days! So, that new routine might be harder to make a habit than you thought. Give yourself a little grace if you go off track and get back on track as soon as you can. I am all about that soft life this year, we deserve to be kind to ourselves.

I always think after the New Year is the perfect time to make bigger purchases, like Vacuums or Carpet cleaners. They clearance out everything to make room for new models, so you can get a good deal. Y’all, know I live for a deal! Plus, you can read online all about it and see the pros and cons of the item, then you know what you are getting. If your just aren’t ready to make that purchase, you can refresh your current Vacuum or Carpet cleaner. How? Easy, by giving it a deep clean. *Always check manuals for do’s and don’ts*, I love my Shark Vacuums because you can take them apart very easily and comb out the bristles, Wash or replace the filters. It is amazing how much dust they collect! It’s kind of weird gross but cool to see. Doing this on the regular can extend the life of your Vacuum or carpet cleaner. While you are combing out, grab your broom and do it too!

Another thing, I am suggesting for the New Year. Treat yourself to a few of your favorite cleaning products, pick your favorite smells, giving yourself cleaning products you enjoy will make you more likely to clean. Also buy your favorite scented candle for cleaning time. I discovered I accidentally trained my kids into cleaning with a candle! I light a candle when we are cleaning every time. The other day my oldest lit a candle and everyone just started cleaning. It was a magical moment and I said nothing. I hope it is just something that follows them for their whole lives, it will serve them well.

Adding to the gifts to treat yourself list. Anti-Fatigue Mats, for wherever you do your standing, even if you aren’t chronically ill these are awesome! They help you stand in place longer, so the stove, sink area, even your office space. It’s a comfort thing, if your legs and feet don’t hurt you’ll be able to stand and move longer, which means getting more done. That is something we all want.

I might also suggest that you take a little time and start those 2026 files. I know some of us still have 2025 out, gearing up for taxes. Setting them up before you need them now, you will be able to just add things as needed and find them when they are needed again. Think about how clean it will keep your desk or mail basket will be.

Starting the year off, with a clean space can give you a fresh start to the new year. Remember to be kind to yourself and others.

Happy Cleaning

Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Volume 6 Issue 32

Hello Friends! Christmas is just around the corner. I have heard mixed reviews on how people are feeling this year. Some say it is just like any other year. Others are struggling and say inflation has them in a chokehold. Personally, I think it is harder this year. As adults it is our responsibility to not let this holiday stress spill out on our kids, I know it is hard. I think that is where the beauty of simple Christmas comes in. My kids are older so, might be the perfect year to start the 4 gifts, a want, a need, something to wear and something to read. Kids can still make a list. I know my youngest’s book list is a mile long. We have also tossed around only buying gifts from small businesses. I know it’s more work but it has been my experience with small businesses, when they know it is a gift, they go above and beyond. An added bonus is that money stays in the community.

I’ve always tried to make Christmas Magical for my family. I know that means a lot of work for me, but I always try and plan it out to make it as easy on myself as possible. I also like to sprinkle in lots of free family activities along the way. Nothing beats loading everyone up for a parade or a drive to see all the houses lit up for Christmas, listening to Christmas music and drinking cocoa can take it to the next level. Even have a Christmas movie marathon! Most of the Christmas Movies are free to stream this time of year, so plan a day and be lazy together. Trust me, the kids will have a great time, it makes a sweet family memory and only costs snacks. It’s a win any way you go!

We have talked about staying organized while wrapping before so, a refresher. Make a list of who gets what and what Santa is bringing so you can make sure you have everything ready to go. I suggest using different wrapping paper for each person, that way you can see the paper and know exactly who it is for without looking for the tag. For Santa gifts I like to wrap everything from Santa is different paper that I keep hidden. A few years ago, I started printing cute little tags that say from the north pole. My kids know but they still enjoy the extra Santa touches. It is tradition now, so they will probably get Santa gifts till they have kids.

My biggest cleaning tip for the season. Remember no matter how clean your house is, if it doesn’t smell clean it is not clean. Take the time to wash pillows and blanket. My favorite thing to use at Christmas is those scented Christmas tree sticks, they go in the tree and smell amazing. Light a cinnamon candle and you get the best Christmas smell besides Christmas dinner.

Lastly, as this year comes to an end, I want to tell you all that you ROCK! We survived another year! Whether it was hard or not, we persisted and that is worth celebrating! Remember to be kind to yourself, holidays are stressful everyone deserves grace. Including you!

Happy Cleaning

Wednesday, November 12, 2025

Volume 6 Issue 28

Hello Friends! Fall is in full swing and Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Normally, we would discuss how to prepare for Thanksgiving, I thought we might shift just a tad. Things are really crazy right now, our friends and neighbors are struggling. It’s hard to get excited about a holiday knowing people are struggling. In Oklahoma, we pull together when times are tough, hence the Oklahoma Standard. Look for a list of resources on the Oklahoma’s Choice Weekly website and on the back page of this issue.

This year most of us will have an extra guest or two. If you aren’t sure you want extra people over, I suggest connecting with your local senior center and seeing if there is anyone you could drop a plate off for locally. I suppose you could even post in your town’s Facebook group. I suspect there will be a lot of these posts the closer we get to Thanksgiving.

You can start planning now! Make your Menu now and you can shop sales or take Aldi up on their Thanksgiving for $40/ serves 10, they even have the shopping list you can download. https://corporate.aldi.us/newsroom/news/thanksgiving-press-release You could even have everyone pitch in or do potluck. Now for your baked goods, I recommend looking for local small and micro businesses and place an order if you can afford to. Trust me, they will appreciate it as this mess is hard on small businesses. Once you have your menu, you can get all your baking pans, serving dishes and whatever else you need to be ready. The world is a mess, allow yourself the Grace to change the rules and do what you can do whatever you want/need to make the Holiday work. Eat PIZZA even. There are NO RULES you must follow!

Before Thanksgiving I like to give my kitchen a good deep clean, that way the week of I can have less clutter and this might be a good time to clear out your pantry, so you have room for all the Thanksgiving foods. Small free food pantries are popping up everywhere. check your local Facebook groups to see where you can donate and what is actually needed to help your neighbors in need.

Another thing to start thinking about is Christmas, knowing it is going to be a “Hard Candy Christmas” for a lot of people, start talking to your kids now, so they are not surprised or disappointed expecting something big and fancy. Something my family agreed to do is to buy gifts from local crafters. Yes, it is a little more leg work but to quote Marge Simpson “It’ll be good for the economy.” The LOCAL economy at that, just think of how many happy dances you could be responsible for, and how just a single sale could make the difference for a small/micro business.

Join me next month when we will talk more about Christmas, and hopefully, the world will right itself by then. If not, I will still have tips and tricks to stretch that Christmas Magic.

Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Volume 6 Issue 23

Happy Crock-tober Friends! It might not be cool enough to have soup all the time yet, but I am so ready! I love a good crockpot meal. I know I have mentioned it before, but it is such a time saver when you are busy. My kids say I am a collector of crockpots, because we have 2 or 3 at all times. If we hit a yard sale or thrift store I will grab any I see. That’s the thing about crockpots though they are so handy but they can break so having a few in the wings will never be a bad thing. I have a crazy oh no my crockpot broke story that explains why I always keep extras. Like 7ish years ago, I planned a lunch for the nurses at the hospital on behalf of the Girl Scouts. We did a taco salad bar, easy right? Use a crockpot to keep the meat warm, so everyone gets a hot meal. Well because my crockpot was older and I wasn’t as diligent as I am now. The handle came off while I was carrying into the hospital, taco meat everywhere. Lucky for me, my friend for the event went and got her’s and we remade taco meat. This is just one of those things that happens and checking your small appliances before you NEED them will save you from crying over spilt chili.

The thing about buying used crockpots is some of the older ceramics can have lead based glaze. So here is a quick breakdown as always following any instructions is at your own risk Buy a lead test from Amazon just to have on hand, the thing about lead is you can be exposed and not know. What I understand is lead is a common ingredient in glaze, paint or coatings. I’ve been told that it is such a tiny amount that it is perfectly safe, but with lead I’m just too nervous to risk it. The test will show positive even on brand new China, most of these will be labeled hand-wash only. Running it in the dishwasher detergent, hot water, and abrasive washing techniques of modern dishwashers will break down the glaze layer and can leach some lead. Not a lot, but enough to want to avoid. So vintage or older ceramics that we don’t know how they have been used in the past, if they test positive you might resell or use for décor. My rule is I have to want the item even as décor, buy it, test it, and see where it lands. For something that tests positive, but I am not in love with it anymore, I resell it but I do note that it is for décor only, and disclose the lead for safety of everyone. In the case of a crockpot, I only use it with crockpot bags and only while I am home because older electronics can short out. It just makes sense and keeps my cleanup easy peasy. Also, I always give the handles a good once over and tighten screws and anything that could cause a spill if I took it to go. It has been a good system.

On to other small appliances. Recently, I saw a video and it sparked the idea of including small appliances in this article. I hope it was satire but better safe than sorry. This woman was cleaning her toaster; she taped the cord to the counter then filled up the sink with the toaster in it. I had to stop watching, thankfully it was unplugged but still ruined. Let me walk you through the proper way to clean a toaster. First, UNPLUG IT, then over the sink or trash can open the crumb tray and empty it. Some trays come off, some don’t, either way a good shake or even vacuum to get everything won’t hurt. Then if the tray comes off you can wash it, if it doesn’t come off you can’t submerge it and you’ll have to hand dry it. Lastly, give it a good clean on the outside and put back together!

Let’s talk coffee machine. I know many people don’t believe in washing the coffee pot itself because of the flavor. Which if that’s how you feel, I won’t stop you. I think the real flavor is in the beans and the water. Oklahoma’s hard water makes cleaning the water tank my number one to do with coffer machines. You can use white vinegar or a descaler, the directions are pretty much the same. (You can clean your tea kettle the same way, electric or stove top.) *Always follow instructions on the cleaner for safety. For vinegar, brew with vinegar and water 1:4 ratio, dump out and rerun with water a few times. Then give the whole thing a good whip down. *DO NOT SUBMERGE YOUR COFFEE MAKER* Sorry Coffee is serious business, and I sure don’t want anyone going without because I forgot to say something.

I think that covers the important small appliances in my house. I want to leave you with my favorite fall crock pot recipe. I love a good simmer pot. It makes everything smell so yummy and clean. Fill your crock pot three-fourths with water. The ingredient amount depends on your pot size, and what you have one hand, if you think it would smell good chances are it will so add your own twist and substitute ingredients. Orange peels, my youngest loves oranges so I just let him go to town. (Tip: Freeze them whenever I can for future use, that way I’m not wasting fruit.) Then a stick or two of cinnamon, a few tablespoons of ground cinnamon works too, and few cloves or a teaspoon of cloves or all spice. Finally, a Tablespoon of vanilla. Set it on low and enjoy how yummy your house smells and feels. It is the perfect way to start fall.

Join me next month when we will be in the full swing of Fall and preparing for Thanksgiving!

Happy Cleaning Friends!

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Volume 6 Issue 19

Happy September y’all!
Fall is just around the corner with pumpkin spice and everything nice. September means a lot of things here in Oklahoma, it means Friday night lights, festivals with family, and all-around fall feel goods. September is also a time for Awareness. I know I have touched on this before and honestly, it’s something that I will continue to talk about. I am sorry if it makes people uncomfortable, sometimes we have to be uncomfortable. September is Suicide Awareness, and the suicide rate for Oklahoma is close to 24 per 10,000 and friends that’s too high. The Adolescent rate is heartbreaking, 15-19 per 100,000. With 4% attempted and 14% having serious thoughts. I know seeing these numbers a person can think this doesn’t affect me right now, and it doesn’t until it does and then it is too late to act. Join Oklahoma’s Choice Weekly in a month-long campaign for Awareness. Tribute pages have been created on their website and app where you can honor your loved ones or submit a story of survival. Together we can break the silence and create a place of hope and resources. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please Call 988. They are there to listen. And remember Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind, always.

On to organizing and cleaning.
This school year has already given me an important lesson in paperwork. My youngest has started middle school, in Cushing is 5th grade. In the past we have had issues with the middle school here but, new year, different child, give grace and start fresh. Well, sort of. The first few weeks you are filling out paperwork and signing so many papers. You forget what you have signed or agreed too. To avoid misunderstandings, I started a 5th grade folder. I made copies of everything we signed, every email, every
syllabus too. It has been handy if something gets lost or we need a refresher, we pull out and there it is, in
black and white. So, Document everything, screenshots are forever my friends. As adults it is important for
children to see us act right, even when it is really hard. If you are wrong or something slipped by you, admit it, apologize and move on. We wouldn’t want children to think adults don’t have to apologize, now would we?

With kids in sports, events, how is anyone supposed to keep up with all the housework? I know it can seem impossible. I will admit this is a busy season of life and I have fallen behind. I am writing this right before publish date, so I promise I am right there with you. Here are some things I am doing that are helping me keep everything together and going. First, I got a little notebook that fits in my bag, and to keep on my nightstand, so I can write things down when I think of it. My lists have come in clutch here. I started a list for each thing, for example a work list, crafts list, things the kids need me to do, store list etc. If I am worried, I will forget about something important I set an alarm on my phone with a note, it gets me back on track. Getting behind on some things I don’t feel like are a big deal, everyone has something that as long as it is done they don’t feel like they are failing. Laundry is that for me, I prefer everything to be folded and put away but somedays as long as everyone has clean clothes, I’m counting it as a win. I have been taking a few minutes before bed to pretreat spots, because little boys are messy. I can start a laundry load in the morning before anything else. It might not make it into the dryer right away, at least by dinner its made its way to the dryer and that’s all that matters.

Join me next month, we will talk small kitchen appliances. Especially with electric cauldron season fast approaching, you get what I did there? I think before it gets to chili, we should go over crockpot do’s, don’ts and oh no is that safe?
Happy Cleaning

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Volume 6 Issue 15

I love back-to-school!  I love buying notebooks, pens and pencils! My kids are less than enthusiastic about getting ready for the new school year, and I like to treat myself on their first day back. It has been a long summer, I earned it, and you did too! Maybe breakfast at my favorite local diner or walk in the park just me and the dog. Endless possibilities, just a little treat to mark the occasion.

 By the time we have the new routine down, someone has had a growth spurt. I swear I can’t buy my youngest jeans till October. I recently started a donation basket on the dryer and as we pull out clothes from the dryer we add to it. It has been great, and everyone helps. I still have to check it here and there, because, ya know, kids. For the most part I just bag it up and drop it off when I run errands. I will still need to sort through their closets & drawers, but I think it’s going to go from all day to less than a afternoon. This is definitely one of the perks of kids growing up.

Lets talk Bags! With school approaching, we all buy new bags like purses, gym bags, book bags, satchels, or even a Murse and we might even decide to part with some bags or luggage to make room for new. I want to suggest donating these bags/luggage to domestic violence shelters, maybe a local foster program or youth services. People using these services will enjoy your gently used bags, and you will feel good helping others and doing the right thing while its less stuff at the dump.

Now on to the cleaning of new bags. You know that random crumbs, dirt or dust that just appears in you daily use bags? I discovered “Sauberkugel-The Clean Ball” made in Germany if the name didn’t give it away. They are these small balls you toss in your bags, forget about it and it’s collecting all that gross stuff. When you notice its got stuff on it, you squeeze it, and the cage part separates and you run the sticky ball under water to clean it. Then pop it back together and throw it in whatever bag you want. What will they come up with next?! I’m for sure putting these in all the kids bags! Lets move on to gym bags, as I know it’s the part of school I am not looking forward too. I’ve suggested in the past to put tea bags in gym bags, gym shoes. While I still do this, I have leveled it up a notch. I bought some of those little organza bags from the dollar store. (Like what you would put party favors in.) I put the tea bags in them, then I use the strings to secure them closed so there is less of a chance of the tea bag breaking and being all over the place. With these bags you could do lavender, coffee beans and put them in more places than Gym bags. Throw a few in the car to help combat the car smells in-between cleanings.

While we have all been registering for school, we are getting copies of this and that. If you don’t already have a document safe, the time is now! Even if you don’t get a safe you should make your family an emergency binder. There are pre-planned ones you can buy or grab a binder and sheet protectors, I also suggest to make copies of the basics and put it on a password protected jump drive that you give to a family member or someone trusted. Just a enough that you have it out there as a backup. I used a basic binder, I have everything sorted by person, even the dog has her own section. I have managed to fit everything important in there, if there is an emergency we can grab and go. I suggest you make sure it’s rated for water and fire, that way if something happens, you don’t have to worry, the safe will be there, might be in ashes or rubble, but it will be there and safe. That buys you peace of mind, and that is priceless my friends.

As we say goodbye to summer and welcome Oklahoma’s false fall, Friday night lights, and countdown to Halloween, remember school is a special time in our kids’ lives where they learn not just from school, but from watching the grownups around them. So, watch your words in the morning carline, let them know how awesome they are. School is hard and these kids have a different kind of pressure on them. It wears on them, as we’ve seen by the recent spike in the loss of young lives. I know things like this are hard to think about or talk about, but with back to school, it’s important to start that conversation with your kids and even their friends. Make sure these babies become grownups.

 Be kind to yourself and Happy Cleaning

Thursday, July 10, 2025

Volume 6 Issue 10

Hey there, Friends! Let’s dive into cleaning those Bathrooms! Being that bathrooms are typically the smallest room in the house and most used they can get messy fast. I don’t know about y’all, if it’s something about summer or if it is just my kids, I can’t get a break when it comes to the bathroom. I even broke down and bought one of those long-handled scrub brushes off the Tiktok shop. I might have bought the wrong one, maybe a knock off or something, but In my opinion, it was a waste of money. I was very disappointed! 😢 I did find an alternative that doesn’t break the bank and I even tested them for you. For drill brush attachments, the price is right at $10-$20 depending on your needs and how many sizes or shapes you want. Using a cordless drill or impact gives way more scrubbing power. I let the bathtub soap scum build up some so I could really put these brushes to the test. I tried just water and brushes first and  the Tiktok brush didn’t touch it. The drill brushes took off a good amount and I was pleased, so I Then sprayed it down with my Blue Dawn and Vinegar mix (1:1) and let it sit for a minute. The Tiktok scrubber did do better with a cleaning solution, but I really wasn’t happy with its performance at all. The Drill Brush Cleaned it all and I even convinced my youngest child that using the drill makes it a “manly” chore. We will see how long that lasts. 😉

In the past we have discussed cleaning the toilet itself and the area around it. I wanted to revisit this topic because any time you are cleaning body fluids, enzymes are just more effective! I’m not saying regular toilet bowl cleaners don’t work, but you know how you will clean something and the smell or the stain seems to come right back? That friend, is where enzymes come in. Simply put, enzymes eat the protein, the starches, and the fats, which in turn break down the structure of the stains and odors. Most products that have enzymes, say it loud and proud on their packaging. For example; Dawn Ultra and Tide detergent have enzymes and can break down tough stains.  I have found 1 toilet cleaner with enzymes but its hard to find locally and had to order one online. Bioda is a multi-purpose enzyme cleaner that works great! It comes in a big ol’ gallon jug, and is on the higher price range, but it’s a gallon jug so keep that in mind. If you can’t find one locally, as always, I have an alternative. Products with hydrogen peroxide in them, while not enzymes, they are an oxidizing agent, which works similarly to breakdown stains and odors. The real difference between them is that enzymes target organic matter while peroxide is more a general cleaner in its actions and how it disinfects. So, for example, around the toilet, lets say someone has bad aim or your pooch has had an accident on your floor (not carpet). You clean it up and notice later you can still smell it. I like to use Clorox urine remover for this, as its peroxide based so you will see it working as it foams up. That should do the job, but for example sake, you notice the smell is STILL lingering.  Anyone with pets or that has potty trained little boys knows what I’m talking about. If the smell or stain has returned it means that there is just leftover organic matter, which this is where I would use an enzyme cleaner. This is the Science of Cleaning! I know it can be gross, but looking at it differently, it is cool to see science at work. You could even tell the kids it is a science experiment.

Now lastly if you make the time to give your bathroom a once over a few times a week, You don’t have to give it a deep clean every time. Put things away and wipe down the counters, maybe use an after shower spray after using the bathtub. Spending 10-15 minutes will save you when it is time to give it a good deep clean.

Join me next Month, when we will talk back to school. In the meantime, it’s Summer in Oklahoma, it is hot and humid, which makes everyone a little miserable. So, give yourself and others a little grace, everyone is doing their best and trying to stay cool.

Happy Cleaning!

Hello June! This summer is off to a nice cool start, thanks to that wonderful rain. With the rain coming and going like it is this year, Camping takes a lot of planning and a lot of weather watching.  My oldest turned 17 this year, so this is my last summer before they are a “Adult.” I really want to make the most of this summer so we will probably spend it at the lake whenever possible.

To be ready whenever the Sun is Shining, I have went a head and pulled all my camping totes out of storage. Taking the time to go though and replace things that are old or broken, saves a trip to the store the day of. Give your tent a once over and make sure its good to go. Next, I like to give our Ice chests a good scrub and bleach, then let them dry in the sunshine. Also take the time to check all the float toys for holes. Nothing ruins a kid’s day like a hole in their favorite float toy.

I like to plan out our meals while we camp, that way I can make sure the kids eat real food at meals, and not just junk snacks. I try to bring fruit, and other healthy snacks but sometimes kids only want junk food. By planning ahead, I can limit how much junk food they have for the weekend, so it balances out. We started taking our dog with us this year, while planning meals I made sure we have a containers for her food and treats. They don’t have to be airtight, zip locks or Tupperware work great. Make sure you bring an extra big water dish; it will make it easier to keep your furry friend hydrated. Also, you must put up the dog food at night or you will have unwanted visitors. We have all have accidentally left something out and had your camp pillaged at least once. So, putting all food up in containers or put all food items in your car overnight.

I have mentioned before that I use laundry baskets while camping. They are usually rather affordable, and I like to use them to keep everything organized. One for Kitchen/groceries, one for towels/laundry to keep in the tent. I’ve added a third one, a round one that works great to put a trash bag in. It’s a game changer. Then when we get home I can put them in the room they belong in and put everything away. I like to give the baskets a good wipe down with Clorox wipes, or any disinfectant will do.

Another thing I learned recently is that there will always be mud when camping. It just happens when kids and lake meet. Baby wipes help, but it’s not worth wasting any time fussing and fretting about. Just roll with it and clean it up later. A little dirt never hurt.

Join us July 10^th and we will discuss the Bathroom Grime and Toilet-tally great ways to keep on top of the smallest room.

Happy Cleaning

Happy May Friends! It’s that time of year again, School is winding down and days are getting much longer, which means us Moms are running around like chickens without heads trying to juggle all the school events, and normal life. I’m sure everyone gets tired of hearing me talk about using a planner for this busy time. It’s the only way I can keep up with everything. If you can be honest with yourself about how long things takes, you can really plan and do it all. Maybe not everything but you can get really close.

There is only so much takeout a family can handle. Meal prepping is a great alternative.  Crockpot and freezer meals are life savers, just require a little forethought. A quick google and you’ll have the shopping list and a plan, and you could have a weeks’ worth of meals in an afternoon. That’s the power of planning!

Schedule it! We get business cards, event flyers all with information we need to be on time. If you don’t have it in your planner or calendar you risk forgetting. Take the 5 min and write it all down or put it in your calendar. We have a mobile calendar where anyone in our family can add an appointment or event from their phone and it is on the family calendar. My oldest is driving now, and doing their own thing, as teens do. This calendar lets us see what they have planned and they can see our plans before they make plans. They still ask but this lets them see before hand we are busy, probably going to say no. This probably saves us from lots of teen angst.

Keeping everyone healthy and hydrated, everyone carries a Stanley or water bottle now days. The kids will use the same one for a few days then we run them through the dishwasher, sometimes they get a funky smell. I do think you should either switch daily or wash them daily but life gets busy and that doesn’t always happen. It’s important to take apart the lids, remove the seals. I like to soak in bleach or vinegar works well too. That smell can be the bacteria growing on the seals. Sometimes the metal is what has the funky smell, I like to give them a good scrub with dawn. This is where baby bottle brushing are making a great comeback. Then if they still smell, a splash of bleach and fill with hot-hot water. I usually let it soak a few hours then put it in the dishwasher for sanitizing wash. That seams to do the trick for us.

This tip is an older one but it is still relevant. I like to pack up everything the kids need the night before, sports bags, back packs, lunches whatever we need the next day. My family are not morning people, so grabbing and going is perfect for us. I even put sports bags in the car the night before so I don’t even have to think about it, it’s already there waiting for them when I pick them up. Now that they are older, I am having them pack the bags themselves. If there is something specific they keep forgetting or that they need. I will give it a once over. Part of my job as a mother is to prepare them to be adults and being on their own. If I never let them try or do for themselves, they will never learn. Yes, I can do it faster but it’s more important that they learn how to do for themselves. I know for me, letting my kids take more responsibility is a struggle. I want them to be kind, responsible adults so trying to give both myself and them grace while they learn is my focus. Ain’t no hood like Motherhood, Happy Mother’s Day Friends.

Join me for June when we will be hitting the lake! We will talk about how to keep everything clean and organized when enjoying a lake day or camping for the weekend.

Happy Cleaning

Easter is right around the corner!

For my family Easter is more than chocolate bunnies, it’s yummy grilled food. Which means it’s time to clean our grill(s) for the first time this year. With Oklahoma spring being so mild this year. I know we will not be alone in our grill use this year. So, let’s start this grill season clean! Depending on how you put them away for the winter, it will decide where you start. Let’s say you put them away in a hurry and dirty for our learning purposes. Charcoal, I would empty out the ashes and save them as they are good for the garden, for chicken’s dust baths, so many other uses. They sell grill cleaning brushes, but the bristles can break off and be dangerous. So, I like the Aluminum foil method, crumple up a ball of foil and use it to scrub the grates. (Use long handled tongs when the grill is hot.) Then I like to scrub the whole thing with soapy water, make sure to dry thoroughly to avoid rust. Use the Foil method after each use for easy clean up. Gas is pretty much the same routine.

If there is a lot of build-up, I suggest oven cleaner. Follow the instructions as close as possible. Obviously, it is slightly different. (I would advise against using it anywhere with rust.) Start with a cool grill, spray area liberally. Close lid or cover with a trash bag and it will work like it does in your oven. Just be sure you wash it off really well because you eat off the grate.

Now Flat top cleaning reminds me of cast iron care. Start with a warm flat top and scrape any stuck food bits off. Pour water and it should evaporate fast so work quickly. If you need a little more elbow grease, use a grill stone to remove any remnants and wipe away any residue or bits with a cleaning cloth or brush. Then it’s time to Season the grill! I like to use Avocado oil for its high smoke point and good saturation, but beef tallow is also a good choice. I take a paper towel and rub it down thinly. Heat on high and repeat till you get your desired seasoning. You can warm the grill back up or just dry and store. I think this is a preference, and to each their own.

I promised that I would answer the age-old debate about cleaning cast iron with soap. So, this is one of those things where time has changed the definition of soap. When Cast Iron was the go-to cookware that on the west, soap contained lye and lye is such an effective cleaner it would strip the seasoning off of the pan. Nowadays, our favorite dish soaps are lye free. Which means it is safe to use on your cast iron. Now, I wouldn’t use it every time, but when I am cooking with something acidic like pasta sauce. Yes! I want to wash it with dish soap. Then I hand dry, wipe with oil and warm it on the stove until I feel like it is dry enough. The thing I love about cast iron is it’s resilience and if you mess up the seasoning you can strip it down and start again. It is an heirloom to pass on to your children or grandchildren. My oldest has already claimed a few of my pans for when they move out.

In light of recent natural disasters. I want to remind everyone to please Grill Responsibility, make sure you watch your grills closely and have a way to extinguish if needed. Check your local fire risk before you choose to grill. While it is lovely out, it is still very dry. Better safe than sorry.

Happy Cleaning and Grilling

Welcome to the Thunder Dome of Cleaning!

Spring Cleaning is where The Kitchen Sink began, in the very first article with a master cleaning list that is still a wonderful plan to use. (It will be available on our website.) As these years have passed, I’ve gained a little more wisdom and a few new techniques which has added few things to my Spring-Cleaning list. -First, clean and replace tools of the trade. Taking the time to deep clean your Vacuum, carpet cleaner, steam mop ect. Change or clean filters, give everything a good scrub. Comb out the brushes to remove any hair or anything stuck. Doing this can add years of use to your equipment. Replace your scrub brushes, and cleaners. Try a new scent or new product, you know treat yourself!

-Porch Clean. Since we use our porch a lot, I like to give it a good cleaning as soon as it is warm enough. My husband helps so we can get it done in a day. We empty the porch off, and pressure wash the whole thing, the rug too. Leave in the Sun to dry and whiten the rug while we put everything back together. I was serious when I said we use our porch like an extra living room, so there is a good amount to rearrange. My husband’s grill, our loveseat, end tables, and plants that have been patiently waiting to be back in their spots on the porch ready for the sunshine.

-Laundry space/room. While not on my original list, it should have been. Depending on your home this could be a quick tidy up or a day long clean. (No worries if you need to ask for help, we all need a little now and then) Cleaning behind your washer and dryer can be a task, but you would be surprised what you find back there, it’s like Narnia sometimes. This is also a good time to get one of these dryer lint brushes if you don’t have one already. You can also use vacuum attachments to help get in the tough to reach spots. I know everyone has seen the videos of the leaf blowers and dryer vents. While those are fun to watch, I wouldn’t want to clean that up. Vacuuming your dryer vents is a great alternative, probably less fun though.

-Kids rooms. My oldest is old enough to manage their room but my youngest is a bit of a hoarder. So, during my Spring Clean I set aside extra time while he is at school to work on his room. I smuggle broken toys out like it’s an art heist. I find if I take care of those hard decisions, then he can help me with the rest. I know we adults can get a kids room done in no time but if we do it for them, they won’t learn. It is important to take the time, no matter how frustrating it is to show kids how to clean and pick up after they have their fun. They will be grateful when they are 30 and see it with new eyes.

Lastly, the most valuable thing I have learned about Spring Cleaning is to pace myself. I used to tackle the whole thing in a weekend, then I needed way too much time to recover. Now I just do a few things each day until my list is completed. There is no point in rushing or overdoing it. What I love about spring cleaning is that it is like washing away the gloom of winter and starting fresh. It’s the perfect time to start a new habit or routine.

Join me April 10th, where we will talk about Easter, grill maintenance and cast-iron care. I will answer the age-old question “Can I wash my cast-iron with soap?”

Happy Spring Cleaning

Let’s Spill the Laundry Tea!

There is so much laundry fine print that it’s usually overlooked. Let’s start with the basics. Soap vs Detergent, same thing, right? Far from it. Before washing machines, laundry required three things: A bar of Laundry Soap, a washing board and pair of strong arms. Which works great for hand washing or scrubbing a stain out, but laundry soap is bad for your washing machine. Ask any appliance repairman, they will tell you the soap degreases your washing machine which shortens the life of your machine. I know people “make” their own laundry soap, but even if you grate the bar of soap, it still doesn’t belong in your washing machine. Now laundry detergent is specially designed for washing machines, and there are so many different kinds there is no need to make your own anymore.

Fabric softener is nice for making laundry smell good and helps with static cling but there is some fine print, typically people don’t understand how it works. Fabric softener (including dryer sheets) works by applying a layer of fabric softener molecules to the top of the fabric surface. This layer can stop fabric from being absorbent, so it isn’t recommended for towels, athletic wear, or certain work wear. A great reminder of the importance of checking clothing tags. An important disclaimer, and this isn’t to scare anyone, but it is a safety issue, DO NOT USE fabric softener on Children’s clothing that needs to be flame-resistant or flame-retardant (and any other items that need to be). The layer of fabric softener is highly flammable (that’s IF the article of clothing were to catch on fire – it’s not going to spontaneously ignite or anything). Fabric Softener is optional, some people don’t use it because they don’t want to separate laundry. Some people love it for its intended use. Others love it so much they use it on everything and then end up causing problems for certain laundry and end up ruining clothes. Vinegar is a great alternative for fabric softener, and the best part is no need to separate anything!

Most of Oklahoma has hard water, test yours to be 100% sure, but chances are yours is. How does this affect your laundry? Let me tell you! The hard water deposits can make your towels less absorbent, feel funny, and even trap bacteria which can cause your laundry to smell. Got a favorite shirt that you just can’t get that smell out of. Yep, it’s probably hardwater build up. If you follow my Laundry Strip Recipe from a few months ago, you can tackle any buildup laundry with ease. We have it on our website for reference. If you think it isn’t that bad, then you can skip the stripping and start adding a water softener to your wash. There are two: Calgon & Borax. Calgon is liquid, I use a cap full for each load. Borax is a powder, and I typically use ½ a cup per load. Both works great, just a matter of preference.

What is the deal with bleach? Find that it yellows some of your whites. Chances are the clothing is dyed white, and bleach is just yellowing it. This is where I suggest Oxi-clean, which is great to whiten whites and is safe for colors too. There is also Out White Brite Laundry Whitener, which is ammonia based, and has specific instructions that need to be followed. It does work well, but it isn’t on my favorites list because of the ammonia smell. My all-time favorite is a natural and FREE method, sunshine! It is a perfect way to whiten those pesky spots naturally. Hang them to dry in the sun and they will be bright white in no time. The only downside to using sun power is some potential fading of colors if left to dry in the sun too long, so set a timer on your phone or Alexa and grab another chore off the list while waiting.

I think I’ve spilled all the tea about Laundry. Join me on March 13th when we will talk about the “Super-Bowl of cleaning”: Spring Cleaning! If you are interested in more information and the science behind the cleaning, I recommend www.fortheloveofclean.com.

Remember to be kind to yourself and Happy Cleaning

Hello January 2025! I am so excited to start the New Year! I don’t know about everyone else but 2024 was hard. I am ready for a change of pace. The best thing about the new year is clearing out the old. I love to do “The Bowl full of Lemons Challenge” each year. It’s free, has printables to help you along the way, and it is designed to be about 14 weeks or self-paced. Depending on the room or area that week, you could be done in a day. Let’s be clear this isn’t a spring cleaning; she suggests cleaning as you go but don’t get hung up on deep cleaning each room. Focus on decluttering and reorganizing. If the space is organized, it will be easier to clean and keep clean.

You know that stack of mail you have piled up, work papers waiting to be filed away or that shelf in the bathroom that is full of God knows what. This is exactly what this challenge helps you tackle. Doing the hard things, one room at a time. I recommend picking the one thing you don’t want to do and do it first. Everything else will be smooth sailing after that.

If you are New to Organizing, that’s ok. At some point we all don’t know how to do something. It really doesn’t have to be a big too do. You can skip the 14-week challenge and start small. Here are a few of my favorite things.

-Micro organizing, by using small containers to organize drawers, kitchen and bathroom, or even totes. Tote organizing might be the greatest thing I learned this year. I learned that if I use organizing containers or even cardboard boxes in my totes it was so much easier to find what I needed and to put it all back together.

-Small Baskets. I like to use these all over the house. They are great to put a kids name on and as you find their stuff put it in for them to put away later. Store clean towels in for bathroom or kitchen. They are pretty handy to have on hand. I bought a bulk box of my favorite small baskets (24 of small shoebox sized) a few years ago and I use them all over the place. If you find a size, you like for around the house. I recommend this so much; I’ve repurposed them so many times.

– Storage Racks for your doors. Back of doors are generally unused space and I don’t like to waste any extra space. I have storage racks on both sides of my pantry door. Having that extra storage really helps keep everything organized. Same with all the other doors in my house. There are multiple styles of door storage, pockets, shelves, & baskets are the most common.

-Label everything! I know we all know it but sometimes taking the time to do it just feels like a hassle because “I’ll remember”, but that’s the thing, even if you remember the other people in your house won’t and they will make a mess finding it or not put it away where it should go. Then YOU won’t find it. I swear it creates a cycle of messes. Spend time now to save time later.

You can find most of these anywhere from the dollar store, Walmart or even thrift stores. Last resort you can buy online. I prefer to buy my organizing products in person so that way I can see the size and shape, weight and be less likely to need to return it. Plus, spending money locally lets you see your money benefit on the local level.

Join me on February 13th, where I will spill the tea on Laundry Love. Remember it’s a new year, let’s start this year off with some home care & self-care.

Happy Cleaning

Hello December! It is getting colder, and Christmas will be here before you know it. There is so much to do in such little time.

Is your tree up yet? Tradition dictates that you wait until after Thanksgiving. A newer trend has been to put it up whenever you feel like it. I have seen people put it up in July. Whatever makes your heart happy, I say. Add a little magic and make an evening of it. Make some cocoa, play some Christmas music, and enjoy your family. These memories will last longer than the gifts.

On to the Clean of Christmas. I love setting up my tiny crock-pot with fruit scraps, such as apple or orange peels, add cinnamon, clove, or rosemary, and cover it with water. Having your home will smell like Christmas is the perfect motivation to get your home Christmas clean. I don’t know about everyone but I have to rearrange my living room to make room for my tree, and if I’m going to rearrange, I may as well clean while I am at it, right? I like to deep-clean the places behind furniture and baseboards, and the back sides of furniture can get dusty. I like to give my floors a good scrub, maybe a wax, and clean my rugs. This would also be a good time to “wash” your sofa. If you have a carpet cleaner, I suggest a liquid detergent such as Tide. A tablespoon or two depending on the size of your canister. The most important part is to do a rinse cleaning (sometimes two) after to ensure you get all the detergent out. You will know you got it all if the fabric is soft, if it is stiff or sticky go over it again. As always if the fabric is delicate do not do anything that may affect the integrity. If you don’t have a carpet cleaner, I suggest a spray clean. I take a cheap Vodka (no flavors or colors), in a spray bottle and spray it as needed to remove odors. You can mix water with it if the smell is too strong. *Clean at your own risk and never mix cleaning solutions without a Google search to ensure safety.*

My Christmas magic suggestions. Both my children know the Secret of Santa but they let me pretend. We do Lazy Elf on the Shelf, I use the elf to bring or suggest fun Christmas activities. If you still have littles, the elf is a great way to add a little magic each day. Print a little welcome and goodbye letter. You can even send “Santa is watching” warnings, as nothing motivates littles like knowing Santa is coming. Recently we have started learning about how the world celebrates the holidays. My oldest took German so we are learning about German Christmas and Krampus this year. It’s very interesting. We also teach them about Hanukkah and Kwanza, which is around Christmas time. My family believes the more we learn/teach them about other faiths and cultures, the more understanding and respectful they will be to others.

Don’t forget all the fun holiday activities going on. Check with your town’s Chamber of Commerce, downtown, or library. There is always plenty of activities to choose from, and make sure you add activities to do at home. My kids love our town’s Christmas parade. We bring blankets, warm drinks, and snacks, and if it’s too cold you can always drive around, listen to carols, see the lights, and how everyone has decorated. Make it into a fun scavenger hunt. We have movies we watch every year and we make our gingerbread houses, so we have a month full of family Christmas planned. I’ve found kids may fuss a bit about doing holiday activities but once they are doing it they have a good time.

Join me January 9th when we will discuss starting the New Year with organizing your home. Remember the holidays are stressful, and sometimes we don’t get everything we want done. That is okay. Give yourself grace, you are doing your best. Soak up your family time, because family togetherness is what makes the holidays memorable.

Happy Cleaning and Merry Christmas

Hello November!

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, Are you ready? Planning a big meal and getting your home ready can be a little stressful. Lists will save the day! Taking the time to plan out the meal, make the list for shopping. A list for cleaning, or at least the areas you want to work on before Thanksgiving arrives. 

Top of my list is to get out my tablecloths and napkins and give them a good deep clean. Which means sometimes I have to Strip them. Never heard of “stripping”? Well, you’re in luck it might become your new favorite cleaning hobby. Stripping is a time-consuming process, that basically gets out everything from dirt to build-up on fabric, even extra fabric dye. This isn’t something you want to do all the time; it is more of a every so often thing. The laundry stripping recipe is a 1:1:2 ratio of Borax, washing soda, and powdered laundry detergent. So, for a standard bathtub that’s filled about ½ full of hot water, add: ¼ cup Borax Detergent Booster, ¼ cup Washing Soda, ½ cup powdered laundry detergent, Optional – ¼ cup Calgon (not the bubble bath, the water softener). Dish gloves come in handy here to stir and mix all ingredients with the water. Then once this is dissolved, add your Laundry. (if fabric is delicate strip at your own risk) Submerge your planned Items, come back to stir every hour for about 5 hours. Your water is probably going to be disgusting, that’s the magic of stripping! Now for the last step, drain the tup, squeeze out all the water you can. Throw it in the washer, no need to add any detergent. Run the extra rinse cycle. Behold the crisp clean laundry!  

Now, our tablecloth is sparkling. I like to get out my serving dishes and make sure I have everything I will need. Most of my “fine China’ is put up for holidays, so I like to get it out from storage and give it a good clean, and once over ensure nothing is broken. Doing this early in the month gives me time to find replacements. Most of the time these are the same serving dishes I use at Thanksgiving; I will use them again at Christmas. Planning your table spread or buffet with the empty dishes will ensure you have enough space and is a perfect way to narrow down those side dishes.

Lastly, giving your home a good clean. No need to clean the attic or anything crazy. Remember it is your home not a museum. No one expects perfection. Giving kids a few cleaning tasks when their school break starts, will free you up and keep them busy. Also, put them in charge of a task the day of like getting company drinks or taking coats. They will feel like they are helping because they are, and you can check a to do off your hosting list.

Join me on December 12th when we will talk about having your home Christmas ready and little ways to make it magical for the whole family. The holidays are Stressful, be kind to yourselves and others.

Happy Cleaning!

Fall is HERE! And the Fall Fun is here too! I love the start of fall in Oklahoma, I don’t care what anyone says we have the best sunsets and fall is the best time to enjoy them. Perfect time for smores, weenie roasts, fall festivals, and all the outside chores we have put off because of the heat.

Now that the school routine is in full swing,  we have all these fun events in all our little towns. Prague has its pumpkin festival, there is the Wewoka Sorghum Festival, Drumright’s Oilpatch, plus all the pumpkin patches. Basically, you have multiple events to choose from each weekend. Isn’t that wonderful? Well, it is until you realize you are going to be busy right? When my family is this busy, I hop into planner mode, make my lists, and work hard to stick to the plan so we have more time for fun. I Know some people don’t think planning and organizing is part of housekeeping and I have to strongly disagree. Planning gives me more time to clean and that in turn gives me more free time. When we are busy, I need all the extra time I can get. To be ready for events, I like to clean out my car, that way I can easily spot what the kids have left there. I also like to pack a bag for these events, since I no longer have a diaper bag to carry around (so grateful for that) and I pack a car bag full of things we might need, snacks, on the go stain remover, Clorox wipes, hand sanitizer, bottles of water, even misc. over the counter meds. Things that can help me avoid having to stop multiple times and delay our fun.

I plan out our meals, so I have less time shopping, and the crockpot does the heavy lifting on our busy days. This is also a time when I treat myself to paper plates, it gives me extra time to do extra weekend chores during the week. I won’t lie the laundry gets washed maybe not folded and put away when we are this busy. It’s only temporary and worth it for all the family time and fun.

When it comes to fall yard work. I make a list and we do what we can each week. This year, unfortunately, a raccoon took out all of our chickens recently and we decided to start over in the spring with baby chicks. That means this fall we will take advantage of an empty run and coop. If you don’t have chickens, let me tell you while fresh eggs are sooo good and worth it. The work that goes into maintaining chickens can be a lot. I am grateful my husband enjoys farm chores. Pretty sure he will be spending most of his extra time working on their area. This leaves the kids and I to work on other projects, getting garden & flower beds ready for winter, etc. Doing a little of this each nice day, and we are done in no time at all.

With Halloween right around the corner, it is time to get out those holiday totes. I love Halloween! We have a few Halloween totes (like 3 or 4 now! Lol) and my husband would say a few too many. I like to go through everything and discard broken decorations or find a way to upcycle them. The very first thing I do after that is get out all my Fall/Halloween pillows for my porch seating then a mandatory porch sit to plan how I want to decorate. In Spring and Fall, my porch is like a second living room. I’m typing this from the porch right now. Heaven, I say.

With the weather mild, it is the perfect time to have those heaters serviced. If you have a fireplace or a wood stove, plan on getting it cleaned and ready for the coming chilly days. Replace the batteries in your smoke alarms and Carbon Monoxide Alarms. Don’t forget to get your Fire extinguisher checked too. If you don’t have one, pick up a small one to have on hand. It’s one of those things I hope no one ever needs but it can make a big difference if you ever need it. Plus, you should be able to get a little discount on your homeowners insurance, I think renters insurance offers one too but don’t quote me on that. Doing anything to get yourself winter-ready needs to go on your list, you will still have November to check things off the to-do list.

While it is October now, we are enjoying the weather and thinking about all that sweet Halloween Candy. Creating seasonal routines will have you prepared for the unexpected, like Oklahoma’s crazy windstorms.

Stay prepared, stay safe friends and “Happy Cleaning”

Hello Friends! September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. You never know what someone is going through and encouraging your children to be kind, while bullying in schools is at a high right now. Kindness and friendship goes a long way. If you or Someone you know needs help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. Someone is there to Listen.

“Please Help”-Reddit User

“I grew up with parents that are hoarders, so the house was never actually cleaned. I was never taught how to properly clean the floors, bathrooms, walls and pet messes. I just got my first apartment, and I really want it to stay clean. I don’t have any pets as of now but I’m wanting to get a dog in the future. If you have any advice I would love to hear it.”

First Congratulations on the Apartment! That’s a Big Step into Adulthood and being aware of the hoarder tendencies will help keep you motivated. I’ve recently had the” how will you care for yourself when you move out” conversation with my youngest. He wants me to move with him to keep his house. Bless his heart that is not happening. So, this is practical advice for anyone who recently left the nest.

Starting a Cleaning routine from scratch, can be overwhelming. First you need the proper supplies, broom, swiffer, mop, vacuum cleaner, cleaning clothes, and all-purpose cleaner. My favorite is Pine glo, but recently I discovered they have new scents! I recommend the new watermelon, as it smells sooo good! A cleaner like Pine Glo or Fabulouso are a everything cleaners. Clean your counters, wipe your wall, and mop your floors. A true everything cleaner.

Now that you have basic supplies, I recommend cleaning as you go during your week, doing dishes, taking trash out, and if ya make a mess, clean it up. Then you can take a few hours when you have time and “Deep Clean”. Living in an apartment or any rental you want to stay as tidy as possible, gotta get that Deposit back.

Floors needed to be swept as needed and mopped or vacuumed once a week unless otherwise needed.

Bathrooms are intimidating for some people. If you wipe out the sink after you use it, and put things away after you use them then you really only have to do a quick once over it. Soap scum and Hard water can build up on the shower/ tub. I recommend a spray bottle with 1:1 Water and vinegar with a squirt of Dawn dish soap. Spray when you are done using the shower/tub and rinse. Then you can you the same cleaner to deep clean as needed.

Walls can be a pain; I suggest a sponge mop specifically to use on walls only. Mix up warm water and a good pour of your favorite All Purpose cleaner and mop your walls. You probably want to do this once a month unless you feel like your walls are messy.

When it comes to adding a Furry Bestie to your home, it does add more cleaning. For a dog, If you train and take them outside as much as possible you won’t have any messes to clean. For future reference, there are tons of cleaners for pet messes. I like to use ones with peroxide in them because the peroxide helps breaks down the enzymes that attract them to go back to that spot. Now cats are slightly different, you have to stay on top of that litter box to keep them from going anywhere else. Might be a splurge, but I recommend an auto litter box. It does the day-to-day work, and you empty the bin and add littler. Easy peasy way to stay in your feline’s good graces. Dog or Cat there will be hair. This is where a good vacuum comes in, you can give the house a once over a few times a week or do something we call slow vacuuming. It’s just what it sounds like, it is tedious but oh my, the amount of hair and dirt you will collect is so satisfying.

Remember to be patient with yourself, you are learning and doing your best. Somethings take time to become a routine.

Happy Cleaning

Hello August! It’s already time for those children to go back to school! I don’t know about you guys, but as my children get older, the faster the summer seems to go. I am ready for school to start, and I want to say Thank you to all the Teachers who are heading back to school too.

Anywho, I asked what cleaning tips y’all needed and I was asked about hair, people, and pets. Luckily, I have a fair amount of experience with hair cleanup. From my husband’s beard to my locks shedding everywhere, dogs and cats! Now, I won’t say it is easy by any means. Honestly, it is practically a full-time job.

To start, getting a good vacuum that is light and easy to empty is super important. Also, having a Roomba running daily helps a lot. The Roomba wasn’t a good fit for us, but I know multiple families that it works perfectly for. I think if you have one pet it works better, but when you have multiple pets, you need a bigger canister. I vacuum the house once a day, a quick zoom around the house. Then, once a week we do a more in-depth sweep to ensure we get it all.

Let’s talk about hair and laundry. I used to lint roll everything; it was time-consuming. Frankly, it was getting pricey and felt wasteful. So, I went on the hunt for something reusable. I found these dryer balls for pet hair, there are a few different ones. I got the ones that look like blue scour pads shaped like fish. They work great, I throw them in the washer with each load of laundry. That way no matter who puts them in the dryer I know the hair fish is there. Now for your soft furniture, there are a few things you can do. First vacuum, but we all know that doesn’t work for all soft furniture. Second, there are squeegee or carpet brooms that work great. Third is a spray you can make with things around the house. Mix equal parts white vinegar, water, and cheap hair conditioner in a spray bottle. Spray on the soft furniture, and let it sit for about 5 minutes then take a damp paper towel and lift the hair. A squeegee or carpet broom would also work with this to tackle that hair. Then, wipe down with a damp towel to remove any residue.

Lastly, we bathe our dog and brush her out every couple of months. How often you groom your dog

varies by breed and coat. You could drop your furry friend off at your local groomer, that maybe helpful to keep your pooch from leaving hair everywhere. As far as the cat goes, we have a kitten that we brush once a week. We started as soon as we got him so he would be used to it by the time he starts shedding regularly.

As a last resort, keep a lint roller at the door or in your car so you can clean up hair quickly. At the end of the day, hair happens. Pets are family. It is more important that my pets are comfortable and happy at home than it is to be fussing at them about their hair. You can let it bother you or you can just clean it up.

Remember you are doing your best, and that is enough. Drink your Coffee warm and relax, you deserve it!

“Happy Cleaning”

Send Email to The Kitchen Sink distribution@oklahomaschoiceweekly.com

Happy July Friends!

Is it hot enough for ya? Let me tell you, this heat has everyone miserable. I have to say something only those close to me know. I am chronically ill and heat is a big trigger for me. Now that we are looking at 100+ days there is not much outside time for me. I take this opportunity to work on back-to-school for my kids. It’s the perfect time to go through clothes and donate. I found this great place in Yale, Blessed & Dressed Free Closet (301 W. Broadway Ave, Yale, OK) They take Children and Adult’s gently worn clothing and anyone can visit and get whatever they need for FREE. I love that, and it means I can go through everyone’s clothing at once. It’s a real-time saver. As I purge their clothes, I like to make a list of what clothing each kid needs for school, put it in my purse, or note on my phone with sizes so when I am out and spot a sale, I don’t miss a deal.

Have you heard of Zep Cleaners? In my deep cleaning of my youngest room, I have been cleaning his walls. I can’t roll my eyes enough; little boys are so gross! Normally I use Pine Glo, but it wasn’t cutting this mess. I picked up Zep Foaming wall cleaner. Oh, My Lanta talk about easy! I sprayed and let that foam work its magic. I wiped away all the gross. I still wiped it down with my Pine Glo after to be sure it was sanitized. I promptly went around the house and tried it all over the place, the grime on the doors gone! No elbow grease! I will be trying more Zep Cleaners in the future.

With this heat, I set up a little water station for my family. I want to encourage the kids to drink water. If it’s flavored, so what. It is still water right? I have a Kitchen Cart my husband set up a water cooler in, then an ice maker on the cart. Both my kids have Stanley dupes, I leave them on the cart with a container of flavor packets for their daily water. You can set up your own water station too. All you need is a little counter space and flavor packets, Liquid IV, and you have endless possibilities.  Anything that helps keep us hydrated right now is Awesome!

My youngest’s Birthday is on Monday! Happy Birthday Spencer!!! What do you do when it is too hot

for an outside Birthday for little boys? My Son requested a Fallout Birthday Party. Which if you have played the game or watched the show it’s a post-nuclear world. I have been researching and we are going to let the kids build their own “Vault” Pillow fort. Then I have “nuk-acola” labels for glass bottled Coke and Fallout-themed snacks. I also plan on a little bit of outside running with water guns because slightly tired kids are easier to manage, and it fits the theme. Anytime you are having a themed party, it is always nice to look at Google and Pinterest to see what others have done. I love to find any free printables that will help customize the party, signs, labels, and cute tags for gift bags, the possibilities are endless. Everyone always thinks it takes so much more time but with proper planning, it takes no time at all, and it makes the kids feel special that everything is custom for them, and isn’t that what Birthdays are really about?

Just Scan the QR Code and send me an email (you can remain anonymous) and I will share Tips in the following article to help you tackle that dirt and grime with no shame, we are all doing our best. Remember to Drink your water and be kind to yourself it’s HOT friends.

“Happy Cleaning”

Email Misty Here-distribution@oklahomaschoiceweekly.com

Happy Father’s Day Oklahoma! It’s time to Thank your Father Figures for all they have taught you over the years!

I am grateful & blessed to have two Dads, my bio Dad and my Stepdad. The great thing about having two Dads is you learn from both. My Stepdad is a mechanic, which means I have learned to always have a jack in my car and a basket of important things in my trunk. Keeping it organized lets you have everything at your fingertips. In my basket, I have a few bottles of water, a blanket, an emergency roadside kit, and jumper cables. If any of that doesn’t solve the problem he is always a phone call away.

My Bio Dad and I live next door to each other, so he is my go-to DIY guru. He has taught me how important “don’t put it down, put it away” is especially when it comes to tools. I’ve learned that even if my husband has tons of tools, I still need my own set for around-the-house projects. I have a small stash of tools, a small hammer, screwdrivers – both Phillips and flat head, and a good pair of pliers. I can’t tell you how handy they have been.

My Family normally Camps for Father’s Day Weekend because the lake is our happy place. I have learned along the way that an organized campsite makes everything run smoother. It is so much work to get ready and to put everything up when you get home. Have no fear! I have a solution for that too. I use totes for our camping stuff that we take with us every time, plates, coffee pot, matches, etc. and when we return home, I just reorganize, replenish, and pack it away for our next trip to the lake. I use laundry baskets for clothes, towels, and groceries. Use different colored baskets for different things, for example; I use a white basket for my groceries and a blue one for clothes and towels. When we get home it is so simple, put the blue basket in the laundry room and the white one in the kitchen, it makes putting things away so fast. As we all know, putting things away is the worst part of camping.

I don’t know about your children, but mine are glued to their phones. When we camp we unplug and put the phones up, which only works if you keep them busy. You can only keep them in the water for so much of the day. Before we go, I take them to the dollar store and let them pick out some cheap toys or activities to bring with us. Water guns or blasters are always a big hit, they will chase each other around for a long time. Now this is an odd activity for the lake but hear me out because my kids enjoy it. We bring water-based paints (or paint with water books) and paint our hearts out. Clean-up is so easy because they just go for a swim and bam they are clean! Hang their pictures on the clothesline to dry, and throw everything else in a ziplock until the next time. Easy peasy.

After all that activity they will be starving, my kids are big snackers. I don’t want them to just eat junk food all day. I make sure we bring easy healthy snacking foods like grapes, bananas, apples, watermelon, cheese cubes, goldfish, and veggie straws. Fruit during the day will help keep them hydrated. Of course, they have their hot dogs and smores in the evening. What camping trip would be complete without smores? Have you ever swapped out your Hershey’s for a Reese’s or a Rolo? This might be the best tip I’ve ever given. Try it! You won’t regret it.

“Happy Camping”

Hello there Friends! Or, should I say Welcome Back?! Has it already been 3 years? Time sure flies when you’re busy with day-to-day life. Let’s get reacquainted, I am an Oklahoma Mom of two children 16 and 10. With that age gap, they constantly keep me on my toes. The Kitchen Sink is my way of sharing cleaning and organization tips while encouraging everyone to be a little kinder to themselves. Life is messy and it’s ok to be a mess.

I’d like to talk about the school year ending. I don’t know what it is about May, but it is the busiest month of the school year. Sports, concerts, field trips, graduations, and end-of-the-year parties. It can be overwhelming even for the most organized of us. Here is what I like to do, I collect all the notes and invitations as we get them, then make a list of what needs to be done for each event on sticky notes. I have a whiteboard on my fridge where I normally put meal planning, but in May it’s my command center. I write the event on the day and put the sticky note with it. That way when I look at the week I see what needs to be done and I can write more on the sticky note or take it shopping with me or even hand it off to my husband to handle.

Being a Mom, whether stay-at-home or working outside the home, is hard. So many expectations put on us by society with so much to juggle. Then there is the guilt of not living up to our version of a perfect mother. Recently I read that Marie Kondo, (Author of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up and Netflix’s Tidying Up with Marie Kondo). Let me paraphrase that after the birth of her children, she struggled with the guilt of not being able to manage her home like she had before. She had to let go of her need for perfection altogether. Living a busy life with 3 children, her home is messy but she values spending time with her family over tidying at this stage in her life. When even the world’s most organized woman says she can’t keep up, then I think we can all go a little easier on ourselves.

One of my favorite ways to whip our messy house back into shape is what we call a “Reset Clean” and it can be done in a matter of hours. The whole family helps out and we tackle each room together. I like to play music, usually whatever the kids are into that day. I also put something in the crockpot for a yummy reward later. While my kids hate having to clean, they sure enjoy having a fresh start to the week. The great thing about this quick reset is it can be done without Mom.*Wink, Wink*

Happy Mother’s Day, do something nice for yourself this weekend.

Happy Cleaning

Hello Winter!

Normally, the holidays are such a joyous time where we gather with our loved ones from far and wide. Where we spend time in the kitchen and enjoy our favorite comfort foods. Unfortunately, 2020 has done a number on us all. No matter how you feel about Covid-19.l It is here and it is keeping our Nurses, Doctors, & Hospitals busy. My stepmother is a nurse, so my worries are different. No soapbox from me, I just ask that before you make your plans for the holidays you think about how tired and broken, they are right now. Say a prayer and send them some love.

My biggest advice right now is not about cleaning! Just like Santa, I love a good list! I make and maintain a list of what to buy and who to buy for starting in August. I also make a list of things to craft and things to bake and this helps keep me on track. This is the most important tip, make sure you note where you hide the presents. I cannot tell you how many presents I have found after Christmas. While it is always a good laugh when you show up a month later with a Christmas gift, it can be avoided by making a note on your list.

Another great tip I learned from a friend is to use one Santa paper for Santa only, another for gifts for friends and family outside of the house. That way you know just by looking at it without reading the tag. Don’t forget to save those gift bags. Are you frugal if you recycle the gift bags? Personally, I think it makes you smart, some may say cheap, but I still say smart. I have a whole bag of bags. You never know when you will need a gift bag. I also keep a box of cards for the same reason, I never want anyone to think I forgot about them but with kids sometimes things slip your mind. Have them at the ready is a nice way to make sure everyone always feels the love.

With this year being so hard on Oklahoma I wanted to remind everyone that Hard Candy Christmas’s can be some of the most magical and wonderful Christmas’s for Children. A little bit of Christmas Magic goes a long way with children. Oklahoma Communities are doing evening parades, (just saying masks are a BIG perk right now because they will keep your face warm) driving around looking at the lights, Selfies with Santa, baking cookies, making homemade gifts for friends and family, a little can go a long way.

As we say goodbye to 2020, I would like to say how thankful I am for all the lessons I have learned from my fellow Oklahomans this year. How moving it has been to watch communities pull together to keep family businesses up and running, to see love with its work boots and kindness in action. Most of all as this year ends, I want to say Thank you to everyone who reads my article and a special Thank you to Oklahoma’s Choice for letting me be part of their family and there is nowhere I would rather be!

Happy Cleaning

Happy Thanksgiving

With Covid-19 numbers on the rise, this year’s Thanksgiving will be like none before. In Oklahoma Thanksgiving is a time for family, to connect with those we don’t see every day. Most important for my family? It is about the food. Everyone has their favorite Thanksgiving foods, for my husband it is about the turkey and pie. For my sister it is about the green bean casserole, the kids are always about the rolls and desserts. After a long debate, my family agreed to a virtual Thanksgiving.

I think the most important step would be to pick a method for video chatting. There are a bunch of different services depending on your phone/tablet, internet provider. My family uses Facebook messenger just because everyone has Facebook, and it is pretty easy to use. But don’t forget about Skype, Zoom, Google Duo, Alexa Portal. There is something out there for every skill set. I would put the most tech savvy person in charge of this aspect of your Virtual Thanksgiving.

I have heard from my friends they are enjoying visiting their families, but you can only talk about so much before they are over it and ready to do something different. I thought I would share some activity ideas for hosting a virtual event. Like all good parties, having a plan for the day of what everyone wants to do together will make everything run smoother. Get with your family and make a schedule together, maybe not everyone will be able to be online all day. So, have a schedule and a plan that works for everyone. For example, plan 9am- 11am as Grandma’s cooking lesson.

Get in the kitchen together and have a cooking class. Watch grandma make her famous stuffing then someone else can teach the group to make another favorite. Being apart doesn’t have to mean you can’t still get that wonderful kitchen time together. So, gather around in your separate kitchens, teach and catch up with your family.

Games! Plan a few games to play together. Bingo, Pictionary, Virtual scavenger hunt. There are too many games that can be played virtually. I can’t even name them all. Watch the parade, football, or movies together. Anything that gets your family participating together and having fun together is the whole point of thanksgiving.

In a time where so many people, families are divided, Thanksgiving is a chance to reconnect. A chance to move forward in harmony and pie. Love your people.

Happy Cleaning

Always remember to check all labels before mixing any cleaning products. Never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia, dish soap, hydrogen peroxide, or rubbing alcohol. If you are unsure, never hesitate to do your own research to make sure your information is up to date. The off-label use of cleaning products is 100% at your own risk. The information which is summarized herein does not constitute financial or other professional advice and is general in nature. Clean Responsibly.

It’s Fall Y’all!

While fall technically doesn’t start until September 22nd, Oklahoma’s weather has a mind of its own. Who doesn’t love fall? All the yummy smells, football, and my favorite soups!

With summer leaving us it is time to pack away summer things for next year. Camping supplies, summer toys, and summer clothes. It can feel overwhelming. If you followed my summer article you will know exactly what I am going to say. After our last camping trip, I restocked my camping tote. Which means I am already done. I like to pack all the summer toys in a tote, making sure it is clearly marked. If you can’t find it next summer you will have to rebuy things and that gets expensive fast. For summer clothes, I have a tote for each of my family members filled with winter/summer. Swap them out when the season changes.

Oklahoma is Football country. I have spent four years at the football field with my Daughter Cheering. I have learned how to keep a cheer bag organized and smelling good. We keep everything under the sun in those bags, you never know when you will need hairspray. I separated all hair items into a zip lock bag, and makeup into a bag. This keeps things from spilling out and leaking everywhere. My next tip will work with any smelly shoes. I buy large black tea bags and keep them in their shoes when they aren’t in use. It is an inexpensive, no-mess way to help keep smells at bay.

Right now is the perfect time to do a mini deep clean. I like to do the common areas of my house right now. Kitchen, clean out the cabinets and donate anything I didn’t use as much as I thought I would, rearrange to make room for new. I also rearrange my living room and dining room in the fall because I am already thinking about Thanksgiving and where am I going to put my Christmas tree.

I would also like to take this moment to remind you all to have your heating and air, and fireplaces serviced while the weather is mild. It will save you later.

Happy Cleaning

Always remember to check all labels before mixing any cleaning products. Never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia, dish soap, hydrogen peroxide, or rubbing alcohol. If you are unsure, never hesitate to do your own research to make sure your information is up to date. The off-label use of cleaning products is 100% at your own risk. The information which is summarized here in does not constitute financial or other professional advice and is general in nature. Clean Responsibly.

Back to School

August means back to school for most families in Oklahoma. Even with Covid-19, this year is no different. I want to be clear on where I stand on this important topic – whether you are choosing to homeschool, sending your children back to school or online school, I know these are hard choices and I want to say good for you. Everyone is doing what they feel is right and difficult choices are being made all around. So, support your friend’s and family’s school choices. My first tip is how to keep track of masks, kids loose them quickly. The answer? Lanyards. I attached my son’s reusable mask to a breakaway lanyard. I plan on getting one for each day of the week. This ensures he will have a clean mask each day. You can also attach a hand sanitizer to the lanyard depending on your child’s age.

I have heard from a few parents that they worry about how to sanitize backpacks, library books, and car seats. For car seats and backpacks I would recommend investing in a spray bottle and 70 proof rubbing alcohol and spray down your car and car seats when you get out. I would spray the backpacks and leave them on the porch for 30 mins or so. As for library books DO NOT spray them with anything, you could damage them. You can wipe the covers down with Lysol, but the schools and public libraries have a system in place to sanitize them. I do not know about your family, but my kids are stain magnets. I am a big fan of Oxi clean, I like to add a scoop in every wash. With the children, I like to spray their clothes before I put their laundry in the basket, by the time I get their laundry washed it has sat long enough that the stain comes right out.

I know this is a particularly stressful time for us all, so please remember the only thing we should be spreading right now is Kindness.

Happy Cleaning

Always remember to check all labels before mixing any cleaning products. Never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia, dish soap, hydrogen peroxide, or rubbing alcohol. If you are unsure, never hesitate to do your own research to make sure your information is up to date. The off-label use of cleaning products is 100% at your own risk. The information which is summarized here in does not constitute financial or other professional advice and is general in nature. Clean Resonsibly.

As a mother of two children, I spend most of my time picking up after them, along with my husband, father-in-law, and 4 lovely dogs and cat sidekicks. Clearly, this means I am more than qualified to write about cleaning as it seems to be a never-ending journey. “The Kitchen Sink” is my way of sharing tips and tricks I am learning along the way.

With COVID-19 lots of families are staying home more. That is ok, we are too. It is hard to keep children busy day to day without the normal summer activities. My family has taken this as a personal challenge we planted a garden, got more chickens, invested in more board games, and bought a sprinkler. Lots of people planted gardens too and now that we are in the middle of summer, July is time to plant a fall garden.

The best part of gardening is how busy it keeps everyone, my children love watching it change day to day., our chickens are loving all the scraps. It is the best part of Covid for us.

Summer is here to stay in Oklahoma. Summer in Oklahoma means it is hot as all get out. The heat and children can make it difficult to stay organized and keep your sanity. Every family I know goes through the “Use every dish in the house” all summer long. My home is no different, cups are our problem so I came up with an excellent solution for the cups. I got these cute color-changing tumblers with lids and straws from Walmart and I put each child’s name on their cup. They must use only that cup and wash it themselves. It is a great way to cut back on dishes and teaches smaller children how to wash dishes at the same time. Also, I have seen this done with plastic bowls and plates.

My family loves to camp and go to the lake for the day. It is so much work to get ready and to put everything up when you get home. Have no fear! I have a solution for that too. I use totes for our camping stuff that we take with us every time, plates, coffee pot, matches, etc. then when we return home I just reorganize, replenish and pack it away for our next trip to the lake. I use laundry baskets for clothes, towels, and groceries. Use different colored baskets for different things, for example; I use a white basket for my groceries and a blue one for clothes and towels. When we get home it is so simple, put the blue basket in the laundry room and the white in the kitchen, it makes putting things away so fast. As we all know, putting things away is the worst part of camping.

My most important tip, give yourself a break! This entire summer has been harder than normal. If your house is not as clean as you would like, it’s ok. Remember to be kind to yourself, you are doing Great!

Happy Cleaning

Disclaimer: Always remember to check all labels before mixing any cleaning products. Never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia, dish soap, hydrogen peroxide, or rubbing alcohol. If you are unsure, never hesitate to do your own research to 100% at your own risk. The information which is summarized here in does nit constitute financial or professional advice and is general in nature. Clean Responsibly.