Just Like New

Hello Monday. Don't you always sneak up on us. This weekend actually went by at what seems like the right speed. If that makes any sense. We were able to get things done around the house, head out to the bar to watch the Red Sox win (!!), and have family over for the Pats game Sunday. And let me just say, how ridiculous was that call?! I don't get it. Players pushing each other had no impact on the fact that the Jets kicker missed the field goal. Missed it! Ugh, how frustrating.

Anyways, end rant. 

When we moved into our new home, there was something we were seriously lacking. Furniture. Sure, we had our bedroom set and living room furniture from the city. But that's about it. And buying everything brand new was not in the cards. 

We have spent a fair amount of time searching Craigslist. Why not? Although it can take time - we've lost out on several items - it can also be totally worth it. For example, our "new" dining room table. I've mentioned it before, I know. But it's probably my favorite Craigslist find to date. 

This is embarrassing, but when we first got the table, I used pledge wipes to clean it. And that's it. Since then it's been wipe downs with a sponge. We rarely eat at it since it's just the two of us. But this weekend, baby got a good cleaning. And wow, what a difference. 

Look at that shine! 

I knew I needed to be careful. I didn't want to use anything too harsh because the table is solid wood, built at least 40 years ago. So after a little bit of online research, I went with with what I had on hand: equal parts white vinegar and Meyers all purpose cleaner, mixed with hot water. And I used a face cloth to wipe down the furniture. I had picked up the Meyers for $1 on a whim at Target one day. Best $1 spent!

I took this photo after the combo worked wonders. And yes, look at that water! Ew.

Another reason I broke out this all natural wood cleaner? J and I have inherited a few pieces of furniture from my grandparents house. We are so grateful for this! If there's anything I've learned since moving and looking at furniture, items built 40+ years ago were built to last. I have a totally new opinion of furniture sold today at some of the major name stores. So you want to sell me a veneer topped table for thousands of dollars? No thanks.

Here's a look at the bureau we brought home from my grandparents house, pre cleaning:

And all of the drawers...

Snagged that awesome mirror at my grandparents' too and am planning to hang it above the bureau.

And after cleaning:

Let me repeat myself, look at that shine!

Would you guess how old this furniture is? It's looks just like new!

I was beyond impressed with this almost all natural cleaner (Meyers' ingredients are at least 98% naturally derived, according to their website) so I just had to share. I will certainly be using it more often. Already have on the sideboard we recently picked up from Craigslist! But that's a story for another day. 

I couldn't stop myself Saturday. I found myself scrubbing all of the kitchen cabinets with this mix too. I love that the house didn't reek of chemicals nor are surfaces we eat off of covered in anything toxic. 

What do you use for all natural cleaners?

White vinegar has so many amazing uses. I use it when washing towels and cleaning our hardwood floors too!

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Deep Cleaning

One of the things I love most about our condo is the hardwood floors. The entire place has Brazilian cherry wood floors, even the bathroom. That was a new one for me which seemed strange at first, but now I love the continuity throughout the place.

We use a steam cleaner to keep the floors clean and I was using Murphy's oil and water in a spray bottle until I stumbled upon a homemade cleaner on none other than Pinterest (here). The original recipe is 1 cup water, 1 cup vinegar, 1 cup isopropyl alcohol, a few drops liquid soap, and 10-15 drops essential oils.

We haven't bought any essential oils so I added a few drops of Murphy's Oil Soap since we already owned it. And we've been using this cleaning solution ever since. Our personal wear and tear doesn't seem to have anything on this cleaning solution. I'd certainly recommend you give it a try. It smells great too! 

On to cleaning solution #2! When we bought our condo, the kitchen appliances were all included. And we were so grateful for that! But the gas stove top was a mess. For the past 3 years I've tried everything (I thought). And nothing cleaned them. Nothing. I would soak the grates in hot soapy water for hours, scrubbed them, etc and the grates were still gross. See how gross the front burner is? Nothing worked. So embarrassing.

Pinterest did it again. Why are the grates in ziploc bags you might ask? Well, because I stumbled upon this strategy. And oh my gosh, it worked! Straight up, ammonia. We soaked the grates for more than 8 hours. Check out this grime! Again, so embarrassing!

A light scrub and rinse once they were done soaking and we've got ourselves some shiny grates! I honestly never thought we'd see the gas grates so clean. This may be the best cleaning tip I've stumbled upon yet. 

 All shiny, and like new. I am so impressed by this. 

If you try either of these cleaning solutions, let me know what you think!