Once upon a time, I used to wonder what was the big deal about housework? Straighten up the pillows on the couch, run the vacuum every once in a while, and you’re done.
Then I had my daughter. Then I had my son.
Help me. PLEASE.
Suddenly, I had a trail of Cheerios on the floor following me wherever I went. At the end of the night, every surface in my place is covered in sticky yogurt or pudding fingerprints. I’ve got toys upon toys strewn across the living room, and if you don’t watch where you’re walking, you will inevitably step in something wet and squishy. (That’s when you close your eyes and hope it’s not poop, although it’s most likely something your kid has chewed and spit out. Really, though, Is that really any better?)
I’m a newly discovered NeatFreak, and I’ve been challenged to keep my place looking somewhat respectable. However, I’ve found a few products that have made my life easier:
1) OxyClean Free – Mix a small amount of OxyClean (the kind that’s free of dyes and fragrance so it doesn’t aggravate the babies!) with a tiny bit of water to make a paste and you’ve got the answer to almost any stain. Mustard, ketchup, poop, vomit…It works on everything.
2) Dirt Devil Kone – I wanted this because I thought it was cute. But little did I know how useful it would be in cleaning up spilled cereal or rice, or anything that my daughter decided she’d like to throw on the floor, rather than eat, ’cause then it would actually do some good. Turns messes into a non-issue.
3) Mr. Clean Magic Eraser (store brand works fine too) – I didn’t understand this product when it came out. What’s so “magic” about a sponge that gets up stains? Calling it an “eraser” rather than what ist is (a SPONGE!) doesn’t make it cool. It’s so 1982. Give me something new, people!
But then I used it. Now I’m a convert.
4) Swiffer Wet Jet – I laugh hysterically every time one of those “Baby Come Back” Swiffer commercials come on, because it’s oh so true. My poor broom is sitting haphazardly between the washer and dryer. I want to show it more love, but the Swiffer is like a Broom 3.0. Gets up everything and I actually have fun when I use it.
4.5) Baby wipes – These don’t really count as cleaning products, mainly because the only thing they’re supposed to clean are your kids. But man do those little buggers come in handy! I use them on everything!
So there you have it. The 4 1/2 products that have changed my life. What products or tool make your list? Let me know in the comments!