Green Struggles

So here's a tip for those of you trying to work some "green" cleaning methods into your daily routine. For cleaning your stovetop, in my case, a gas stovetop that fortunately is a new, sealed model. Sprinkle some baking soda on those tough baked on spills that have cemented themselves to your new stovetop. Add a solution of vinegar and water, 1/3 C v to 2/3 C w w/ 1 T fresh lemon juice to cut the smell, and watch it bubble. Use a damp cloth or damp sponge and scrub away the stains. It works like those Mr. Clean sponges with some added elbow grease. Make sure you rinse the surface well or it will streak and leave a gritty residue. Also, BIG TIP HERE: Make sure you DO NOT clog the gas outlets on the stovetop. Baking soda hardens to a cement-like substance and requires the strategic application of a putty knife and sponge. Yeah, first hand experience. In spite of all that, I'm sticking with the above to clean. It's safer than all those chemical cleaners.

The vinegar and water solution works really well on glass, too. Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe it down. Very limited streaking. My dad hates it, though. Even with a little lemon juice to cut the vinegar smell. He's too old school!!

I haven't experimented yet with Borax, though I understand it does an excellent job of deoderizing the stinky areas like, toilet bowls, trash cans, diaper pails and can really make your china shine!

On the knitting side, the socks are done! I've got a picture of myself wearing them but it needs a little editing. I'm still working on the baby blanket and I've cast on for a pair of little socks for either LD or my 4 yr old niece.

Got to run, LD is getting into his daddy's cookies!! Arrrggghhhhh!!!