It's Not Easy Being Green

I don't like to clean. I do enjoy the satisfaction of having a clean house, though (maybe because it's a novelty around here), so I'm trying really hard this summer. And I have been inspired by a friend to make Mondays my official cleaning day. And, of course, because I go into any project full throttle (and then typically abandon the project--my house if full of half finished projects), I researched cleaning lists so I could have the best list possible. Just a little type A--not very much at all really.

And then I went completely overboard. I decided that I wouldn't just clean on Mondays. I would clean GREEN on Mondays. I've mixed more chemicals, albeit natural chemicals, than I did in chemistry class. And the results have been much worse. The all natural floor cleaner? I'm not sure what kind of reaction it is exactly but it definitely produces heat. One of these weeks it is going to melt a hole in the plastic squirt bottle. The not so BPA free plastic squirt bottle. I searched and searched for something without BPA but evidently people are only concerned about the chemicals used in their drinking implements not their cleaning supplies. I do have to say, though, that the floor shines for about 10 minutes after I finish. You know, those 10 minutes until the kids all come running inside with dirt all over their shoes.

The all purpose cleaner? Not so much. Maybe I should have stuck with just the vinegar and water. But I tried the recipe with baking soda too. And while any kid who has ever made a volcano for the science fair can tell you what happens when you mix vinegar and baking soda, when you add water you get a slightly different reaction. One in which the baking soda doesn't so much dissolve as it stays gritty. And, of course, that grit is not a good look for the bathroom mirrors. And not a good feel for the counters.

So I've gone back to the good old fashioned cleaners that make my hands feel like the skin is going to peel off at any minute. And that have all sorts of warnings about using them in well ventilated areas.

But evidently I haven't quite learned my lesson. Because making homemade floam is on my list of things to do with the kids this week.