The Simple Life, Part 1: Cleaning made simple

As promised in my 25 X 25 list, this is the first installment in a series of posts called The Simple Life (or, Things I wish I’d known when I graduated from college and got my first apartment).

In honor of my quarter-century birthday in a couple of months, I thought I’d share some life skills and tips for simple living that I’ve gathered over the past three years.

When I made the transition from dorm to apartment, I may or may not have survived on frozen veggie burgers for an extended period of time.  I may or may not have cried in the grocery store on several occasions.  I definitely did not know how to boil an egg.

Thanks to wise friends and roommates, moms and google searches, and of course, a lot of trial and error, I seem to have found my way.  Whether you’re just starting out or trying to streamline your life, here are some of my favorite ways to keep things simple.

On Cleaning: The only 3 products you really need

Sometimes advertisements make it seem as if you need a different product and gadget to clean every surface in your house.  Buying into this idea is not only expensive but can also harm the environment and create a lot of clutter under your sink.

I learned from a great roommate that these three items will clean just about anything:

1. Baking Soda: great for scrubbing and deodorizing.  Helps break down grease and grime, especially in the kitchen or bathroom.  
2. Lemon juice: makes surfaces shine and smell good.
3. White Vinegar: a gentle deodorizer and disinfectant.  Combine with baking soda to make a great toilet bowl cleaner. 

Unique surfaces such as marble countertops or hardwood floors may need special care. Otherwise, these three items—alone or in various combinations—make excellent all-purpose cleaners.  

Plus, they’re extremely inexpensive and won’t hurt your body or the planet.

What are your favorite simple cleaning tips?  Feel free to add your suggestions or comments below.

Check back soon for more simple living tips!