Recent Improvements in My Cleaning Routine: Top Picks
In a particular stage of my life, I perceived that cleaning everything was feasible with Windex. Although this saved me a significant amount of money, it was not efficient or practical when it came to maintaining my house. I'm someone who upholds the belief in constant growth and evolution; hence, I exchanged Windex for better cleaning products and continued to develop. Through this process, I've discovered that personal growth and improvement are ongoing; therefore, substitutions and enhancements are necessary. Here are a few of the recent swaps I've made that have been profitably worth it.
Floor cleaning swaps
Initially, this isn't exactly a "swap," but for a few weeks, I was using both the Swiffer WetJet and PowerMop. My perspective on the newer PowerMop and its additional features in comparison to the trustworthy old WetJet hasn't changed since I wrote a more detailed contrast—I still prefer the WetJet. Yet, if you like a larger pad and guide lights, it might be an ideal replacement for you. The WetJet starter kit is priced at $28.24, while the PowerMop is only slightly more at $29.94.
A more significant transformation in my floor cleaning schedule was due to the Bissell CrossWave OmniForce, a multi-surface wet/dry vacuum. This tool was provided by the company as I professed my admiration for Bissell in a roundup of prominent vacuum sales. Truly, I've adored and adored my $33.98 Bissell Featherweight Stick; it's a budget-friendly, mighty cleaning device that switches from standard vacuum to a handheld dust catcher. Yet, the CrossWave OmniForce not only fulfills all my vacuuming needs but also my mopping needs, which is an essential upgrade, considering it's larger and stronger. You can either use the vacuum independently or go for dual mode, vacuuming and mopping simultaneously. It retains a decent charge of around half an hour, so you're not connected to a wire. Moreover, two tanks ensure clean and filthy water are kept separate, and it features a self-cleaning mode that refreshes the brush roll and shifts debris to the dirty tank.
BISSELL® CrossWave® OmniForce™ Multi-Surface Hard Floor Cleaner Wet Dry Vacuum$299.99$379.99Save $80.00$299.99$379.99Save $80.00To clarify, I would never have contemplated a $300 upgrade on my Featherweight if I hadn't been given one of these to try. However, I'm delighted I was provided with this upgrade as it substituted both the little vacuum I was using and my mops. Ultimately, its two-in-one function is what compels me to suggest this as an effective swap, so if you're mulling over acquiring a new vacuum or mop, consider this, as it vastly streamlines the cleaning process.
The final switch I've made to enhance my floors recently is discarding my large, desirable rug and substituting it with smaller, inexpensive ones in heavily trafficked zones. These small faux fur runners cost between $18 and $32 on Amazon, can be cleaned quickly using a vacuum, and are budget-friendly. They don't appear any less attractive than the grand rug that previously adorned my floor, thus resulting in a win-win-win scenario. (Additional advantage: They provide a simple backdrop for taking photographs of items I'm selling online.)
Other recent cleaning swaps
Several months prior, I switched out my usual melamine sponges for the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Ultra Foamy ($8.94 for five). There's a likelihood that a new and improved version of a classic is enhanced, and I discovered these made cleaning things like my bathtub and tiles more expedited and manageable. However, the instant I was confident about the benefits of the Ultra Foamy came when I had to remove sticker residue from a fresh glass tabletop recently. Melamine sponges are typically excellent at removing stickers, but they often involve a lengthy process. The Extra Foamy, on the other hand, didn't take long. The residue vanished in maybe six seconds. It happened so quickly I didn't notice; I was still cleaning for a while before I realized there was nothing to clean. A hundred percent swap.
Cleaning power is crucial, but I'm also passionate about fragrances. If a cleaning product lacks an attractive scent, I won't buy it again. Not even for a second time; it stays untouched on my shelf. For laundry, I typically opt for Gain, but it doesn't offer me the desired scent I'm craving. A while ago, I stumbled upon a display of laundry detergent at Bath & Body Works and, surprisingly, they had laundry detergent there. Upon overcoming my astonishment, I found myself drawn to it because it included an optional corresponding scent booster. I purchased the Champagne Toast detergent ($19.95) and the Champagne Toast booster ($19.95) and felt quite satisfied every time I climbed into bed, knowing my sheets still smelled like it. With the beads in the booster, I'd say the fragrance lingers for a week.
On a different note, it's not actually an upgrade, but I enjoy the new lavender scent from Pine-Sol ($4.59). It performs the same cleaning duties as regular Pine-Sol, but with a lovely floral aroma, which suits me better since I find lavender more pleasing than lemon or pine.
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As I continued to refine my cleaning routine, I decided to make some changes in my home cleaning product choices. Swapping traditional cleaning sprays for eco-friendly alternatives, I discovered a natural cleaning product that worked just as effectively as its chemical counterpart. This switch not only helped reduce my carbon footprint but also kept my home smelling fresh and clean.
Inspired by my success in replacing harmful cleaning products, I decided to explore natural alternatives for laundry detergent as well. I was delighted to find an all-natural laundry detergent that truly cleans clothes while leaving behind a delightful scent. Through this swap, I've been able to enjoy clean, fresh-smelling clothes without contributing to environmental pollution.
