The Fixie Chick blog
Brenna Hartmann is the co-founder of Fixin'Chix Inc., a do-it-yourself enterprise that includes a comprehensive home improvement website; how-to workshops, seminars and publications; and a product line. Brenna is dedicated to empowering women "do-it herselfers" (DIHers) who have the passion and desire to improve their homes. Brenna writes the popular Fixie Chick home improvement column found in Home & Yard Handbook, and is the co-host of "Home & Yard Radio with the Fixie Chick" on 950 ESPN. Brenna lives in Webster with her husband and two children.
Spring Cleaning-Time To Get Outdoors
As this is my last post in the April Fixie Chick blog series, "Spring Cleaning", I'd like to share a short saying that my Mom gave to me for my birthday this year. It goes like this:
LIFE IS MADE OF CHOICES:
1. Clean House
2. Plant Flowers
SEE YA IN THE GARDEN!!
I have one more indoor cleaning tip for you - though you can use it to clean the car too!
For those of us who are fortunate enough to sport leather furniture and car interiors, there is a non-toxic and inexpensive way to clean and protect the surface.
Trade in chemical petroleum-based leather cleaning products, simply mix a quarter cup of flaxseed oil, half a cup of vinegar and two drops of orange oil. Store in a recycled jar with a lid. Shake it up and rub it on the leather with a clean, dry cloth. Buff dry with another clean, dry cloth.
Be sure to read the May Fixie Chick blog series. May promises to bring us flowers, so twice a week I'll be posting tips, tricks and ideas for gardening, lawn care, pest control and more.
Thanks for reading!
-The Fixie Chick
www.FixinChix.com
Spring Cleaning-Get Tuff on Scuffs!
Okay. I admit it! Even though I have traded in my toxic cleaning solutions for more eco & family friendly ones, (some I even make myself:), there are a few store bought ones I just can't live with out. Like my Magic Eraser TM. I don't know how it works, but it sure does. During my spring cleaning ritual, one of the dreaded chores is crawling around the house looking for and removing scuff marks from the floor, doors, molding and interior trim. You know, those ugly black marks that know body probably sees but me.
Well, now that I have found the Magic Eraser TM, the chore is not only easier, but it's actually fun. If you haven't tried it yet, I recommend you do. Here are some other great uses for the Magic Eraser TM:
* The writing is on the wall. Crayon marks? No problem. Just erase them with the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser.
* Make over your ride by using it to shine up your car's hubcaps and the interior console and dashboard.
* Use Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to remove scuff marks on your patio furniture.
* Use Mr. Clean Magic Eraser as part of The Cure for a Messy Medicine Cabinet.
TIP: Don't use Magic Eraser on colored paint.
If you are heading out this Saturday, please stop and see me at the Eastview Mall's Green & Glamorous Event. I'll be there from 12-2pm, telling you all my "green" secrets and handing out free gifts. Please mention that you are a Fixie Chick blog reader and get a special gift from herRochester.com. Hope to see you there.
Saturday, April 26th, 12-2pm. Eastview Mall in Victor.
-The Fixie Chick
www.FixinChix.com
Spring Cleaning! Tips for Tackling
During the April Fixie Chick blog series "Spring Cleaning", I've been posting tips & tricks for safe and easy cleaning. Now that you are armed with the tricks if the trade, here's how to get started:
Start at the top of the house/room and work your way down.
Clean top to bottom.
Designate a "cleaning crate", fill with your cleaning tools and take to each room.
Turn the phone off and your favorite music on.
Always finish each cleaning day with a sweeping of your entryways. The less outside dirt you track in, the longer your efforts will last.
Delegate! Use eco-friendly cleaning solutions and let the kids "spray away"!
Make a checklist, when a job is completed, check it off - you'll feel as though you are really accomplishing something.
PS: Check back on Tuesday for an extra Earth Day blog post from the Fixie Chick:)
-The Fixie Chick
www.FixinChix.com
Spring Cleaning! Windows & Glass
During the April Fixie Chick blog series "Spring Cleaning", I'll be posting tips & tricks for safe and easy cleaning. Log in every Monday and Thursday and learn something new. Don't forget to share your spring cleaning tips & tricks with other her Rochester readers by commenting on this blog:). Check out my website below for non-toxic cleaning recipes and more.
TIP: After cleaning your windows with vinegar & water and a new microfiber cloth, following the directions on the package, apply a coat of RAIN-X (found in the automotive isle). Your efforts will pay off with a long lasting, clear view of the outdoors!
TRICK: Use RAIN-X on glass shower enclosures too! (Be sure to clean up any drips from the shower basin, RAIN-X makes a very slick surface.)
-The Fixie Chick
www.FixinChix.com
Get Cleaning This Spring-Tips & Tricks for Safe & Easy Cleaning
TIP: Never use bleach to clean your resin patio furniture! Bleach actually deteriorates the surface and makes it more susceptible to dirt and mildew. Make your own non-toxic cleaning solution or purchase one made specifically for cleaning resin products.
TRICK: When clean and dry, apply a coat of car wax, following the package directions. This will help to keep your patio furniture looking new year after year.
NOTE: Car wax can be applied to just about any type of outdoor furniture - except wood & fabric- to preserve the look and feel of your outdoor decor.
During the April Fixie Chick blog series "Spring Cleaning", I'll be posting tips & tricks for safe and easy cleaning. Log in every Monday and Thursday and learn something new. Don't forget to share your spring cleaning tips & tricks with other her Rochester readers by commenting on this blog:). Check out my website below for non-toxic cleaning recipes and more.
-The Fixie Chick
www.FixinChix.com
Spring Cleaning! Save $ AND Your Planet
During the April Fixie Chick blog series "Spring Cleaning", I'll be posting tips & tricks for safe and easy cleaning. Log in every Monday and Thursday and learn something new. Don't forget to share your spring cleaning tips & tricks with other her Rochester readers by commenting on this blog:). Check out my website below for non-toxic cleaning recipes and more.
TIP: Switch to powered laundry and dish detergents, they are less expensive and do just as good of a job. Think about it. The main ingredient in the liquid types is water, a non-renewable, depleting natural resource - that you pay for - when you purchase liquid detergents!
Trick: Trade that expensive "drying agent" that goes in the dishwasher for plain old vinegar. It does the job just as well at a fraction of the cost and no compromise to our water ways. Try using vinegar instead of fabric softener too!
-The Fixie Chick
www.FixinChix.com
Get Cleaning This Spring-Tips & Tricks for Safe & Easy Cleaning
During the April Fixie Chick blog series "Spring Cleaning", I'll be posting tips & tricks for safe and easy cleaning. Log in every Monday and Thursday and learn something new. Don't forget to share your spring cleaning tips & tricks with other her Rochester readers by commenting on this blog:). Check out my website below for non-toxic cleaning recipes and more.
CHALLENGE:
Reduce your carbon footprint by trading in those expensive paper towels for a few good quality microfiber cloths. They are reusable and leave no streaks or white fuzzies behind!
TIP:
When washing in the laundry, skip the fabric softener, use vinegar instead. Your microfiber cloths will perform better and last longer.
Trick: Skip the toxic furniture polish! You don't need it with a microfiber cloth.
-The Fixie Chick
www.FixinChix.com
Cleaning This Spring?
TIP: Invest in a "bagless" vacuum cleaner. It's better for the environment and better for your lungs. Plus, you'll never have to search for the proper fitting bag again.
TRICK: Shake the contents of your bagless tank outside and watch the birds gather the remnants to build a cozy nest.
During the April Fixie Chick blog series "Spring Cleaning", I'll be posting tips & tricks for safe and easy cleaning. Log in every Monday and Thursday and learn something new. Don't forget to share your spring cleaning tips & tricks with other her Rochester readers by commenting on this blog:). Check out my website below for non-toxic cleaning recipes and more.
-The Fixie Chick
www.FixinChix.com
Get Cleaning This Spring-Tips & Tricks for Safe & Easy Cleaning
I hope you enjoyed the March Fixie Chick blog series, "Thinking Green", there are many more ideas on green living on my website listed below. During the April Fixie Chick blog series "Spring Cleaning", I'll be posting tips & tricks for safe and easy cleaning. Log in every Monday and Thursday and learn something new. Don't forget to share your spring cleaning tips & tricks with other
her Rochester readers by commenting on this blog:)
Having trouble getting built up dust out of those corners?
TRICK: Plug in your blow dryer and hit that corner on high. Watch the dust disappear before your eyes!
TIP: Use a rubber broom to sweep up the dust and debris. Rubber brooms are a great "catch all" and you can wash them easily for a more sanitary sweep!
-The Fixie Chick
www.FixinChix.com
