Mopping Solutions

There was a time when I didn't mind and actually almost enjoyed mopping. That was before we moved into my dad's house. It's completely tiled save three of the bedrooms. The best part? This vastly tiled casa is home to a cat, a dog, and a Stella. It gets overwhelming, trying to find a mopping routine while juggling three to four  part-time shifts at Old Navy, playing with and nursing Stella all day, making meals, social interaction with adult humans, running errands, checking Facebook, and the countless other important things I do throughout the week. I CAN remember the last time I mopped the living room and I won't tell you. We have another toddler coming over tomorrow and I didn't want to offend her mother so I decided to mop the living room today!

We made the switch from conventional cleaning products to "eco-friendly" alternatives a couple years ago. Now we are making the switch, inspired by No Impact Man, to natural, homemade cleaners made from inexpensive ingredients we can by in bulk. In addition to saving money and respecting our earth, a huge perk is being able to personalize the solutions to our tastes and preferences. I'm going to share the solutions I find or come up with and let you know if it's working for us or if our home starts smelling like a dirty hippie commune. I would also love for you to share your concoctions and success  (or failure) stories with me!

Mopping Solution
A bucket of water (1 gallon size)
A squirt of Dr. Bronner's (Trust me a tiny squirt is all!)
A few splashes of vinegar (about 1/4 cup)

There are several recipes out there. I decided to start simple. Be sure to use warm or hot water and do not mix straight Dr. B's and straight vinegar together because it will create an oily clumpy mess. So start with the vinegar, then the hot water, and finally the castile soap!I bought my Dr. B's at Target in the beauty department by Burt's Bees. I'm not sure if it's available everywhere. I'm in love with it! Now I just need a decent mop head The floors look great and the house smells like peppermint! It smells cleaner than clean. If you don't dig peppermint, there are several other scents, including eucalyptus or opt for no fragrance. You can use this product for EVERYTHING.

Now for the solution to my lack of a mopping routine.....a maid!! Or speed!!
I can't afford either, so I'll just have to get off my lazy bum.