Simply Good Tips » Going Green

The Ultimate Crumb Sweeper

SimplyGoodStuff — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 22:13:42 +0000

Messes come in all shapes and sizes, and sometimes you have a little job that calls for a smaller tool. You don’t always want to pull out a huge vacuum cleaner in order to sweep up a handful of crumbs. This is a real pain and can lead to putting off the whole chore because it seems like too big of a deal. That is why it is so handy to have a smaller cleaning tool available for all of those little messes that occur. Whether you are cleaning you car seats, removing dirt and crumbs from a counter top, sweeping off a tablecloth, or just cleaning your furniture, a small sweeper can often be the perfect tool. Our Fluppi Handy Sweeper is the perfect tool to use in these instances. It is able to quickly and efficiently remove dirt, crumbs and small debris from virtually any surface. You are able to quickly clean up small messes and be done with them in less time than it would take to pull out that large clunky vacuum and set it up.

HOW TO USE IT:

Simply roll the sweeper over your mess and the little chunks are automatically picked up and stowed inside the tool. Our Handy Sweeper features a roller on the bottom side that is covered with nylon bristles. As you push and pull this sweeper over your mess, all of the little pieces will be brushed up and locked in. It only takes a single pass to clean virtually any surface. This great sweeper features a clear case on one side and a color on the other. This way you can see the stuff you are sweeping up, and you will know right away when it is full. The wide body of this tool makes it comfortable to hold and increases it’s capacity so it can really hold a large load of dirt for such a small tool. Once the Handy Sweeper is full of dirt and crumbs, simply pop it apart to empty it in the trash. Thanks to the great design and materials, you can even wash the whole thing if it gets too dirty. Hand wash with soap and water or place in the dishwasher on the top rack for cleaning.

Our Handy Sweeper is incredibly durable, lightweight, never needs batteries, and is designed to last a lifetime. You will love how easy it is to use, and how convenient it will be. This is the perfect little tool to use for all sorts of chores. It is such a quick cleaning solution you will wonder how you ever got along without it. Use it in the living room to pick up dog hair and cookie crumbs off your couch. Take it out in the garage to pick up spilled nuts and bolts. It works great for detailing the inside of your vehicle too. Use it on your seats to clean them quickly and efficiently. It even works great for your entry way to quickly sweep up tracked in gravel and dirt. Like to eat in bed? well then this little crumb sweeper will be your new best friend. Any stray pieces that get dropped can be quickly collected with little effort.

The Fluppi Handy Sweeper is so small, portable, and convenient that it makes the perfect travel companion. Take one with you anywhere and be ready to quickly and easily clean up most debris from all fabric surfaces. Just run it over the surface to be cleaned and the Fluppi Handy Sweeper picks the mess up. It works in both directions, so you can clean any mess in half the time. This amazing tool has proven indispensable for the car, home or office. It has been used by restaurants to speed up table clean up, by pool halls to care for billiard tables, by homeowners for quick carpet and furniture clean ups, and by car, boat, and RV owners for a take-anywhere clean up tool. It makes a wonderful gift for a new home owner or your favorite traveler. Once you own one, you will find and endless number of ways to use it. It is the fast and easy way to tackle all of those smaller sized messes around your home, office, garage and vehicle.

Crumb Sweeper

The Perfect Mop For Hardwood Floors

SimplyGoodStuff — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 20:16:07 +0000

You don’t just want to use any old mop to clean your hardwood floors. There are many types of mops, and methods of cleaning that can actually be harmful to wood. When repeated over time, these techniques and tools will actually cause damage to your floors, decrease the lifetime, and even cause them to look bad. You will want to take special care when cleaning wood floors to ensure that they look nice and last for a long time. One of the most important choices you will make is the kind of mop you use.

A lot of folks think that maintaining hardwood is a real pain, but it can actually be quite easy if you go about it in the right way. The part that is a pain is the risk of damage. You never want to use too much water on wood floors, and many mops are designed to be used with ample water that results in puddling on the floor. This can lead to damage over time because even the best sealed floors are susceptible to damage by moisture. Certain cleaning solutions will also contain harsh chemicals and other ingredients that are not good for your floors either. These cleaners can destroy the finish on your floors and even damage the wood itself. You always have to be careful that you are using the right kind of cleaner and the right amount. The easiest way to prevent damage to hardwood floors when cleaning them is to eliminate the harsh cleansers, and reduce the amount of liquid applied to the floor. This is why a microfiber mop is the perfect type of mop to use on wood floors.

A microfiber mop uses very little water and does not require any additional cleansers to get your floors clean. Just get the reusable pad damp and glide the mop across your floors to get them super clean in a hurry. You will be removing 99% of all dirt, dust, germs and grime from your floors with only a tiny bit of water as the detergent. You will be using so little water that your floors will be dry seconds after you get them clean. This means no streaking, no additional drying, and absolutely no damage to your beautiful hardwood floors.

Once mopping is complete simply remove the pad and throw it in the laundry. Our microfiber mop pads are totally reusable and can be washed hundreds of times before they need to be replaced. The advanced microfiber material these pads are made of is what makes the mop so great. The advanced material will glide effortlessly across your floor and the teeny tiny fibers will skim the surface to remove all of the dirty build-up. Microfiber has the unique ability to clean and polish at the same time, so your floors will look better than ever in very little time. A single cleaning with one of our microfiber mops will thoroughly clean the surface, and leave floors naturally polished.

If you have never used a microfiber mop, then you will be amazed at just how well they clean along with how ridiculously easy they are to use. The chore of mopping is transformed from a dreaded chore into a quick and simple task. There is no prep work of preparing buckets or filling sinks, and you will never have to go over your floor more than once or spend any time drying after you should already be finished. You will be able to get your floors cleaner in less time with a microfiber mop, and you will also save money as you use it. Microfiber mops are totally eco friendly and don’t leave any sort of residue or film on your floors. You can feel good about kids and pets getting close to the floor, and there wont be any sticky layer that only attracts more dirt quicker.

12″ Microfiber Mop
This mop comes as a set with four pads included. There are three different types of pads, so you will have one for every type of floor cleaning you might be doing. It features a smaller head, that some people find more suited to household use. The high quality pads make cleaning easy, and the advanced pivoting head ensures that no surface is out of reach. In the package, you get a dusting pad, a chenille pad, and two multipurpose pads because most customers will use that one more often.

18″ Microfiber Mop
This mop only comes with a single pad, but it features a larger head. The 18″ width means you can clean more surface area in less time, but it may be too large for some people’s homes. This one comes with a single multipurpose pad that can be used wet or dry for cleaning any type of hard floor. Use it dry for dusting and light sweeping, or get it wet to deep clean those floors. It also features a swivel head and high quality microfiber pads.

Whichever mop you choose, you are sure to have a quick and easy way to get those hardwood floors incredibly clean in very little time. You will be able to “go green” with a high quality tool that actually works. Pretty much anyone that uses one of these mops would never want to use anything else. Try for yourself and you will see just how easy it can be to clean hard wood floors.

12″ Microfiber Mop Set

18″ Microfiber Mop

More Cleaning Stuff

Clean Up Coffee Spills on Carpet

SimplyGoodStuff — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 23:38:58 +0000

Many of us enjoy a nice hot cup of coffee first thing in the morning. It is a great way to start the day, and you can’t really beat a piping cup of morning joe. Unfortunately, coffee can also be a real mess maker too. We have all done it. You are walking around all groggy, at the crack of dawn, with your eyes half open only to trip over the dog’s toy and spill that fresh cup of coffee right on the carpet. Sometimes we get lucky and it is just a few drops, but other times the whole cup flips out of your hand only to dump the entire contents on the floor. We all know how dark and stainy coffee can be, so this is one of those common messes that looks tough, and most people have trouble cleaning. The nice thing about it though, is that coffee stains just look bad, and if you have the right stuff, and follow the correct procedure, it can be quite easy to completely remove any signs of coffee from your once nice-looking carpet. It doesn’t matter if it is a fresh spill, or one that has been set it or even attempted clean with another product. You will just use a slightly different method depending upon the age and quantity of the spill.

The first thing you will want to determine is the size and severity of your spill. Once you have adequately scoped the situation, you can gather your arsenal. For a small stain, you will only need two things, some Quick n Brite and a terry cloth towel. If your about to tackle a larger spill, then you will also want to have a Super Shammy on hand.

SMALL SPILL
If there are only a few drops of coffee on your carpet after your clumsy morning episode then consider yourself lucky. This will be a quick and easy mess to clean up. Grab your terry cloth towel and gently blot the coffee to remove any excess that has not yet soaked into the carpet. This step will make your job a little bit faster and easier. You are welcome to skip it if you like punishment. After you have blotted up any stray liquid, then it is time to get out the Quick n Brite. You can use a heavy solution spray, or either the liquid or paste full strength on this type of mess. Heavy solution in a quart spray bottle is the easiest, so that is what we recommend. Simply spray the cleaner generously onto the affected area. Once on their, work it in just a bit with your fingers or some sort of brush. After that, just let it sit for a minute, and then come back with your terry cloth towel. This time you will not be gentle. Use the towel to buff the stain out. You will see right away that the coffee is lifted out of your carpet, and transferred to the towel you are using. After just a single application most will be left with a ridiculously clean carpet with absolutely no trace of coffee. In some rare instances, or for a tougher or darker stain, you may need to re-apply by repeating the steps.

Quick n Brite works amazingly well, and it is safe to use on any carpet, Unlike many carpet cleaners offered in stores, this one does not work by using bleach or any other harsh chemical. You never run the risk of making a bigger mess or flat out ruining your carpet when you use Quick n Brite. It is hard to believe, but this little known cleaner will actually make this and hundreds of other cleaning jobs easier and quicker to accomplish. Buy it for that wicked coffee stain, and then use it over and over again on the many other things it is good at.

LARGE SPILL
If you are extra clumsy, and were not able to stop the cup from tipping, then you probably have a much larger spill to clean up. If it is a fresh stain, then you will want to get a Shammy right away. The quicker you get at the spill with your Shammy, the smaller the rest of your job will be. Place the Shammy over the spill and press down to absorb the coffee. A Super Shammy is like a sponge cloth, so it is super absorbent, but will never drip, so it is ideal for cleaning up spills. It may take more than one shot with the Shammy to get up all of the coffee, so once it is full simply wring it over the sink, rinse it clean, and then go back and do it again. Don’t worry, because contrary to what you might think, a Shammy is actually more absorbent when slightly wet, so there is no need to get a new one in order to keep soaking up the coffee in your carpet.

Once all of the excess liquid is eliminated, then you can start cleaning the stain. After the initial stage, cleaning a large spill is done in much the same way a small one is. You may want to opt for full strength liquid instead of the spray bottle with diluted cleaner though. This will help to clean it in less steps, since it is a bit stronger. Simply pour the cleaner of the area of your carpet that is currently brown with coffee and work it in. You would want to let it sit for a couple of minutes this time and then you would go in with your towel and buff the area clean. A larger spill may require 2 or three applications in order to completely clean the area, but many will be spotless in just a single application. If the stain was super big, you could also use a steam cleaner to eliminate the stain. Just add liquid Quick n Brite like you would any other carpet cleaning solution, and be amazed at how much better it cleans and how soft and fresh it leaves your carpet.

SET IN STAINS
Set in coffee stains will be harder to remove, but not at all impossible. As a rule of thumb, the quicker you clean it the easier it will be. But when you are using Quick n Brite, you can be sure that no coffee stain is too tough, and no shade of carpet is too light. For set in stains, the only difference is that you will probably have to clean the area more than once in order to get it all the way clean. This is not always true, but in general, set in stains take more work than fresh ones. This is an environmentally friendly cleaning solution that is totally safe around children and pets. It has no harsh chemicals in it and it is 100% biodegradable. Try it for yourself, and discover how easy cleaning can be.

Quick n Brite

Super Shammy

Other Cleaning Stuff

Hand Washing Clothes The Easy Way

SimplyGoodStuff — Fri, 28 May 2010 20:49:15 +0000

Many types of clothing call for hand washing on the tag, but even clothes that do not require it will benefit from hand washing verses using a machine. Your garments will end up lasting longer if they’re not constantly subjected to the rigors of a washing machine. So wouldn’t it be nice if it were actually easy to hand wash clothes. Of course it would be, but most of us avoid it at all costs because it is such a pain. Suggested methods include using the bathtub or a sink, soaking clothes for a long time, using tons of water for rinsing, and spending a whole lot of time in general. The Wonder Wash is a device that changes all that. It makes cleaning your hand washables super easy and incredibly quick.

It looks a little like R2D2′s cousin, but you will be amazed at how well it works and how easy it makes the task of hand washing laundry. In just 2-3 minutes you can have clean clothes, washed by hand thanks to the Wonder Wash. It is a hand crank, portable washer that is good for every type of clothing, but since it is so gentle on your laundry, it is ideally suited for hand wash only garments. There is very little agitation involved, so even the most delicate clothes will be totally safe inside the Wonder Wash. The secret to why it cleans so well is the advanced, pressure lock lid. When you add warm water to the washing drum and seal the unit shut, pressure will start to build. This causes the water and soap to be forced through the fabric in order to eliminate dirt and get your clothes clean in very little time. Because the pressure design is doing most of the work for you, there is much less physical exertion involved when washing clothes with this device. Just a few cranks around on the handle and your washing cycle will be complete. A convenient drain spout is located at the bottom of the unit to make draining it super easy too. After your clothes are clean, simply add clean water to rinse your clothes if desired.

This unit is ideal for anyone that does a lot of hand washing. It will do a better job in less time and with far less effort. It is great for single people, apartment dwellers, traveling, camping, RVing and so much more. The Wonder Wash is by far the easiest way to get hand wash only clothing super clean in under 3 minutes.

HOW TO USE IT:
Place clothes(up to 5 lbs.) into the washing drum. Add water and detergent and then secure the pressure lid. Once the unit is closed, just crank the handle to wash your laundry. About 2 minutes of rotation is all that is required for a normal load. You will want to spin more or less depending on how dirty your clothes are and how full the load is. Once clean attach the drain spout at the bottom to let the dirty water out. You can do a rinse cycle next, or just proceed to remove clothes and dry them. To rinse, just add water to the drum with no detergent and repeat the steps. Release the pressure screw to remove your clothing.

DOES IT REALLY WORK?:
Yes. The loads come out exactly as clean as with a conventional washing machine. According to a leading university which tested the machine, it performs according to claims. It has also won many awards at trade shows, with the most prestigious one being the silver medal awarded to the portable washing machine at the IMPEX Invention Show in the US. The product has been purchased by several hundred thousand people since its invention. It has also been tested and received many positive, fully independent reviews from major print publications.

Not only does this unit make hand washing a super easy task, it is also environmentally friendly when compared to regular hand washing and certainly when compared to machine washing. You will use less water, less detergent, and absolutely no electricity. Simply hang clothes to dry or use an eco-friendly spin dyer to complete your load.

Wonder Wash

More Laundry Stuff

Prevent Washing Machine Vibration and Noise

SimplyGoodStuff — Wed, 19 May 2010 21:38:24 +0000

Whether you have an old washer and dryer, or one of those fancy new versions, chances are that during some portion of the wash cycle, it will shake, vibrate, or just make more noise than you would like. This sort of thing can be amplified if you have a second floor laundry, annoying neighbors below you, or just a machine that is a bit past its prime. Not only is this noisy movement pretty darn unpleasant to listen to, it is also causing damage to your machine over time, and will shorten it’s lifespan. In the worst of circumstances, washing machines have been known to walk away on people. This is what happens when the vibration gets so bad that the appliance is able to relocate itself while you are not looking.

There is a very simple way to get rid of the noise, and prevent the shake rattle and roll. VibeAway pads are specifically designed to tackle this problem. They look like hockey pucks, but really just shock absorption pads made from recycled car tires. Simply place the four pads under your washing machine to prevent the transfer of vibrations. This is what causes the noise and makes your machine jump, rock and shake all over. Once you place a VibeAway pad under each foot, you will notice an immediate difference. In the middle of each pad there is a recessed section to make sure that they stay perfectly positioned under the feet of your appliance. The virtually indestructible rubber construction will basically last forever, and does a perfect job of keeping your washer quiet and stationary. Since they are made from recycled material they are also an environmentally friendly product too.

It is quite typical for washing machines and dryers to wobble, shake and move during regular cycles. Even brand new machines with all of the bells and whistles will tend to vibrate during the spin cycle at the very least. This vibration will cause wear on your machine, and the floor beneath it. It will also create noise that can be heard throughout your entire house in some cases. These pads will help to eliminate this type of action, so that you are left with less noise and a better functioning appliance. The VibeAway pads will protect your floors, reduce noise and movement, and help to increase the overall life of your washing machine or dryer. In addition to being made of recycled content, the pads absorb vibration and allow your washer to run more efficiently, so every time you use them you are extending the life of your washer and getting more use out of the resources it took to create it.

VibeAway

Other Laundry Stuff

A Disposable Kitchen Sink Strainer

SimplyGoodStuff — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 22:59:35 +0000

Don’t you ever wish you could just toss out that nasty strainer sitting in your kitchen sink? They are one of the stinkiest and most germ ridden areas of our homes, but most people find themselves scrubbing and scraping just to get a little more life out of them. We often struggle with stainless mesh or plastic strainers in order to remove food particles, staining and germy bacteria. This makes them nicer to look at, but can be a real pain. This disgusting job is all but eliminated when you switch to a Sink Strainee in your drain.

What the heck is a Strainee you might ask. Well…a Strainee is a ridiculously affordable and totally disposable sink strainer. It works just as well as expensive metal or plastic versions, but has the added benefit of being toss out friendly when it gets yucky. The best part about them though, is that you don’t have to feel bad about throwing these things away. They are environmentally friendly and 100% biodegradable. This means that they will totally decompose in less than five months of you discarding one. They are made entirely from corn starch, so they won’t harm animals or any other part of the environment either. Despite being disposable, Sink Strainees are pretty durable and rigid. You can reuse each Strainee for up to 2 months or toss after a single use. They come in a pack of six, and sell for an incredibly low price with free shipping on any quantity, so you can always have another one handy.

Just pop the Strainee in any standard size kitchen sink drain to prevent food and other particles from being washed down the drain. It fits down in the drain securely, and remains in place. The top edge of the Strainee will be flush with the bottom of your sink so even the smallest particles will be collected in the strainer basket. They are safe in hot water, and won’t dissolve or anything funny like that. You can use them over and over or toss whenever necessary. No more scrubbing dirty old strainers. Just throw it away when it starts to stink, gets stained, or just has a lot of yucky stuff in it. And because there is no impact on the environment, you don’t have to feel bad about it being disposable either. Try Strainee today and discover the joy of being able to toss out that gross little sink accessory whenever you want.

Sink Strainee

The Cool Tool With the Funny Name

SimplyGoodStuff — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 22:04:58 +0000

Evriholder Products’ new Swooz™ Microfiber Chenille All-Purpose Flexible Cleaner is one cool tool! Whether bending to get into pesky shower stall corners or gently caressing the curves of your prized Prius, Swooz™ is one remarkable, multi-use cleaning tool.

The Swooz™ is the newest member in the FuzzyWuzzy™ family of microfiber cleaning tools including Fuzzy Wuzzy™ Kid’s Chenille Mitt, Fuzzy Wuzzy™ Chenille Duster, and the always popular Original Fuzzy Wuzzy™ microfiber mitts. The Swooz™ joins Evriholder’s outstanding line of household cleaning products including the Slipper Genie™ Family, the Hi-Reach Microfiber Kit and the Scrub N Rub microfiber & lurex scrubbers.

SWOOZ™ IS ITS NAME – CLEANING IS ITS GAME
The Swooz™ is truly an all-purpose, flexible cleaning tool that bends and moves to conform to almost any surface shape. From dusting and polishing shelves, wood floors, and crown moldings to hard-to-reach kitchen corners … it even cleans car roofs and bumpers. The Swooz™ is a simply amazing bathtub or shower cleaning tool too! With the flexible, multi-directional, triangular shaped cleaning head, previously difficult-to-reach corners come clean in a jiff!

The Swooz™’s cleaning head is constructed of a rubber gasket which gives it the ability to bend and shape itself for maximum versatility. For even the most difficult of angles, the Swooz™ reduces the need for multiple tools for many cleaning chores around the house, garage, or office. As a member of Evriholder’s Fuzzy Wuzzy™ family – the Swooz™’s chenille microfiber cleaning head pad can be removed, washed and air dried so you can have a clean head every time. In addition, the Swooz™ can be used wet to wash, clean, and scrub with or without soap. And, it is a whiz at dry dusting and polishing multiple surfaces without chemicals. With a 5 foot telescoping silver metal pole that folds down for storage to just 3 feet, and cool head colors of Bright Green, Hot Pink and Brilliant Blue; the Swooz™ is also a smart buy.

Value is it’s middle name. The Swooz™ can be used again and again. Its washable cleaning head is very cost-effective versus buying and using disposable cleaning products with pads which must be thrown away after
each use. The Swooz™ is an excellent value and investment that pays for itself time and again. The Swooz™ was designed to give the consumer maximum cleaning power and function. The head literally bends to the shape you are cleaning, giving great leverage and the ability to reach in and over the surface area you desire to clean. The
chenille microfiber is machine washable and so one effective cleaner can be used for the bathtub on one occasion, then washed and used to clean crown moldings on another occasion. It is far more versatile than traditional flat head cleaners that can’t get into and around corners the way this cleaner does.

THE FACTS

The Swooz™ cleaning head is constructed of a rubber gasket enabling it to bend and shape itself for maximum versatility even at previously difficult angles for complete surface cleaning
Can be used on wet or dry surfaces
Cleaning pad is constructed of microfiber chenille which attracts dust and dirt making it very effective and efficient for cleaning multiple surfaces including glass, wood, tile – even cars and windows
Microfiber head is removable for washing – it’s clean and brand new every time.
Cleaning head is washable in cold or lukewarm water, air dry
5 foot telescoping silver metal pole folds down for storage to 3 feet
Excellent value – reusable over and over unlike disposable cloths or polishers
Environmentally friendly – washable, reusable with no additional cleaning chemicals necessary
Fabulous colors – Bright Green, Hot Pink and Brilliant Blue

Fuzzy Wuzzy Swooz

Naturally Awesome Dishes For Kids

SimplyGoodStuff — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 22:29:22 +0000

This amazing line of dishes looks and feels just like plastic, but it is actually totally different. They are safer for people, and much better for the environment than traditional petroleum based plastics. They were given the name Little Husks because they are made out of rice husks. What is a rice husk? you might ask. Well… That is the part of the rice left over after it has been harvested. It is not the part we eat, but the portion that is usually burned in a huge pile in order to get rid of it. The Little Husks Tableware line utilizes this food byproduct by turning it into incredibly functional dishes for kids. The Little Husks line ends up being incredibly durable, but totally biodegradable at the same time.

You get all of the benefits of plastic without the drawbacks. These dishes are very durable and resistant to breaking. They are also totally dishwasher safe and microwavable. They are actually more heat resistant than most regular plastic dishes for kids. They are tested safe, and contain no toxic chemicals. Guaranteed to be BPA free, PVC free and Phthalate free. They have a nice natural brown color that lets you know that they haven’t been dyed, painted or altered in any way. This feature also helps to keep kids attention focused on the task at hand; eating. The Little Husks dishes will last for years, but when thrown away or introduced to the right environment, they become 100% biodegradable. That’s right. They will totally break down to leave nothing when you finally discard them.

We carry a full line of these dishes at simplygoodstuff.com. There is a dinner plate, a pasta plate, a soup bowl, utensils and a cup. Basically every type of dish you need to feed your child. At an incredibly affordable price tag, these dishes are a great alternative to plastic, and far more practical than traditional alternatives like wood, metal and ceramic. Discover an eco friendly way to feed your children. Stop worrying about dangerous chemicals or feeding kids on tableware that is hard to care for. The Little Husks line is incredibly practical, totally safe, and very easy on the earth.

Dinner Plate

Dry Erase Marker on a Wood Chair

SimplyGoodStuff — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 20:40:09 +0000

You know how it happens…Your two-year-old is coloring quietly and you are thinking to yourself what a great job he is doing. You look away for a second or three to do something else only to turn your attention back and find that he has switched from drawing on the large white board he is allowed to use, to destroying the nice wood chair sitting next to it. Dry erase marker wipes nicely from those white boards, but if it gets anywhere else it can be a real pain to remove. It becomes even harder when it is on a surface like wood because you are left questioning the correct method and cleaner to use. Do you use the cleaner that you know will work on the marker only to damage the chair, or do you use something safe for the chair only to have the stain sit there and laugh at you? This can be a tough decision to make and most people will choose the wrong thing or go through extensive effort to remove a mark like this.

In the picture above we have shown in three easy steps how a mess like this can be cleaned easily. It could be on a chair like it is here, but this same technique would also work for dry erase marker on a door, on a dresser, on carpeting and more. It is also a safe and effective method for removing dry erase marker from children’s skin and clothing too. Sure it would be easier to just let them color with crayons, but what fun is that. Kids love to draw with markers, and when you no longer have to worry about cleaning it off of unauthorized surfaces it is not such a big deal anymore.

The cleaner that was used to eliminate this mess was Quick’n Brite. It is an all natural cleaner that is extremely effective, yet totally safe at the same time. We had a quart spray bottle with just 3 tablespoons of the cleaner and the rest water. This is just pennies worth of the cleaner, so it is also a very economical solution too.

Simply spray this all purpose spray onto the chair or other surface effected and let it sit for like 30 seconds. Once it is allowed to sit, take a clean paper towel or terry cloth towel and wipe the area clean. If it is a darker color, or slightly more force was used to put it there, you may need a second application to completely remove it. Quick’n Brite is an enzyme cleaner, so once you spray it on, it begins to break apart the marker and lift it off the surface. This makes scrubbing unnecessary, and allows you to easily remove the stain. It would work the same on any other hard surfaces like doors, walls, dressers, tables and more. If the dry erase marker was on carpet, it will take slightly more effort. You will need more cleaner and it will need to be worked into the carpet fibers a bit using your hand or a brush or something. Let it sit there slightly longer too. On this type of surface, the paste version, full strength, may give better results if the all purpose spray is not achieving desired results. The paste can be used on any surface where the staining is more severe or being stubborn.

PLEASE NOTE: This will not work for permanent inks or dyes like those thick black magic markers. It will work on dry erase marker, ball point pen ink, finger paints, colored pencil, crayons, water colors, acrylics, pastels and more.

Quick’n Brite

Cleaning Question: Bath Mat Residue on Bathroom Floor

SimplyGoodStuff — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 18:53:45 +0000

QUESTION:
I need to remove old rubber left on the bath floor from an old bath mat. will this(Quick’n Brite) cope or do you have anything else that will do the job?

Thanks, Mike

ANSWER:
There is a very good chance that Quick’n Brite will work for this type of job. It is known for removing gum, tar, wax and that sticky stuff left behind by stickers. What you want to clean sounds similar. The best way to go about it would be to use the paste full strength. Apply it to the build-up and let it sit for a while(about 10 minutes). Come back with a scrub brush or something slightly abrasive that is safe to use on your bathroom floor. Work the cleaner into the rubber a little bit and then let it sit for a little while longer(10 more minutes). This time when you come back, use the brush to loosen it the rest of the way, and then a clean terry cloth towel to wipe it up completely. It may take a second application to completely remove all signs of stickiness, but this method should work. PLEASE NOTE: The most important steps are the ones where you let the cleaner sit. It is a natural enzyme, so it takes time to work, but if applied correctly and allowed time to work, it should give good results on this type of job.

Quick’n Brite

Got your own question? Send us an email for advice from the pros at simplygoodstuff.com.

A Household Microfiber Mop Set For Less

SimplyGoodStuff — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 22:35:52 +0000

Check out this great household mop from StarFiber. This 12″ microfiber mop is the perfect size to use in the home to clean any hard floor. It is a high quality mop set with an incredibly affordable price tag. Each set includes a complete mop with telescoping handle and four microfiber mop pads. Each of these pads are totally reusable and specifically designed for a certain type of cleaning. Get 2 multipurpose pads, one dusting pad, and one chenille pad. You can wash each one of them hundreds of times before they need replacing, and with such a variety, you are prepared for any type of floor, and any cleaning task. Use it for dust mopping and sweeping, or use it for cleaning and mopping. It can handle any type of floor cleaning thanks to the collection of pads you receive. Got a spill on the floor? Use the chenille pad to soak it up quickly and then deep clean your floor. The multipurpose pad can be used effectively with very little water. This makes it great for hardwood floors because they will dry almost instantly, leaving your floors clean, streak-free and polished. The telescoping handle can adjust to any length in order to become the perfect size based on who is using it, or what you are cleaning. This mop is so versatile, you can even use it to clean walls, ceilings, windows, vehicles and more. Since you don’t need any chemicals or additional cleaners when you use this mop, it is a very green and environmentally friendly way to clean your home. Just water and this mop will remove 99% off all dirt dust and germs on your floors. The advanced swivel head allows you to easily maneuver into, under and behind anything and it features a quick release attachment piece. The high quality microfiber that these pads are made from will clean thoroughly and glide effortlessly across your floors. This set is a great value, and will keep you prepared for any mopping task for years to come. Choose an easier, safer and more environmentally friendly way to mop your floors. Get this 12″ Mop Set from StarFiber today.

12″ StarFiber Microfiber Mop Set

Free Shipping on Microfiber Cloths

SimplyGoodStuff — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 18:39:07 +0000

Introducing free shipping on any size order of our microfiber cloths. Order one cloth or order 10 and never pay a dime for shipping. Save even more money with our reduced 3-pack and 10-pack pricing on many of these cloths too. Our cloths are super high quality, amazing at cleaning and are totally reusable and machine washable. We carry Korean made cloths for superior cleaning power and top quality materials. Each cloth will last through hundreds of washings before they need to be replaced. Microfiber is an excellent green cleaning solution because it is also able to clean, dust, polish and more without the use of any additional chemicals or spray cleaners. Use dry, or just add water to deep clean surfaces and remove 99% of all dirt dust and germs. A single swipe of the cloth will clean better than traditional methods and in less time.

Microfiber is not only environmentally friendly, it will also save you money. Make a small investment up front and start counting all of the money you will save by not buying windex, endust, paper towels and more. The cloths can be used over and over with outstanding results. Clean windows and mirrors faster and more effectively than you can with the blue spray and paper towels. Use one dry to dust all over and you will actually polish surfaces as you clean them. For detailing and washing your car there is nothing better than microfiber. These cloths easily pay for themselves in savings on traditional cleaners and less time spent doing the actual cleaning jobs. You can also feel good because you are not harming the environment, and are using a cleaning method that really works, but is also safe around children and pets. You can even have your kids help you when cleaning using microfiber because of how safe it is. They are also so easy to use that when your kids help, they will actually be cleaning instead of making a bigger mess.

We have all sorts of cloths that are specially designed for specific cleaning jobs. Choose from polishing, dusting, lens, CD/DVD, window cloth, multipurpose and more. No matter the job or surface, we have a cloth that is perfect to clean it. Check out our full range of cloths and start adding microfiber to your collection of cleaning tools. Discover a safe and easy way to clean. Our microfiber cloths have been thoroughly tested and proven to work better and last longer than virtually any other brand on the market. Go green with microfiber. Order today and get free shipping!

Microfiber cloths

Don’t Just Clean It. Swooz It!

SimplyGoodStuff — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 18:33:22 +0000

Do what? you might ask. Swooz it we would say. So what the heck does that mean? Well…Swoozing is an easy way to clean all over using a clever new cleaning tool, the Swooz. It is a little like a broom, a little like a mop, and also kind of a duster. The Swooz can be used effectively to do all sorts of jobs thanks to its’ unique design. Use it to dust, mop, sweep, wash your car, remove cobwebs, wash windows and more. It bends, reaches and conforms to clean any surface with a high quality chenille microfiber pad. This pad can be used wet or dry and does not require any sort of cleaner in addition to it. Just wet with water to clean 99% of all dirt dust and germs quickly and easily, which makes the Swooz a good choice for environmentally conscious consumers. The long fingers on the pad provide increased surface area to pick up more dirt without rinsing or changing it. The advanced microfiber material is able to skim surfaces with millions of tiny wedges to lift up and lock in dirt and build-up, yet never scratch or harm it. It is the pad doing the cleaning, so additional spray cleaners and chemicals are just not necessary.

The best part about the Swooz is the unique head. It is a diamond shape, and constructed from a solid piece of molded rubber. This natural rubber is incredibly durable and super flexible. This aspect allows the Swooz to fit between spaces and conform to uneven surfaces. It also allows the head to pivot and bend to any angle. There is hardly a place that the Swooz can’t clean. It also comes with a commercial grade handle that is telescopic. Simply twist to set the handle to the perfect length for the job you are doing. The long length will allow you to clean under the bed, get high up corners, or just comfortably clean your hardwood floors. The high quality head is totally washable and reusable. It can be machine washed hundreds of times before it needs to be replaced. This clever cleaning tool will take the place of all those disposable swiffing, sweeping and dusting products you are currently using. It is incredibly easy to clean with, and has so many uses you will constantly find new ways to Swooz.

Take your Swooz outside to wash your car. It allows you to easily clean the tops of trucks and vans, and thanks to the long reach, you will also be able to wash your car faster than ever. The soft, yet effective head will never scratch your paint, and its flexibility will allow it to mold to the shape of your vehicle and clean every surface, even underneath, without bending or reaching. Bring the Swooz back inside to dust baseboards and crown molding. Extend the pole to remove cobwebs from vaulted ceilings or dust high shelves and ceiling fans. Got a spill on your kitchen floor? Bust out the Swooz and quickly soak up the liquid as you clean your floor. The chenille pad is super absorbent, and can hold up to 10 times it’s weight in liquid. Swooz your hardwood floors and it will polish as it dusts and sweeps clean the surface. Use it with just a little bit of water for an effective low water cleaning method that is safe for all wood floors. You can even Swooz your windows and miirors. It is great to get the outside windows and glass doors. You will find it to be a quick and easy way to clean those hard-to-reach areas.

Add the Swooz to your cleaning arsenal today, and start discovering all of the ways you can use it. It is a super flexible and ridiculously versatile cleaning tool. High quality materials and a clever design ensure that it will be used a lot and last for years. So next time you have a big cleaning job to do…Don’t just clean it. Swooz it.

Swooz

It’s Easy to Remove Grass Stains

SimplyGoodStuff — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 19:11:42 +0000

Spring and summer are great. The warmer days bring people outdoors to work in the garden, mow the lawn, or partake in other outdoor fun. You will find your kids playing football, tag, or just hunting for bugs on the ground. With all of this outdoor activity, one thing is inevitable though. Grass Stains. Whether it is on your shoes from walking behind the lawn mower or on your children’spants from scuffing their knees, grass stains are just another part of this time of year. We have all had white sneakers turn green or our favorite jeans seemingly ruined by the bright green color of freshly cut grass. If you have children, you know that they can get a stain on just about any piece of clothing, and on any part of their body. This green streak looks aweful unless it is removed, but like any stain, there is a right and a wrong way to clean it. If you use the wrong technique you may make the stain worse or inadvertently prevent it from ever being removed.

The lovely green color of a grass stain is caused by all of the chlorophyll in the plant. There are also proteins and other organic matter that combine to create what is considered to be a pretty tough stain to remove. Technically it is referred to as a dye stain, which means that if you don’t use the right tool for removal, a grass stain could become permanent.

You may not be able to stop grass stains from showing up, but you can effectively remove them once they arrive. You don’t have to use anything crazy either, or go through any hard steps to do it. This is one of the jobs that Quick’n Brite is really good at. It doesn’t matter if the stain is on your shoes or your clothes. It can be vinyl, leather, cotton, jeans, a t-shirt or virtually any other surface. Quick’n Brite will easily remove this type of staining in just minutes. It literally took less than 60 seconds to achieve the results in the picture above. Once the cleaner is applied, it goes to work quickly to break apart this type of organic staining so that it is easily removed. In order to clean the shoe in the picture(which was professionally dirtied by a two-year-old I might add) we took a small amount of the concentrated paste. It was applied using a damp scrub sponge in a circular motion. Once applied the shoe was wiped clean with a terry cloth towel. Just one application achieved the results pictured. For an even cleaner shoe, we could have just gone over it one more time using the exact same technique to completely remove any signs of the stain.

What if it was on my clothes?
Great question. If a grass stain was on your clothing you could tackle it one of two ways. You can either use Quick’n Brite as a pre-treater, or you could clean your jeans much like we described for the shoe.

Pre-Treat - As a pre-treater Quick’n Brite works great. Just apply some of the paste to the stain and let it sit until you are ready to wash it. You can either scratch it in using your fingernail, or apply the cleaner wish a brush or sponge. For larger areas, you could add the cleaner to a bucket of hot water, and let the clothing soak overnight. While the Quick’n Brite is on the stain it is working. It will cause the stain to loosen and lift off the surface. Once you put it in the wash, the grass stain or other build-up will wash out nicely.

Standard Stain Removal- If you just want to clean the stain right away use a method similar to the one we used on the shoes. This method is always more thorough, and can be more effective on tougher stains. For extreme stains you might want to try a combination of both methods, but in most cases this would be completely unnecessary. So, to clean your grass stain off your jeans, dampen the area with water, or by spraying a light solution of Quick’n Brite mixed with water. Once damp, apply the paste full strength to the effected areas. Work the cleaner into the stain using a brush or your fingernail, and then wipe the area clean using a dry terry cloth towel. You will notice that the stain will transfer from your pants to the towel and turn it nice and green. Depending upon severity of your stain, you may need to reapply the cleaner, but using this technique, one can easily remove any type of grass stain in minutes. The process is quick and easy.

Quick’n Brite is an all natural cleaner that is 100% biodegradable. It is totally safe for use around children and pets, and can be used for hundreds of jobs all over your home, office or vehicle. Despite it being ridiculously safe and natural, Quick’n Brite is one of the toughest cleaners you will ever use, and most people find that it outperforms what they are currently using. Try this cleaner to remove a grass stain, then use it to clean everything else too. You actually end up saving moneywhen you switch to Quick’n Brite because it is a concentrated cleaner. It works great on tub and tile, laundry stains, carpet shampooing, oil stains, grease stains, kitchen cabinets and so much more. Almost any surface, stain or mess is safe to use this cleaner on. It is so easy to use, and the results are extraordinary.

Quick’n Brite

The Green Way To Store Your Greens

SimplyGoodStuff — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:51:02 +0000

Introducing a revolutionary new salad bag made from microfiber. This totally reusable bag will keep your salad and other vegetables fresh and dry for a longer period of time. This is an eco-friendly salad storage device that really works. The high-tech microfiber material is designed to pull moisture away from your produce and then eliminate it. Your vegetables stay dry and protected from the circulating air of your fridge, so they remain crispy and fresh. You will always have clean fresh salad greens right when you want them, and thanks to this great bag you can keep them fresh longer. It is totally reusable and can be machine washed hundreds of times before it needs replacing. It is great as a practical, and space saving solution to keep your produce fresh. Since it is a fabric bag instead of some large bulky plastic container, it can conform to any shape, and fit just about anywhere in your fridge. When it is not in use, the bag folds neatly to be stowed in a drawer. Just wash and dry your lettuce, and place it in the bag. Close tight with the drawstring at the opening and then place in your refrigerator. Enjoy the great taste of fresh vegetables for days longer than usual. Keep them dry and protected to help them stay crisp and tasty.

Microfiber Salad Bag

Go Green With Super Shammys

SimplyGoodStuff — Wed, 27 May 2009 21:55:22 +0000

By now you have all probably seen the Shamwow infomercial on TV. They make some pretty unbelievable claims, but some of them are actually true. Specifically the claim about using less paper towels, and therefore helping the environment in the process.

Our Super Shammy is the original product, and is a heavier weight, and higher quality material than what is sold on TV. It will work better and last longer than any other similar product on the market, including the infamous Shamwow. One of the best things about the Shammys is that they really can enable you to be a little bit greener at home. We all spend a lot of money on paper towels, and using a Shammy instead can be easier, faster and most importantly, cheaper. You will also get the added benefit of not using a paper product that will just be thrown away when you are done. With Shammys around, you can all but eliminate your need for paper towels. They can be washed hundreds of times before wearing out, and if they aren’t dirty, just wring out, and let hang dry.

Did you know that paper products comprise the majority of the waste in the United States? A lot of the blame should be given to paper towels because they are grossly overused and rarely recycled. This is why stopping using them can make such a difference. Most people go through many more rolls than you might think, and 99% of them end up right in the trash can. This is why we recommend the use of Super Shammys as one of the easiest ways to go green. If you are just getting started, this is a simple baby step in the right direction. Super Shammys are not hard to use and require no special steps, ingredients or knowledge. Avoid paper towels altogether by using Super Shammys instead. These towels work like magic and they are capable of absorbing up to 20 times their weight in liquid.

With a low cost of less than twenty dollars, and nothing more to buy ever, it is a pretty inexpensive way to be more environmentally conscious. The technology behind these magical towels comes from Germany, and the material is created with ultra-porous polymers that optimize absorbency. Our Super Shammy is made from 100% Viscose Rayon and is a heavy duty 260 gsm cloth. This viscose material is what makes the Shammy almost like a sponge cloth, and allows it to literally suck liquid from virtually any surface. This is why they can be used to clean up messy spills such as red wine, cola, punch, etc. in record time, and without leaving behind a stain. They are also great for cars, boats RVs and more. People with puppies or small children should not be without a supply of Shammys on hand. They are better for the earth, and make cleaning up unexpected messes so much easier.

The Super Shammy technology is good for the environment because it replaces paper towels, which are the source for a large amount of waste in this country. Go green and start living a more eco-friendly lifestyle. Order your Super Shammys today!

Super Shammy

Green Cleaning

Clean Your Walls the Easy Way

SimplyGoodStuff — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 20:45:49 +0000

Fingerprints, smudges, dirt, food, and other yucky stuff all ends up on our walls over time. They can get really nasty, and if you haven’t cleaned yours in a while, you can guarantee that you will notice a difference. Sometimes it is next to where you put your shoes on, or in the kids play room, but everyone has a place in their home that is prone to this type of mess. It is one of those jobs though that can be hard to clean, and the proper tool is not really clear. Most traditional sprays and wipes will also remove the paint from your walls, or nothing at all. It seems like if it works, it works too well, and if not, it is completely useless. Traditional methods will leave you skipping the job or ending up with mediocre results.

Our walls are always visible, so it can really make a real impact if you have nice clean walls, free of dirt and grime. The whole room starts to look better right away, and it will seem brighter and less cluttered just by wiping the walls clean of this build-up.

So what is the easier way to clean walls of this dirt? A multipurpose microfiber cloth. This is not only an effective tool, but it also allows you to clean without chemicals. It is the green way to clean those nasty smudges and marks quickly and easily. No sprays or chemicals are needed, just a high quality cloth and ordinary tap water. You will be able to wipe your walls clean in minutes, with very little effort. This unique cloth practically does the job for you as it skims the surface of your walls, lifting off dirt, and locking it in the fibers. Fingerprints, smudges, dirt, and more will be removed with ease. Once your walls are clean, you can continue on, using the same cloth to clean and polish furniture, dust shelves, clean windows and mirrors and more. Each surface will be left extremely clean, streak free and polished.

How To Use It:
Simply get the cloth wet under warm water, and then wring it out until the it is just damp. Then wipe the dirty surface to remove dirt and thoroughly clean. You can rinse as you work to replenish the cloth, and once you are all done, just through it in the wash to be laundered. These great cloths can be washed hundreds of times before they need to be replaced, so it is also a very economical solution to your dirt as well.

At simplygoodstuff.com, we carry the highest quality microfiber products available. This means that they will clean better, and last longer than similar products on the market.

Multipurpose Microfiber Cloth

All Microfiber

Green Cleaning Supplies

Growing Your Own Organic Vegetables

SimplyGoodStuff — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 17:53:11 +0000

Picture this: sitting down to a dinner with the freshest organic vegetables your friends or family have ever tasted. And knowing that they are super charged with goodness and nutrition – priceless!

It might be the juiciest and most flavorsome tomatoes, a salad made up of crisp leafy greens, or perhaps a tabouleh of “vitamin-C-super-rich” parsley and in-season herbs – and that’s just the first course!

And what if your main course veggies selection meant just popping out to the garden and to see which are the ripest ones today?

Now take that thought a step further:

Wouldn’t it be great to open your pantry and see jars of preserves that you (and the kids?) made from your surplus fruit and vegetables – and that’s after you supplied your neighbors as well!

You can do all of this if you set about creating your own veggie patch.

We all pay a lot for the convenience of one-stop shopping at supermarkets, or paying more for organic produce. And now, finding ways to save money has lowered the importance of convenience. More and more people are discovering just how much money they can save by growing their own vegetables.

There are some expensive perennial vegetables, like asparagus, that are able to be harvested for up to 15 years! You plant it once, look after it, and just keep picking it.

You can even grow useful vegetables and herbs on window sills and on balconies – cherry tomatoes and parsley are classic examples.

Science has proven that fresh vegetables have more vitamins and minerals. The longer they are on the supermarket shelves, the less nutritious they become. And once your family tastes really fresh produce, they will learn what those vegetables really ARE supposed to taste like!

Good Stuff for the Kitchen

So whether your goal is to have the freshest food possible on your table or to save money – or both – there has never been a better time to start to grow your own organic vegetables than now.

Growing your own organic vegetables ticks all the boxes: easy, cheap, nutritious, fresh!

In these days of hustle and bustle, lots of people have high pressure, high tech lives. Being able to come home to tend a garden seems to ‘anchor’ them. Not only do they enjoy getting their hands dirty, but the pleasure of putting fresh crisp vegetables on the table is beyond compare.

Don’t be afraid to start your own organic vegetable patch, it isn’t that hard and there’s lots of free advice available, great newsletters and how-to guides. Great advice from organic gardeners is available at YourOrganicGardeningBlog http://www.YourOrganicGardeningBlog.com

Five Simple Ways to Go Green

SimplyGoodStuff — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 21:06:16 +0000

* Green Your Clean-up: Many commercial cleaning products contain chemicals, dyes, and fragrances that con irritate eyes, skin and respiratory tract, especially in children, older folks and those already battling illness. Look for alternative brands, such as Seventh Generation and Method, which can be found at local health food stores.

* Eat Veggies 2-3 Times a Week: A HUGE amount of environmental resources—water, grain, land, fossil fuel— are used to support animal farming for human consumption. Reduce the impact your diet has on the planet by skipping meat a few times a week (“Meatless Mondays” for instance), and not only will it be beneficial to the earth, but you’ll benefit too!

* Stop The Paper: Cancel the subscriptions to unwanted catalogs and newspapers by using the FREE service at catalogchoice.com. Cut down on the amount of junk mail you receive by removing your name from mailing lists at dmachoice.org. Pay all of your bills online or through your bank. Not only are you saving trees, but you’re saving yourself a little extra time each week by not having to visit the post office to mail bills.

* Save Energy & Save $$: Install compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL’s) throughout your entire home (a little more costly upfront, but a money-saver over time since they last much longer); unplug appliances when they’re not in use or use a “smart strip” power strip that saves energy by sensing when the appliance is not in use and cuts down residual energy use.

* Buy Local: When you’re not “veggin’ out”, buy locally raised meat, poultry, dairy and eggs, when possible. Purchasing from local farmers supports the local economy. You can do this by joining a local food co-op or local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). To find your local CSA, Google “CSA” or “Community Supported Agriculture” with your city name included in the search.

Green Cleaning Supplies

Christine Watson, MS, RD has been teaching nutrition, health and wellness since 1992. She is a registered dietitian nutritionist, and certified wellness coach. As the owner of Compassionate Nutritionist, LLC, Christine’s goal for her clients is to help them incorporate healthy eating and fitness into their busy lives. To learn more about the services and products offered by Compassionate Nutritionist, email Christine at Christine@CompassionateNutritionist.com.

Why Thousands Are Switching To Cleaning Green

SimplyGoodStuff — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 21:06:23 +0000

It is surprising how many people in today’s era of information are still not aware that our households are full of toxic chemicals. Despite this, thousands are switching over to safer products and this is why.

“Since 1950 at least 70,000 new chemical compounds have been invented and dispersed into our environment. Only a fraction of these have been tested for human toxicity.”

“We are by default, conducting a massive clinical toxicology trial, and our children and their children are the experimental animals.”
Herbert L. Needleman, M.D., Philip J. Landrigan, M.D. Raising Children Toxic Free

It is alarming, the information about safety of products and the lack of labelling required for these products.

“Of the 70,000 chemical compounds, only 25% have been tested – and they were tested individually. Chemicals do not occur individually in our body, they occur in combinations.Tiny amounts of only 2 toxic chemicals at the same time are 1,000 times more dangerous than 1 of them alone.” The Center of Bio Environmental Research
[Green Cleaning Supplies]

Are they in our homes?
Sadly, yes they are. “The nation’s worst pollution is found inside our homes. A 15 – year study has shown American homes have chemical levels 70 times higher than outside. The number of chemicals used inside the home has more than doubled since 1950.” The EPA, Environment Protection Agency

It is of importance to note that the following is only a small glimpse of the products containing these chemicals. These would include dishwashing detergents, household cleaners, disinfectants, furniture polish, air fresheners, fabric softeners, bleach products, mold/mildew cleaners and shampoos.

We become poisoned by ingestion, inhalation and absorption through the skin. ? “Some products release contaminants into the air right away, others do so gradually over a long period of time. Some stay in the air up to a year.” American Lung Association

All of this results in poor health and less vitality than we would normally have in a fresh, unaltered environment. “50% of all illness is due to poor indoor air quality” 1989 State of Massachusetts Study. The red flags of this toxic crisis are staggering. One person in three has allergies severe enough to be treated by a doctor. One person in ten suffers from migraine headaches or high blood pressure. One in five families have a member suffering from mental health concerns. “70% of cancers are triggered by exposure to hazardous substances in our environment” Toxic Substances Strategy Committee. Shockingly, One in every two now get cancer. “Women who work in the home have a 55% higher death rate from cancer than women who work outside the home.” 17-year EPA Study. “Asthma rate has tripled in the last 20 years.” “Incidence of lung cancer has increased 364% despite the fact that smoking has declined in the general population.” National Cancer Institute.

There is so much more. We have not even touched on how these chemicals effect children or pets who are much more vulnerable.

WHAT SHOULD WE DO?
“Damage to organs caused by environmental chemicals frequently cannot be repaired or corrected once they injury has occurred. PREVENTION, is therefore essential.” Herbert L. Needleman, M.D., Philip J. Landrigan, M.D., Raising Children Toxic Free.

“Just by reducing (not eliminating) environmental carcinogens alone, we would save at least 50,000 lives taken annually by cancer.” Dr. Lee Davis, former advisor to the Secretary of Health

This is what has consumers, such as myself switching to healthier, safer cleaning and personal care products. “Green cleaning” is not a new concept. People have been making their own cleaners for years. Typically they have used ingredients such as vinegar or baking soda. But in the last several years, some commercial brands have appeared on the shelves, websites and through mail order. I typically buy everything from streak free glass cleaner, to toilet bowl cleaner from a wholesale, mail order company where you can order on the phone or online. There are other brands as well such as ecover, Quick’n Brite and Seventh Generation. All of these tend to be better than the home “recipes” as they typically clean much better and can sanitize. These cleaners are formulated with surfactants which can remove grease and oil, mildew and mold. If you are not having your products delivered to your door, you sometimes need to search for them or get them at a few different stores, but they are available. You may need to go to your local health food store.

It’s all about reducing as many toxins as you can. Prevention is the key. When I can feel confident cleaning my oven with my baby right beside me, I know I’m doing a good thing for all of us.

[Green Cleaning Supplies]

Why Green Remodeling Is Becoming So Popular

SimplyGoodStuff — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 01:09:03 +0000

“Green” remodeling is a growing trend with environmentally conscious homeowners and renovators. You should know, however, that without formal building codes and definitions, many different practices are called “green” and not everyone agrees.

Going “green” can bring health benefits and reduced costs, but it’s not likely to bring higher prices to homes on the market. Environmentally friendly designs are most useful for people who plan on living in the home or have a market for people to whom it is a perk.

The costs of utilities can be affected tremendously by proper design. High efficiency appliances, especially furnaces and air conditioning units, waste less energy and reduce your electric bill each month. Toilets and dishwashers that use less water also help.

Passive systems can be installed to reduce the need for electricity. Solar panels can heat water, your home, and provide electricity. At least one firm also uses solar panels and fiber optic cable to bring natural sunlight into your home.

Housing materials that are recycled make homeowners feel better, reduce the impact on the environment, and may be of better quality. Beams are being created from compressed recycled wood that are stronger than regular boards. Metal roofs help cool homes and do not require tarred shingles, which can release chemicals into rainwater falling off them.

Gardeners and landscapers have a role as well. By selecting plants that require low amounts of water you can avoid having to water your plants through the summer. Rain water collected into a system can provide all your plants or garden needs through the summer.

Renovating your home to be more environmentally friendly does not necessarily bring increased costs. According to one source a large kitchen remodel of $100,000 only included $350 of additional costs because of green materials.

Materials are not hard to find. There are listings of “Green” contractors on the Internet as well as materials.

Home Depot recently began a project to educate the public about products that are recycled or otherwise environmentally friendly. The products, which have been certified by a third party, have been available for some time but homeowners are only now learning about them and showing interest. Products are also being featured in conventions and trade shows such as “Remodel Green Midwest.”

Health risks can be reduced or eliminated with these products. Many major manufacturers are making paints with lower levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can reduce indoor air quality and be harmful. Choosing a floor created from renewable sources often means better air quality as well. Renewable wood floors look beautiful and can add value to the home as well. Insulation can be installed that is created from soy or other natural products that increase the efficiency of your heating and don’t bring in the irritants.

With energy costs rising consistently improving your home to require less energy and generate less waste is a good financial move as well as a way to save resources for future generations.

TC Thorn has written many articles on green remodeling and green living. Visit her blog for plenty of home improvement ideas

Is the Cost of Going Green Worth It?

SimplyGoodStuff — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 18:45:14 +0000

Many people have an image of going green as expensive. Hybrid cars cost more than regular cars. Solar panels are expensive.

Thank goodness there are more ways than that to go green!

One of the most important steps you can take to go green is to simply consume less. Go shopping less. Reuse and repurpose things as they get older. It can’t be expensive if you aren’t spending money on it, except maybe in time.

Some steps may cost a little more at first, such as making the switch from paper napkins and paper towels to cloth varieties of the same things. On the other hand, these can last for years, so you can save quite a bit in the long run. And that’s what you should ideally be thinking about.

[Super Shammy - Stop buying paper towels. ]

Going green in the things you need to buy can save money too, or at least not cost extra. When it comes to cleaning products, for example, there are more and more green products coming out all the time, and many have similar prices to conventional products.

And for those who don’t mind a very small bit of extra time, products such as vinegar, baking soda and lemon juice can work wonders around the house. They’re also quite affordable and often do as well as conventional products. Sometimes you’ll need to put a little extra elbow grease into your scrubbing, but you can still get the job done.

Either of these solutions can keep toxins out of your home. That means that you may feel better, especially if you or anyone in your family has allergies.

Green Cleaning Products

Buying organic food is probably one of the most expensive things that you would do on a regular basis. I won’t argue that organic food is more expensive than conventionally grown., but you can offset this somewhat by growing your own. There’s a cost to getting started with a garden, but there are benefits beyond the fresh produce. You get exercise. You get to teach your children about where food comes from. It can be a lot of fun combined with frustration. There are few things as wonderful as fresh picked produce. The stuff in the grocery stores just cannot compete.

Reusable shopping bags are quite popular now. These don’t have to cost a fortune if you don’t mind having a store logo on them. Many sell them for just a dollar each. Sure it’s something you wouldn’t have had to buy otherwise, paper and plastic grocery bags being free, but you’re not spending much and cutting waste way down.

Energy efficient light bulbs may also seem expensive, but you need to keep some things in mind. First, that they will save you money over time. They use less energy and last longer. Second, that in many areas you can find them free or discounted by your local power company. I’ve often found them at about $1 per bulb. It’s not a bad deal at all.

http://www.greensahm.com/ is Stephanie Foster’s blog about trying to go green as a stay at home mom. For more tips on budget environmentalism, visit.

Going Green at the Office – Tips to Help Your Business Go Green

SimplyGoodStuff — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 20:31:22 +0000

While in the past many people were not thinking about the environment, especially at work, increased awareness of the importance of conservation and saving the environment has even made business owners begin to take a second look at practices they can change to improve the environment. If you haven’t considered how your business is affecting the environment, it may be time to consider what you can do to operate a little greener. Today it is becoming more and more popular to go green at the office and it is relatively easy to use great policies at work that can help the environment and make your business more successful as well. Not sure where to begin? Well, here are a few tips to help you out.

Tip #1 Go with Green Vendors: If you want to go green at your office, it’s going to be important to go with green vendors for your needs. Find out if vendors have green policies of their own in place already. Each vendor your use, such as your office supply company or even the bank you use should have green policies to help with the environment. Find out which businesses do use green policies and then support them and their choices by giving them your company’s business.

Tip #2 Make Donations: Another thing that you can do to keep your office environmentally friendly is to make some donations. All the pens, phones, books, computers, and other supplies that you have at the office that are no longer being used can be donated. You’ll find schools, libraries, charity stores, and nursing homes will be glad to take them off your hands. This way someone else can get some use out of them and you won’t be throwing them away.

Tip #3 Purchase and Plant Trees around Your Business: Trees are great for helping the environment by releasing oxygen into the air. Why not plant some trees around your business. Perhaps start an initiative at your office for people to earn their own tree. You may even want to set a special day aside for planting some trees. This will be great for the environment and it can be excellent for your business promotion as well. Purchasing some small saplings should not be all that expensive to do, and consider even using these trees as awards or incentives in the office instead of paper certificates.

Tip #4 Put in Electric Hand Dryers: Many businesses go with paper towels in their bathrooms, and this promotes the use of natural resources that could be saved. Instead of using all that paper, why not invest in some electric hand dryers for your bathrooms. This will save on using paper towels, and not only is it great for the environment, but it is also going to be cost effective as well, since you’ll save quite a bit on the cost of the paper towels.

Tip #5 Go with Recycled Products: There are a variety of different recycled products that you can use for your business that will help you in your pursuit of going green at the office. Some of the recycled products that you can use include recycled paper goods, recycled toner and printer cartridges, and even recycled plastics. You should recycle yourself, and also use recycled products as much as you can.

Tip #6 Purchase Personalized Coffee Mugs for Your Employees: How many Styrofoam cups do you go through a day at the office? If you have many coffee drinkers in the office lounge, more than likely you go through quite a few. Why not go ahead and purchase some personalized coffee mugs for all of your employees. This is a great gift that you can offer and they’ll be able to use their mugs over and over again instead of having to actually use Styrofoam cups, which are not great for the environment.

As you can see, there are many things that you can do that can help to improve the environment. Going green at the office is actually a lot easier and cheaper than you probably thought it would be; in fact, it can even save you money in the long run. So, if you’re ready to start taking care of the world you live in, consider using these tips at the office to make it as green as you possibly can.

Author: Bennetta Elliott, CEO Personalized Gift Express, great source for custom coffee mugs and more.

5 Ways To Make Your House Healthier Today

SimplyGoodStuff — Fri, 30 May 2008 21:09:49 +0000

With the increase in health problems across the world, creating a healthy home has become a top priority. It is not uncommon to hear of allergies disappearing, rashes clearing up or headaches becoming a distant memory when a family takes charge of their environment. Here are 5 simple steps you can start taking today to make your house a healthy place to be. 1)Raid your pantry: If you have never thought about what you toss in your grocery cart you are in for an eye-opener. There are two big ingredients that destroy your health every time you consume them: Partially Hydrogenated Oils (trans fats) and Monosodium Glutamate (MSG). If you have either of these anywhere in your house, trash them. Don’t worry about the waste factor. You wouldn’t want to pass on the “poison” to someone else. Trans fats are artery clogging fats that provide zero benefit to the body. Trans fats are created in a laboratory by adding extra hydrogens (hence the name partially hydrogented) to the existing fat molecule. This is done to extend the shelf life of food products. Monosodium Glutamate is a neurotoxin. Neuro means nerve and toxin means death. Nerve death is never a good thing primarily because your nerves cells don’t grow back!

2)Make a menu and grocery list: By making a weekly menu with corresponding grocery list you are limiting what you buy. When you walk blindly into the store you are more likely to grab what sounds good at that moment and what is most convenient. Instant gratification and convenience almost always guarantees an unhealthy choice. Choose a cookbook with healthy recipes to create your menu from. The Sonoma Diet has fresh healthy recipes and daily meal plans. A cookbook with preplanned meals is a great springboard for creating a healthy habit. Once you have created your menu of all meals for the week go through the recipes and write down the ingredients you don’t have. Making the list is the easy part. It’s sticking to it that can take some practice. Just remember if you’re shopping on the perimeter of the store your in the “healthy” zone.

3)Remove disposable diapers and disposable sanitary products: Disposable diapers contain known carcinogenic chemicals called Dioxin and Sodium Polyacrylate. Dioxin is created in the bleaching process and Sodium Polyacrylate is the gel crystals that absorb liquid in a diaper. Cloth diapers and cloth menstral pads are an economical, environmental and healthy alternative to disposable products. This transition is one of the more difficult ones. It can be confusing, overwhelming, and your mind is most likely racing with millions of faulty preconceived ideas. Reading other”s experiences and strategies on a blog like All About Cloth Diapers will set your fears and doubts to rest. With the internet today you can learn from other people’s mistakes and drastically decrease the learning curve.

4)Inspect your cleaning products: Removing harmful chemicals like bleach, sodium lauryl sulfate, 1-4, Dioxane and Propylene Glycol are positive steps towards creating a healthy environment for your family. There are many “green” cleaning products on the market today making this transition an easy one. Some alternatives include: Ecover Dish Washing Detergent, Crunchy Clean Laundry Detergent, Burt’s Bees Honey Milk Lotion, Kiss My Face Olive Oil soap, Clorox Green or Vinegar for counter tops and windows. Make a list of all the cleaning products in your house and set goals for when you will phase the unhealthy out. It may take your 3-6 months to complete the task but every step brings you closer to a healthy house.

5)Drink more water and less soda: We’ve all heard the recommendation of 8 8oz glasses of water a day at minimum or else dehydration sets in. Whether or not this recommendation is accurate, the truth is drinking water is never bad (unless you are over doing it by the gallons). Transitioning your soda intake by reducing one at a time is the best start. Sodas have many harmful chemicals in them. Aside from the High Fructose Corn Syrup that spikes your blood sugar and predisposes you to diabetes, there is Phosphoric Acid. Phosphoric Acid leaches your bones of Phosphorous causing them to be more brittle. Next time you reach for that can of Coke, grab a glass of water instead.

Autumn Beck is a mother to 3 constantly working to make her house a healthier place for her family. Autumn invites you to learn more about natural living by visiting her blog at: http://www.allaboutclothdiapers.com/

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Green Your Life – 7 Easy Tips

SimplyGoodStuff — Fri, 16 May 2008 20:40:11 +0000

If you really want to green your life the best place to start is your own home. Green may well be the new “black” and not just for fashions sake, but for the earths sake. Start to green your life today by clearing out your toxic cleaning products.

The EPA estimates that indoor air is nearly 100 times more polluted than outdoor air with standard cleaning chemicals being one of the main culprits. Plant-based, biodegradable products are easier on the earth; gentler on skin, lungs and eyes and help you green your life without having to sacrifice cleaning strength.

How green, or healthy is your home? With all the things the average person has to do each day just trying to keep up with their lives who has time to think about this question much less research it. But the health of your home is critical and the cleaning products you chose make a big difference. To green your life isn’t all that hard; here are 7 easy tips to make finding good green cleaning products easier.

1. Read the ingredients. Look to see if your product is nontoxic. Nontoxic products are safe for humans and aquatic life as well. Is it biodegradable? Biodegradable products can be broken down by microbial action. The longer it takes to break down, the more harmful it is to the environment. Plant-based products are an easy way to green your life.

2. Is your product endorsed by Green Seal? Green Seal is highly regarded in the industry and provides science-based environmental certification standards for green cleaning products. Using a Green Seal endorsed product will green your life.

Some other organizations that have high standards and enforce them are; Trans Fair, Forest Stewardship Ceritfied, Greenguard, Rainforest Alliance Certified, Energy Star and Leaping Bunny.

3. Does your product contain chlorine bleach? The wastewater after using a product containing chlorine bleach can react with other chemicals, which can become toxic adding pollutants to our air and landfill. To green your life don’t use any laundry washing products that contain chlorine.

4. Is your product derived from petroleum? Petroleum-based solvents are made from nonrenewable resources, they are flammable and can be toxic when inhaled. Renewable resources such as pine oil or citrus make much better solvents for the earth and clean just as well the non-green cleaners.

5. What is your products pH balance? Neutral pH products are safer for the environment and end user. Acidic or alkaline products can burn if accidentally spilled on your skin. A pH of 7.0 is considered neutral and an excellent way to green your life.

6. Is the packaging made from recycled products? Many containers and cardboard boxes are made from “postconsumer” materials and help ease the products impact on the earth.

7. Finally, green your life with products that have not been tested on animals and contain no animal ingredients.

It doesn’t take much to make your home more earth friendly with the right green cleaning products. By deciding to green your life with more earth friendly cleaners both you and the planet benefit and that benefits us all in the end.

Still curious about how to replace your toxic household cleaners with eco friendly cleaners? Take advantage of Keith’s decade of involvement with all things green. Click now for more information on earth friendly, green cleaning products

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