Shaving Cream: The Equalizer

If I close my eyes, I can see a small dark blue can in the wicker basket above the toilet that read “Barbasol”. To me, it was something to play with when I was hiding in the bathroom from my parents to avoid doing my chores. *Pop* goes the top but I hold on to it carefully so that it doesn’t hit the floor and alert my mom that I’m into something I haven’t any business touching. What does a 8 year old girl need with a can of shaving cream anyway? Scshhhhhhh! I push the white top and watch a glob of thick, white foam spill into my hands. What do I do with it? I hadn’t thought that far. One thing I know is that I have to get rid of it quick before someone comes looking for me. I’ll just wash it off, I think to myself. I turn on the faucet and watch the cream melt under the pressure of the cool water and travel down the drain. Little did I know, I was wasting something my adult self would LOVE a lifetime supply of. Here’s a few ways you can use shaving cream, today (besides the obvious, of course):

Anti-fog Your Mirrors: Cover your mirrors with shaving cream and then wipe it clean with a newspaper or microfiber cloth. Even after the hottest of showers, you’ll see clearly when you look in the mirror. Add this step in your cleaning routine to add an extra luxurious touch to your bathing experience!

Remove Strong Odors: For those of us who have fur babies (or potty training sons/little brothers), we know they can miss their mark sometimes. Urine can find it’s way to the floor and whenever that happens, the smell can stick to the surface. Spread the shaving cream in the smelly area and let it sit for 5-7 minutes. Use a damp cloth to wipe up the shaving cream and it will surely take the odor with it. (Do not use shaving cream on wooden floors, it may warp the wood)

Get Makeup Out Of Clothing: Add the shaving cream to the area and hand wash it, using cool to warm water (and a little dawn dish soap if you have it). If the stain is a tough one, add a drop or two of alcohol to the shaving cream and repeat the process. 

*Bonus* Sensory play for little ones! Put your little one in a high chair or chair that has a tray connected to it. Fill the surface with shaving cream and add a few drops of food coloring to the shaving cream. Let your little one make the biggest mess they can from the comfort of their chair. The best part is, mom or dad can just wipe it up when the little one is done! No permanent damage and it’s guaranteed to pass the vibe check with your toddler. 

Maybe you won’t go out and buy a new can of shaving cream. Im okay with that. As long as I gave you more uses for the one that has just been sitting in the bathroom cabinet, passing the days until expiration. We’re decluttering the world, one multipurpose household item at a time! 

MVP - Major Vinegar Protection

Let’s say you’re stranded on an island and can only bring one cleaning item, what would it be? Me? That’s easy, I’m going with Ol’ Faithful — vinegar! Vinegar is so versatile and useful, I think the shorter list would be, “What CAN’T vinegar clean?” Check out some of my favorite ways to use it in my house.

Faucets/appliances - Use vinegar to cut through grime, mildew, and even mold. Just spray down the surface, let the vinegar mixture marinate for a few minutes, and wipe it down. It’s that simple! For your faucets, put a 2:1 vinegar to water concoction in a plastic bag and use a rubber band to tie the bag around the faucet, fully submerging it. To clean your dishwasher, put a cup of vinegar in the rinse compartment and run the washer for one whole cycle. Get those pesky stains out of your microwave quick and easy by combining 1/4 cup of vinegar and 3/4 cup of water. Microwave it for 3-5 minutes and wipe down the inside of the microwave with ease.

Laundry - Use vinegar to get rid of tough sweat stains by adding a cup of it to your wash cycle.

Multipurpose cleaner - Vinegar can be used on counter tops (excluding granite and marble), tubs, tile, glass and more. Dilute the vinegar with equal parts of water and just a splash of dish detergent or lemon juice and watch the dirt come off.

Pest repellent - The acid present in vinegar gives it the smell that can help keep ants, mice, and other pests away. If you’re having an ant problem like most Philadelphians this year, spray your counter tops down before going to bed at night to keep them away.

These are just a few of my favorites but vinegar is useful for a ton of things. It’s also eco-friendly and non toxic for humans AND pets. Something so mighty is hardly ever that safe but if I had to vote on the best household cleaner, I’d put money on vinegar every time.

Cleaning Your Home

Cleaning your home can seem daunting, but with some clever tips and tricks, it doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming. Here are five steps you can take to help clean your home in just five minutes:

1. Start small and work your way up. Start by tackling the most incredible messes – the living room, kitchen, and other high-traffic areas. Grab a trash bag or two and start disposing of trash first.

2. Make use of cleaning wipes: Cleaning wipes are great for quick and easy cleanups. Whether wiping down surfaces or mopping the floor, cleaning wipes are a great way to tackle messes quickly and efficiently.

Cleaning your home not only makes your space look better but can also bring a range of mental health benefits. A clean and organized home can help you relax, feel more in control of your environment, and provide a sense of accomplishment when tasks are completed.

Research has shown that taking the time to clean your home can reduce stress and anxiety levels, which can, in turn, positively impact physical health. A tidy and organized home can also provide a sense of calmness, allowing you to think and work more effectively.

In addition to the mental health benefits, cleaning your home can create social benefits. Spending time with family members or friends while cleaning can give everyone a sense of shared accomplishment and help build relationships.

So next time you feel overwhelmed, take some time to clean your home! Not only will it leave your home looking better, but it could also make all the difference to your mental health.