Yesterday I talked about how I want to have a cleaner house (even while living with a husband and 7 kids – what can I say, I like to dream big).
A thought came to me late yesterday afternoon. I remembered something I read years ago. The main message was this: Use good tools. Clean with nicer things. Don Aslett says the same in his books, also mentioned yesterday:
Invest in good tools.
Don says your husband probably has a $400 tool in the garage that’s used once a year, while you scrounge dollar stores for your cleaning supplies that are used several times a day?!
Why do we do this to ourselves?
Remember when I said that I let the kids choose their own cleaning products from Grove? 15 year old dishwasher son prefers Lavender Mrs. Meyer’s, 13 year old floor gal chose a Lemon Ginger Method hard floor cleaner, 11 year old bathroom girl asked for a Wildflower scented Antibac spray, and they all requested new Walnut scrubber sponges!
A few of my favorite Grove products: blood orange hand sanitizer, Mrs. Meyer’s dish soap and spray cleaner, the lip balm which I’m totally addicted to.
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I went a step further.
I got a pretty, wooden-handled broom and dustpan to replace the worn out, ugly plastic el cheapo ones I currently use.
I use these tools SEVERAL times a DAY. Why shouldn’t they be lovely?
This is my new motto:
It must be pretty.
Enter Grove.co.
I’ve written before about my love of Grove and how they save me time and money. The cleaning products they offer are non-toxic and look pretty. They send me free stuff just for being a good customer. I enjoy free shipping as a V.I.P. And you can get a free product and a $10 credit if you sign up.
A few ideas for your first order:
- Dr Bronner’s castille soap in bulk – Grove has the best price I’ve found
- Acure organic skin care – these are 100% natural and high-quality, but priced less than most of the lines available at Whole Foods
- EarthPaste toothpaste – my kids’ favorite
- Method all-purpose cleaner (my favorite scent is Clementine)
- Natural soy candles (benzene free)
- Lip balms – big and thick, love them
- Hand Sanitizer – this is the only kind I’ll use. The blood orange smells amazing and the coconut oil actually moisturizes instead of drying out your hands.
Ordering my cleaning and personal care products from Grove is one of the ways I simplify my life. Staying out of stores saves me money, time and hassle.
This was a recent special offer (half price!) from Grove; the cleaning caddy is too cute.
Side note about cleaning with pretty things:
I am inspired by Marie Kondo‘s books, especially the first, called The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. (The second, called Spark Joy, is more the nitty-gritty and how to’s.) Marie is definitely an advocate for cleaning with pretty things. Here is an infographic explaining some of the main points I learned by reading it:
This is actually a really good idea! You don’t have to hide those unsightly cleaning brushes or bottles in your already-full under-sink space. It’s nice to be able to leave stuff out on the counter since it doubles as a functional decoration. 🙂
I’m very disappointed that several of my favorite blogs seem to be turning into advertisisements for this Grove company (and others). Give me a break! I sure don’t need that kind of blog post! I won’t unsubscribe quite yet, but definitely will if it keeps up. Thanks for listening.
Such a great point about how our husbands have expensive tools that are rarely used and we are using cheap tools daily! That’s a great perspective that makes complete sense!
Oh, I like this, Carrie! I have this ugly plastic/metal tote thing that’s really too heavy. So I usually just end up carrying around my spray bottle and rags in hand. I’ve never found an all purpose cleaner that I like much either. What do you recommend for cleaning stainless steel appliances? I’ve tried alcohol, vinegar, soapy water… nothing seems to get off those grubby toddler finger prints. 🙂
This is a super smart post and I really like tools that are both function and well designed that I can display. Kinda like my iphone 🙂 Anyway thanks for sharing!!!
I don’t think I ever used that product before. But I’m gonna give it a try. Thanks
@Sarah – I use glass cleaner on mine. about a dozen times a day. LOL. The new house doesn’t have stainless steel, and I’m so glad!
There’s a good Martha Stewart video about how to clean stainless steel appliances. She recommends window cleaner, doing a small area at a time quickly, and paper towels or spotlessly clean lint-free cloths.
Grove does the free offer twice a year, and I think it’s such a great deal so I pass it along.
You might not be aware that many bloggers contribute to their household income by recommending products as an affiliate. My personal stance is that I only promote things that I personally love and use (like books!). And I was also a satisfied Grove customer before I became an affiliate.
Of course it’s totally up to you to unsubscribe if you have a problem with that. Personally I applaud it when blogging moms are able to provide useful information and earn a bit of money, in fact I seek out a blogger’s affiliate link before I purchase, since I pay the same price either way. 🙂
Take care!
Great tips! There is nothing better than a clean house. It can really be a chore, but if you have fun with it, it isn’t so bad. Sounds like you found a way to enjoy the chore better!
I made this same discovery a few years back with kitchen tools. I am not a chef, don’t always love cooking even – but getting really nice utensils made such a difference! I appreciate your suggestions on what to order too.
That’s so true too.
I have heard good things about grove! All my cl earning supplies are ugly!
Nicer things typically last longer too!
I signed up with Grove the last time they did a promotional offer, and I loved the dishtowels that were a part of that offer. I love that I can completely empty my cart if I don’t need anything. It’s truly nice to not feel pressured to buy stuff just for the sake of buying stuff. They make it easy to empty the cart-it’s not hidden and it’s not gimmicky.
What I don’t love is the lack of great deals (in my experience so far) for existing customers. Free walnut sponges? I don’t want or need those. It makes me wish I wasn’t an existing Grove customer, because then I could sign up for the deal for new members, which is great.
Meh. I get that it’s marketing. And this is not a reflection on how I feel about the blog, Carrie. You’re doing a great job, and I’m really enjoying it. Maybe I’ll go complain on the Grove site, where it might actually make a difference 😉
I definitely think having pretty supplies makes you more motivating to use them! I’ve never heard of Grove. It looks really cool!
You totally should! I love them 🙂
Do you keep the just incase stuff?