I can’t believe how fast the weeks are slipping by me. Before I go into this week’s tip, I want to point out that I’ve made this rainbow image a link. It takes you to the index for my Simple Balance series. And although you probably never considered it, this silly image was chosen with care - which I will describe in detail at the end of this post.

Today’s Tip: Sanitation without chemicals

Most moms today are aware and concerned about what they use for cleaning around their kids - chemically speaking. So many of the really “good” (meaning strong) cleaners that eliminate more elbow grease on our part (a most desirable quality in today’s world of less work and instant gratification) are filled with harsh chemicals. They stink, even if they’re a more pleasant smell they’re just too strong for too long. And you can’t help but worry about adverse affects on your little ones or pets no matter what the label claims. Clearly the suggestion of using rubber gloves and having plenty of good ventilation are good indicators that it’s potent stuff.

When I was growing up, Lysol or Pine-Sol liquids were the top cleaning solutions readily available. You made a bucket of warm sudsy water and went to work with a rag or sponge (feeling very much like the Cinderella image.) There were many problems. First, if you lived with my mom she’d get the water near scalding because hot is necessary for sanitizing. Second, you’d be dumping all that gross dirt and yuck back into your cleaning bucket with each wringing. The color of the water proved you were cleaning, but one couldn’t help but question the process of using that same discolored water to continue cleaning. The solution (or maybe the lazy aspect) was just to add more cleaner to the water. We never measured the stuff just added it to a bucket of water. Well, just as adhesive found it’s way to the backs of sanitary supplies, a “duh!” invention was around the corner for cleaning too - - disposable and single use applications. This is fantastic, but expensive and still full of perfumes and chemicals.

I’ve shared before how the disinfectant wipes have helped me find balance in my cleaning tasks. They are the only “cleaner” I buy these days. But I live with 100% satisfaction of sanitation. How you ask? I use a steam cleaner.

I’d watched an infomercial years ago on these. The concept of easily cleaning so many things with simple steam was very intriguing, as was the idea that you were sanitizing at the same time. Well, when we moved into our new home this past summer I had my hubby buy me one during the phase of new home settlement and the cash flow that centers around the selling and purchasing of a home.

I digest to share a funny, true story on the mastery of my own unit….Admittedly, I was intimidated. It reminded me of a pressure cooker….and although I use one for home canning, I still have a healthy respect for them. So I read through the manual and decided I’d use it another time when I had more time.

The next time I was ready, I couldn’t find where I’d put my manual! (Yes, the organizing queen organized a little too well!) I wasn’t comfortable enough to use it without re-reading the basic instructions. So it was postponed again. But success would be found the third time when I remembered where I’d put my manual. And as with all things, as soon as I jumped in, I found it wasn’t as hard or scary as I’d imagined. In fact, it was kind of fun - like a new adventure…LOL

Back to the present….Well, today I LOVE my little steam machine. It cleans and sanitizes nearly everything and I don’t ever have to buy cleaners again. (This is a strong consideration when you’re looking at the initial investment because we all know what budget busters those household items are!) I don’t have to stop during a cleaning process to refill or change anything, which makes big jobs like mopping much faster and so much easier! I choose the applicator for the specific job, steam away and then wipe the area with a towel. It’s amazing. For mopping, I have a mopping tool that has the towel over the device so the steaming and wiping are done in one swift movement. Cleaning time is drastically reduced as is the energy required to get satisfactory results, so I put it off less and I can do more deep cleaning all over the house with one tool at one time. The results of sanitation you can see and not smell are truly wonderful.

Now for the rainbow image…

• It’s square denoting balance.
• It has a common, even number in almost every element divided equally, also denoting balance.
• It isn’t a picture of perfect symmetry yet it depicts a pleasing balance visually.
• The number of colors in the rainbow is 7 - the only “odd” number element. Interesting that the number would be 7 and that it’s in the center.

You can see why this fit so perfectly for my concept of Simple Balance. If you strive for perfect you’ll get disappointed and discouraged because we’re human. If you allow for some spontaneity and flexibility without sacrificing the element you’re working on, you’ll still achieve a pleasing balance. We have 7 days every week to work on simplifying and balancing our lives. What are you doing with yours?

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Homemaker Sharing Potential Housework Balance