I’m once again joining in with Rhonda’s on my mind weekly link up.
I have a few things on my mind this Friday. One is homemade cleaning goods. The lovely Kelli from KelliOnegave me a copy of the book, ‘Speed Cleaning’ that she didn’t want anymore, and I found an idea I’ve been keen to try out…
Homemade timber cleaner! I mixed up a paste with some ash from the fireplace, and used it to clean these chairs my father made for me.
I personally would only ever try this on sealed timber, just to make sure it’s ok. Wanna see how it turned out?
And yes, I know the floor below is filthy, I just figured if I’d be cleaning with ash paste, I’d need to clean the floor afterward anyway, so why worry, right?
All in all, I’m happy with the result. I’ve talked before about how I’ve used oils as wood polish, but no matter how much I buff it, my children always slip off their chairs afterward! With this paste, I wipe it on, rinse it off with a wet cloth then buff it dry. I found using less ash to be more effective than ton of the stuff.
I love that this is using a resource that normally has no use. We burn boxes in our house as a cheap way to keep warm in winter, and to reuse our household waste. I’m so happy that this book has given me a free option to clean our wooden furniture.
The other thing on my mind is that today I’m launching my new site within Hear Mum Roar: Winning Mums. I know how much some of you love a giveaway, and I’m the same. So I’ve created a site where bloggers or other companies can submit their giveaways at one, easy to find site for free. The only thing it needs now is the forum installed and some giveaways posted on there. If you are currently running a giveaway, I’d love it if you’d submit one, so I can check it’s all working well.
With the forum side of things, it will start out with one or two categories, and if it takes off well, I’ll add more. If it doesn’t get used, I’ll get rid of it. Time will tell.
I hope you have a lovely Friday and weekend. What are your plans?
Other reading:
Ash and water make lye, which is extremely caustic and can kill you. Please be super careful with this!
OMG Dani, really? Thanks so much for letting me know! I’ll have to look into that. This was fine when I used it, but I made a rather sloppy paste if you know what I mean. But definitely worth doing some research to find how to ensure it’s safe. Will share any findings.
I’ve found this link on how lye is made, it seems different: http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Lye
I’ve got “Speed Cleaning” as well. It’s great isn’t it? Shannon has some fantastic ideas. Now, to get it off the shelf and actually read it again! LOL The chair came up really well.
Anne @ Domesblissity
Anne @ Domesblissity´s last post ..Picnic lunch with the kids and a bribe
Yes, I’m really happy with it, Anne:)
That’s a really great cleaning tip and the chairs look brand-new!
I look forward to reading your other tips
Visiting you from the ‘Down to Earth’ link-up.
Have a great weekend!
This Good Life
http://this-good-life.blogspot.com/2011/07/on-my-mind-shabbatweekend.html
I hope you enjoy your weekend too!
This reminds me that I need to do some major cleaning this summer and summer is almost half over and I haven’t started! love,andrea
Andrea´s last post ..On My Mind Friday, Surely I Must Have Some Hidden Talent
Oh you lucky thing, Andrea! It’s winter here in Australia and absolutely freezing!
I am impressed with the cleaning results on the chair but even MORE impressed with your dad’s handiwork! Does he make furniture for a living?
Maggie´s last post ..My Personal Tips on Alleviating the Ringing
He was, but at the moment he’s not doing as much because my mum’s had a stroke and he’s looking after her. But he really does make some beautiful things!
I am also using ash as a cleaner for my furniture and even dirt on the kitchen. It’s pretty effective!
Do you have timber benchtops, Family Help, or something else? Glad to hear it’s working for you:)
Those chairs are beautiful and they polished up well.
Janelle´s last post ..Enter Here
Thanks, Janelle:) The one in the background hadn’t yet been done when I took this photo, trust me, it needed a good clean after what my kids put these chairs through! lol
These are great information, I was glad I happen to stop by on your blog. I cant believe how those ashes could clean those chairs. Very great idea I will try it at home. Thanks!
Allexa U´s last post ..Woodworking Plans