Bathtub Cleaner: Trial & Error

Because we are still month to month on our apartment, I have been slowly deep cleaning and packing everything. If I get a job offer, we may need to pick up and move within a week or two. I hate cleaning the bathroom, but the bathtub needed scrubbed..big time. We aren't dirty people, but I feel we aren't the only family who neglects to clean their bathtub more than once a year.

I wish I would have taken pictures, but of course, I didn't think about it until after the fact...

Scrubbing Bubbles Bathroom Cleaner

I had a can of this left over from my college days. I don't like letting things go to waste, so I went ahead and used it on our tub. I sprayed it all over the tub, let it sit for 30 minutes, scrubbed it, let it sit another 30 minutes, and rinsed it off.

Well, it looked a little better...maybe? I wasn't too impressed with the results. The dirt and grime was still visible. I don't remember how much I spent on this can of cleaner, but it was definitely a waste of money - I won't be buying it again.

This cleaner gets two thumbs down from me.

Borax

Borax is my favorite thing to use as a cleaner in the dishwasher and washer - so why not use it in the bathtub? The box suggested sprinkling it on the surface, scrubbing with a damp washcloth or sponge, and letting it sit for at least 30 minutes. I did just that, but let it sit for an hour (our tub was really dirty).

After rinsing the Borax out of the tub, I was disappointed that there were still some spots with scum and grime!

When I can't figure out something, I turn to Google. I searched for homemade bathtub cleaners, and came across the next recipe...

Hot Vinegar + Dish Soap

We have a winner!

I used all of the dish soap we had left (maybe 1/4 cup) and put it into a spray bottle. I microwaved about 3/4 cup white vinegar for 90 seconds. I put the vinegar in with the dish soap, and shook the spray bottle to mix everything up. I sprayed the bathtub until the solution was gone. After letting it sit for about 10 minutes, I scrubbed away. Most of the Google results said you didn't need to scrub, but our bathtub has so many little grooves..I wanted to make sure the tub was covered. I let it sit for another 50 minutes. I then turned on the shower with the hottest water setting. I let it run for about 10 minutes. The bathtub looks amazing - almost like it did when we moved in!

Another article recommended keeping a scrubber brush with 1/2 vinegar and 1/2 dish soap in the shower. Scrub once a week while you're in there!

This was one of the cheapest solutions, and ended up being the best. I also saw that some use a similar solution for window cleaner. We still have quite a bit of Windex left, but once that is gone...I'll be trying it out and letting you guys know about it!

Welcome to the Family, Bo! (& Life Update)

After picking up Oscar up at the vet last Monday, we went inside the humane society to see if his brother was still there. Bo was there alright, but not the happy kitten I remembered. He was very depressed looking and his fur was so dirty. After closely monitoring his profile on their website all week, I could not believe he still had not been adopted by Friday!

We went in on Friday, ready to add another furbaby to the family. Unfortunately, he was at the vet getting neutered...so we couldn't get him until Saturday. On Saturday, Jon was gone for a guys weekend, so I got to the humane society right when they opened to get Bo. He still seemed depressed and was very anxious the whole car ride home. Once I got him home, he ran around like a crazy cat. He was very, very scared. Oscar hissed when he first saw him, then they immediately bonded again. They've been inseparable ever since - we're so happy we kept these brothers together!

Mia still hasn't figured out how to play with kittens. She was so used to 13 pound Ying, and now she has 4 pound kittens. We have to constantly remind her to be gentle. It's going to take some time, but I think she's finally learning.

Bo seems more comfortable here (less terrified) and his fur finally feels clean! I think we have a pair of very happy kitties. They have also been eating all of their food! The first few days, they were barely eating anything, which made mommy and daddy a bit nervous.

They've been such a blessing this last week and a half. I love them both so much. I originally thought Oscar would be the cuddle bug, but Bo is starting to come out as a sweetheart. I think Oscar keeps reassuring him that he'll be okay and we're a good family.

Bo is on the left, Oscar on right

Last night, we got the call that Ying is ready to be picked up. We are going to go get him this evening. I'm still so, so sad about him leaving us. While the new babies have been a blessing, we still miss Ying. Even Mia misses Ying - they were best buddies (even though they did fight a lot). I keep hoping all of it was just a nightmare that I have yet to make up from. We are still working on what we want to do for him. On our list so far is a memory album and a shadow box with his bowtie(s), favorite toys, and pawprint).

Now for a job update - still nothing. Some of you have been asking, I did get a job offer last week from a company. I accepted the offer, and the salary they sent me was not what they had originally proposed. I rejected the offer because I just did not have good feelings about all of the shadiness that was happening. I do have an interview in Bloomington next week, though. It is for a position I really want (it's in the industry I'm aiming for). If this job doesn't work out, it's my sign from God to focus on my Master's next month and find a part-time opportunity or internship. These past three months have been so stressful, and it is definitely taking a toll on my body. I don't feel well very often. I have canker sores and migraines all of the time, and my IBS is constantly acting up.

The unemployment office has been ridiculous, but it looks as though the new claim will be starting next week. I just need to keep reminding myself - God has provided this whole time. He knows what He is doing. I'm ending this post with one of my favorite verses (that will soon be added to my Breathe tattoo).

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?" 

- Matthew 6:25-27

Welcome to the Family, Oscar!

On Sunday after church, Jon and I decided to go take a peek at the Humane Society across the street. We went in there and it was so chaotic - they were having a sale on cats this weekend because they had over 400!! I have never been into a shelter before and had no idea what to expect. They had 4 different cat rooms, as well as some kitties in the lobby.

There were so many sweet older cats, but because we have never experienced kittens, we mutually agreed we would try to find a kitten (or at least a younger cat).

Then we looked over and saw this little boy (4 month old Luke) >>

He was crying and once I reached out to pet him, we had an instant bond. He loved having his chin and nose rubbed. He was so incredibly cuddly and such a lover!

After checking out his information, we noticed he was a stray and came in on Friday. I looked at Jon and said it was meant to be! What a great way to honor Ying's memory.

We couldn't take him home on Sunday because he wasn't neutered yet, so we got to bring him home yesterday evening after surgery. He loves exploring the apartment! He has only sniffed Mia through her kennel. We aren't letting them interact until his wound has healed.

Last night he did so good! He only woke us up a few times with his ninja-ness (attacking, jumping, and running). He is too sweet!

Some may say it's too early, but we were so incredibly distraught and depressed with the loss of Ying. Oscar has brought so much joy into our life already (and he's only been here a day!). Ying would have loved for us to save another cat. We saved him, and now it was time to pass it forward!

Now time for kitty pictures!!