Tip Tuesday: Muddy Boots in your Car!

Recently we got a new car. Since our Ford Escape was past the 200, 000 mile tune up and the bearings were making sounds we decided to upgrade at the end of the year with a Toyota Highlander. We can actually hear each other talk now. And even though we are still a one car family, at least we can make sure we have a more reliable car.

This car is a Limited hybrid with leather interior. The only bragging I am going to do, however, is put a plug in for my husband who managed to talk the sales guys into taking off almost $5, 000 off this 2007 used gray vehicle.

The only problem to date (knock on wood) with our new car is making the purchase smack dab in the middle of winter. MUD...SAND....SALT....your freshly cleaned car does not always keep so clean then.

Yes, we put the rubber shoe mats down for every seat. And we keep the car clean in between snow falls with wet, slushy streets.

So what is the problem, you ask? MUDDY, SOAKING WET, FILTHY WINTER BOOTS!

We have a 3 1/2 year old with muddy boots that has seemed to grow a little taller to reach the back of the new leather seats. He likes to kick the seat and even though we work on trying not to kick the seat, what little 3 1/2 year old remembers every time. Plus if he gets himself into his own car seat, he cannot manage on his own unless he uses the seat for a step stool.

Sounds all to familiar, right. More than kicking my back as I am driving, I find myself upset about the new leather seats. I know they can be wiped off but still every parent has high hopes that something will last longer than it really will. So I should get over it, right. But we just got it.

So I keep telling my husband to put plastic over the seat. His reply: "And how do you propose I do that (as he complains about getting it to stay or ruining the leather)?"

Well, we have yet to try it but what about those disposable table place mats that you can by at Walmart. The sticky removes easily making a permanent attachment unlikely or leaving marks. The picture would be fun for the kids. The place mat lays flat over the covered surface intended. And you can always replace with limited hassle. I think I might try it.

Wash Wednesday: Reuse Home Items for Cleaning

Sometimes I find that certain household items work better or even more better for other things other than what they were intended. Then I also find that being resourceful with what you have around the house can solve several other household problems eliminating the need for an expensive alternative.

What I am trying to get at is that I find that certain cleaning tools simply do not work. Too big, too awkward, too scratchy, too clumsy...nothing frustrates you more than not having the correct tools to get the job done. With experience I tried other items you would not normally think to use for cleaning but you soon realize they are more efficient and thorough. And I know we all like a clean house (even though it is unheard of with kids, right?).

Here are some examples of some items you would not normally think of using as cleaning tools.

Toothbrushes. First, I like to recycle our old, worn toothbrushes for those hard to reach, small cracks that need to be clean. A good example is scrubbing the toothbrush back and forth underneath the bathroom sink faucet to remove soap scum. I have also used the toothbrush to aid in cleaning food spills among the cracks around the stove top and oven. Just make sure that once used to clean, the toothbrush is not used on the teeth.

Kitchen Handled Scrub Brushes. Second, I like to recycle our long handled kitchen brushes to scrub the toilets. The handles are smaller for my hand making it easier to handle. The brushes are tougher and just the right size to reach under the lip of the toilet bowl getting those hard to reach bacteria infestations.

Automotive Sponges. Third, I like to buy automotive sponges you use to wash a car. What for? The larger surface of the sponge helps to clean the shower and tub faster with less the amount of elbow grease needed with a regular sponge. And if the sponge is safe on a car, it should be safe on the shower surface.

Do not be limited by the use of a tool. Think outside the box about what works for you and gets the job done. And let me hear your ideas on being more efficient with the right tools.