The Funkey Smell

When I got up today and the kids went skating I noticed a strange smell from one of the room. Moms you know that smell of an upset tummy but no little one hiding in the room. I just got some Melanuca products and thought I would try them out as I searched for the smell. I tried the glass cleaner because I like immediate feedback and wow my windows were cleaner and no chemical smell. I then polished the furniture and while it cleaned and polished I could not get rid of the smell. There were spots on the walls from little fingers so I used the general cleaner and that worked but the smell was still in the room. I took out the disinfectant and sprayed the room and then vacuumed. Smell was less but still there. Short of cleaning the rug I could not find it. And yes, I did sniff on all fours. Room was clean but where was it from….


I decided to trim the dead leaves from my rubber plant. I needed to do that and just reshape it a little. Boy was that smell stronger. I checked around the pot and looked inside. It seemed my little ones had over watered the pot and by rubber plant had this RED algae growing in the excess water. Anyway, I sniffed and sure enough that was the source of the stink. Outside went the plant (we are warm enough now for it to stay near the house) and outside went all the water containers. I cleaned them with vinegar and doused them with my new disinfectant. Smell is now gone.

So my lesson is don’t blame the little ones even though all signs point to them. I was so sure one of mine had had an accident of some type and did not want to tell Mommy about the mess. But no it was a simple overwatering of a plant. I really think Dad did it but do not tell him I said that. Well my new products work like a charm. The front room is clean and now I am going to clean my whole house. The products don’t make my hands feel like they were in chemicals but do make the house look and feel cleaner. The jury is still out but so far I am happy with them. DM me for more info on them but check your plants for too much water.

Hmm I guess I should repot my rubber plant???

Clutter and More Clutter

I love to store things and since I have a green home, I do not like to use plastic.  I found these on-line and love them.  I took some old sheets and cut out some liners for them.  I like to attach them with this Velcro washable tape Velcro Brand Fabric Fusion Tape 3/4"X5' White 91029  That way, when the liner gets soiled, I can stick it in the washer.  I always liked the lined baskets but could never get the liner out and washed and then back in.  This velcro was the solution.

I store my sweaters in them with some cedar planks Kingsford KWP10 Cedar Planks.  That keeps the moths away and does not use harmful chemicals.  In the winter I switch and put my polo's in them. 

Clean winter boots go in the big one.  They are safe and out of mind.  Labels on the outside help keep me organized. I use some pretty ones made for the garden and I plant them down the front side.  I write in calligraphy and that makes even the most mundane item look nice.

I found a great tip for getting rid of old cloths.  I stick a clothespin on ever item.  Then I give it the season.  If I only gave it a month or two, I could talk my way into keeping the item.  When I wear an item, the pin comes off.  Anything that still has a pin at the end of the season gets put into a basket for donation or gets thrown in the rag box.

DONATION HINT.  Keep a writing tablet in the box with a pen or pencil attached by a cord in the basket.  When you put something in write it.  Check out the donation value at these sites Salvation Army  or Good Will and write down the value of each item.  With the proper receipt you can get a deduction.