Domestic Delights: Tidy the Wash

After weeks of wintry weather, I've got the itch for spring cleaning. Anyone else? One mighty machine that often gets overlooked in our house is the washing machine. Did you know you should clean your machine at least 3 times a year? Lately I've noticed mine smelling a bit musty so I followed a quick cleaning process that's as easy as 1, 2, 3.

1. Begin a long wash cycle, using the fullest setting and the hottest water. Open the lid as it fills and add a quart of white vinegar. 

2. Next add a cup of baking soda. Allow the machine to fill and agitate for a few minutes until the baking soda is dissolved. Then turn off the machine and let the water sit inside machine for 30 minutes to an hour. During this time, use disinfecting wipes to wipe down the outside of the machine and inside the lid and surrounding areas that collect tons of grime. Be sure to clean under the rim and inside bleach and fabric softener wells too. You may want to use a toothbrush for small crevices.

3. After time is up, close the lid and run the cycle. Then run a second cycle with JUST hot water to rinse away any remaining dirt. 

You can help your machine stay fresh throughout the year by leaving the lid open between washes. This allows it to air out and avoid becoming musty.

Domestic Delights: Detox Bath Recipe

How many of you are ready for a change of pace in 2013 and already making changes towards healthier living?  The holidays took their toll on me and my entire family.  Weight gain, flu, sniffles and plain old exhaustion just to name a few!  I've never experienced the flu before but let me tell you friends, it is not fun.  This weekend I tried my first ever detox bath out of pure desperation and while I'm more of a shower type of girl, this recipe may have me converted.  Detox baths have so many health benefits and release toxins from the body using natural minerals and ingredients.  Their known to relieve sore muscles, clear acne, increase weight loss, improve circulation and the overall immune system.  Once I took my own detox bath using the recipe above, I felt relaxed, my muscles felt better and my skin softened.  I was SO relaxed afterwards that all I wanted to do was crawl up in bed so I recommend detox bathing just before bedtime!  Want to try for yourself?  Here are some tips:

• Make the water as hot as you can stand it.  You want to sweat!!!
• Detox bathing is intense with lots of sweating and increased heartbeat.  Focus on your breathing.
• Avoid soaps, shampoos and lotions during and after detox bathing.  Many contain chemicals which will only be absorbed through the pores.
• Use extreme caution when getting out of the bath.  It is normal to feel dizzy and lightheaded after a detox bath. 
• Avoid eating just before or after the detox bath.
• Drink lots of water after your bath and allow time to rest.
• Always consult a health professional prior to any type of detox if you have health issues, particularly high blood pressure.

Domestic Delights

How fitting that this occasion falls right before Thanksgiving?  Want to know a  secret?  I love, love, love to clean my fridge and think it may be one of my favorite domestic responsibilities!  There is something so rewarding about purging expired salad dressings and wiping down those bright white shelves that makes me feel like a happy housewife at cocktail hour.  So go ahead, try it....your kitchen will thank you.  For more tips on successfully cleaning your fridge, Martha has you covered with a free printable.  

Domestic Delights: Best Eye Makeup Remover

Who doesn't love a good home remedy?  Don't you admire those women who have one for everything?  Stains, repairs, beauty tips and kitchen basics.  Well, I've decided to highlight some of my favorite "Domestic Delights" here on the blog for my own safekeeping and to hopefully pick up a few from y'all too.  (I think there's a domestic goddess waiting to be unleashed in all of us!)

Today's domestic delight is an oldie but a goodie.  I've used Vaseline to remove my eye makeup since I was a teenager and nothing compares.  Simply place a pea size amount on a cotton pad and wipe across your eyelids.   Be sure to include the under eye area too.   Vaseline leaves the area around your eyes soft and moisturized.  It's also a great eyelash conditioner and super affordable.  For sanity reasons and ease of use, I prefer Vaseline in the tube.  Simplicity at its finest!