The Day I Discovered My New Bathroom Superhero
It was a hot summer day twenty-one years ago, just a few weeks after I had given birth to our son. As I was resting at home, exhausted, a vacuum cleaner salesman knocked on my door, determined to give me a demonstration. Normally, I would have waved him off, but that day, I just didn’t have the energy to say no. So, I invited him in, and boy, was I in for a surprise!
As I watched that vacuum cleaner in action, I was amazed. I had no idea a vacuum could clean so thoroughly! I was practically sold right then and there. Before the salesman even left, I had made the decision to invest in that Kirby vacuum, despite my husband’s initial skepticism about the $1,000 price tag. But you know what they say – when you find a cleaning tool that works wonders, it’s worth every penny.
Fast forward two decades, and that Kirby vacuum is still going strong in our home. It’s become the standard by which we judge every other vacuum we’ve owned since. And just recently, my daughter Kylee introduced me to another cleaning hero – the spray mop. [1] She was so excited about it that I couldn’t resist ordering one for myself on the spot.
Embracing the “Clean Enough” Mindset
Now, I’ll admit, I’m not exactly a cleaning perfectionist. I much prefer what I call a “clean enough” approach to maintaining my home. I want my house to be comfortable and livable, not a museum. That means I’m always on the lookout for cleaning tools and techniques that make my life easier, without demanding too much of my time and energy.
For example, when we remodeled our kitchen, I made sure to choose flooring that would hold up well to the high traffic and abuse of our busy household. [1] We have two dogs and two “fur cousins” who visit frequently, so the floors needed to be pet-proof and easy to maintain. Sure, they might not be the most glamorous option, but they’re pretty and, more importantly, a breeze to keep clean.
The same goes for my white slipcovered sofa. I love the look, but I know it requires a bit more attention than, say, a leather couch. Still, the tradeoff is worth it to me because I adore the aesthetic. As long as the cleaning is relatively doable, I’m happy to put in the effort.
Discovering the Power of Steam Cleaning
One day, my daughter Kylee was telling me about how she uses a steam cleaner to tackle the tile and grout in her bathroom. Intrigued, I invited her over to give me a demonstration. What she showed me was nothing short of amazing.
Even though I thought my floors were pretty clean, the steam cleaner was pulling up all sorts of dirt and grime from the grout that I didn’t even know was there. [2] It was like a whole new world of clean had been unveiled before my eyes. I was so excited by the results that I immediately ordered my own steam cleaner.
Toxic-Free Cleaning with a Twist
One of the things I love most about using the steam cleaner is that it allows me to clean my home without exposing my family to toxic fumes. We use Thieves Household Cleaner, a natural, plant-based solution, for all of our cleaning needs. [1] It’s gentle, effective, and doesn’t leave behind any harsh chemicals.
The process is simple: I just spray the floor with a diluted Thieves solution, then go over it with the steam cleaner. The steam helps to lift and dissolve even the most stubborn dirt and grime, leaving my tiles, tubs, and showers sparkling clean. And the best part? No nasty chemical smells lingering in the air.
Maintaining that Squeaky-Clean Look
Of course, preventing dirt and grime buildup in the first place is key to keeping my bathroom looking its best. That’s where my secret weapon comes in – a trusty squeegee with a suction cup. [3] After every shower, I make sure to give the glass a quick wipe-down, which helps to prevent water spots and that pesky soap scum from taking over.
And for those times when I do notice some hard water stains creeping back, I have a little bottle of Enduroshield that I use as a protectant. [3] A few spritzes after a good steaming, and my shower doors look brand new again. It’s like having a personal cleaning fairy on hand, ready to swoop in and save the day.
The Joy of a Clean Enough Home
At the end of the day, my goal isn’t to have a flawless, magazine-worthy bathroom. It’s simply to create a space that feels fresh, inviting, and easy to maintain. With the help of my trusty steam cleaner, natural cleaning solutions, and a few clever tricks, I’ve been able to achieve just that.
Sure, it might take a little elbow grease here and there, but the payoff is worth it. I no longer dread tackling those pesky cleaning tasks, because I know I have the tools and techniques to get the job done quickly and effectively. And that, my friends, is the true secret to a happy, “clean enough” home.
Sources
[1] Melissa @ The Inspired Room. (2021, March 27). The Cleaning Tool I Didn’t Know I Desperately Needed for My Kitchen and Bathroom. https://theinspiredroom.net/the-cleaning-tool-i-didnt-know-i-desperately-needed-for-my-kitchen-and-bathroom/
[2] Polished Habitat. (2015, February 4). Cleaning Hard Water Stains. https://www.polishedhabitat.com/clean-hard-water/
[3] Clean and Scentsible. (n.d.). How to Deep Clean Your Bathroom. https://www.cleanandscentsible.com/how-to-deep-clean-your-bathroom/