FREE to Good Home

What can I say?  As a former advertising and marketing executive, I must admit that I’m a sucker when it comes to new product introductions. But I am not naïve.  I know full well that a lot of new product claims are hype and often do not deliver expected results.  This knowledge however does not dissuade my search for the latest “new and improved” invention that might make house cleaning chores a little easier or add youthful appearance to my skin.  I am always intrigued and will give any new product an opportunity to replace the brands I use. 

Recently I realized I had accumulated an arsenal of carpet cleaning supplies, none that remove stains as well as my tried and true Spray’n Wash laundry aid– which has since been rebranded as Resolve.  Knowing how fickle consumers can be, I decided to find a good home for my barely-used or never-opened selection of perfectly good items, especially since I intend to replace our carpeting with tile floors anyway.  With our varying levels of expectations, preferences and even prejudices, I was sure some were loyal brands to at least of few of my co-workers.  To this day, I can remember my dad would never have purchased anything but a Pontiac.  Were he still alive, I can’t help but wonder what he would buy in today’s marketplace.  His 1971 Catalina remains in my mother’s garage to this day.

Rather than saving the unused cleaning supplies for the next hazardous waste event, giving them away like they were kittens seemed like a clever idea.  To entice action and disposal of the aerosol cans and potentially toxic contents of the spray bottles, I created a “FREE to Good Home” tag for the outside of a recycled gift bag.  No question my intent.  Next morning I placed the bag in the break room for some lucky recipient.  Make that plural.  I had assumed the bag and all its contents would go home with one person.  Instead, I noticed everyone was very discriminating and either selected a product with which they were familiar or wanted to try.  A couple of items remained in the bag at the end of the day, but when I returned from vacation a week later – the empty bag with tag were returned to my desk.  Now another “FREE to Good Home” event is in the making.

Cleaning Tip for Acrylic Tubs

Has your Jacuzzi lost its luster?  Heeding the caution of the manufacturer to avoid non-abrasive cleaners, I found ArmorAll Detailer to be the perfect solution.  Since my Jacuzzi instructions suggested an occasional application of car paste wax to maintain the finish, the easy spray-on types seemed a logical choice for weekly cleanings.  With glass shower doors, the tub is always visible to guests who visit Moose Man’s bath so squeaky clean and shiny is important.  I have also used several of the “water-less” car cleaning products with success.  House Rule:  To keep shower doors from accumulating soap scum, they are sprayed with Fresh Shower after each use and wiped down with a towel before leaving the tub.

Great for the Kitchen, too!

I also use Armor All Detailer on my kitchen countertops and all appliances except for stainless.  For stainless, I recommend club soda applied with a soft cloth in the same direction as the finish for a streak-free shine.

Glenda Mink, a self-taught copycat who learns from others, is employed full-time outside the home, averaging a 50-hour work week.  She also co-operates her oldest son’s successful publishing company evenings and weekends, along with soulmate Wonderful Wally.   Nana to two teenage grandchildren, Cameron and CayLeigh, she describes herself as an “expert on nothing,” but hopes readers will find inspiration and a few good ideas from re-invented projects for use around home and garden.

COMING SOON! 

“What to Do . . . Musings, e-Tips and Ideas” is Nana’s currently under development website that will include content from weekly Nana’s Home and Garden columns and much more.  This website will add the convenience of credit card payments and the opportunity to download recipe and project idea files.