I am totally addicted to my red Oxo duster. I don't even put it away with the rest of my cleaning supplies. What amazes me is how all the dust stays on the duster unlike most microfiber cloths. I properly wash my cloths too, and they do a good job, but they also will move dust around a bit. The duster doesn't because of the deep fibers. Plus it slides in and out of tight places and I don't have to use my hand!

Oxo rocks. lol

This bread box is the best thing I've bought in years. I've had others, but they weren't very roomy. Read the reviews. Even my dh commented on it. I use it for breads and snacks. It gets stuff off the counters.

My camera always make thing appear smaller.

Best Bread Box Ever.

Has anyone tried baby oil to clean their stainless ?

I don't like to use oily products on my stainless because it attracts dust , lint , anything floating around . Plus I find it shows finger prints worse.

OK something new to add . This thing is awesome ! I am always looking for a place to put the hot lid down to stir the pot and don't want it dripping all over the stove or countertops . This is such a simple device but so practical . It works very well and will hold very big heavy lids including my enamel cast iron . So cheap it's a no brainer. I am buying several for gifts.

Lid and spoon rest

OMG Cajun, I needed that thing last night! I will be ordering one soon. Thank you!

Donna

I used a pumice stone on our older Kholer toilets but I just can't make myself use one on our $450+ Totos! They both have a ring that I can't get rid of. I wish I could be POSITIVE it wouldn't hurt the finish. How can removing a polished surface not harm the surface?

I love all things OXO :) Does the OXO duster do a better job than Swiffer extendable duster? I like the dispose-ability of the Swiffers. Is the OXO duster as flexible as in being able to weave in and out of tight spaces? These dusters are great for baseboards (not just high places) when bending over is a physical limitation, or behind toilets where hair and dust collect or to quickly go around cabinet bases and walls on hard surfaces.

iRobt Braava, formally known as Mint by Evolution, hard surface sweeper and mop. OMGosh, I don't know how I'd be able to maintain a spotless floor without it! I accidentally discovered the Mint several years ago. A clean floor is a must for me. Due to some physical limitations, it's also something I have trouble doing. After watching a few videos and reading reviews, I ordered one. It's life changing! And it does a much better job that I would do with a microfiber dry mop. And it also frees up time for me to do other things...kinda like using a dishwasher vs washing by hand or clothes washer vs a scrub board :) You can use the included microfiber cloths or Swiffer pads. I use the latter. They seem to work better. It also wet mops using a "Y" movement along the floor. It's awesome! I'll sometimes use the wet mop at night right before going to bed and wake up to a freshly mopped kitchen/hall/bathroom. Love it/NEED it so much I bought two. It's very very quiet. About the only thing you hear is the pad going across the floor or when it gently hits the baseboard. It won't fall down stairs or off a split level floor. There are You Tube videos galore.

I bought the OXO red duster and it's awesome! I already had the roll-up-over-the sink-drainer and it's also awesome.

I will add the Chef's Choice electric egg cooker to the list. Perfect eggs every time!

https://www.amazon.com/Chefs-Choice-810-Gourmet-Cooker/dp/B000FKT6UA

monicakm_gw, I used Coke to clean my toilet. Crazy, but it worked!

Diet or regular Coke ? ;) How much? I'll get one out of DH's cooler in his work truck and try it tonight. Thanks! Oh, how long do you let it soak?

Here you go! And further proof that coke should not be in the human body:)

http://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Toilet-With-Coke

Ravencajun, that lid/spoon rest is perfect! I could have used it tonight making dinner! And I like that it's stainless steel. I'm rather particular about my kitchen tools and their colors/materials.

Tibbrix, I'd love to hang my laundry out to dry on a clothesline. This was one of my chores as a kid, and there really is nothing like clothing that's been line-dried in fresh air and sunshine. But our neighborhood doesn't allow clotheslines. I should start a petition to get this ban removed... allowing sheets and towels, but not our unmentionables. ;-)

Hi Monica - I agree with you. Pumice sticks work because they are a mild abrasive. It is the same science behind Magic Erasers. If you over-use either one, they are indeed abrading away the surface. The trick is to not over use them, and unfortunately you don't know you've over done it until the surface is permanently marred. It seems some toilets' finished surfaces can handle the pumice stones while other ones lose their shiny appearance. Once you've lost that shiny protective coating, keeping up with the hard deposit rings is going to be your new full time job. ;) I won't use pumice stones in my toilet for just that reason, but like everything in life, your mileage may vary. :)

Monica, the duster is much better than swiffer and cloths of all types. Because it's fluffy the dust goes inside of it a bit. When I'm dusting the tv components, I lift a component barely off the shelf with one hand and use the duster under it.

I was surprised at how much dust came out the first time I shook it on the porch! Like I said, I don't put it away, I keep it out. :)

Read the reviews.

Rory, I have the Bellmain egg cooker and making boiled eggs is a breeze! Especially deviled eggs. What's nice is when I turn it on I don't have to worry about timing, or eggs leaking or cracking. Since it turns off after 10 min., they stay hot so I don't have to rush and get them. And, there's no pot to wash!

The trick to a perfect boiled egg in the cooker, IMO, is to let the egg sit a few minutes longer after it turns off, then crack the egg shell one at a time under cold running water. The shell just slides off.

OK are you ready for the information on the very best way to clean the toilet safely? I would not use pumice on my new one either.

Go buy several boxes of cheapo fizzing denture cleaning tablets! Think about it toilet is porcelain too. Dump the tablets in the bowl and let the fizzing begin just leave them alone. Come back later when fizzing has stopped, I run the brush around a bit to make sure everything is loose and flush a couple times! It is safe for septic too. How many depends on the ring!

You can also just pour some Borax in the toilet, let it sit overnight, then flush. You can swish it if you want to!

I started using concentrated Simple Green all-purpose cleaner as a laundry stain remover. I like products that are dual purpose and had not had great luck with products actually labeled as laundry stain remover. My husband seems to always get stains on his nice kaki colored shorts or pants. Even oil comes out but that does need two treatments .

I think I am going to order the oxo duster but the one with the extension handle. I think for me it would be more practical since I am usually sitting rather than standing. I had a very nice starfibers extension cleaner that I loved but I just found it broken in the house, apparently some of the workers decided to use it and didn't take the time to figure out how to use it. How difficult is it to twist the handle to extend? Does any one have the oxo long handle version?

justerrilynn, I stopped using stain remover products years ago. They just don't work (with my water anyway). What does work like a charm is to dab full strength laundry detergent on the stains. I pour out the amt I'm going to use in the laundry and use my finger to dab the spots then put the rest in the dispenser. I usually use the pre-soak setting also. Stains are HISTORY!

well now you all have me nervous about the pumice stick on the toilets. I barely even rubbed but it did get the mineral stains out. Hopefully I wont have to use them again too often. I did try denture tablets once, and it did nothing........but maybe I only used one. Again, for my issues, it's not dirt~ it just seems to be some mineral trace.

I used to use a pumice stick on the mineral deposits around my pool on the tiles I wasn't concerned about using it there it is recommended for that but I would be a little more concerned about the finish on an expensive new toilet. Old ones I would try it.

Have you ever started a fire in the fireplace but forgot to open the damper, so now there is smoke stain on the surround and mantle? Well, I have -- liquid dishwasher detergent cleaned it up lickety-split!

Liquid dishwasher detergent also worked best to clean an old, worn, covered with hard water/soap deposits bathtub.

My vacuum is my best cleaning tool. I use the floor brush attachment on my vacuum and vacuum the blinds every week or so (I also vacuum the lampshades, artwork, books in the bookshelf, curtains, and the carved secretary). Wiping them down I then only do twice a year, with my spring and fall cleanings, usually using my window cleaner or dish detergent.

I have one of those Ikea drainers and do find it very useful; I use it mostly as a dish drainer (it will hold a couple of salad plates, or glasses or) but also for rinsing produce from the garden or letting my cleaning sponges dry. Fits my sink perfectly, goes through the dishwasher fine. Seems they don't have it anymore (mine is the Bolhomen) but this looks pretty much the same: Ikea dish drainer/colander They also make two stainless versions.

I also have one of the Ikea plastic drains. It's black. Got the idea from a GW member, in fact. I like yours, though, raee, because of the wider ends. I use mine to hold my dish liquid, sponge, SS scrubber, etc. I love it.

I'll order the OXO duster next week. I've already got a sizeable order coming on Thurs from Amazon.

I have the long handled oxo duster. It's very easy to extend, just a light twist to unlock it to pull it out and again a light twist to lock it into position. Reverse the process to out it away. What does need more strength is the snap which holds the orange washable and replaceable cover on. The tab which the snap sits on could be a drop longer for an easier grip.

I use the floor brush attachment on my vacuum and vacuum the blinds
every week or so (I also vacuum the lampshades, artwork, books in the
bookshelf, curtains, and the carved secretary).

I'll have whatever she has for breakfast!

I tried the denture tablets last night. DH has a partial so we have those on hand. Couldn't use it on Toto #1 because the water level is lower than what it used to be and the ring is above the current water level. I'll be getting DH to fix that BECAUSE THE IT (DENTURE TABS) WORKED on Toto #2. OMGosh! I am so happy :) I used two tablets. Let it fizz and set while I took a bath and did my night face :) Thank YOU ravencajun!

I am so happy to hear that ! Add water to the toilet with a pitcher to get it higher water or put a brick in it.

I added water to it last night but it slowly drains back down. DH said he'll work on it this weekend. Thank you again.

ok going to try to remember to pick up denture tablets.... though for now at least my toilets are brand new looking again and look like they will only need the normal cleaning. I guess if I see that blue ring again I will definitely try the denture tablets.

I have another question-- I vaguely recall years ago using a "carpet rake" on the somewhat matted carpeted stairs. What I recall was something similar to a plastic comb with wide teeth. It was wonderful and gentle and really brought the carpet back. I looked online and all I see is some harsh painful looking metal things ......does anyone remember the gentle ones and where I might find one? thank you

I keep a box of denture tablets in the laundry room. They also work well with washable non-leather barefoot/ athletic type shoes. I basically hand rinse my shoes, scrub the insides with an old toothbrush, fill up a small wash basin with lukewarm water, plop in two tablets, and then let my shoes soak for an hour or so until the water is no longer blue. Rinse thoroughly, then air dry. Result: Fresh smelling, clean shoes. :)

I found something new and great! Actually my husband did. I told him we needed Beeswax because we have bought several pieces of antique furniture to replace the stuff lost in the flood. Most of the drawers are not easy glide and I wanted to rub Beeswax on them to help. He asked at Lowe's and no one knew what Beeswax was but they directed him to the furniture polish area. He found this stuff called Howard feed and wax wood polish and conditioner Beeswax and orange. It is very very thick and waxy smells good and omg it makes the drawers slide like new and no squeaks. It is also very good to bring the wood back to life. I tell you, you need this stuff! Lol

Monica, have you tried a pumice stone to clean that water line? That's what I've always used.

Raven, I had this sitting out to use this weekend! GMTA!

terriks, I used a pumice stone the last few years of our old Kohler toilets. And yes, it does work! But, I'm not comfortable using it on our expensive Totos. Maybe when they're 25-30 years old but not now ;) I'm afraid it just has to compromise the porcelain finish. I used the denture tabs on one of the Totos the other night and it WORKED! As soon as DH has time to adjust the water level in the other one (it's lower than it used to be and the water stain is above the water now) I'll use the denture tabs on that one too.

I just ordered from Amazon the OXO Good Grips Microfiber:
Delicate Duster, Hand Duster, Extendable Duster, Under Appliance Duster and two of the Copco 2555-0189 Non-Skid
3-Tier Cabinet Organizers (plan to use these for spices).
They should arrive Monday. Told my dog groomer about the OXO Good Grips Microfiber products and she is going to look into them to use in her salon.
I have to go to the Dollar Store and look for some of those inexpensive denture tabs.

Walnut, I rec'd my OXO delicate duster today. (I ordered from Jet.) I already have a great micro-fiber extendable duster. Also, those who use the Howard's Feed and Wax, I love it. I've been using it for years. Almost all our wood pieces are antiques and most do not have a poly/protective finish. On some pieces the wood tends to get dry. Howards products are great. You can find them in many antique shops too.

Monica, a few toilet tips I've used. (One of the toilets is an older type and the builders and contractors used it while building the house ; it ended up having a ring of calculus even though our water isn't hard. That toilet is a PIA to keep clean.)

I would be very reluctant to use even a soft pumice stone and here is why. Even a slight etch on the bowl will/can easily cause minerals (crystals) and stains to develope. This is because it can act as a nucleus for any minerals to attach. Ever grow crystals on a string suspended in a jar? Same idea.

Since the bowl water is low and the stain (and perhaps mineral ring) is above it and not in the water, you can better work in the ring this way. Use gloves ;)

In a small container, dissolve a few of those denture cleaning tablets in a small amount of water. Meanwhile fold toilet tissue into ~ 8 -10 inch strips (or use strips of paper towel. Saturate these strips with the denture tablet (concentrated) solution and position them along the bowl where the stain/ring is and go all around that level of the bowl interior this way. You may want to shut off the water and remove some of the water. Use your gloved fingers to pat the saturated paper onto the bowl so that it stays in place. (It probably will, but if not, I have a fix for that.)

Leave the saturated paper "ring" in place for several hours. Keep it saturated with more cleaning solution as required. And be sure that no one tries to use or flush the toilet as you don't want a clogged mess of tissue to fish out.

After a few hours (or overnight) you can pull back some of the paper to check for results. When the stains ring is gone, just fish out and dispose of the paper (don't flush all of it as it may stop up the toilet.

If the ring is largely stain, the denture cleaner will probably work. If the stain is holding on because it has a large mineral component (you can use a gloved finger to feel for any roughness or raised component), than you can use the same paper ring technique, but with a weak acid like Lime Away, cola, lemon juice or Tang.

Good luck.

Raven, I have a question about the Howard's Feed n Wax. I am currently searching for a vintage chest of drawers but as you can well imagine, the drawers on a lot of these do not glide very well, especially the ones for sale at the thrift shop. Will using the Howard's on the drawer surface, unstick those hard to open drawers? I have seen a few chest of drawers that look pretty but when I test the drawers, they don't glide very well and some hardly will pull out at all so I just pass them by.

That is exactly what we encountered with our new to us antique chest of drawers. They were hard to pull out and made screeching noise. I was looking for just Beeswax but I am glad my husband found the Howard's. He just used his hands and rubbed a generous amount along the drawers and glide area and instantly no more noise and much easier to glide. Then he started rubbing it on the surface and it has made a big difference. I had never heard of it before. He said an added benefit was it made his hands feel much better and smooth plus it really does smell good.

Thank you for the tip on the Howard's, Raven! We recently brought home two dressers my dad built, and were given the DH's family antique desk, and all three pieces have hard-to-move drawers. I will look for Howard's Feed & Wax!

Donna

What a fun thread! All this talk of cleaning toilets brings me to contribute my favorite toilet cleaning tool: a toilet mop. DH first used these in college when he cleaned the 3rd floor dorm bathrooms as his work-study job. (The guys loved him, they had the cleanest bathrooms in the whole dorm!) He begged me to find a toilet mop when we were fist married, but I only found the bristle styles in stores. He said the mop style worked so much better.

A few years later I heard about toilet mops in Don Aslett's cleaning books, but, again, I could never find one locally. Then I was swayed by Flylady hype and ordered "rubba swishas," and sadly, hated them for their intended purpose. After waiting for the scrubba to die, grumbling each time I used it, I finally broke down and looked for toilet mops on Amazon, and came across the Fuller Brush model. It works great, and I really like the flexible plastic cover that can be used to squeeze out the excess water after using it. I plan to put a command hook on the side of the tank and hang the mop by the hole in the handle. (I also tried a mop with a nylon type fluff head and didn't like it nearly as much as the Fuller Brush one.)

Fuller Brush Toilet Swab Now I see Amazon has a Don Aslett model, but I've not tried them.

TY, laughablemoments!! I have been looking for the forever! I don't like the bristle kind but have been unable to find the mop kind.

I swear by the Don Aslett toilet swabs. When I was doing my parents' home, the lakehouse & our home I was cleaning 9 bathrooms each week! I'm down to 7. I keep one of these sets on each floor.

I like the set below that's sold on QVC.com. You get 2 complete sets for $23 + shipping. There's a video that shows how to use the product. You don't need much. I always wear disposable gloves that I buy by the box at BJ's. The canister is a handy place to set the open, rinsed brush - keeps it from touching any other surface while it air dries.

I had to go to Fly Lady's site because I have the rubba scrubba but only use it on lamp shades and window screens. She has a rubba swisha for the toilet. Whew! lol I do recommend the rubba scrubba though,. it wipes all dust from my shades and doesn't harm the material.

I have a "thing" about cleaning toilets. I think I've become a bit of a germaphobe as I've gotten older so I now use Clorox Toilet Wands. I have one for each bathroom and my hands don't have to clean the tool that gets inside the toilet. I use clorox wipes for the rest of the toilet, and the tile surrounding the toilet.

Clorox Toilet Wand

Let's just say I really don't care about using green products in the bathroom. ;)

You're welcome, Tibbrix, glad I could be of some help.

Thanks, amck2. I just ordered a set of the Don Aslett toilet swabs from qvc.

Here's another option that is cheap and the heads are removable to toss in the washer , have extra heads . Thinking outside of the box .

Mop