When I am a guest, I always offer my help but do as the hostess asks. When I am the hostess I do NOT want people washing dishes and cleaning up. If they want to bring their plate from the table, I let them, but I prefer to do all that, also, as people generally just set dirty dishes all over the place and don't attempt to stack plates or bowls, put flatware in one place, etc., so the countertops instantly become filled with mess. I prefer to put food away after the meal, and maybe stack and organize the dirty dishes, but then I would rather enjoy the guests' company and clean the kitchen up after guests all leave. Besides, I had a guest (close family member) once start using a stainless steel scrubby on my sterling silver!!!!!!!!!! I quickly took it out of her hand and handed her a soft cloth to wash them with. I also do NOT like hunting for everything in the cupboards when others have put clean dishes away. I don't understand the 'out of sight no matter what' philosophy. I have an extremely organized kitchen for a reason, and I just prefer to do the work in it myself. I do happen to be a person who enjoys washing dishes and loading dishwashers. It is my down time when I reflect on the evening and other matters.

I would strongly suggest NOT using Murphy's Oil Soap on any kind of finished wood surface. It can do more than clean --- it can also damage the finish over time. It will also damage the finish on vinyl floors - use distilled white vinegar instead, or whatever the manufacturer of the product suggests. What you "think" is dirt on your cleaning rag is probably the finish slowly being removed. What you "think" is a clean shine is just a coating of chemical crap that traps dirt and dust on the surface. Hubby is a V.P and CKD with a cabinet manufacturing company (40-years with the company), and when they see damaged finishes, it's usually from people using Murphy's Oil Soap on cabinets, so they specifically state not to use it or it will void the warranty. Use Murphy's Oil Soap at your own risk in your own home, but if you are cleaning someone else's home, I would suggest nothing more than mild soap and water will do the trick just as well. And make sure you have good liability insurance for any damage you may have to repair. Even better - for you, the environment, and your pocket (cost) - switch to cleaning with steam instead of a long list of harmful chemicals you enjoy so much. I have friends who take care of some of the most expensive homes in our area, and all they use are steam cleaners and distilled water for their machines. Occasionally they may need a natural cleaner - vinegar, baking soda, liquid castile soap.... But they don't need a tote full of dangerous chemicals. -Grainlady

White porcelain is pretty classic for a bathroom sink. But I am also in the school of not understanding why there should be toothpaste residue. I am not a fanatic neatnik but even I generally just run my finger over any toothpaste scum or other residue after I have finished since it literally takes two seconds and that way I never have anything that has hardened and which takes more effort to clean.

This website presents some unique opportunities. For one, we at least have opportunity to learn from the mistakes of others, so as not to be punished by nature for repeating their errors; but, that thought needs to be tempered by the fact that even though humans are unique in that they CAN learn from the mishaps that befall their neighbors, they are at the same time very often disinclined to do so. I want to make my own mistakes, I want to do it MY way, and I want to do it as soon as possible!! When you stop to think about it, experience is little more than the name we give to our mistakes ..... and I learned that long ago through experience. Endeavors that involve horticultural hobby pursuits are such that a huge % of growers are at a disadvantage from lack of ability to identify what caused a particular plant to respond in a particular way. Plentiful are the horticultural myths that arose from "science" made up to fit the observation. It actually takes a reasonable working knowledge of horticulture to accurately evaluate much of what happens as a result of our day to day actions, and illustrative examples of that contention abound in most threads of any length. Wisdom, as opposed to knowledge, comes when we're able to anticipate the results that come from various actions. We all interact with our plants on different planes. The more we learn, the greater the potential to elevate the plane on which we interact. For example - we all have that 'nurturing bone', or we wouldn't be here. I very often try to impress on growers the idea that plants have natural rhythms, and it's better if we learn to work with the plant, playing to the its strengths or strong periods during the growth cycle and making allowances for periods during which the plant is weaker. Not only does that make things easier for the grower AND the plant, it also increases the sense you're being a better nurturer by laying plans and timing activities in consideration the plants' natural rhythms. Just some things to think about ................ T-storms here. Al