May 22, 2015

From Cookies to Muddy Boots - DIY Drying Rack

My "About Me" page claims that I re-cycle, 
up-cycle and repurpose for the sheer joy of it. 

Here's my latest joy...

We've all seen the boot drying racks with 
pretty stones, rocks or pebbles in a pan on 
Pinterest, right?

So pretty, yes, however, every time you want 
to clean out all the accumulated mud & dirt you 
have to dump out all the stones, wash them and 
let them dry a bit before putting them back in the pan.

Not very practical for this country girl.

Recycle Cookie Baking Sheets, DIY Boot Drying Rack

I needed something I could rinse off  easily 
with my hose and put back in place before 
the muddy boots started arriving again!

So here's my solution; old cookie sheet, 
cooling rack and pretty spray paint.

The cooling rack is easy to rinse & dry and 
allows maximum air flow for muddy/wet boots.



Honestly, I did not over think this too much, 
so it was a really quick project. 
I did not "prepare" the baking sheets in any way 
prior to painting. We've been using them now for 
over two months. Works perfectly! 




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Have you used the pebble/stone drying racks?
Do they work for your family?




scroll down to see where I'll be sharing today's post.

May 18, 2015

The Five Days of Spring - DIY Cleaners


Did I miss spring cleaning time? (I hope, I hope, I hope)
We just cleaned out the last of the ashes from our wood-burning stove. 
And, after this past weekend, my shoulders are sun-scorched. 
I'm sooo confused!

The definition of Spring

Spring: n.noun,the five days 
between the bone-chilling cold 
of winter and the sweltering heat 
of summer.


Got it!


Easy Household Cleaning Recipes
 


Here are the recipes I use to make my own household cleaners.

For my everyday cleaner, I purchased a heavy duty spray bottle from a local restaurant store. The others are from the Dollar Store.



This has been my only glass cleaner since 1989! 
Works perfectly!

DIY glass cleaner ~

2 Tbsp ammonia
1 tsp. dish detergent
1 pint rubbing alcohol
4 drops of blue food coloring (optional)
1 gallon hot water

Combine ingredients.
Fill a spray bottle & label.


However, if you would rather not use ammonia, here's an alternative that works just fine.

Combine 1 cup water with ¼ cup white distilled vinegar, 
add a few drops of blue food coloring to distinguish it as
a glass cleaner, if you wish. Fill a spray bottle & label.



DIY disinfectant cleaner ~


½ cup white distilled vinegar

2  cups hot water
10 drops tea tree oil (melaleuca oil)
1 teaspoon washing soda (optional)

Combine ingredients.
Fill spray bottle & label.


DIY degreaser ~


2 cups water

¼ cup oil based soap (Murphy's Oil Soap)
10 drops of your favorite essential oil

Mix well, fill a spray bottle & label.

to use: Shake, Spray and wipe with 
a damp cloth. 


Concerned about the safety of  Murphy's Oil Soap, 
check the Good Guide.


And finally, my everyday cleaner...


DIY all-purpose cleaner ~


2 cups water

2 Tablespoons dish-washing liquid

Combine, fill spray bottle & label.

Use whichever dish-washing liquid 
you normally use for hand washing
your dishes. 




Labels.
Using my Cricut & the free Cricut Craft Room software, I made these cute labels but in the end, I just popped the letters on instead. 






Do you make your own
household cleaning products?

Do you have a great recipe 
you would like to share?



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