Hi Melody, I never do this but I just have to tell you how much I love your channel, you have a soothing calmness about you that I really appreciate and your philosophies about minimalism, cleaning and organizing really speak to me in a way no other UA-camr does. A few years ago I was finally diagnosed with asthma after years of suffering silently, not understanding why harsh cleaning products made me so miserable. After watching your videos on minimalist cleaning I have started cleaning with only vinegar, water and baking soda and I absolutely love it! I will endure the mildly annoying smell of vinegar for a few minutes if it means my lungs will stop trying to kill me! I will never ever go back to cleaning with harsh chemicals, thank you very much! This may not be the place to ask but... I am about to buy my first house in a week! Ironically it is a rather large home (4 bedrooms for 2 adults and a toddler) and I have been trying to use this time to get rid of all non-essential possessions before we move. Do you have any advice on the best methods for de-cluttering while I pack for the move? I am also concerned that once we move in we will struggle with keeping such a large space minimal... the temptation to fill every room with stuff may be too great. As a renter I have never lived in one space for more than a few years which has helped me stay minimal so the idea of living in a home for potentially decades has me more than a little concerned. Any advice you feel like sharing I would appreciate, thanks!
Your videos are great for auditory and visual learners. Love that you show us every little thing when speaking and you have tips on the side that we can read. Very engaging and professional. Thanks for sharing!
I find your videos very soothing! I'm moving towards a more minimal life (at age 50 I'm finally ready to let STUFF go). I like the idea of minimal cleaning products. I always bought the "new and improved" of anything, but always went back to the same tried and true few. I'll stick with those! I even got rid of so many dishes we don't use our dishwasher anymore lol I wash the 2 plates, 2 mugs by hand lol Keep the videos coming, they are inspirational :)
I use quite a few lemons (organic and unwaxed) each week for cooking etc. I cut up the skins and pop them in a mason jar filled half way with white vinegar and a cloth over the top secured with a rubber band. Once a month or so, I strain the vinegar and keep it in a bottle under the sink with my other cleaning products (Dr Bronners, bicarb) Dilute 1/3 cup lemony vinegar with 2/3 water, add half a teaspoon of Dr Bronners and I have a wonderful lemon scented multi purpose cleaner that's great for everything.
I am trying to use fewer products, too. The most all purpose product I know is Dr Bronners castile soap. You can use it on your dishes, your clothes, your hair, body, cat, car, floors, household surfaces, etc. Honestly. You need so few other chemical items when you commit to using it....which saves serious storage space, money, and shopping time. You do very basic modifications but it is so little compared to other DIY cleaning products. The main modification is diluting the soap for the process. And then the delivery tool...brush, bucket, sprayer, paper towel...etc. You can expand your arsenal with the common pantry staples you have mentioned, as well as essential oils. Some other cleaning boosters that are non-chemical helpers when cleaning. letting the mess soak or related...giving the product time to work. using hotter water or steam. elbow grease. yes! Magic erasers Start with a trigger bottle...add a couple teaspoons of the soap and fill with water....use this as your all purpose spray and wipe cleaner for most cleaning. You could use this solution in a tupperware with paper towels soaking in it....quick homemade cleaning wipes. You can add some tea tree oil for disinfecting but tea tree is one of the 8 formulas so you can buy that one for your household. You use full strength for laundry 1-2 oz per load. A half teaspoon for a shower, or a sink full of dishes, or your hair, or a bucket of mop water. Just because it is versatile don't think it can't do anything well. True soap (which is a very specific chemical) is theeeeeee most effective, safe, and versatile cleaner there is. The thing I like about Dr Bronners soap (and there are other brands) is the quality of their ingredients, and the way they do business. As a minimalist you will love everything about them. Thanks for reading! I enjoy your videos!
Hi Melody, I've been binge watching your videos over the last few weeks and I just wanted to say you do a great job. Your personality is adorable and you videos keep me engaged the whole time. Keep them coming!
I found your channel yesterday and subscribe, today I can't stop watching your videos I feel that I found you when I needed you most. God Bless you Melody😘.
Great video! I like your style of speaking and your tips are actually practical. How do you launder your rags and microfiber cloths...? separately from each other and everything else? or throw both in with towels? I always think i should wash everything separately, but then there are so many small loads and it is not very minimalist. Thank you! ☺
I love all your tips Melody! You are so thoughtful and seem wise beyond your years! And I love that you have such a calming and positive energy. XO, Marjorie
I love your channel I watch a lot of cleaning and organizing programs I just found you the other night and I think I have to say you're my absolute favorite.. Mary Price
I wonder if u can advise how best to get rid of watermarks on a glass shower screen? Ive tried vinegar, bicarb, lemon, but nothing removes the marks completely! 😔 xx
I don't know why but I love watching cleaning videos and even more when it is with natural alternative. I saw that natural cloths detergent is the same price or even cheaper than regular one though !! I like Dr Bronners citrus soap!!!! Just bought new microfiber cloth yesterday .
Hi Melody, thank you so much for your great tips and lovely made videos! I'm actually watching while I'm eating my breakfast (its 6:22am) to start my day. Love from Heidelberg! PS: I mostly clean with a cleanerspray, which I mixe myself. Half a spraybottle of destilled water, a few drops of organic cleaner and one drop of essential oil or my alltime favorite organic airspray. It's so easy to get even kids to clean with it, because it smells good and it is fun to use.
Love your comment, Mathilda. Thanks for an easy all-purpose spray idea. Sometimes I can't resist a few drops of lavender oil in my baking soda while cleaning the tub :)
I will try to get Pat in the next video I film. She's been lounging on the carpet all the time since I got back, so she's rarely in view. I throw the microfiber cloths in with the rest of the towels and wash like normal: very little detergent, sometimes vinegar, and hot water if there are rags in the load (but cold water if no dirty rags).
I have managed to completely remove paper towel and cling wrap from my house. i havn't used either for about 2 years now. I feel so much better about not using these.
Unfortunately Method is no longer cruelty free :( So i can't purchase their products anymore. I'll have to stick to Seventh Generation. Thanks for the tips!!
What are you basing that on? Here's what they say on Methods web site: Last Updated: Dec 22, 2016 04:27PM PST method is 100% cruelty-free - that’s why all of our products are Leaping Bunny and Cruelty Free International-certified. that means we’re regularly audited to ensure both method and our suppliers comply with the comprehensive criteria of the Standard of Compassion for Animals. we’ve never tested ingredients or finished products on animals, nor have we ever ordered third parties to conduct animal testing on our behalf. for research and development, we use alternative testing methods - like theoretical evaluation models - to determine product safety without harming creatures, big or small. PETA even named our co-founders people of the year in 2006 for their leadership in cruelty-free business practices + gave method a proggy award that same year.
Have you tried soapnuts? They are a natural and organic ( with no form of chemicals or toxins) and eco-friendly multi-purpose product. They are biodegradable, and can be used as: shampoo, body wash, laundry detergent, dish detergent, and general all-purpose household cleanser. I use it, and a little goes a long way, and you can save a lot of money! You could also add your favorite essential oils, if you'd like.
Totally agree with not doing DIY cleaning products! It’s really popular right now, but there are SO many amazing products out there that are so much more effective!
Have you considered how bad Amazon is for small businesses, and the packaging they use for their delivery? And there are way better companies than Seventh Generation to buy from?
I agree about how excessive their packaging is, but am a bug Amazon shopper for convenience. Would you mind sharing more small business friendly businesses where one can find these products?
They can basically come in like Walmart and squeeze out the small businesses trying to make a living on products they also sell. I would prefer to buy cleaning products from the expensive but local Mom & Pop grocery store and keep the money in my community than give it to some big corporations...
Hey, just FYI EWG gives grab green dishwasher tabs a B for 2 possible cancer risk ingredients. Nature green has an A+ and so does Walgreen brand of Nice! tabs. Seventh Gen has an A but not all disclosed ingredients. Also Method Lavender is an F rating for using government enforceable restricted color dyes, and cancer risks. Luther cleaners from method rank B-F Crazy which brands are actually terrible. Seventh Gen is all over the page for A-F ugh. So hard to trust companies.
I see one problem. Buying too much from Amazon. I like to see a video on all the popular Amazon items but can be purchased locally. Going green is excellent. Using everything from Amazon, less excellent.
I love how fast she talks! Lol I find most people talk too slow so I enjoy the speed. 😊 It's so interesting how we all have different preferences, one thing is for certain though: pause, ff and rewind are just awesome! How did we watch anything before YT and cable recordings where we can do all this?😜
+Jane Shaw haha yes probably!! 😂 I'm from TX and we have our fair share of slow talkers and it drives me nuts!! Maybe I just need to take a chill pill but oh well. 😁😅🙊🤓
Hi Melody, I never do this but I just have to tell you how much I love your channel, you have a soothing calmness about you that I really appreciate and your philosophies about minimalism, cleaning and organizing really speak to me in a way no other UA-camr does. A few years ago I was finally diagnosed with asthma after years of suffering silently, not understanding why harsh cleaning products made me so miserable. After watching your videos on minimalist cleaning I have started cleaning with only vinegar, water and baking soda and I absolutely love it! I will endure the mildly annoying smell of vinegar for a few minutes if it means my lungs will stop trying to kill me! I will never ever go back to cleaning with harsh chemicals, thank you very much!
This may not be the place to ask but... I am about to buy my first house in a week! Ironically it is a rather large home (4 bedrooms for 2 adults and a toddler) and I have been trying to use this time to get rid of all non-essential possessions before we move. Do you have any advice on the best methods for de-cluttering while I pack for the move? I am also concerned that once we move in we will struggle with keeping such a large space minimal... the temptation to fill every room with stuff may be too great. As a renter I have never lived in one space for more than a few years which has helped me stay minimal so the idea of living in a home for potentially decades has me more than a little concerned. Any advice you feel like sharing I would appreciate, thanks!
Your videos are great for auditory and visual learners. Love that you show us every little thing when speaking and you have tips on the side that we can read. Very engaging and professional. Thanks for sharing!
I find your videos very soothing! I'm moving towards a more minimal life (at age 50 I'm finally ready to let STUFF go). I like the idea of minimal cleaning products. I always bought the "new and improved" of anything, but always went back to the same tried and true few. I'll stick with those! I even got rid of so many dishes we don't use our dishwasher anymore lol I wash the 2 plates, 2 mugs by hand lol Keep the videos coming, they are inspirational :)
I love that, because I have been on the fence about making my own or just buying natural products! This makes so much sense!
I use quite a few lemons (organic and unwaxed) each week for cooking etc. I cut up the skins and pop them in a mason jar filled half way with white vinegar and a cloth over the top secured with a rubber band. Once a month or so, I strain the vinegar and keep it in a bottle under the sink with my other cleaning products (Dr Bronners, bicarb) Dilute 1/3 cup lemony vinegar with 2/3 water, add half a teaspoon of Dr Bronners and I have a wonderful lemon scented multi purpose cleaner that's great for everything.
That's a really great tip about the blood stains! I usually end up throwing out blood stained clothes. Have you tried it with other kinds of stains?
What do you do for cleaning the toilet?
I am trying to use fewer products, too. The most all purpose product I know is Dr Bronners castile soap. You can use it on your dishes, your clothes, your hair, body, cat, car, floors, household surfaces, etc. Honestly. You need so few other chemical items when you commit to using it....which saves serious storage space, money, and shopping time.
You do very basic modifications but it is so little compared to other DIY cleaning products. The main modification is diluting the soap for the process. And then the delivery tool...brush, bucket, sprayer, paper towel...etc.
You can expand your arsenal with the common pantry staples you have mentioned, as well as essential oils.
Some other cleaning boosters that are non-chemical helpers when cleaning.
letting the mess soak or related...giving the product time to work.
using hotter water or steam.
elbow grease.
yes! Magic erasers
Start with a trigger bottle...add a couple teaspoons of the soap and fill with water....use this as your all purpose spray and wipe cleaner for most cleaning. You could use this solution in a tupperware with paper towels soaking in it....quick homemade cleaning wipes. You can add some tea tree oil for disinfecting but tea tree is one of the 8 formulas so you can buy that one for your household. You use full strength for laundry 1-2 oz per load. A half teaspoon for a shower, or a sink full of dishes, or your hair, or a bucket of mop water.
Just because it is versatile don't think it can't do anything well. True soap (which is a very specific chemical) is theeeeeee most effective, safe, and versatile cleaner there is.
The thing I like about Dr Bronners soap (and there are other brands) is the quality of their ingredients, and the way they do business. As a minimalist you will love everything about them.
Thanks for reading! I enjoy your videos!
Thanks for your helpful tips, Lethia! I've loved and tried Dr. Bronners. If you do not have sensitive skin, it is a must have.
Hi Melody, I've been binge watching your videos over the last few weeks and I just wanted to say you do a great job. Your personality is adorable and you videos keep me engaged the whole time. Keep them coming!
I really love your videos, and I so appreciate your detailed description of the items. thank you for taking the time to do that it's much appreciated.
Do you recommend getting rid of current cleaning products and replace? Or use it up then replace?
Hello, Melody! =) Where did you get that salt jar/shaker? It seems so practical.
I found your channel yesterday and subscribe, today I can't stop watching your videos I feel that I found you when I needed you most. God Bless you Melody😘.
Thank you, Mar. So sweet
melody thanks for reply, you wash the microfiber with your wash cloths and bath towel, kitchen, rags?
Outstanding, really... You are are clear and succinct teacher.
Great video! I like your style of speaking and your tips are actually practical. How do you launder your rags and microfiber cloths...? separately from each other and everything else? or throw both in with towels? I always think i should wash everything separately, but then there are so many small loads and it is not very minimalist. Thank you! ☺
I love all your tips Melody! You are so thoughtful and seem wise beyond your years! And I love that you have such a calming and positive energy. XO, Marjorie
I love your channel I watch a lot of cleaning and organizing programs I just found you the other night and I think I have to say you're my absolute favorite.. Mary Price
I like the vessel you have for the salt, where did you get it?
I wonder if u can advise how best to get rid of watermarks on a glass shower screen? Ive tried vinegar, bicarb, lemon, but nothing removes the marks completely! 😔 xx
AmyBeingMum try scrubbing bubbles, not the plastic container, try the can with foam, that works amazing, with baking soda
I don't know why but I love watching cleaning videos and even more when it is with natural alternative. I saw that natural cloths detergent is the same price or even cheaper than regular one though !! I like Dr Bronners citrus soap!!!! Just bought new microfiber cloth yesterday .
Dr. Bronners is the standard for sure when it comes to liquid soap! We both share a love of cleaning vids. They're my favorite on UA-cam :)
Hi Melody,
thank you so much for your great tips and lovely made videos! I'm actually watching while I'm eating my breakfast (its 6:22am) to start my day.
Love from Heidelberg!
PS: I mostly clean with a cleanerspray, which I mixe myself. Half a spraybottle of destilled water, a few drops of organic cleaner and one drop of essential oil or my alltime favorite organic airspray. It's so easy to get even kids to clean with it, because it smells good and it is fun to use.
Love your comment, Mathilda. Thanks for an easy all-purpose spray idea. Sometimes I can't resist a few drops of lavender oil in my baking soda while cleaning the tub :)
Where did you find the container with the blue lid? Thank you for the tips!
Hey Holly, Container Store :)
thank you so much melody for this wonderful tips, love your videos. where is pat? can you please tell me how you wash the microfiber cloths?
I will try to get Pat in the next video I film. She's been lounging on the carpet all the time since I got back, so she's rarely in view.
I throw the microfiber cloths in with the rest of the towels and wash like normal: very little detergent, sometimes vinegar, and hot water if there are rags in the load (but cold water if no dirty rags).
I have managed to completely remove paper towel and cling wrap from my house. i havn't used either for about 2 years now. I feel so much better about not using these.
I'm just wondering if you have to disinfect? or why you wouldn't have too
Unfortunately Method is no longer cruelty free :( So i can't purchase their products anymore. I'll have to stick to Seventh Generation. Thanks for the tips!!
Mm
Do you have any articles where I can read it about? Thank you.
What are you basing that on? Here's what they say on Methods web site:
Last Updated: Dec 22, 2016 04:27PM PST
method is 100% cruelty-free - that’s why all of our products are Leaping Bunny and Cruelty Free International-certified. that means we’re regularly audited to ensure both method and our suppliers comply with the comprehensive criteria of the Standard of Compassion for Animals.
we’ve never tested ingredients or finished products on animals, nor have we ever ordered third parties to conduct animal testing on our behalf. for research and development, we use alternative testing methods - like theoretical evaluation models - to determine product safety without harming creatures, big or small. PETA even named our co-founders people of the year in 2006 for their leadership in cruelty-free business practices + gave method a proggy award that same year.
Oh thank you for the tip. I'll try seventh g. :)
what brand is your microfiber towels or rugs?
Check out Norwex, I think you'll love it. It's the ultimate minimalist for cleaning, no products required!
magic erasers are really hard on your hands!!! rubber gloves are a must.
Love your speaking and presenting style!!
I love watching your videos they really relax me. And I love it when you say something will change your life. It's really funny. You're cute.
Have you tried soapnuts? They are a natural and organic ( with no form of chemicals or toxins) and eco-friendly multi-purpose product. They are biodegradable, and can be used as: shampoo, body wash, laundry detergent, dish detergent, and general all-purpose household cleanser. I use it, and a little goes a long way, and you can save a lot of money! You could also add your favorite essential oils, if you'd like.
What do you use for cleaning toilet?
missdelilah23, I use baking soda in the bowl (let it sit for a little while, then clean with a toilet brush); I use all-purpose on the outside.
You are wonderful. I love everything about your videos. Keep up the good work!
hi does eco have sls ?
What do u use for cleaning th toilets?
Saw your earlier reply for this :)
as soon as I heard you say "10 condiment challenge, I laughed so hard" that one will never happen in my house
Great tips. New subscriber. Loving all your videos. Ty
Totally agree with not doing DIY cleaning products! It’s really popular right now, but there are SO many amazing products out there that are so much more effective!
Great suggestion! Thank you so much!
great video please do more like this :) thanks for all of the tips
Baking soda and vinegar FTW! Hydrogen peroxide is an awesome disinfectant
Great tips!
Have you considered how bad Amazon is for small businesses, and the packaging they use for their delivery? And there are way better companies than Seventh Generation to buy from?
I agree about how excessive their packaging is, but am a bug Amazon shopper for convenience. Would you mind sharing more small business friendly businesses where one can find these products?
+Alyssa Queen big**
They can basically come in like Walmart and squeeze out the small businesses trying to make a living on products they also sell. I would prefer to buy cleaning products from the expensive but local Mom & Pop grocery store and keep the money in my community than give it to some big corporations...
I reuse the empty parmesan cheese container for my baking soda DIY's...Free!
Exactly :) ! Or baking paste container. Or old small glas jar with holes in the cap :) or old spice container
An empty tennis ball container is such a good idea, it's the perfect size because you can fill it less often then those other smaller containers
i love method products as well :)
Hey, just FYI EWG gives grab green dishwasher tabs a B for 2 possible cancer risk ingredients. Nature green has an A+ and so does Walgreen brand of Nice! tabs. Seventh Gen has an A but not all disclosed ingredients.
Also Method Lavender is an F rating for using government enforceable restricted color dyes, and cancer risks. Luther cleaners from method rank B-F
Crazy which brands are actually terrible. Seventh Gen is all over the page for A-F ugh. So hard to trust companies.
Other cleaners not Luther lol
+Tiffany Danielle oh really!? Where can you find this information? I use a lot of seventh gen products and would love to find out more!
EWG.org under computer guides if I remember correctly
Tiffany Danielle
Google EWG is not science.
Love your videos!
Love your videos.
10 condiment challenge?? I've never in my life had more than 3-4 condiments at any one time. Damn.
I see one problem. Buying too much from Amazon. I like to see a video on all the popular Amazon items but can be purchased locally. Going green is excellent. Using everything from Amazon, less excellent.
Seven generation does have sls
Love your tips, thank you! Whew, you talk f~a~s~t!!! Lol. Sometimes I had to click the back button and listen to you again to understand you! :-)
I love how fast she talks! Lol I find most people talk too slow so I enjoy the speed. 😊 It's so interesting how we all have different preferences, one thing is for certain though: pause, ff and rewind are just awesome! How did we watch anything before YT and cable recordings where we can do all this?😜
Well, it might be because I live in the south, where everybody talks sooooooo s~l~o~w!!! Haha.
+Jane Shaw haha yes probably!! 😂 I'm from TX and we have our fair share of slow talkers and it drives me nuts!! Maybe I just need to take a chill pill but oh well. 😁😅🙊🤓
I tell story ago long all . myself learn else month week year ?? good new ?
Nonsense. Baking soda and vinegar react. Fizzing accomplishes nothing. Produces sodium acetate->Worthless.
Baking soda keeps towels white? How?
Method products got a f rating fro. EWG😭😭😭
:)
Love your videos!