My All Time FAVORITE Cleaner

My middle child is potty training, and as you can imagine it can be a messy process.  Pee stinks!  It's the middle of winter, you have the heat on, and its too cold to open the window and air out the house.  If your house is carpeted like mine is, you know it just holds in smells.  Shampooing it every time your little potty trainer has an accident is one way to clean it, but if you don't own a carpet cleaner, or if you get sick of dragging out the shampooer multiple times in one day, there is an easier way to deal with potty training messes. Its a magic spray!

Ok, so its not really "magic", but it really helps to clean and neutralize odors.  Best part, you probably already have the ingredients in your kitchen to make this wonderful spray.  If you don't, well, the ingredients are VERY affordable. 

Here's what you need:

• An Empty Spray Bottle
• White Vinegar
• Baking Soda
• Water

Instructions:

1. Pour 1 parts baking soda and 2 parts vinegar into a spray bottle, making sure to only fill the bottle no more than 1/3 of the way.  It is important not to fill it more than that.  Mixing the two together produces a chemical reaction that causes the solution to fizz and bubble, which could result in a mess.  To be safe, to this step over the sink just in case.
2. Add 1 part water to this solution and swirl.  Shaking may cause more fizzing. 
3. Screw on the spray nozzle, and you are good to go.

If your little one has an accident, use a paper towel to absorb as much of the pee as possible.  Spray the area with the magic solution and blot with a clean paper towel.  That's it!  Use more or less water to adjust the dilution of the solution.  White vinegar is a great odor fighter, and it also helps to kill bacteria.  This solution is non-toxic, so its safe to use around children.  Its an easy way to clean a mess without having to drag the carpet cleaner out every five minutes. 

This solution can also be used for other stinky messes (like when your child brings home a stomach bug and doesn't quite make it to the bathroom in time). 

I love using vinegar to clean my house.  In addition to making my magic spray, here are a few other ways I use vinegar to clean around my home.

Laundry:
Adding 1/2 to 3/4 c. of white vinegar can help get rid of smells and brighten whites.

Dishwasher:
Place 1 c. white vinegar in a dishwasher safe cup on the top rack of your dishwasher.  Wash on the hottest setting.  This helps to clean your dishwasher.  You can sprinkle some baking soda on the bottom for an added boost.

Drains:
Make a solution of baking soda and vinegar, and dump it down your drain.  Cover the drain with a cup or something similar.  Wait 30 minutes, then rinse with hot water.

My house may smell like an Easter egg on occasion, but using vinegar and baking soda is a safe and affordable option for cleaning.