The Fine Line Between Cleanliness and Obsession
In today's world, where cleanliness is often equated with health and well-being, it's easy to understand the urge to keep our surroundings immaculate. From daily dusting to frequent hand washing, maintaining hygiene has become second nature to many. But, as with all things in life, moderation is key. So, when does regular cleaning tip over into the realm of over-cleaning?
Over-cleaning, or the act of cleaning too frequently or excessively, can sometimes do more harm than good.
Here's why:
- Deterioration of Surfaces: Constant scrubbing and the use of harsh chemicals can wear out surfaces prematurely. Whether it's the fading color of your favorite rug or the peeling paint on your walls, over-cleaning can lead to unnecessary wear and tear.
- Health Concerns: Ironically, being overly zealous in our cleaning efforts can pose health risks. Overuse of cleaning agents can lead to indoor air pollution, allergic reactions, or skin irritations. Moreover, an overly sterile environment can hinder the development of a robust immune system, especially in children.
- Environmental Impact: Excessive use of cleaning products contributes to more chemicals being washed down the drain, impacting aquatic ecosystems. Plus, the frequent purchase of cleaning supplies increases plastic waste.
- Mental Well-being: An obsession with cleanliness can lead to anxiety and stress. The constant pursuit of a spotless environment might leave individuals feeling restless and unsatisfied, impacting their overall mental health.
- Time Management: Over-cleaning can be time-consuming, taking away precious moments that could be spent with loved ones or on self-care.
So, how can one strike a balance?
Mindful Cleaning: Instead of cleaning out of habit, assess the actual need. Does your floor need daily mopping, or will twice a week suffice? Being mindful can save time and resources.
Natural Cleaners: Opt for eco-friendly and skin-friendly cleaning agents. Ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon can be effective and gentle alternatives to chemical-laden products.
Set Limits: Allocate specific days for deep cleaning and stick to a routine. This ensures that you're not cleaning excessively and also helps in time management.
I'm not sure anyone enjoys cleaning toilets...if you know someone that does, please send them my way! Seriously, though...I hate cleaning toilets, so anything that makes it easier for me is great! Ā I discovered an easy way to clean your toilet with only 3 ingredients and basically no effort. These homemade toilet cleaning bombs can be made with 3 household ingredients and will leave your toilet sparkling clean! The crazy thing is that I use the same recipe for my Homemade Dish Tablets, so they do double duty!
I made a quick video showing how easy they are to make in real time...check it out below!
What you will need to make Homemade Toilet Bombs:
You can click the links to find the products listed belowā¦these are affiliate links that I may receive a commission for if you buy.
1 Cup Baking Soda
1 Tablespoon Dish Liquid (any brand will do)
Add one cup of baking soda to a large bowl.
Next, add Ā¼ cup of Citric Acid.
Squirt in 1 tablespoon of dish liquid...you can find my Homemade Dish Liquid Recipe HEREĀ or you can use any dish liquid you like or have on hand!
Mix together well using your hands, a spoon or a whisk.
Now press the mixture into your silicone molds or an ice cube tray, making sure to wipe any excess away.
***PLEASE NOTE*** These will expand more if you use more liquid, and that is perfectly ok. Let them expand for a few moments, then wipe any excess away and use to fill your mold again. If you don't have enough molds or ice cube trays to hold the extra, store the extra mixture in a sealed plastic bag until you can use to refill more of your molds. Expanding is absolutely normal.
Let them dry for at least 4 hours or overnight. Once they are completely dry, gently pop them out and store in an airtight container.
To clean and deodorize your toilet, simply toss a toilet bomb into your toilet bowl.
It should start fizzing, which means your toilet cleaning bombs are doing their work!
These homemade toilet cleaning bombs make toilet cleaning easy and hands free!
You can find the cute Free Printable Cleaning Labels HERE if you'd like to use them on your homemade cleaners!
All of my home tips and cleaning hacks are easy to access too...they are all in one place on my Cleaning and Home Tips Page HERE!
