Over 7 Places You Forgot To Clean When Spring Cleaning

April 19, 2016 by Jenni 736 Comments

This post brought to you by The Duck Brand. The content and opinions expressed below are that of Sweet Pennies From Heaven.

Over 7 Places You Forgot to Clean when Spring Cleaning!

Are you getting ready to start spring cleaning, or have you already started?

There are over 7 places that we forget to spring clean each and every year! Some of these should really even be cleaned more often.

1. Inside Kitchen and Bathroom Drawers and Cabinets We’re in and out of our drawers and cabinets every single day – yet we NEVER clean inside of them.

Work one cabinet or drawer at a time.
Wipe the inside down with hot, soapy water and let air dry.
Lay down new shelf liner paper.

We just recently redid the outside of our kitchen cabinets and I had yet to add shelf liner paper to the inside of my cabinets. While spring cleaning, it’s the perfect time!

I’m using the new Easy Liner® with Clorox® shelf liners by Duck® brand. I wanted to try these because they have Clorox® antimicrobial protection. Since we live in an old farmhouse, I really like the idea of keeping my cabinets and drawers from growing stinky mold and mildew.

This new Clorox® antimicrobial protection just has an additive embedded into the material that doesn’t degrade over time, even after washing it!! You can use it everywhere in the home, even the fridge (however, it’s not suggested for direct contact with food).

3 Reasons I really wanted to try it:

It’s Bleach-Free (Clorox® trusted, but without actual bleach!)
It’s MACHINE WASHABLE (say, what?!)!!!
it’s easy to cut, place, and reposition without a hassle
it’s water resistant (great for dishes that aren’t 100% dry when put away!)

They have a few different varieties that you can choose from: Solid, Super Grip, Smooth Top, and Select.

Here’s my finished product! Woohoo! It looks SO much better!!

Next up on the list of forgotten places to clean when spring cleaning:

2. Ceiling Light Shades/Globes These get so dusty, and we don’t really even notice till they’re super gross! You can stick most glass or plastic shades and globes inside your dishwasher to wash easily!

3. Under/Behind/On top of Large Appliances:

Refrigerator (don’t forget the top)
Washer/Dryer
Stove (don’t forget to clean under the range hood too!)

4. Under/Behind/On top of Small Appliances:

Toaster
Coffee Pot
Microwave

5. Under and Behind Furniture Have you SEEN the size of the dust bunnies under your furniture? Pull furniture away from walls and vacuum/mop floors and clean the walls with soapy water. Let dry before moving furniture back. Don’t forget to give your furniture a good vacuum and wipe down too!

6. Pillows/Mattresses To clean mattresses, some people like to take them outside and let the wind and sunshine do their natural work to clean them. If you can’t get your mattresses outside, you can do a few things:

Sprinkle with baking soda
Vacuum
Spray a mixture of 50:50 vinegar/water on mattress, till just damp. Let air dry for a few hours.
You can opt to use a mattress cover that keeps dust mites and bacteria out. You can also get these for your pillows!

7. Closets (clean and organize): I don’t know about you, but about once a year my closet needs an overhaul. I like to get rid of clothes that I haven’t worn in months, and just re-organize it. If you need organization tips and help, I wrote this post on closet organization and storage solutions for small closets.

8. Garbage Cans Yuck! Naturally garbage cans are the nastiest. This is one job that should be done more often, but it’s an easy job to forget! Cleaning garbage cans is pretty simple. Just use hot soapy water to wash down the inside and outside of the garbage cans, using a cleaning rag. Afterwards, spray the inside with an antibacterial cleaning spray, or even vinegar before putting in a new trash bag.

Are there other places that you forgot to clean when doing your spring cleaning? We want to know, so I can add to this list! Drop us a comment!!

Clear Up Your Swimming Pool and Maintain it in 4 Easy Steps #HTHPoolCare

September 2, 2015 by Jenni 325 Comments

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of the HTH® Brand. I received promotional items and HTH® products and/or compensation in exchange for my participation. The opinions and text are mine.

It’s summertime! Pools ALL across America are open – or at least they should be.

Whether you’re just now opening it or trying to maintain it, you can do it with ease. HTH Pool Care has a simple 4 step process that lets me focus less on pool care, and more on enjoying my pool. Keeping your pool clean is important when you use it a lot!

Step 1 – Testing & Balance

Step 2 – Sanitize

Step 3 – Shock

Step 4 – Prevent Algae

Ohh, and one of the new fun products HTH® has now is called Party Potion Water Enhancer! Transform your water to the perfect shade of blue and have ALL your neighbors jealous of your sparkling blue oasis! It’s perfect for parties or when you’re entertaining by the pool!

You can find HTH Pool Care products at Walmart, Home Depot, Meijer, Ace Hardware, BJ’s Wholesale Club and Costo locations. Their 4-Step color-coded system is easy to understand when buying AND using. Aren’t you usually confused when you head in to buy chemicals to clear up your swimming pool? I know I always was until we found the HTH 4-Step program!! Now you can enjoy YOUR pool all summer long! Make sure to visit the HTH Blog and HTH Pool Facebook Page for more information and to stay up to date!

Have you been doing much swimming this summer?

How to Clean Painted Walls – Skip Having to Re-Paint! Plus a Mr. Clean Prize Pack Giveaway (ends 8/10)

August 3, 2015 by Jenni 1,649 Comments

This review was made possible by iConnect and Mr. Clean. I was provided the featured product and compensations to facilitate this post, but all opinions are 100% mine.

I’m blessed. I live in the old farmhouse that I grew up in. The wonderful thing about old farmhouses is that they have SO much character, right? The downside is that they ALWAYS require work and renovation. We’re always updating and renovating. Since the walls are one of the most visual parts of our home, they need to look good, right?

Now comes the shameful part…..

OMG! This is disgusting and I’m hiding my face in shame!!!!!!

I’ve learned through the years that husband, kids and dogs can take a toll on a pretty painted wall. Sticky kiddo hands, wet dogs coming in and out, and husbands that spill cups and cups of coffee. I remind myself of Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced Boo-Kay!) from Keeping Up Appearances. I’m always saying, “Watch my walls!” and “Don’t brush up against my walls!”….however, as you can see, they don’t listen to me.

This particular wall is in a very high traffic and busy part of our house. It’s near an entry door where daily comings and goings happen, where the dogs come in and out, and where my husband always manages to dump his morning coffee when he’s fumbling for keys and cellphone before work. Ughhhhh.

I’ve learned living in an old farmhouse that I don’t always have to repaint the walls. Painting does take alot of time and energy afterall, time and energy that I don’t have that. I’ve found in my own home, that a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser can make your dirty and dingy painted walls, trim, and baseboards look BRAND new again! Not even kidding.

Mr. Clean can give a “like new” clean because his products are tougher on dirt all around. I’m a big fan of their Concentrated Multi-Surface Cleaner!! This stuff is super powerful, however, my momma was always a HUGE fan of the Magic Eraser and now I’m a believer too. Just check out how insanely awesome my walls, trim and baseboards looked after an easy peasy wiping down.

Another reason I love the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is because you don’t have to use nearly as much elbow grease! Just run under water, wring it out a bit, and start wiping down! In less than 15 minutes, I had that nasty wall clean as a whistle!

How to clean painted walls:

Run a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser under water and wring out excess water.

Gently wash the walls, trim and baseboards with it. You don’t need to use much elbow grease, at all.

Gently use a butter knife or something similar to scrape off any super duper stuck on grime.

Let them dry, then rub a clothes dryer sheet over your baseboards to help keep dust and dirt from sticking later on.

Some other great uses for Mr. Clean products:

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Extra Power is sure to give your home that like-new sparkle on a variety of surfaces. It works wonders on that pesky stove top, where grease and grime accumulate in tough to clean crevices.

Use Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Extra Power on the shower door to help remove hard water stains, cloudy build-up and soap scum; it will save you several hundred dollars versus replacing!

Get creative with vintage pieces that no longer seem to have a use. Like bringing back to life a retro vinyl or plastic chair with Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Extra Power to add unique and a small area with light pressure before use on antiques.)

Still have crayon marks on your walls or remnants of how tall little Johnnie was each year? Help remove them with Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Extra Power, but be sure to snap a picture first for posterity!

Visit Mr. Clean on Twitter and Facebook! They’re always sharing really awesome cleaning tips and tricks, updates and promotions!!

You’re invited to the Mr. Clean Twitter Party!

Date: August 5th at 8pmCST

Hashtag: #15MinReno

Celebrity Guest: Johnathan Scott of HGTV Property Brothers

Prizes: 4 Renovation Kits including multi-use screwdriver, tape measure, various Mr. Clean product and a piece of decor.

Grand Prize: $400 GC to a Home Improvement Store

RSVP here: http://vite.io/iConnectIM

Ready for a fun Giveaway?

We’re giving away a Mr. Clean prize pack to one lucky reader which will include a Mr. Clean product and a tool kit to make your #15MinReno easy-peasy! Just use the Rafflecopter form below, giveaway is open to US residents 18 or older. Giveaway ends 8/10/15 at 11:59pm EST. Good luck!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

So tell us, what needs a good sprucing up around your house?

Give Your Deck, Patio or Porch a Makeover #BEHRDeckOver

May 12, 2015 by Jenni

Dislcosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of BEHR DeckOver and TapInfluence. All opinions are 100% my own. #ad

During the warmer months, we spend a ton of time outside. We had a patio built a few years ago and it’s my sanctuary. I spend every morning out there with coffee during my “me” time. That’s where all of our family get togethers are…birthday parties, 4th of July get togethers, Mother’s Day…Father’s Day…you name it.

We have a concrete floor out there. I know that over the years, weather can age concrete and wood decks. Our swimming pool deck is proof of that. BEHR DeckOver is designed to bring to life any wood or concrete surface….but most of all it’s made to bring to life the moments we cherish with our families. Our outdoor spaces are so important because that’s where so many memories are created. I like for my outdoor patio to look nice and welcoming.

We live in an old farmhouse that was the home I was raised in as a child. I’m fortunate and blessed that I can raise my family in the same home. Since it’s an older farmhouse, we’re forever-more updating things around the place. Our patio was a big expense and the first real BIG thing we’ve updated since we moved our family here.

Our patio is home to our backyard get togethers and all of our crazy home projects. From birthday parties to swingset builds…..you name it. Doesn’t dad look SO excited?!?! Bhhahhahaaa!!!

4 Reasons to choose BEHR DeckOver:

1. BEHR DeckOver gives you a makeover, but for your deck!!! BEHR DeckOver can give you more usable space outside the home to do what you love most….entertaining, grilling, playing, etc.

2. BEHR uses a 100% acrylic formula which helps to conceal cracks and splinters up to 1/4″ deep. It also has a splatter resistant application (which is great for goofs like me!). It dries four times thicker than traditional stain. Ohh, ohhh!!! And it comes in 54 solid custom colors as well as limited color matching which is new to 2015.

3. For sound wood and concrete surfaces, you can expect a renewed, low maintenance deck that is resistant to the elements! That means it will repel water and it makes for a nice slip-resistant finish too! Perfect for those wet feet coming in from playing in the pool or slip n slide! It resists cracking and peeling against harsh weather conditions too….and perfectly safe and comfy for bare feet.

4. You can create and revitalize your old tired decks, patios, porches and pool decks (even when previously stained). It’s a super budget friendly way to solve your deck and patio issues for sure!

Do you have a deck, porch, patio or pool deck that could use a makeover?

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of BEHR®. The opinions and text are all mine.

7 Tips for Grilling Like a Pro This Season #KettlemanKicksAsh

April 20, 2015 by Jenni 509 Comments

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Char-Broil for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.

Grilling season is HERE! Yess!!!! We fired ours up a couple of weeks ago and have grilled out a few times already. To me, food just tastes better when it’s been grilled, especially over charcoal. Anytime we have family get togethers, we always cook out. My husband considers it his duty to maintain the grill, cook the food, and look good while doin’ it. However, he does have some important tips to make grilling season around here pretty perfect.

Tips for Grilling Like a Pro:

1. Keep a spray bottle with water handy to knock down any flames. When grease drops onto the fire, it can cause flames to pop up higher than you want so just spray some water to keep them at bay.

2. Prepare meat before you grill. Marinate the meat a few hours or even the day before in whatever marinades you like. Play around with a few different ones, either store bought or homemade. You’ll eventually find a few favorites!

3. Grilling utensils. Make sure to have a great set of grilling utensils made for grilling. They’re usually long handled for convenience. My husband has a set that he loves and wouldn’t take anything for.

4. Wire brush for cleaning the grill. The grates on the grill get nasty very fast so make sure that you have a wire brush for cleaning those bad boys. If they get super grungy, soak in some hot water with Dawn dish liquid and scrub with wire brush.

5. Have a nice collection of herbs and spices. Playing around with different flavors can really enhance the taste of the food you’re grilling. We have a large “collection” of spices that he likes to use. Some are store bought and others he’s mixed himself. He’s like a scientist!

6. Grill in an open space. Please, for the love of everything holy….don’t grill under a porch or under a ceiling. Just don’t.

7. Cover that baby up. We love our grills. Spend a few extra dollars and get a cover for your grill to keep it protected from the weather…and the birds!! Bleck!! We love cooking on charcoal grills. It’s just so easy. This weekend while we were catching up on yard work and mowing, he fired up the grill and we had some lunch outside. Perfect weather…perfect day!

Did you know that Char-Broil brought the first charcoal grill to market over 65 years ago. Since then they’ve kept making bigger and better grills, always working to make millions of people happy during grilling season each year.

The new Char-Broil Kettleman Grill is a 22.5″ Charcoal Grill. It’s an updated kettle-style grill with vast improvements that is more efficient and easier to use. It’s no ordinary charcoal kettle grill. This baby is loaded with features that have better control over every aspect of the cooking process.

Temperature Control – With a super sized cool-touch damper on the grill’s lid, heat management is easy. Vents around the body of the kettle allow air to fuel the fire from all sides, providing even heat to the cooking surface.
Flare-Up Control – A porcelain coated no-fall-through grate allows charcoal flavor through while keeping flames away from food. Wood chips can be thrown on the grate and small foods like shrimp or asparagus will never fall into the fire.
Charcoal Control – Designed to grill twice as many burgers with the same 50 briquettes as the leading kettle.
Ash Control – A slide-in, porcelain-coated ashtray is tight against the grill making cleanup and maintenance simpler than ever.
Stability Control – Wide stance, heavy-gauge steel legs add stability and easy mobility. A bottom shelf doubles as a holder for the cooking grate or other accessories.

The Kettleman also has a hinged and latching lid that never has to touch the ground while grilling. That makes moving the grill around, and to even take with you camping, a breeze! You can find the Char-Broil Kettleman at Lowe’s or online at www.charbroil.com. Click on over to find out more features and learn more about the Kettleman grill. Priced around $129, you can’t beat it for that awesome charcoal cooked flavor.