This Full House Reviews

Lysol No-Touch Kitchen System Giveaway

Yep, our poor dishwasher is STILL sick.

We received a sample of the NEW Lysol No-Touch Kitchen System, last month -- an automatic "hands-free" dispenser and multipurpose cleaner -- and, considering our dishwasher is not feeling very well (poor thing) this product continues to be one of my favorite finds, this year.

Please feel free to read my full product review here: http://www.thisfullhouse.com/reviews/2012/02/favorite-find-of-the-week-lysol-no-touch-kitchen-system.html

Today, I am very excited to be able to partner with the good folks over at Lysol by taking the Undercover Kitchen System Challenge and offering one of our readers the chance to win a No-Touch Kitchen System and a year supply of soap.

Because, we roll like that.

Encourage Kids to Clean - Or, Just Share Your Thoughts For a Chance to WIN a House Cleaner, Instead!

  You HAVE been warned!

Over the years, my husband and I have learned to expect less than favorable opinions from folks (most especially, other parents) upon learning that we have 4 children.

Then, they find out I have 3 daughters, who ALL share the same bedroom, the shock sets in and, well, yes, it is just as complicated and delicate of a situation as anyone can imagine.

If you've ever used a public ladies room...[shiver]...then, yes, you're safe to assume the girls' bedroom could probably use a really good cleaning, right about now, too.

Now that they are older (17, 15, 12 and 10) I'd be hard-pressed to convince my kids that singing the clean up song will make their chores go any faster, or easier, seeing as I don't view cleaning as very much fun, either.

Unless, it's the weekend, there's a really great Maroon 5 or LMFAO song playing on the radio and the kids need a ride, or something.

"Sure, I'll take you, AFTER you clean your room, FIRST!"

At our house, encouraging our kids to clean means that there will almost always be a compromise of some sort and, well, it's not easy being the parent, either, right?!?

Hopefully, we're helping our kids learn how to make choices and, ultimately, better use of their free time, give or take a few chores.

What about you?

Want to hand over cleaning to the experts? Leave a comment here (yes, that's it!) telling us how you have taught and encouraged your kids to clean and be entered to win one of two prizes:

Black & Decker Steam Mop: A Smart Mop? Yes, Please!

COMMENTS ARE CLOSED: I am so, SO excited to be able to share this with you, Debra Ford (comment #295) please check your email for further details, thanks!!!

CONFESSION:  Although, I have been known to whip out my beloved Dyson vacuum and go dust bunny hunting, unprovoked (IMO: best anniversary present, ever!) I do NOT wash the floors in my house, every day, especially in the summertime.

Frankly, the kids spend more time swimming outdoors, or at someone else's house, and the  thought of dragging a bucket around, wringing out a nasty old smelly mop?

[shiver]

Well, let's just say that, by Friday, it's way passed time to wash the floors. 

So, when the good folks at Black & Decker learned of my love for multi-functional gadgets and contacted me about road-testing their new steam mop, of course, I was interested.

Truth be told, they had me at "easy–to-use, chemical free, germ killing" steam mop.

Okay...fine...good...but, what's so smart about it and, more importantly, does it work?

You Mean, Some Folks Actually Enjoy Spring Cleaning?

I know, cleaning is a dirty word (in my house, anyway) but, I have to say, there is something very therapeutic about sitting back and enjoying the freshness of a clean home, after a good scrubbing.

Falling into my couch, in total exhaustion, not so much.

Still, according to this Consumer Reports article, 82% of Generation Y women AND men (18 - 29 year olds) actually look forward to spring cleaning.

My oldest turns 18 at the end of this year and, no, I can hardly bear to admit that she will be considered an adult, in the eyes of the law, to everyone and in everything, without gagging, a little.

Having to pick up after her, her sisters and her brother?  Same thing.

Speaking of gagging, Consumer Reports published test results on a bunch of cleaning products, traditional all-purpose type vs. greener versions, using a process I found very interesting, indeed:

ARM & HAMMER: Odor Eliminating Vacuum Filters - Eureka AirSpeed Bagless Vacuum Giveaway!

COMMENTS ARE CLOSED: I am SO HAPPY for the chance to share with Diane Baum (comment #327) please check your email for further instructions!

I am a loyal ARM & HAMMER customer and a HUGE consumer of their line of laundry products.

[see picture above]

In fact, I am considering a new tagline:  This FULL House - where EVERY DAY is Laundry Day!!! 

What do you think?

[sound of crickets chirping]

Aaaanyway, when the good folks representing the brand reached out to me about the HEPA vacuum filters also by ARM & HAMMER (they must have read Doofus-Dawg's review) of course, it seemed like a REAL good fit at the time.

Unfortunately, turns out they do not have a filter that fits my beloved Dyson :( but, offered to send me the Eureka AirSpeed Upright Bagless Vacuum along with additional ARM & HAMMER accessories.

I really love and have had great luck with ARM & HAMMER products!

[see picture above]

However, I do NOT need another vacuum and would really rather share it with someone who, you know, could use an extra helping hand, or twenty.

Pledge Multi-Surface: In the Fight Against the Household Chore That Shall NOT Be Named!

Thanks to Pledge for sponsoring my writing about cleaning.

I know, I know, housecleaning is a SUCH a dirty word (sorry!) but, raising 2 teens, 2 tweens and 2 pets, while waging war on a 7 room house (notice how I refer to it as a battle and NOT cleaning, you're welcome!) my friends at One2One Network asked if I'd be interested in testing out Pledge multi-surface capabilities.

Why?

Because, they know that, you know, I am also a lover of multi-functional stuff!

All of the Pledge aerosol (Natural Beauty, Clean & Shine, Dust & Allergen, Protection Plus and Extra Moisturizing) family of formulas can be used to clean following surfaces: 

Dyson DC31 Handheld Vacuum Cleaner: But, Is It Strong Enough to Handle Killer Dust Bunnies?

It's no secret, I break stuff (a lot) most recently, my little red point and shoot camera, my beloved HP laptop is sick (battery is fubar) and it's also missing the backspace key.

My Dyson vacuum cleaner, however, is doing just fine.

[knocks on wood until knuckles bleed]

My parents bought it for us a couple of Augusts ago and, YES, vacuum cleaners really do make the best anniversary gifts!

Next to spa weekends, I mean (AHEM!)

So, when the good folks representing Dyson.com contacted me regarding a review of their DC31 Handheld Vacuum Cleaner and, seeing as I'm raising 4 kids, a cat, 1 Doofus-dawg and killer dust bunnies...it sounded like a good fit, to me!

Wanna see?

Soap & Detergent Association - Spring Survey & $100 Visa Gift Card Giveaway

[SHARING WITH:  CONGRATULATIONS, TRISHA LYNN -- COMMENT #31 -- PLEASE SEE YOUR EMAIL FOR FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS!!!]

TGIF!  Not only is it my only day off (during the week) at our house, Friday is cleaning day; hence, putting the TG in IF, since going back to work in...um...what month is it?

Aaaaanyway.

Today, I'm hitting the drawers and closets (HARD!) changing over from winter to spring clothes -- since, it hit the 80's (here, in Jersey) and my kids were, like, the only ones to go to school wearing long pants, this week!

Then, I received an email from The Soap and Detergent Association wanting to hear how I (and you guys) choose cleaning products and, well, I couldn't resist just one more post, before I go and get lost in a pile of mis-matched socks and gloves.

The who and why the heck should we care what the SDA wants to know?

Seventh Generation Cleaning Products: Spring Cleaning and The Conscious Kitchen

[WE HAVE A WINNER:   CONGRATULATIONS TERZORN -- COMMENT #20 -- PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL FOR FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS!!!] Going green isn't always easy -- especially, when cleaning your house -- trust me, I know. 

However, for families (like ours) I believe that "going green" is an ongoing process of educating ourselves, as best we can.  That's why, I'm excited to share with you some very useful information and also a terrific family of green products, that makes it a little easier for families (like mine) to turn over a new leaf, courtesy of the earth-friendly folks at Seventh Generation.

Win a Free Makeover with What Not To Wear Host Stacy London

While I am STILL in spring cleaning mode (a day late and a dollar short, that's me!) I thought you’d be interested in Woolite’s new Find the Look Keep the Look web site.

On the site you’ll find a chance to win a free makeover with Stacy London (the host of TLC’s What Not to Wear), free clothing giveaways from top boutiques every two weeks and a Look Book that shows how to properly clean all types of clothes to make them last longer.  

Like, my beloved denim jackets for instance!!!

Good luck and don't forget to check out other Weekend Specials and Reader Discount Codes!

[No payments or products were received for this blog post - just passing along some useful information I find in my mailbox courtesy of Schneider Associates and Woolite]

[6/14 EDITED TO ADD:  I HAVE SINCE LEARNED THAT THE "WIN A MAKEOVER" CONTEST HAS ENDED, DAMNIT!  SORRY 'BOUT THAT.  STILL, THERE ARE GIVEAWAYS BI-WEEKLY GIVEAWAYS POSTED AND SOME PRETTY GOOD LAUNDRY TIPS.]

© 2009 This Full House - All Rights Reserved.

Clorox Disinfecting Wipes Giveaway: New Easy-to-Use Packaging That's Awfully Pretty, Too!

[THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED:  WE HAVE OUR WINNERS - Congratulations, you can view the full list of 20 winners by clicking here!!!]

Clorox is coming out of the spring cleaning closet (sorry, I just couldn't resist) nope, no reason to hide these prettiful tubs under the sink.  The newly redesigned Clorox Disinfecting Wipes canisters are really very nice.

So what and how do I know?

The Clorox people sent me one.  You know, because they know I am ALL about cleaning my house...NOT!  I know, it's like only a cleaning product, but I use Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, anyway.  So, it's sort of like a nice upgrade from economy to first class, but at the same price, right?

[sound of crickets chirping]

Okay, how about this?  They redesigned the dispenser system, as well and it...um...dispenses a whole lot easier, which is perfect for someone who's always in a rush and/or all thumbs, like me.

Hey...it may even fool your house guests into believing that...why, YES!...I am ALL about cleaning my house AND very, very stylish, as well, thankyouvermuch!

Want some?

Holiday Picks & Giveaways 2008 - Day 3

[This giveaway has ended: Thank you so much for visiting our Holiday Open House - WE HAVE OUR WINNERS - CONGRATULATIONS REBECCA and ZOE LEE!!!]

Welcome to Day 3 of our Holiday Picks & Giveaways 2008 (November 24 - December 1) sponsored by some of the most awesomely generous brands I know, who have graciously agreed to provide some really cool stuff for Her, Him, the Grandparents...okay, isn't it time we ALL put the WIN back into the winter holidays and made re-gifting a rule?!?

Seriously, I've got some really great stuff to share with you.

Our kick-off giveaway drew 170 responses -- Holy Craps! -- what a great way to celebrate the beginning of Thanksgiving week!

Raising 4 kids (we'll have two teenagers in the house, this year) my husband, Garth (not his real name) and I are trying (really hard) to remember to take back the holidays and keep it as stress free as...well...you know, we've got a little something for everyone and giving away some pretty cool stuff, too:

Day 1 - For the Outdoors:  Lands' End Collection of Warm Fuzzies

Day 2 - For Him: Man Spa Gift Package from Sothys Paris - Because, He's Worth It...too!

Day 3 - For the Home:  Deck the Halls, Clean the Floors and Green Gift Giving

Day 4 - For the Grandparents:  Gift of the Christmas Cookie

Day 5 - For the Whole Family:  Black Friday Night at the Movies...um...Night!

Day 6 - For the Kitchen:  Pillsbury Home is Calling Gift Basket

Day 7 - For the Toy Box:  The Discovery Store

Day 8 - Gifts that Give Back:  Save the Oceans, Adopt a Creature!

My picks, product features and blog posts, as always, are advertorial free.  No one is paying me, to talk about their product.  It's just some really nice stuff that I thought you guys would like, too.

Let's get started, okay?

Front Load Washer Odor: Don't Get Mad, Start Affresh!

It's no secret, I do NOT like doing the laundry -- although, I do LOVE my fancy schmancy high efficiency washer and dryer -- because, 4 kids (+) not enough hours in the day (=) way 2 much laundry!

Then, life happens and I forget.

"Dang it, there's ANOTHER sour load in the washer!"

Apparently, I'm not the only in need of a little laundry prayer:

"Clearly, I do not need two appliances in my house that remind me on a daily basis that not only am I losing my memory and hand-eye coordination, but that God laughs at those with "a plan"."
[via: CWMoms Blog]

There isn't a day, that goes by, when I don't feel like I'm running around in circles and funny how...STILL...nothing seems to get done...or, work right...EVUH...except the "touch up" button on my new washer and dryer, bless its little motorized heart!

"Phew, but it smells nasty in the playroom!"

Go figure...our machines seem to be very...um...efficient.

"All brands of HE washing machines have the potential for mold and mildew stains if not properly cleaned on a regular basis.  To ensure maximum performance, appliance manufacturers recommend a monthly maintenance and cleaning routine.  Many cleaning products currently on the market with ingredients such as bleach adequately maintain the washer, but results may vary and are not always consistent."

Layman terms:  propping the door open helps...cleaning your washer every now and again would be better.

Swell, add it to the list, I say.

"Try this washer cleaner, instead!"

The nice lady in the email, said:

"Using Affresh cleaner is fast and simple - add the tablet to your washer tub and run a normal or "clean wash" cycle once a month.  This routine maintenance will keep the inside of your washer sparkling clean and fresh smelling."

Yes, it did - only one tablet, this time - and (even after 2 weeks) my washer still smells good.  I know and yes, I just checked and even with ANOTHER wet load waiting for the dryer.  No lie and go figure!

Don't believe me, you can try it for yourself.

Affresh washer cleaner can be purchased at www.affresh.com beginning September 25, 2007 and until December 31, 2007, Whirlpool will offer FREE SHIPPING on all online Affresh brand orders.

[Enter promo code:  AFFSH2]

Additionally, the product will be available at national retailers this fall.

[MSRP of $6.99 for a package of three tablets]

© 2007 This Full House Gone Shopping

Dawn Simple Pleasures: De-stinks the sink and makes my husband look pretty, too!

My husband and I have been married for 17 years and - although, we do make a concerted effort to share the responsibility of raising 4 children and killer dust bunnies - it takes a lot of hard work to keep This Full House of smelly socks and dirty dishes, clean.

Seeing, as I do most of the housework - not to mention, having accumulated our fair share of unusable stuff - but, that's another story.

With that said, we both have learned to believe that completing the simplest chores has become the greatest expression of love.

For instance, the four most important words in our marriage ARE:

"I'll do the dishes!"

Typically, said when the dishwashers full and we've still got some fish to fry.

Garth (not his real name) bought home this mofo-fish yesterday and I wasn't happy - I know, it's not like he's seeing another woman behind my back, still - because, I had just cleaned the house and you're probably wondering just what in the heck does this have to with trying out a new dish detergent, yes?

You see, I know about Dawn and - as you can see, we were almost out - so, I grabbed the sample bottle of Dawn Simple Pleasures I'd received and thought our household would be the perfect venue to really put their NEW product to the test:

• Delivers the grease fighting power of Dawn while fighting odors lurking in your kitchen

• Keeps your kitchen smelling clean and fresh, long after you've washed the dishes

• Is a great addition to your sink with its newly designed bottle

I have to admit, Dawn's new look is pretty - those are tiny little beads there, on the bottom - and the air freshener really did the trick in helping the kitchen smell, you know, much better and a lot less like fish.

Dawn Simple Pleasures comes in three fresh scents:

Water Lilly & Jasmine
Apple & Pear
Lemon & Tangerine

Just, don't peel off the sticker and inhale too deeply [cough] like I did!

In my opinion, Dawn Simple Pleasures does NOT stink - in fact, the Water Lilly & Jasmine smells lot prettier than I thought and is quite the little multi-tasker - grab one off the shelf and try it yourself!

Your nose - not to mention, flocks of ducks - will definitely notice the difference.