I know, another random post. :) That's kinda what it's like in the summer though. Just a mishmash of things going on.
First up, would you look at this boy...
I mean, could he get more relaxed? Of course this was right after he chased Holly through the kitchen and knocked over all three barstools in the process. Oh Finn. His cuteness saves him every.single.time.
Just look at these furry toes...
Cute!
Do y'all remember me telling you about my new favorite hair straightening serum? It's Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum seen here...
I started using it in early March and I talked about how it was more expensive than my usual straightening cream seen here...
Here's the thing. The Paul Mitchell stuff was about $17 for 5.1 ounces. I was paying $2.89 for 3.5 ounces of the Suave.
But...the Suave only lasted me about a month because I had to use a lot more. And I've been using the Paul Mitchell for two months and look at how much is still left...
I haven't even used half of it yet because you only have to use one little pump. I have shoulder length hair and one pump is plenty. So...I've concluded that even though the initial cost is more, it ends up costing the same (or even a tad cheaper) in the long run because you use a lot less.
It took me about two months to use about 1/3 of the PM, so it'll probably last me another 4 months, so that's 6 months total it will last. In six months, I would have bought 6 tubes of Suave for a total of $17.34 versus the $17 for PM. So about the same, but I still think the PM works a little better.
Did you follow all that math?! Ha ha! Bottom line is that PM seems expensive, but it lasts a lot longer than the cheaper ones, so it's about the same in the long run and it works better. Just something to think about. :)
Okay, now for a laundry question. Do any of you add 20 Mule Team Borax to your regular detergent when doing laundry? Here's a pic if you don't know what I'm talking about...
It's basically a detergent booster and it's supposed to keep your whites white and help to soften hard water, therefore doing a better job of cleaning your clothes and removing stains. It says to add 1/2 cup to your regular detergent.
Here's the thing though, I use dye free/perfume free detergent because I don't like extra chemicals sitting on my clothes. I don't use fabric softener, scent boosters or dryer sheets either for the same reason. I mean, some of those scent boosters say the scent will remain on your clothes for three months! I really don't want something that strong on my clothes because just think...your clothes are in direct contact with your skin. Anyway, that's probably just my paranoia settling in. Lol!
But what I'm saying is since I don't use any of that stuff, should I even consider adding Borax? It's an all natural mineral (sodium tetraborate) so I wouldn't think it would be that bad. I'm mostly interested in whitening my whites.
So if you use Borax, my questions are:
1. Does it noticeably whiten your whites?
2. Does it dissolve in cold water? (I wash everything except sheets and towels in the gentle cycle with cold water)
3. Do you use it with colors?
Thanks so much in advance! Y'all are so smart and I always appreciate your input. Also, be sure to share any other laundry tips with me. I'm always looking for new things to try.
~Lisa
Gotta love Finn ;-) And agree, a product might seem expensive at first but if it lasts longer it all evens out. I don't use Borax, but do use Oxy Clean when washing towels and sheets (white). My washer has a sanitizing cycle that I use for that as well. Has an extra rinse too. I only use Mrs. Meyers scent booster for towels/linens I am storing long term (guest, etc).
ReplyDeleteHi Lisa,
ReplyDeleteLove little Finn that guy sure does know how to relax!!! I have never used Borax but I use oxi clean for Terry's white uniform shirts and they get pretty white with using Oxy Clean. Oxy Clean works really well and is not toxic. I think it is based on hydrogen peroxide that lifts out the stains. I remember my mom using Borax when I was a kid to make our sheets whiter etc. I just think now with the oxy cleans hitting the market that is the most popular whitening agent now. If you do use borax I would love to know if it works. So keep us posted.
Hugs,
Kris
OMG....Finn is soooooo cute! I use bleach to whiten our whites so I can't weigh in on the Borax question.....
ReplyDeleteHappy Wednesday!
~Des
Don't know anything about Borax on clothing, but read to use it in toilet bowls to clean them well. I guess it's a good gentle household cleaner. I have to use the FREE detergents too, or I will develop a rash. Love Finn - he's a beautiful kitty. Thanks for the toes photo!!! His lying like that makes him vulnerable, so he is showing complete trust & that he feels safe.
ReplyDeleteFinn is a pro at relaxing. ;) I love that you mentioned Finn's trust. That makes me feel so good! Thank you! xoxo
DeleteI am like you, Lisa, I use All Free and Clear because of my allergies. I have never used Borax, just bleach when I need a little whitening power. And they always say the cutest ones are the naughtiest. I have tons of nieces and nephews, grand nieces, kids of my own and I taught the little littles for years and I have to say, I agree!! If they're super cute, watch out!!
ReplyDeleteOh, Finn! Chasing your sister around the house is not the way to win her over! I’ve never used Borax or Oxy-Clean, but I don’t think bleach is good and doesn’t really work that well (for me anyway).
ReplyDeleteHope you have a great weekend.
Carol
Ahhhhh Finn at his finest :)
ReplyDeleteI use borax on towels...they always look good to me, so I guess it is doing it's job!
I use cold water wash/rinse on everything except towels.
I use vinegar to rinse EVERYthing...I even use it in the dishwasher....
Hope any of this helps ;^)
Blessings,
J