Cleaning Cleaning Cleaning...

[katt]

I read on another thread that Vinegar and Baking Soda are the best for cleaning and removing smells. So I went and bought a HUGE thing of both for really cheap on base. Then I realized that I wasn't sure what the best way to use it was. I know I can toss a little in the laundry to help clean bedding, but I would like to make a spray bottle of the stuff. My questions is, can I mix the baking soda and vinegar, and leave it in a spray bottle to be used whenever, or do I have to mix it like right before I use it?
Also, if I mix the two in a spray bottle, can I spray my carpets and vacuum (I have done this with baking soda before) or do I have to use/apply both separately?
What about putting some of both, or each in water in a carpet washer? (We have a shampooer at work that I can borrow).

[lnsybean44]

I use vinegar for cleaning and like it so far. A spray bottle would work but not if you add baking soda if I am thinking about it correctly. If I have the right ingredients, it will bubble and could create a dangerous situation with a sealed spray bottle.

Sprinkling dry baking soda on the carpet and letting it sit helps with the smell, esp if you use a scented baking soda.

[tiggyeaj]

I keep a bottle of 50/50 water/vinegar mixture around. I use it to clean up after meals, accidents on hard flooring, and (since the stinker won't use her litter box) I use it to clean the base of her cage everyday. If you have a tough, gunky spot (say someone missed the litter box), a baking soda paste can help you scrub it out. A 50/50 mix of soda and vinegar (careful, it's gonna foam), help get rid of any funk when you clean the litter box. Let the mixture sit in the box for a few minutes, then rinse with water and dry (this works on kitty boxes, not sure about ferrets).

[sherrylynne]

Do you ever remember seeing those "active volcanoes" erupting that kids make at school? That's what happens when you mix vinegar with baking soda
I use 50/50 vinegar/water in a spray bottle for cleaning cages, and use baking soda in the wash, vinegar in the rinse for the bedding.

[cristina]

I mentioned the vinegar and baking soda for cleaning a while ago, I use it on my carpets, I first sprinkle baking soda on a stain then pour vinegar on it and the fizz helps penetrate into the carpet fibers bringing up the dirt with it (its something someone told me a while ago, but it seems to work wonders for me) although I do steam clean after as well with a mix of water and vinegar (50-50).....it works for me but I also heard that vinegar can have reactions with some carpets so do spot test first

Other than that I use a mix of 50-50 vin and water solution for everything else as well, also I use clorox everywhere spray where raw meat is too sometimes

[tiggyeaj]

Jan 3, 2010 19:27:59 GMT -5 cristina said:

I mentioned the vinegar and baking soda for cleaning a while ago, I use it on my carpets, I first sprinkle baking soda on a stain then pour vinegar on it and the fizz helps penetrate into the carpet fibers bringing up the dirt with it

Do you ever use Nature's Miracle? How does the vinegar/soda work on carpet in comparison if you have? Since Muddy is strongly resistant to litter box training, and doesn't always hit the newspaper, I'm constatnly battling stains on a beige carpet.

[sherrylynne]

I actually use NM carpet shampoo. I've got a couple who are "resistant" as well It seems to help for a while. At the very least, it removes the stains, and gets rid of any "funk" smells.

[katt]

All great advice! Thanks!

[cristina]

"Do you ever use Nature's Miracle? How does the vinegar/soda work on carpet in comparison if you have? Since Muddy is strongly resistant to litter box training, and doesn't always hit the newspaper, I'm constatnly battling stains on a beige carpet."

I use natures miracle on pee spots, but when I actually have to scrub the poop away I use the vinegar/soda...it just helps it bubble up and come off well for me.....my Mimi sometimes "cant make it to the litter" even though Im sure she can, shes very dramatic sometimes!
But I put down newspaper around the litter boxes and this seems to have done the trick and catches most of her "mishaps"

[klindshill]

Although, Im fairly new to ferrets. I am seasoned in rescuing dogs. I have used bottles of 50/50 (50% water, 50% vinegar) for years. I use it to clean cages and crates. I also use it in my steam cleaner for carpets as well as spray it on the carpet too.

I also use sprinkled baking soda on the carpet and in the litter box. If I ever ran out of vinegar Id be in serious trouble. You cannot tell any animals have ever lived with me (aside from their supplies everywhere ) There is no smell in my house and believe me Ive had tons of dogs in and out over the years!

I am looking into a steam mop and handheld steamer for chemical free cleaning. Ive heard good things from other dog rescuers.

[suzieszoo]

I like the Nature's Miracle to remove recurrences of undesirable "repeat spots" , I like baking soda/vinegar for general cleaning, and I like puppy piddle pads around her litter box so she "skoots" her bum on it instead of the rug LOL! "Whatever works" I say

[AnehMal]

i love using the water/vinegar solution. even though the smell can be bad buti know it goes away and the ferret smell disapears. I have ceramic tiles and I use the puppy piddle pads as well. for some serious cleaning i use a store brand orange cleaner. i spray and scrub on the grout and makes the smell go away and cleans the grout beautifuly. I then use the vinegar/water to disenfect or get rid of any trace of smell. its awesome

[foxfire]

If you ever want to clean out the kitchen or bathroom sink drains. You put about 2 big spoons of baking soda down the drain, then add about 2 cups of vinegar. The drain will bubble and gurgle and its great fun to watch. You can repeat it again if you want to clean it more. Or just add about 1 kettle full of hot water to finish it off. Drains look brand new. Good idea to do this often after washing ferrets etc. I flush mine out once a month..

To clean inside the electric kettle, add 1 cup of vinegar and fill kettle with water and boil. Empty out, fill with clean water and boil again, empty out, and check out your clean kettle now.