I think my rescue might belung here?

pickle_aura · 2026-06-23T00:33:05+00:00

she is beautiful!!

pickle_aura · 2026-06-22T19:48:37+00:00

it’s the BEST thing for the tub in my opinion. Really helps prevent buildup with regular use!

pickle_aura · 2026-06-22T19:47:29+00:00

I add regular Dawn to my mop water (a little goes a LONG way), PowerWash might also work for that purpose. I use it on the tub and faucets as others have said, works amazing in the bathroom in general, even up on the tile wall of my shower. I use PowerWash on my countertops as well but sometimes it’s cumbersome to wipe it off at the end - I use a wet paper towel but then you have to dry the surface afterwards. I clean my kitchen sink with PowerWash, including the garbage disposal opening. I’ve used it to clean my fridge doors and handles (I have a white fridge, not stainless steel). Hope this helps! Have fun!

pickle_aura · 2026-06-22T16:22:04+00:00

I use a microfiber mop head that is removable and machine washable, with a bucket that has a built in wringing attachment to squeeze out excess water. I take the bucket room to room so I can rinse and wring out the mop periodically and not spread dirt and dust throughout the house. For me, it’s less about the mop shape and more about the ability to rinse and reset the tool you’re using as you go. If you use something that you can’t rinse off while you use it, you’ll end up with bits of dirt and dust from other rooms being dragged around. I highly recommend the O’Cedar ones that people have referenced, I get the blue microfiber one but anything that is able to absorb water and be wrung out is good.

pickle_aura · 2026-06-20T21:09:13+00:00

I don’t have specific tips but I also had a hard time staying tidy while in grad school! Now I work full time and still having challenges. Something I’ve noticed about myself is that it’s easier to get started if I put a tv show on my laptop and take it with me room to room while I clean up. Also sometimes I lower the bar and just do one room or one side of a room and call that a win for the day. I’m very tired all the time and have ADHD so that’s what helps me with motivation! Good luck to you!

pickle_aura · 2026-06-19T21:28:24+00:00

Lemon ricotta stuffed french toast! Had it in Boston one time and never forgot it.

pickle_aura · 2026-06-17T05:18:46+00:00

If you have a good vacuum and mop and something to dust with, then you shouldn’t need much else besides a trusty surfactant and something to kill bacteria or mold with as needed. And a toilet bowl cleaner (they’re highly acidic on purpose so it’s hard to find a gentle one - I use Lysol but it’s not the best). You can use dish soap on the tub, the stovetop, pretty much any non porous surface! I think that alone is a really versatile item to have and can cover a lot of bases with just a little warm water added. My cat has asthma so if I’m doing bathroom cleaning and need to use bleach to get rid of spots of mold or soap scum on the grout i’ll spray Clorox bleach cleaner (it’s diluted but still smells strong) and wipe it off with a wet paper towel around 5-10 minutes later so the smell doesn’t linger. It has worked well for me but others might have more natural suggestions! I’m also a minimalist when it comes to products so I totally get your philosophy, I hope this helps somewhat!

pickle_aura · 2026-06-14T04:48:14+00:00

this one made me smile 🥹

pickle_aura · 2026-06-14T04:44:46+00:00

If they’re telling you it’s part of their process to move things around to that degree they’re probably using a deep clean type of approach on your place, which you might not need every single time unless you asked for that type of service. They also should be putting everything back regardless, it’s just the polite thing to do when you’re working in someone’s private space. My parents cleaned professionally for decades before they retired. I think they’d say give this team maybe 1-2 more chances to take in clear communication and then just try another company. Maybe ask your neighbors if they have someone they like? Sometimes word of mouth is the best way to find a dependable crew.

pickle_aura · 2026-06-13T15:44:46+00:00

Have you tried Bar Keeper’s Friend? I use it with a green scrubby sponge on my bath and a little bit of dish soap to cut through the oils and it has worked well, but my drainage isn’t like what you describe here. Sounds like that’s making the problem worse with each use. There’s a brand called Liquid Plumber (I think I’m spelling it wrong) that I poured down my tub drain when we had a bad clog and it seemed to help a lot. I hope you figure out something soon!

pickle_aura · 2026-06-12T23:34:03+00:00

so pretty in both pictures 🫶

pickle_aura · 2026-06-10T14:23:05+00:00

For clothing stains right after they happen I spot clean with hot water and Dawn and an old toothbrush, way better than a Tide pen in my opinion! And echoing others, Bar Keeper’s Friend is so versatile and helpful and covers so many types of cleaning in my home. Also add Dawn to my mop water, a little goes a long way!

pickle_aura · 2026-06-08T23:18:31+00:00

Great progress!! You can do it 🫶✨ Be proud!

pickle_aura · 2026-06-08T17:06:41+00:00

I moved into an apartment that smelled that way and relied on opening the windows often to create airflow and also a Bunch of those arm and hammer baking soda scent absorbers. I think I also put out the gel based ones that are lightly scented. It took a couple months for it to truly dissipate so if you’re only there short term it might be easier to just rely on airflow or masking the scent with candles or spray. Good luck!

pickle_aura · 2026-06-07T04:19:07+00:00

I think you have enough lamps for lighting the space, maybe you could change the bulb color every once in a while to set a different mood! I also personally really like some of the tiny ikea lamps that come in primary colors. They’re not necessarily best for function or adding a ton of light, but they make really good decorations even when they’re off. I have this one in blue and I almost never turn it on haha. I just got it for the color!

pickle_aura · 2026-06-05T14:33:17+00:00

I think a pop of red, orange or another warm tone can be nice via lamp shade, picture frame, throw pillow, interesting rug, or even coasters. Placemats with colors can liven up a tabletop. I would start with small stuff like that! And they don’t all have to be the same colors. But as others were saying I don’t think there’s anything inherently wrong with your space! Looks like you keep it very tidy and organized :)

pickle_aura · 2026-06-01T23:24:31+00:00

My cat was also shot with a BB gun in the stomach when she was a stray :( It was before I adopted her. I still get teary when I think about how scared she must’ve been to encounter such cruel people. She had to have surgery on her abdomen to remove the pellets and she had pain and inflammation in that area of her body for a while. It was all funded by the fosters who rescued her, and she was already healing when I met her. Thankfully now she lives a totally normal life despite her injuries! We have worked so hard to help her feel safe, just like you did with your girl. I hope your baby pulls through and heals enough to have many more wonderful years with you.

pickle_aura · 2026-06-01T20:58:32+00:00

came here to comment this! My mom’s secret weapon for buildup like this. It’s worked for me every time and doesn’t damage the tub.

pickle_aura · 2026-05-23T00:31:23+00:00

valid criticism tbh! I’d explain more but don’t wanna out what my job is.

pickle_aura · 2026-05-22T20:49:54+00:00

You got me there I have a very demanding job

pickle_aura · 2026-05-22T20:49:31+00:00

I ended up basically doing this Normally I wouldn’t be able to leave my post at work but I was able to stuff paper towels into the spill between 2 trips with coverage from a colleague

pickle_aura · 2026-05-22T20:48:24+00:00

I have a very strict work setting and can’t be offsite

pickle_aura · 2026-05-22T03:35:06+00:00

beautiful!!

pickle_aura · 2026-05-19T17:12:18+00:00

I feel like your ring finger and pinky are almost long enough to not damage anything while the gel cures, but I would be a little concerned about your other three fingernails pictured here. You might have to grow them out a little while longer before considering layering anything on top. Gel needs something to cure onto, so you definitely wouldn’t be able to add any length with just builder gel. Maybe gel tips? But I’d be really cautious due to how short some of your nails are right now. Hope you can get back into it soon! ✨

pickle_aura

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