If I close my eyes, I can see a small dark blue can in the wicker basket above the toilet that read “Barbasol”. To me, it was something to play with when I was hiding in the bathroom from my parents to avoid doing my chores. *Pop* goes the top but I hold on to it carefully so that it doesn’t hit the floor and alert my mom that I’m into something I haven’t any business touching. What does a 8 year old girl need with a can of shaving cream anyway? Scshhhhhhh! I push the white top and watch a glob of thick, white foam spill into my hands. What do I do with it? I hadn’t thought that far. One thing I know is that I have to get rid of it quick before someone comes looking for me. I’ll just wash it off, I think to myself. I turn on the faucet and watch the cream melt under the pressure of the cool water and travel down the drain. Little did I know, I was wasting something my adult self would LOVE a lifetime supply of. Here’s a few ways you can use shaving cream, today (besides the obvious, of course):

Anti-fog Your Mirrors: Cover your mirrors with shaving cream and then wipe it clean with a newspaper or microfiber cloth. Even after the hottest of showers, you’ll see clearly when you look in the mirror. Add this step in your cleaning routine to add an extra luxurious touch to your bathing experience!

Remove Strong Odors: For those of us who have fur babies (or potty training sons/little brothers), we know they can miss their mark sometimes. Urine can find it’s way to the floor and whenever that happens, the smell can stick to the surface. Spread the shaving cream in the smelly area and let it sit for 5-7 minutes. Use a damp cloth to wipe up the shaving cream and it will surely take the odor with it. (Do not use shaving cream on wooden floors, it may warp the wood)

Get Makeup Out Of Clothing: Add the shaving cream to the area and hand wash it, using cool to warm water (and a little dawn dish soap if you have it). If the stain is a tough one, add a drop or two of alcohol to the shaving cream and repeat the process. 

*Bonus* Sensory play for little ones! Put your little one in a high chair or chair that has a tray connected to it. Fill the surface with shaving cream and add a few drops of food coloring to the shaving cream. Let your little one make the biggest mess they can from the comfort of their chair. The best part is, mom or dad can just wipe it up when the little one is done! No permanent damage and it’s guaranteed to pass the vibe check with your toddler. 

Maybe you won’t go out and buy a new can of shaving cream. Im okay with that. As long as I gave you more uses for the one that has just been sitting in the bathroom cabinet, passing the days until expiration. We’re decluttering the world, one multipurpose household item at a time! 

Let’s say you’re stranded on an island and can only bring one cleaning item, what would it be? Me? That’s easy, I’m going with Ol’ Faithful — vinegar! Vinegar is so versatile and useful, I think the shorter list would be, “What CAN’T vinegar clean?” Check out some of my favorite ways to use it in my house.

Faucets/appliances - Use vinegar to cut through grime, mildew, and even mold. Just spray down the surface, let the vinegar mixture marinate for a few minutes, and wipe it down. It’s that simple! For your faucets, put a 2:1 vinegar to water concoction in a plastic bag and use a rubber band to tie the bag around the faucet, fully submerging it. To clean your dishwasher, put a cup of vinegar in the rinse compartment and run the washer for one whole cycle. Get those pesky stains out of your microwave quick and easy by combining 1/4 cup of vinegar and 3/4 cup of water. Microwave it for 3-5 minutes and wipe down the inside of the microwave with ease.

Laundry - Use vinegar to get rid of tough sweat stains by adding a cup of it to your wash cycle.

Multipurpose cleaner - Vinegar can be used on counter tops (excluding granite and marble), tubs, tile, glass and more. Dilute the vinegar with equal parts of water and just a splash of dish detergent or lemon juice and watch the dirt come off.

Pest repellent - The acid present in vinegar gives it the smell that can help keep ants, mice, and other pests away. If you’re having an ant problem like most Philadelphians this year, spray your counter tops down before going to bed at night to keep them away.

These are just a few of my favorites but vinegar is useful for a ton of things. It’s also eco-friendly and non toxic for humans AND pets. Something so mighty is hardly ever that safe but if I had to vote on the best household cleaner, I’d put money on vinegar every time.

Published on March 18, 2022 by Jamie Forbes

Pets are great companions. They provide health benefits like socialization, intellectual stimulation, and companionship while bringing joy to people’s lives. Unfortunately, renting with pets can be difficult; property managers generally view animals as risks and dissuade people from having them through higher rent, deposits, and other restrictions. Thankfully, most rental properties allow pets in limited forms. 

Property managers usually permit small pets, like fish or turtles, but are more strict with larger animals, like cats and dogs. So whether you rent a home in Boulder, CO, or Philadelphia, PA, read on to learn what you need to know about renting with pets.

Renting with pets: pet policies

Most rentals have provisions called pet policies. These are rules included in a lease that protect the landlord and tenant by clearly stating expectations around pet ownership. Policies can vary widely, ranging from no-pet policies to having no policy at all. “If you’re planning to welcome a new pet into your rental, there are several things to consider,” says Lisa of Houston PetSet, a nonprofit pet rescue. “You don’t want to adopt a new pet and find out you can’t afford it, or that your rental property doesn’t allow the pet at all.” 

Before you sign a rental agreement, carefully review the pet policy and also ensure the policy is included in the lease so that you have it in writing. Here are some common rental pet policies.

No-pet policies

Some rentals don’t allow pets at all. This provision commonly excludes all animals of any kind. Don’t try to sneak a pet in, and “be honest,” states Mick from PAWS, a leading nonprofit animal welfare society. “The landlord will find out if you have a secret pet, or that you have three cats instead of one. If you want to try convincing the landlord, propose a trial period, develop a pet resume, and offer to negotiate an addendum to the rental agreement.” Breaking your lease may result in eviction or fines. Most no-pet policies don’t apply to emotional support animals or service animals. 

Types of pets allowed

Pet policies vary widely. Some policies may exclude a single species, such as cats, while others might exclude everything but cats. “Not all landlords advertise that a rental is pet friendly, ” says Trevor, CEO of ApartmentLove, an apartment listing service. “When you find a home that fits your budget and needs, talk to the landlord to show that you and your pet are going to be good and reliable tenants.” Read the provisions carefully and ask plenty of questions to ensure your pet is allowed.

Breed restrictions

Many rentals are picky when it comes to animal breeds, most commonly among dogs. After all, “mixing mutts with small-home living isn’t always easy. Cooped-up pooches can bark up a storm, alienating neighbors,” says Brandie Ahlgren, founder and editor of Seattle-based CityDog Magazine. “However, with some training and exercise, a dog can be a great addition to an apartment.” While not every rental has dog breed restrictions, those that do generally restrict larger and louder mixed breeds and mutts. These are part of the “bully” category and include Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Huskies, Mastiffs, German Shepherds, and Dobermans.

If you own a restricted dog breed, it’s possible to appeal the restriction and ask for flexibility. If your property manager is steadfast, try negotiating by paying a higher security deposit or a higher pet rent. Bring your dog for a pet interview to prove they are fit to rent, and ask your friends for pet references.

Number of pets allowed

Most rental properties limit the number of pets you can have. You may be limited to one or two pets or may need permission to bring any at all. Service animals and emotional support animals fall outside of this restriction and generally have no limits depending on your area.

Weight requirements

Pet policies commonly include weight maximums – for example, no pets over 100 pounds. These requirements can be sneaky ways of ruling out certain species and breeds without inserting a specific breed restriction. Property managers may also only want smaller animals due to the size of the rental, making renting with pets a more difficult process.

Pet rent and deposit

As if pets aren’t expensive enough, rentals often include pet rent, additional security deposits, and cleaning fees in the lease. Pet rent is an additional monthly cost added to your base rent and is nonrefundable. Pet security deposits are generally refundable but come with strict stipulations. Noise complaints, stains, and damage are all possible reasons your deposit can be voided.

These charges are illegal in some states, so make sure to check with the property manager and do your research before signing a lease. Budget conservatively and ask plenty of questions.

Spaying and neutering

“The most important and least included pet policy is proof that the pet is spayed or neutered,” says Sally of SNYP Spay Neuter Clinic, a non-profit animal welfare organization located in Oregon. “Spaying and neutering has many benefits to the pet, the community, and you. The pet enjoys reduced risk of certain cancers, neighbors in the community are spared unwanted breeding behaviors, and you won’t wake up with a new litter of animals to take care of.” 

Cleaning

Pets are messy. In a rental, large messes can increase your risk of losing your security deposit and may require expensive cleaning. Luckily, there are different methods to reduce the risk of messes. “Microfiber cloths are a big plus when dealing with pet hair,” says Tina from Sarina’s Cleaning, a New Jersey cleaning company. “Make sure to order plenty and keep them on hand. If possible, book weekly professional cleanings.” Potty train your pet and purchase cat litter and doggy bags monthly. Here are some other popular tips:

• Litter box: It’s necessary for cat owners to clean this at least once every two days, depending on how many cats you have.

• Small animal cage: Used for rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, and other small animals, this is where they will spend most of their time. Some small animals, like a guinea pig, can’t be potty trained and must be kept in their cage at all times.

• Outside/grass patch: If you have a dog, be sure to keep track of its time spent outside. Take your pet for a long walk before you leave for the day to ensure they don’t have an accident,” says Lauren from McKamey Animal Center, a Tennessee animal welfare organization. “This also helps your pet sleep while you aren’t home.” If outdoor space is limited, consider a small portable grass patch.

• Pet stains: Accidents happen. Younger pets and small animals are at a much greater risk of leaving stains or other marks in your apartment. “Wall stains are the hardest areas that need cleaning,” says Danesh of Galaxy Maids, a New York-based cleaning company. “Try a water-based natural cleaning solution using white vinegar, water, and dish soap to remove scuffs and stains without being abrasive.” Stay on top of stains and act quickly when you see them to ensure they don’t cost you later.

• Pet smell: Pet smells can permeate and may require expensive cleaning or replacement. “Open your windows to help with air circulation,” states Courtney and Jonathan from West Philly Scrub, cleaning services in Philadelphia. “This is an easy way to freshen up the space and clean out built-up odors.” Also, fabric sanitizing spray, odor treatments, and air fresheners can help combat persistent pet smells.

• Floors: Floors get messy when pets are around. “Proper floor care is essential to keeping your apartment clean,” says Wuraola of Sewa & Son Steamers, a Mid-Atlantic cleaning company. “For tile and hardwoods, use regular maintenance with a neutral floor cleaner and mop. This helps get rid of dirt, grime, and scuffs between your less frequent deep cleanings.”