My Bathroom Lament: Mildew + New Soft Scrub Giveaway~ 5/6

Momma Told Me: That's going to take some elbow grease.

Mildew. Even the sound reminds me of a menacing cartoon germ, cackling as it spreads bacteria. In fact, it is actually a form of mold; therefor Mold and Mildew is a bit redundant, but certainly gets the point across. I was raised in a 2 bedroom condo, a tad bigger than the one I live in today. Condominiums are great for starter homes and 20-somethings, who don't necessarily need the land and space of those with growing families. That being said, there is a space issue that impacts the design of various amenities; one big one being the restroom. Our rather small, single, bathroom has no automated venting system and only a 3' x 2' window (which opens to half that area) to allow for manual ventilation. This may not seem like a big deal if you enjoy cold showers, or take baths, but we're a 'hot water' loving family, and that means plenty of steam. Steam, of course, causes precipitation and the accumulation of moisture on everything from bathroom walls to shower fixtures. This causes mold/mildew, and is exceptionally hard to fight once it's begun to build.

I've shared before my attachment to the Soft Scrub brand; it was the first cleanser Momma placed in my hands before patting my bum and shuffling me towards the guest bathroom. Original, classic as I call it, Soft Scrub is a very dense and gritty paste that effectively scrubs stains and build up off a variety of surfaces. Of course, through the years, the modern consumer has demanded variants of this powerful formula that would offer added convenience in distribution and efficacy. Some projects are not suitable for bleach, while others demand the stain fighting power. Cleaning the toilet requires a bottle that can dispense product upside down, while more delicate surfaces need a powerful 'scrub free' formula. Soft Scrub has successfully addressed all of these needs and more with their constantly expanding range of cleansers, so it's no surprise there's a brand new Mold and Mildew Stain Remover product hitting shelves.

No matter how much I try to vent the bathroom during showers the other half and I usually bathe back to back, and the accumulation of moisture is inevitable. I used to be better about wiping down the fixtures after showering, but have slacked quite a bit lately. And that doesn't stop mildew from building on the bottom of our shower liner! Soft Scrub Mold and Mildew promises no harsh fumes or over spray and functions as a gel to cling to stains and mildew for the cleaning of tile, grout, tubs, showers, and more. As a Purex Insider I got a chance to test out this new product before it officially hit shelves (expect to find Purex Mold and Mildew at your local WalMart and Safeway chains nationwide). The bottle has a lovely aqua color that, to me, screams 'gel', and an ergonomic neck with spray handle. The 'stream' setting is a very unique combination of spray vs stream and does not 'fan out' to the sides or blow back as some other dispensers tend to. This makes it much safer for cleaning in small spaces, with minimal, if any, fumes.

So how did it stack up? I was honestly quite impressed with this formulations ability to break down the grime and build up without any additional scrubbing. It was as simple as spray and wipe/rinse. My first attempt I let it sit about 60 seconds before rinsing; though I could visibly see the mildew breaking down while I waited. I've since realized hardly any waiting is necessary. For larger stains one might want to gently distribute the Soft Scrub around the entire surface and allow it to sit for a moment, but my fixtures rinsed spotless in just a few moments. When it comes down to brass tacks, Soft Scrub Mold and Mildew is a hit in my mind for it's lack of harsh fumes and targeted distribution. Instead of vaporizing, the thicker gel clings and goes to work immediately to fight tough build up and stains. I will certainly keeping a bottle on hand in our house!

Like most Purex Insiders campaigns, this product launch comes with a brand sweepstakes. Head on over here and get entered for your shot at $1000 or free Soft Scrub product!

What Daughter Says: Take some of the chore out of cleaning, with Soft Scrub.

One Momma Told Me reader will win 2 vouchers good for a FREE Soft Scrub product of their choice! Enter our Soft Scrub Toilet Bowl 4-In-1 giveaway here.

Soft Scrub 4-In-1 Toilet Care System Review + Giveaway~ 5/1

Momma Told Me: Cleaning the toilet is just a fact of life.

Out of all the household chores cleaning the bathroom, specifically the toilet, is the one I loathe most. It's ironic, really, as that was the very first chore I was tasked with during my childhood. Before I was permitted to push a vacuum, or flourish a duster I was taught how to scrub the porcelain throne until it glistened. I couldn't have been more than 6 or 7 when Momma first thrust that white and yellow Soft Scrub bottle in my hand, and with a damp scour sponge, instructed me to get to work. There was some whining on my part about how I needed gloves (I'm sure I had a romantic notion of household chores being more glamorous with an elbow length pair of yellow rubber gloves), and Momma was quick to cease whining with a threat to pull my allowance (all $3 of it). Yes, it seems Momma disliked cleaning the toilet just as much as me; unfortunately at 1/6 of her size and fraction of her age, I was outranked on the matter.

When the Purex Insiders gave me an opportunity to try the newest product in the Soft Scrub range, 4-In-1 Toilet Care, I was eager to sample any product that promised to prolong my bowl's freshness between cleanings. In our household Jay avoids touching the toilet much like his profuse aversion to raw poultry. It's funny, as I'd wager 70%+ of the 'mess' is thanks to him! And, ladies can identify, I am consistently in awe at the status of my toilet seat when I go to scrub that bowl. One would think the men who touch the seat daily, in order to use the toilet, would be the most concerned with what lies beneath! In any case the new 4-In-1 Toilet Care product promises to keep our hands out of the bowl longer, and costs less than $2 at the local grocer. Much like traditional gel press-ons, or bowl drop-ins, Soft Scrub 4-In-1 continually treats the bowl and water with each flush.

While the product may look a little alien at first, these 4 slowly eroding balls of cleanser utilize your toilet's natural whirlpool, flushing, action to distribute the cleanser/deodorizer and effectively fight buildup. If you've ever fought to keep away those nasty toilet bowl rings, you understand the importance of having flush activated cleansers. This nifty cleaning device hangs over your toilet bowl's edge, somewhat awkwardly (it could fit better, but does the job), and is sold in two varieties, with and without bleach. I'm actually quite amazed how long the eroding cleanser has lasted, with a promised lifespan of 4 weeks, as it seems to dissolve very slowly over time.

The two varieties also offer different scents, the Bleach being my preferred Alpine Fresh, while the original is a more floral Sapphire Waters. When I initially installed the 4-In-1 Toilet Care I intentionally did so between cleanings to see if the product would actually wear away at the existing buildup over time. To me this was a bigger test than  the discouragement of new buildup. The answer was yes, it did, in fact, break up existing stains and gunk from under the rim of our toilet bowl. Within a week the bowl seemed brighter and cleaner, without ever having touched a sponge to the bowl! Of course this product is not intended as a hands free sanitation solution, but merely to extend the cleanliness of one's toilet between cleanings. While it's good to have some proof of the powerful cleansing action, we have resumed our regular cleaning schedule. Right now I prefer this system to traditional toilet tank cakes, but am unsure whether they perform better than the competitors gel press-ons. Only time will tell!

Naturally, like most Purex Insiders product launches, there is a great sweepstakes being hosted, in order to promote the new Soft Scrub 4-In-1 Toilet Care product. Head on over here to get entered in the Brighter Bowl Sweepstakes where one grand prize winner will claim $1000! Entries are valid daily now through April 26, 2013, so be sure to stop in every day to maximize your odds!

What Daughter Says: Extend your toilet bowl's cleanliness between scrubs with Soft Scrub 4-In-1 Toilet Care.

One Momma Told Me reader will win 3 vouchers good for FREE Soft Scrub Product of their choice! Enter the Dial Kids giveaway here.

Soft Scrub Advanced Surface Sweepstakes and Giveaway~ 4/10

Momma Told Me: It's a chore, not a game!

From a really young age I fostered an appreciation for clean. More so enamored with the results than the process of getting there, my parents found many times I tried to 'help out,' and in turn caused more damage than good. For example; cleaning copper with the wrong chemicals, placing the sponge for the car (wash) in a pile of loose gravel, and mixing colors with whites in the laundry. Yes, an over-zealous assistant can really throw a wrench into Momma's day, and I was quick to learn there are proper tools for every job. However, I was somehow surprised to learn just the other week, that my premium surfaces now require less attention than ever before. That's right, non-porous premium household surfaces such as granite, stainless steel, marble, and inductive stove tops now have a specially formulated rinse-free cleanser. Made by trusted brand, Soft Scrub, which was quite possibly the very first cleanser I ever picked up, Advanced Surface is formulated to make your life easier.

With it's chic new black bottle packaging, Soft Scrub Advanced Surface is impressively tough on stains and buildup without being harsh on the surface. With absolutely no dyes, the clear gel dispenses thin, and covers a wide area. Simply spread the cleanser through your Advanced Surface then wipe away with a damp sponge or cloth; no rinsing required! Of course you can still take advantage of the classic scrubbing action of Soft Scrub, this formula will suds up just as well as any- though rinsing is not required. Similar to the classic Soft Scrub Gel with Bleach, this bleach free formula is safe for large surfaces, and easily removes layers of gunk and residue with a single swipe. Now, as convenient as the squirt and wipe cleaning is, I do, personally advocate a simple vinegar water wipe down to remove and residue, when cleaning kitchen surfaces.

Before using Soft Scrub Advanced for the first time I allowed our kitchen sink to go almost 5 days without a scrub. The other half is notorious for 'rinsing' dishes, and failing to rinse the sink, so we always have dried food and grease stains lurking on our Stainless Steel. As I first dispensed the cleanser I was surprised how thin the clear gel was, as it came out quite fast. I think I only needed about 1/3 what I actually used, and the gel seemed to foam quite a bit when wiping. I've since become more conscious of how much I squeeze and use a lot less per chore. The gel itself has a minimal cleaning odor, and leaves no fragrance post wiping, which is surprising, considering how effective Advanced Surface proved to be in efficiently eating through grime buildup. In all, I've been thrilled at the power of this new formula, but would like to see an improved distribution, such as a spray bottle or mist; the gel simply dispenses too fast for smaller chores.

Like most of my Purex Insiders opportunities, this one comes with the chance to win some free swag via the Don't Worry, Be Happy Sweepstakes. One lucky winner will take home $1000 cash prize, while 250 others will claim FREE product vouchers for Soft Scrub. Enter once a day now through April 9. 2013 to maximize your chances, and be sure to enter our giveaway below. Good luck!

What Daughter Says: Take some of the guesswork our of cleaning Advanced Surfaces with new Soft Scrub.

One Momma Told Me reader will win 2 vouchers good for FREE Soft Scrub!

Purex Insiders: Soft Scrub Total All Purpose W/ Giveaway~ 3/11

Momma Told Me: Clean the bathroom!

It's funny, the things I can relate to; when I receive a product for editorial consideration. Sure, there are only so many things I can say about candles, or another purse- but is it odd that I see bottle of Soft Scrub and am instantly taken back to vivid childhood memories? Sure, cleaning supplies are not the most glamorous of products; but, considering how much I spend on them annually, a valuable aspect of home living, none the less. I learned, at a young age, cleaning supplies was not the area o one's budget to cut corners. Not all brands are created alike, nor as effective as the next. The secret to a valuable cleaning aid? If has to perform multiple functions within one's home. No, I'm not talking about a vacuum that dispenses fresh roast coffee, I'm referring to a cleanser that is touch enough for your harshest stains and buildup, yet gentle enough for multi-room use. A great cleaning brand always has a comprehensive range of products, while still relying on it's original formula for timeless function.

After I'd mastered the vacuum, Momma was quick to put me on 'bathroom duty'. If I ever questioned why, without jest, her precise reasoning was, "My mother used to make me clean the bathrooms, and I hated it. Now you get to do it too!" While I'm sure noone enjoys cleaning a bathroom, I particularly despised the chore, myself. The object that garnered the most hatred, however, was the slender white bottle (complete with yellow cap) of original Soft Scrub. Momma's a frugal woman, but she had the sense to know the same formula she had used since 1976 was the absolute best for the job. The unique texture of Original Soft Scrub (with Lemon scent) is what always stood out most in my mind. This white paste (similar to toothpaste) was very gritty, making it tough on the harshest mildew buildup, and stains. Momma just loved making me scrub the grout until it was bright white again!

Soft Scrub is also known for being extremely gentle on the surfaces it cleans. Minimizing wear on gentle enamels and protective barriers, while still removing stains and bacteria is a major selling point for the brand. When they recently released a new, foaming, spray version of their product I was happy to put the collection to the test in my own home. Featuring a modern, revamped, facelift, the bottles offer a stream or foam dispense option and even function upside down for hard to reach nooks and crannies (and even toilets). Soft Scrub Total (All Purpose) is sold in Lemon Scent All Purpose, Fresh Scent Bath and Bowl, and With Bleach. This range is intended to clean multiple surfaces throughout one's home, with the trusted power, yet gentle effects, of classic Soft Scrub. For 2013 the trusted cleansing brand has reformulated their classic formula for extended cleaning power, featuring a new bottle design and cap for easier dispensing. The new product, called Soft Scrub Total All Purpose, is intended to tackle your toughest stains from bathroom to kitchen, and is entirely bleach free.

I'll admit, I, personally, rely on Scrubbing Bubbles in my bathroom, where I find the toughest stains and buildup to occur. In all honesty, I have to eat my words- Soft Scrub Total All Purpose exceeded my every expectation. Even without the foaming action of Scrubbing Bubbles, Total All Purpose is just as tough on the water spots and grime that builds in crevices, in most cases working faster than the leading competitor brand. Not only that, but my faucet sparkled after just one application; and the product was so easy to rinse and remove with a basic sponge, no scour pad needed! Soft Scrub Total has taken the 'scrub' out of my chores, and placed all the work on the innovative formula with targeted foam/spray. With the ergonomic design and powerful foaming action, I daresay I would have enjoyed my chores more, as a kid, if this version of Soft Scrub were around!

Just look at how my kitchen sink sparkles after a simple rinse down with the new and improved Soft Scrub Total All Purpose formula. This formula is thick, like traditional Soft Scrub, with a Lemon Fresh Scent. It distributes evenly through the wide mouth cap, and is a great example of 'a little goes a long way.' I especially love the light citrus odor, that also aids my garbage disposal as run off clears the sink, and how the stainless steel surface has no residue after rinsing. I've also used this new formula on the bath tub, outdoor patio furniture, and oil stains in the garage, it truly is a versatile 'total' cleansing product!

As a Purex Insider I received the new formula to test out in my own home, but you don't need to be an Insider to win your own. To kick off the launch of Soft Scrub Total All Purpose the brand is sponsoring a Sweepstakes where one lucky winner will score $1000 in Soft Scrub products, and 250 runners up will receive a voucher for free Soft Scrub. Hurry on over and make sure you enter the Soft Scrub Sweepstakes daily, per the rules and regulations 1 entry per individual, per day is allowed. Winners will be drawn on March 22, 2013; while you're waiting to hear you've won, be sure to enter our blog giveaway below, where we'll be offering one lucky reader 2 vouchers for free Soft Scrub!

What Daughter Says:  Cleaning the bathroom, and many other household surfaces, just became a lot easier with the new and improved Soft Scrub Total formula.

One Momma Told Me follower will win 2 vouchers for a FREE Soft Scrub product of their choice! Enter our Honey Bunches of Oats (Purex Insiders) giveaway here. Enter to win new Dial Coconut Body Wash here.