August 17, 2010
Oxiclean has been working overtime at our house. Summertime sent some filthy toddler clothes into our washing machine. Chocolate ice cream drips, popsicle juice, and watermelon slurps to name a few. Ah yes…and the cheeto refuse wiped subconsciously onto every available flap of fabric. I’m telling you – some of this stuff does NOT come out!
But here’s the pattern I’ve noticed.
One twin is messier than the other. One thinks her shirt is a napkin and uses it as such frequently.
Can you guess who?
Sami’s shirt is on the left. Ali’s on the right.
Sweet Sam. If someone’s drink is going to spill, it will be hers. If someone is going to face plant on the gravel during our walk, it will be Sam. If a flat road is going to jump up and bite one of my kids on the shins, it will be Sam. She’s doomed, I’m afraid.
And her food seems to follow suit. It wants to be on her clothes, wants to fall off her plate onto the floor, wants to moosh into her cotton shirt so deep I can never get it out.
But look at those great big eyes. I LOVE that face. And the big bruise on her forehead? It’s from falling headfirst out of Doug’s car. I know…OUCH!
So if you’re a twin parent, have you noticed a pattern when sorting laundry? Is one dirtier than the other?
I wish I’d taken a few more pictures. The July 24th-ketchup-cheeto-watermelon-ice cream-brownie-collage on the front of Sam’s shirt was a masterpiece. The shirt never recovered. But boy did we have a good time!
Erin
Oxyclean -will- get it all out, except maybe a Sharpie marker. Seriously. I got out BLUEBERRY stains that had set in the dryer. I even got out stains that I found on Ella's baby clothes that had reappeared while they were in storage–from two years ago. So, here's the trick. Get the powdered kind, make a little paste out of it (I just sprinkle it on the clothing and then add just enough drops of water to "activate" the cleaner and make a paste. Then I let it sit for a while (maybe a day). Then I wash it with more Oxyclean and laundry soap in the wash. Or I leave things in a "soaking bucket" in the sink near the washing machine. I'll add about a half cup of Oxyclean to half a bucket of water and just throw baby clothes in there as they get dirty. Works like a charm.
kara jayne
cath-
if i had time i'd comment on every last post of yours i've read and applaud you. i don't have the time so let me say…
i just love you.
Shells
That is hilarious, I would never have guessed that would be the case! Poor Sam, she is such a sweetie too!
catharvy
Erin – Of course you would have the solution! Why didn't I ask you before?? Thanks for the info. I've just been using the Oxiclean spray. I guess it's time to buy the bucket of powder, eh? Thanks my dear!!
Kara – SO glad to have your blog. That picture of your kids running to you says everything. You're such a wonderful Mom! I love being in touch with you dear friend.
Michelle – I know. I'm hoping she grows out of the bang and bruise phase. Sweet darling girl. I love her.
Brodi Ashton
Ha ha! That is so funny, and cute. If Erin and I were actual twins, instead of just looking like it, I'd definitely be the "Sammy".
corinne
cath, this is hilarious! my boys aren't twins, but my younger child is 100x messier than my older child. even string cheese somehow finds its way into his hair, smooshed into his neck folds, finger creases, clothes, etc. he is the messiest eater alive! he may even put sweet beautiful sam to shame. ha! we should have a contest. 🙂
catharvy
Brod – YOU? The messy one? Go on… 🙂
Corinne – Next time we get together (which needs to be soon by the way!) let's have an eat-off. We'll compare shirts at the end!
Alisa
I've had a lot of success with liquid Era laundry detergent applied directly to the stain and then stuck in the wash. Era even got out the large (Costco sized) jar of ketchup that Greg threw down our new (back then) house's light beige stairs!!! Lately I have been combining Era on the stain with OxyClean as a laundry booster–to help get out all of the stains that I don't find before they get washed! Incidentally, Greg is and was our biggest dirty laundry culprit. Not that I'm complaining- 'cause after him, MY shirts are the ones that I have to pretreat second-most! Whether from my own spills that always occur in the same spot, or those cute, dirty kid hugs that they love to give- while conveniently using Mom's shirt as a napkin!
Alisa
Oh, and I'll have to ask Matt to be sure- but I think Matt even used Era to get Sharpie Marker out of the carpet when Kelsey decided paper just wasn't a big enough canvas- and she drew lovely Sharpie pictures all over her bedroom floor and her new nightstand. Matt got it out of the carpet, but the stains are still on the nightstand!
catharvy
Alisa – ERA??? Wow. Now that's good intel. I'm picking some of that stuff up next time I make it to the store. Seriously – sharpies??? And you? A messy eater? Go on… I love your tips. Thanks a million.
Angie
Hahaha!! I'm the Sami! Love your fun reality based parenting posts. Miss you.
Ang