3M Scotch-Brite Botanical Disinfecting Wipes Celebrate the School Year

September 8, 2011 by Momstart 292 Comments

Back to school back to a routine and in the morning it’s always go go go right? There is never enough time and when you’re in a hurry the messes seem to come faster too. We make so many messes in the morning, every meal time to tell you the truth and the Scotch-Brite Botanical Disinfecting Wipes have been a pleasant reprieve in clean up duty.

3M Scotch-Brite™ introduced the “no-rinse” Botanical Disinfecting Wipes that kill 99.9% of household germs*, kill cold & flu viruses and leave school surfaces – such as desks, tables and chairs – residue-free. I use them to wipe that pesky kitchen table off all day long, along with the kitchen counters, fridge doors, and well pretty much every surface in the kitchen that needs a good disinfection.

Surprisingly, most disinfecting wipes that are used in homes or schools (on any non-porous surface) require rinsing after wiping. Which is something my husband is always reminding me of. I always forget and it drives him crazy, so I LOVE THES WIPES. The only thing that irks me is the interesting smell. It’s not bad, it’s just interesting. Lemon grass!

The “no-rinse” feature found in the Scotch-Brite™ Botanical Disinfecting Wipes provide a safe and effective way to make sure your kids are able to clean and breathe easy while at home, daycare or school.

Since many school systems nationwide require parents to contribute supplies like disinfecting wipes, tissues and napkins each school year, so thanks to MomStart and the people representing 3M we’re having a little giveaway.

This giveaway has ended. Congratulations to the winner, carol y l.

All rules can be found under giveaway rules. We received Samples.

Decorating Made Easy with Scotch Restickable Shapes

August 19, 2011 by Momstart 13 Comments

We received Scotch Restickable Shapes to try out in Miles’ room. Well we could use them in any room but Miles really felt he was ready to hang up some art work in his room. He just finished drawing some awesome Lion King pictures and I was quite excited to help him hang them in his room. However, the 3M Scotch Restickable Shapes surprised me as he was able to do most of it himself.

Scotch Restickable Strips, Tabs and Colored Shapes offer the convenience of pushpins and putty without leaving behind holes, marks or messy adhesive, and, unlike magnets, Scotch Restickable mounting products work on stainless steel refrigerators and most flat surfaces. We used them on our textured walls and they still worked quite well.

3M’s unique adhesive makes it easy to hang Miles’ artwork among other things like schedules and party decorations. They are also great for holding things in place on the mantle place or while outside. Ever have the wind try to blow away your tablecloth, use the restickable strips to keep your tablecloth secure. They give you the flexibility to remove and restick items more than 10 times, helping save money and time. You simply wash the products with soap and water to restore their stickiness.

I opened the package and read the simple directions. the main thing I learned from the directions was how to reuse them. After several uses you might have to remove dust and lint by rinsing them off and letting them dry. Then you’re good to continue hanging things on the wall.

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Scotch and received Scotch Restickable products to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.

What Do You Do With Duct Tape? Scotch Tough Duct Tape Review

July 16, 2011 by Momstart 10 Comments

What do you do with duct tape? I’ve known people to wrap presents in it. Protect their leftovers from their siblings inside of it. Seal ducts with it. Create forts. And my personal favorite, use it for geocaching! These are all excellent uses, but have you ever noticed the residue?

3M’s Scotch brand has come out with Tough Duct Tape which promises no residue. And the asterisk, as long as the tape is stuck for 6 months or less for removal from most opaque surfaces, as compared to 3Mheavy duty duct tape based on accelerated weathering.

You get 20 yards of tape for about $8.

Why buy more duct tape? This is your new outdoors BFF!

With the economic plateau and the need for inexpensive getaways, think CAMPING with Scotch Tough Duct Tape. Use it to:

Patch and repair tears in tents, backpacks, sleeping bags or clothing
Label water bottles so they don’t get mixed up with other water bottles on the campsite
Keep bugs out of clothes by securing the bottoms of pant legs or cuffs of shirts
Secure and protect bags of food from small camp sight creatures out of your food stash
Repair broken camp chairs, tent poles, fishing poles and other equipment
Make a smooth, splinter-free walking stick handle
Hang bags of food from high branches to keep big camp sight creatures from destroying your trip
Create a quick clothesline by twisting into a rope and securing around trees/posts

If your next outdoor excursion includes camping, hiking or backpacking, paddling, fishing, hunting, rock climbing, or geocaching, don’t leave home without a roll of Scotch Tough Duct Tape … or two! Just remember to CITO – Cache (or Camp) In, Trash Out. Scotch Tape is not biodegradable yet (but even if it was that doesn’t mean leave it out there for the “wild” to take care of).

I tested Scotch’s No Residue Duct Tape on both plastic and cotton, both resulted in no residue left behind. The plastic was a “naked” cache I have placed in my area. The original container was more camouflage for the area, but I believe the gardeners throw it out when they harshly trimmed back the ivy that concealed it. In my haste to make this cache available ASAP, I placed a white container in its place [above]. Cachers often use duct tape to change the color and protect their caches. I stuck the tape on and to test it removed the tape and rewrapped it; no problems, no residue. On cloth was an experiment; I simply took a 100% cotton rag and taped it. I felt the tape in place for 2 hours and peeled it off with no residue or harm to the cloth.

What would you do with a roll of Scotch No Residue duct tape? What’s the craziest thing you ever did with duct tape? Let Mom Start hear your stories; I bet there are some funny ones out there!

Find all of 3M’s brands on their website. You can also locate Scotch on their website.

Samples received to facilitate this review.

About Summer:

Summer is very active in our Local MOMS Club chapter, she is the mother of two adorable active boys, and is always thinking of ways to help others. She is a friend, a wife, and always busy as all mommies are. She is very active on Facebook, addicted to Geocaching and very interested in organic and green living while cooking up a storm.

Unique Ways to Use Scotch Magic Eco-Friendly Tape

April 22, 2011 by Momstart 2 Comments

A Unique Scotch Magic Eco-Friendly Tape from 3M Review By Rachel.

Tape is a very handy tool. I think that goes without saying. It’s kind of an emergency around here when we run out of tape. Especially Scotch tape! Ever wrapped a present using blue painter’s tape? Well, I have. More than once. It’s kind of embarrassing. I also have a very creative, crafty daughter who comes up with more ways to use up our stash of Scotch tape than I ever thought imaginable. I generally buy it in bulk at Costco.

Out here in the great Pacific Northwest, we like to ‘be green’. You know, recycle and compost and grow organic wheat grass and stuff like that. We have a bit of a reputation for being ‘tree huggers’ and hippies and wearing wool socks with our Birkenstocks… I admit it, the shoe fits! I have been known to hug trees while wearing Birkenstocks (wearing a flannel shirt and a down vest, in the rain, no less!), and when possible, I try to make environmentally conscious decisions about the products we use. But honestly, it never occurred to me to be concerned about the type of tape I used. Other than using a refillable dispenser, I didn’t know there was an option, other than your run-of-the-mill, Scotch tape.

Not so! Scotch has come out with new Magic Eco-Friendly Tape! Just like normal Scotch tape, but eco-friendly! So I tried it out. We used it just like we would use regular tape… Meaning, I left it on the desk, and my kids found all sorts of uses for it: Taping papers together to make books; Making huge signs and taping them in the front windows of my house (We’re classy like that.); Repairing torn pages in library books; Taping toy trucks to our feet to make roller skates…

No, seriously. My daughter did this, just today! And it’s not the first time she’s done it either.I figured that was pretty good timing, since I was reviewing the product! This tape worked just as well for all of the above uses as regular Scotch tape. And it takes some pretty good tape to hold these suckers on your feet while skating around the living room!(You’ll have to excuse the dirt on my carpet and the dog hair on my daughter’s socks… Maybe somebody will send me a really good vacuum cleaner to review???) as you can see, this looks just like the regular Scotch tape that we all know and love. The dispenser is the same, the logo is the same. The tape looks, feels, and sticks the same! The only thing I can say about it that is NOT the same is the small. You know that Scotch tape smell? I love that smell. I know that’s probably kind of weird, but I like it. This tape really doesn’t smell like much of anything, and honestly, that’s probably a good thing.

Scotch Magic Eco-Friendly Tape, as described by the company:

Refillable dispenser (including packaging and tape) is made from more than 75 percent renewable or recycled materials
Tape is made with plant-based adhesive and works just like the original Scotch Magic Tape
Refill rolls of Scotch Magic Eco-Friendly Tape are also available
MSRP: $2-4 for a refillable dispenser and roll of tape; $5-7 for a two-pack of refill rolls
Same great adhesive strength and performance of original matte-finish, invisible Scotch Magic Tape
Photo-safe
Can be written on with pen, pencil or marker

Disclosure – A product was provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the writing of this review; however, opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation

About Rachel

Rachel is also a MOMS club member. She is thankful for the blessing of staying home to raise her three crazy, wonderful kids. In addition to scrapbooking, she likes knitting, gardening, reading, blogging and otherwise avoiding the housework she should be doing. You can read about her adventures and disasters at rachel’s ramblings.

Filtrete Elite Allergen Reduction Filter Rebate

October 13, 2010 by Momstart 1 Comment

Saving money and writing about a company that I love at the same time now that is something I am passionate about. Filtrete makes many types of filters, water filters, to air filters and they are all under the 3M brand. For those of use that have a few allergy problems they make Filtrete Elite Allergen Reduction Filters. They capture 94 percent of large airborne particles such as pollen, smoke, dust mite debris and pet dander from the air as it passes through the filter. The Filtrete Elite Allergen Reduction Filters also capture up to 40 times more microscopic particles than ordinary fiberglass filters. The filters also help maintain airflow in heating and cooling systems, which may help prevent stress on the system and reduce the amount of energy needed to warm your home this Fall and Winter.

Save on Filtrete with this Rebate:

And Join their Clear Advantages Program.

Oh and Here are some Kitchen Cleaning Tips Courtesy of Filtrete:

Kitchen Clean-Up

Certain areas of the home, especially the kitchen, can breed and harbor germs that not only cause odors but can spread to family members. These low-cost cleaning tasks, when done regularly and properly, can be effective in making the home healthier for your family:

Trashcans: Trashcans should be cleaned monthly using a chlorine bleach and water solution. Simply combine one cup of non-chlorine bleach for every three gallons of water and pour the solution into the trashcan. Swish the solution around in the trashcan, and wait about five minutes for the chlorine to kick in and kill the germs.

Refrigerators: Cleaning the refrigerator monthly will improve the safety and quality of your food. If you are tired of cleaning spills and food particles from your refrigerator, then cover shelves with washable shelf liners. They will catch most of the food spillage, and will make cleanup quicker and easier. Once a month, throw them in the dishwasher for a good cleaning, and then place them back in the refrigerator once they are dry.

Sinks: Since bacteria can accumulate in cracks and crevices, pay extra attention to these areas when disinfecting. Also, stainless steel sinks can be tough to clean and can look spotty due to water spots and lime build up. To keep the sink shiny, use a soft buffing wheel to restore the luster. Then, use a cloth to generously apply mineral oil to the sink. Water will bead up and roll off the sink, keeping it shiny and helping prevent spots.

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Filtrete and received a gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

3M Filtrete Water Station Review

September 30, 2010 by Momstart Leave a Comment

3M is a brand that is near and dear to my heart. 3M makes the Nexcare brand that creates these wonderful ear plugs that are the only ones that do not hurt my ears and help me to sleep at night. 3M also makes quite a few filters for heating units, we use a ton of 3M products, I would even say that their brand of band aids are my favorite because they actually stay on for a good deal of time. Now they have used their filtering process to create not one glass of water but four glasses of water all at once. This unique system was featured at BlogHer. We were provided with a cup to keep and anytime we needed water we would just go up to the filter and get a glass of water.

At our old house the water was NASTY. So we’re really familiar with water filtering. I like the Filtrete because it is so fast and the water bottles do not take up a lot of room in the fridge. That would be my biggest complaint of any of the other water filtering systems that we have tried. Also, I don’t have to hold the refrigerator door open to get cold water, just grab a bottle and go!

The filter lasts longer, filtering two and a half times more water than traditional pitcher filters. This means the filter filters about 100 gallons for approximately three months The 3M Filtrete Water Station includes a three month filter change indicator that shows when it’s time to change the filter. I love when something tells me I need to replace it. Reduces sediments and chlorine taste and odor from tap water . As I mentioned above the Filtrete Water Filter station includes four, 16.9 ounce bottles that are dishwasher safe, BPA free and include a leak proof cap. In a house with kids that run off with things, it’s nice having a water bottle that is leak proof. Another huge bonus for me is that if we do decide to get new parts, the filter housing is recyclable with #2 plastics (Check with your local recycler, we can recycle number 2). Save up to 3,000 bottles of water per year.

National Gift Wrapping Competition, Do you have what it takes to win 10,000?

September 25, 2010 by Momstart 1 Comment

The holiday season is right around the corner, which means there’s less than one month left to enter the 14th annual Scotch Brand Most Gifted Wrapper Contest! The Scotch/3M brand is looking for top-notch gift wrappers to compete for $10,000 and the title of 2010’s Scotch Brand Most Gifted Wrapper.

Here are the basic details:

How to enter:

To nominate yourself or someone else, just log onto www.MostGiftedWrapper.com and share with us:

● In 100 words or less, why your nominee (which could be you) has what it takes

– creativity, passion, expertise - to be the Scotch Brand Most Gifted Wrapper.

● Your nominee’s best gift-wrapping tip, in 30 words or less.

● Up to two photos of your nominee’s gift-wrapping work (optional, but

strongly encouraged).

● Whether the nominee is a professional or amateur gift wrapper.

◦ A professional is someone who currently or has previously earned income as a gift wrapper at department stores, speciality stores, etc.*

Where/When: Eight finalists will receive a three-day, three-night all-expense paid trip to New York City to compete in the final challenge on Friday, December 3, 2010 at NYC’s Rockefeller Center.
Deadline: Enter by October 18, 2010

Scotch-Brite Bathroom Solutions Challenge, Are you up to it?

April 11, 2010 by Momstart 508 Comments

My bathroom was in pretty bad shape when it came to needing a good Spring Cleaning, so when Scotch-Brite asked me if I was up to a Spring Cleaning Bathroom Challenge I said yes, please help me clean my bathroom. 3M and Scotch-Brite sent me full set of their bathroom cleaning products to put them to the test.

New Scotch-Brite Bathroom Solutions products will make it easy to do the deep-cleaning this spring as well as year-round; from a grout cleaner to tile scrubbers to a nook and cranny sponge, Scotch-Brite has customized designs so you don’t waste time on a one-shape-fits-all cleaning tool that won’t get the job done. These tools offer reusable solutions for every bathroom cleaning situation.

Scotch Brite Cleaning Tips:

Cleaning the Sink

Cleaning the Shower

Cleaning the Tub

For this cleaning challenge, my husband was up to the task. (I have a huge head cold and I feel like I’m stuck underwater in the deep end of the pool and sharks are swimming around me so I feel like I’m trapped in a vortex of terror)

He cleaned my new bathroom and this is what he had to say:

The Grout Scrubber:

If you have a bathroom that has any tiles, the floor, your bath tub, or shower walls, then you’ll want to use the grout scrubber. The handle is made out of the same material that a pool needle is made from. You’ll find that it bends and molds easily and that the scrubber fits nicely into grooved, grouted areas.

Shower & Bath Scrubber:

The Shower and Bath Scrubber is an item that we owned already but are quite happy to have another one. Then we can leave one in each bathroom. It’s nice because you can reach farther, like scrubbing the bathtub is a whole lot easier without having to get into the tub to make sure you can reach all the areas of it. This scrubber has an extendable handle making it even longer, perfect for the top hard-to-reach tiles in your shower. Plus, it’s great on other bathroom surfaces, like the countertops and around the toilet bowl.

Absorbent Counter Cloths:

My husband wasn’t really impressed with the counter cloth, but I think he was using it to clean the glass. It doesn’t say to use it on the glass, it’s for the counters and I think it’s a lot better to use than a paper towel. Because you can use it over and over again and it is so absorbent. It picks up hair and little flecks of makeup.

Tub & Shower Scrubber:

Seems like not all of the products are needed right? It’s true, but, this one is one of my favorites because of how moldable it is. I like the Shower and bath scrubber better, just because it has the extendable pole, but for those surfaces that are just right there and easy to get to, this one is great.

The Nook and Cranny Scrubbers:

First, I have to mention how these little triangles look like a Klingon symbol. My husband just can’t get over how they remind him of Star Trek. He enjoyed using them and said the shape makes them great to use, but they will wear out easily and he’s glad they come two to a package.

Non-Scratch Angled Scrubbers:

The angled scrubbers he said that he used on the countertops in the bathroom. He is very particular about cleaning around the faucet and what products are ok to use on certain surfaces. He reads all the directions carefully and the angled Scotch-Brite was easy to use because he didn’t have to worry about scratches. I never thought about all the different surfaces that need to be cleaned in the bathroom before. I mean, we just clean them right. This line of products makes cleaning the bathroom quick, easy, and squeaky clean.

Purchase them at any drug store, Target, Walmart, or on-line. Be sure and download your Scotch-Brite coupon on their new greener clean products.

Enter to win:

Scotch-Brite sent me enough supplies to provide products to two of my readers. How cool is that?

To Enter:

Tell me what area of the bathroom needs the most help?

Extra Entries:

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I want to take the Scotch-Brite Challenge http://bit.ly/9WgVOM #scotchbritechallenge #giveaway

Advertise this giveaway on any giveaway site, your blog, or your facebook page and tell me where you advertised it (include link to giveaway). 5 Extra Entries for each one you do
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The contest will run until May 6th 11:59 pm Pacific. All rules can be found under giveaway rules.

Scotch-Brite provided information, and products for this post and for the giveaway.

Green Recycled Post it Notes giveaway

May 28, 2009 by MomStart 156 Comments

I remember when buying recycled paper was all the rage. I think I was in middle school. You could get loose leaf paper and spiral bound recycled paper. Well, Post It is making it cool again to buy recycled paper.

You Can purchase

Super Sticky Recycled Notes

Post It recycled notes in pastel

Lines recycled Post it notes

Recycling is an important strategy for diverting waste from overcrowded landfills. The collected paper is used as a raw material for making recycled paper, boxes, and tissue products. Recycling also protects forests by reducing the need for virgin fiber. But recycling means more than just collecting recyclable items. The three elements of recycling include the collection of waste, the manufacture of new products from recycled material and the purchase of these items. By purchasing recycled content products you help strengthen the market for those products, encourage new technologies and create more stable markets for the sale of materials separated from recycling. When you purchase recycled paper products, you’re doing your part for the environment.

My Opinion:

It’s normal paper, you can’t tell the difference. Is the super sticky really super sticky. In my opinion yes it is. I was blogging, or reading, or trying to take a nap. (my days are really starting to run together and I should not be blogging at this exact moment but then I’ll be even further behind) Anyways, my daughter found a package that they sent me to test. She opened it up and started playing with the pads. She was putting each piece in the window.

I look at my window now I couple days later, they are still hanging there.

But to me this is more about the responsibility that 3M is taking and trying to make a difference for our environment.

All Post-it® Notes and Easel Pads are recyclable. Please recycle.

All Post-it® Notes and Easel Pads are made with paper from well-managed forests where trees are replanted.

All Post-it® Notes sold in the U.S.A. are made in the U.S.A.

Recycled Post-it® Notes and Easel Pads are made from a minimum of 30 percent postconsumer content.

Try them out for yourself:

Enter to Win

Three packs of Post-it Super Sticky Recycled 3”x3” Note Cube in Tropical Colors

Three packs of Post-it Recycled Notes 4”x6” Lined Notes in assorted pastel colors

Visit 3M and tell me something responsible.

Extra Entries:

Subscribe to my blog
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Blog about the giveaway include a link to me and a link to the sponsor for five extra entries Tweet the giveaway (every time you tweet you get an entry) Link to the giveaway please!!! Add my button to your blog/blog roll
Leave a comment for every entry and the giveaway ends June 12th