Dear Home-ec 101: I just discovered your site – very, very cool – and wondered about easy ways to clean coffee makers. I have been doing a cycle with a few tablespoons of vinegar and the rest of the pot water about once every month or so. I have also heard you can use a … Read more
I got this in the mailbag this morning and wanted to share with you readers: Dear Ivy, You know there’s more than one way to shine a sink. 🙂 I use the FlyLady method, which although time consuming, produces a wonderful shine on my stainless steel sink. First, you fill the sink with warm (not … Read more
Dear Home-Ec 101, Okay dames, got a good one for you…how on EARTH do you get those little grease splatter stains off of your favorite shirt?!? I’ve tried everything, but my fave sweater still sits shelved…waiting to be worn…poor sweater. Thanks. Signed, Swearing at my Splattered Sweater Ivy says: Oh, don’t swear, dear, it’s unbecoming. … Read more
Dear Home-Ec 101: I have Corian counter tops and sink. The sink is stained because my family never cleans it. I try to clean it, but even with a special Corian cleaner or bleach, I cannot get the stains out after several cleanings. The counter tops are clean, but dull. I tried a counter top … Read more
Dear Home-ec 101, I brought home a rather large chicken from the deli the other day and now I’m sick of looking at it. What can I do to finish off the meat? -Sprouting Feathers In Sante Fe Heather says: If I were feeling peckish, I’d whip up a batch of chicken noodle soup. One … Read more
Dear Home-Ec 101, Can someone tell me why one of the hardest substances on earth is so picky about what it’s cleaned with? Seriously, new house, new countertops, new to granite. How do you clean AND disinfect safely on granite? Signed, Samantha Ivy says: Well, Samantha, I’d like to know how you turned my … Read more
Dear Home Ec 101, How in the world do you get your sink to stay so shiny? Signed, Im in ur house, lookin @ ur sink Ivy says: Get out of my house. Seriously, you’re creeping me out. But while we’re here, I’ll go ahead and share my secrets to a super shiny sink. First, … Read more
Dear Home-ec 101, I hate cooking. I make a bloody mess (literally!) everytime I have to do anything involving onions. Can you help? ~Stubby in St. Petersburg Heather says: Dicing onions shouldn’t make you cry, in pain that is. First peel off the papery layers, this is easier if you cut off the root end, … Read more
Dear Home- Ec 101, My bathtub is so funky. It makes James Brown look stodgy. Especially since he’s dead. But I digress. The yuck in my tub is so nasty, I’m afraid to take a shower, and my co-workers are starting to complain. Help me, Luke Skywalker Home-Ec 101. You’re my only hope! Signed, Princess … Read more
Dear Home-Ec 101, My inlaws from down South are coming to town, I need help! All they do is complain about how awful the food is here and how there is no ‘sweet tea’ to be found. I’d like to make a good impression. Signed, I Like it Bitter in Minneapolis Heather says: Sweet tea … Read more