Hello,I have searched online on whether you can use automatic dishwashing machine detergent in a laundry/clothes washer, and the results are all over the place. When I say automatic dishwashing machine detergent, I mean the powder sort and the generic store brand, not the pods, gel or whatever other types are out there. I know … Read more
Hi! I want to clean up my baseball cap without ruining the fabric or construction of the cap (the bill). Thanks,Sweaty in Sweetwater Hey there, I wasn’t expecting the level of research that it would take to answer this question. There are so many variables when it comes to baseball cap construction. Not only do you have … Read more
Dear Home-Ec 101,Do you need to use hot water to kill germs in the laundry? What about COVID? I work with kids, so I’m around germs all day. I do all the standard stuff. I wear a mask and wash my hands frequently. I also change as soon as I get home, but what about … Read more
Dear Home-Ec 101, How do you get out set-in stains, especially in clothes?They have been there a while. I don’t want to have to throw these tops out. Signed,Teresa the Terse in Terra Haute Heather says, I wish I were more comfortable on camera. Sometimes long answers, like those about set-in stains, are better heard than … Read more
Dear Home-Ec 101,A couple of months ago, blue stains started appearing in the armpits of my light colored shirts, and on the darker shirts, there were even darker, but more normal looking, stains after the shirts were washed. At first, I thought the issue was the natural deodorant I had started using, but even after I switched … Read more
Dear Home-Ec 101, I saw your email reply to someone asking why they were getting grease-like stains on their clothing after washing them. Your reply said it was from a liquid fabric softener. The problem is I don’t use fabric softener, and I get these grease like spots on my clothing quite regularly. I cannot … Read more
Dear Home-Ec 101, We’ve been married for nearly 25 years, and for about 7 or 8 years now, his pillowcase and [upper] part of the sheet reeks! I DON’T SEE how he can stand it. I’m not sure if it’s oil or sweat; he does have very oily skin. I read your advice to someone … Read more
Hello, I have a set of embroidered, cream-colored Christmas towels that are only used for decoration. They have never been washed and reside in my linen closet. I recently took them out of the closet, and they have yellowed in certain places. I am extremely upset as these towels are my favorite and were pretty … Read more
Dear Home-Ec 101, I’ve read different thoughts on this, but none that I would consider authoritative. So I’m hoping you can help. I have a brand new fleece that I actually dropped some decent coin on (read: not Old Navy). Actually, it’s not all that new, truth be told. I just haven’t washed it at all since I bought … Read more
Dear Home-Ec 101, I really appreciate all the advice on your website. I wondered if you would know whether it’s alright to use white vinegar as a laundry detergent. Thank you very much. Sincerely, Tart in Tahoma Dear Tart in Tahoma, The short answer is not if you want to have clean, fresh-smelling laundry as … Read more