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
Heather says The winner of the Life Changing Magic of Tidying-Up has been sent an email. Next month as we’ll be spending time in the kitchen, I’ll be giving away one set of color coded cutting boards to a subscriber, no purchase necessary, void where prohibited, you just need to be signed up for the Weekly Organizational Challenge. … Read more
Heather says: The scope of this week’s challenge will depend on your time and energy level. Today, starting with your own closet hang everything in it neatly. This sounds simple, but as you go through and hang items, immediately put those you no longer need or want in your donation box (from week 1). If … Read more
We can’t throw everything in the washing machine willy nilly. I try to consider how I would clean an item and check the tags of clothes before I buy them; but sometimes the item is just too pretty or useful to pass up and I end up with something that needs special care. Following are some articles … Read more
Heather says: We have talked about fabric softener and dryer sheets ad nauseum on this site. We’ve talked about how fabric softeners can make your towels less absorbent. How some of you hate the smell of vinegar in the laundry. We know that dryer sheets have a few serious problems: Many are made from polyester … Read more
Heather says: Noah is back and this time, he’s got the marching band (hello Blue Devils!*) getting their act cleaned up with the Method Just Say No to Jugs Campaign. Enjoy the video: I’m a child of the 80’s, if you need details, I was in grade school, where Nancy Reagan drilled (indoctrinated?) “SAY NO … Read more
Heather says: I don’t quite know where to begin with this. I suppose I must say I find it ridiculous, mostly because when I wear jeans, they get dirty. Maybe, maybe if I had a super fancy, only wear out to events pair of jeans I would consider the jeans freezing trick an option. However, … Read more
Hello! I do alterations and repairs on bridal wear and I recently returned some dresses that ended up absorbing the smell of kerosene. How would someone remove the smell of kerosene from un-washable clothing? Please Help!!! I can’t afford to pay for their dry cleaning! Thank you! Down and out in Indiana Ivy says: My … Read more
Dear Home-Ec 101, I have what is probably a stupid question, but I’d really love an answer. If I have a particularly dirty load of laundry (say, woke up to find the cat had puked on the bed), does it do any good to add extra laundry detergent? In other words, does more detergent=cleaner laundry? … Read more