Dear Home-Ec 101, I got my favorite pair of shoes wet last week and now they stink to high heaven. Is there anything I can do to save these shoes? Signed, Smelly in Smyrna Heather says: I’m going to let you in on a secret. Last week was not the first time your shoes … Read more
Dear Home Ec 101, Do you have any tips for cleaning poop off of the cover of a cloth bean bag chair? The tag reads “Do not open under any circumstance.” It’s a $20 bean bag chair from Target and I don’t just want to “get anodder one” as my toddler suggests. As you may have guessed, the toddler was … Read more
Dear Home Ec 101, I have a serious problem with the old lady, musty laundry smell. I keep my sleeping bag, electric blanket and my baby blanket in a chest at the foot of my bed. Since these are all seasonal items, they quickly get musty in my chest (which isn’t cedar). I’ve tried potpourri, … Read more
Dear Home Ec 101, Here’s my dilemma. The house is clean, but there is a fusty, musty odor, like a large dog is secretly living in our house. We have an older, small house with the kitchen being basically open to everything. Sometimes I think it is cooking odors that are being trapped in the … Read more
Dear Home Ec 101, Why do towels and washcloths smell sour and how do I get rid of that funky odor? Signed, Sour in Soux Falls Heather says: High on my list of most favorite thing ever is stepping out of the shower and drying my face with a sour smelling bath towel. Yeah. Absolute … Read more
Dear Home Ec 101: Help! How do I get the fish stink out of my kitchen? I’m trying to encourage an elderly dog to eat and someone recommended canned mackerel. Signed, Mindy Mackerel Heather says: Since your fish wasn’t cooked, only served. I bet a few drops of the foul smelling liquid are lurking. Wipe … Read more
Dear Home Ec 101, My spouse, it’s not me, no never me, has a bad habit of leaving his dirty plastic containers in the back of his car. I have to tell you, they are FUNKY. How do I remove the bad odor? Signed, Smelly in Smyrna Heather says: I feel your pain. First let’s … 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 recently purchased a sofa and loveseat from a lovely couple who listed the furniture on a popular online auction site. The set appeared to be in great shape, and I got the furniture for what appeared to be a bargain. When I got them in place in my basement rec … Read more
Howdy, ladies! I checked the archives and found the cure for musty towels and musty jeans, but have you got any advice on de-musting things that can’t be washed? How do I de-stink the unwashable? We’ve inherited some German Christmas decorations from my husband’s family, some of which are handmade dolls constructed of fabric and … Read more