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
Hello,I know someone who picks up their dog’s poop using kitchen utensils. They think it’s okay because they bleached the utensils and or wash them in the dishwasher. They also use these utensils to prepare their own food.I do not agree! Please advise!!!Signed,Horrified in Horseshoe Bay Dear Horrified, There’s some stuff to unpack here, and I’m … Read more
Dear Home Ec 101: I live in Hurricane Country and there are often boiling water advisories after a storm. How long am I supposed to boil the water before it is safe to drink? ~Avoiding the Runs in Ravenel Heather says: Boil water advisories are much more common than you may think. Advisories can be … Read more
Hi! I’ve been reading a lot about the need for preservatives in homemade products, especially those made with water. I always use either distilled or boiled water and most of what I make is made in batches of 32oz or less. The main exception to that is my laundry detergent and fabric softener which I … Read more
Dear Home-Ec 101, I have smelly towel syndrome and want to try your idea with the borax and vinegar, but I do not know how to add the vinegar to my rinse cycle. With a front load, it’s a little more difficult to add anything to it or even “soak” anything in the drum. I bought … Read more
Dear Home Ec 101, I have a condition called schizoaffective disorder (schizophrenia and bipolar). My life and my house are a mess. I don’t even know where to start. Is there a step-by-step online course I can take or anything like that? Any information would greatly be appreciated. Thank you. Anonymous Heather says: Before I … Read more
Dear Home Ec 101, I just read your desperate help post. I see some great things with it. I need help badly. It is my daughter. She is 21 and has 2 children ages 3 and 7 months. Her husband left them about 2 months ago. She is struggling so badly with everything. She is … Read more
Dear Home Ec 101, I’m embarrassed to actually ask this, but what is the difference between boiling and simmering? A lot of your recipes say bring to a boil and reduce the heat to a simmer. What does that mean and why does it matter? Signed, Baffled Beginner Heather says: Basic questions like this are … Read more
Heather says: This morning I woke up to a strange comment on the Apple Cider Pancake Recipe: I was excited to try this recipe, but it was a total flop 🙁 The only thing I can guess is that the vanilla yogurt I used had significantly less sugar than the vanilla yogurt you used. The … Read more
Dear Home-Ec 101, I don’t have fresh garlic. Could I use garlic powder? And if so, how much do you think? I have about 5 drumsticks. Signed, Look at My Chicken Legs, LOOK AT THEM! Heather says I hope those drumsticks have been in the refrigerator. Yes, you can absolutely use garlic powder in place … Read more