I’m Considering a Roomba

Dear Home-Ec 101, I can get a new Roomba 530 for a great post-Christmas price. In my rental place, we have vertical blinds. I was worried how the machine would cope with those. I have tiles all through except the bedrooms that have thick, soft carpet. Your advice is appreciated. Signed, I want a robot minion … Read more

Vacuuming Practices

Dear Home-Ec 101, I’m curious to know what’s the best vacuum for someone with long hair and a cat that has short hair. I’ve got a nice Kenmore canister vac, but my hair bogs up the roller constantly. And I ain’t cuttin’ my hair. Signed, Lovely With Long Hair Ivy says: Back when I had … Read more

How To Clean Refrigerator Coils

Heather says: Typically, you should be vacuuming your refrigerator coils twice a year with your spring and fall cleaning. Vacuuming the refrigerator coils not only extends the life of your refrigerator, but it helps save electricity, because a dusty fridge has to work harder. If you have pets, you should vacuum more often- the more … Read more

Answers to some of life’s questions

Ivy says: Kathy T over at Where’s the Mute Button asked us some questions. We at Home-Ec 101 are here to help, so here’s where I answer those questions. Kathy’s questions are in bold: 1. How to clean up *shart-stains. In case anyone was unaware, shart stains are those brown stains that mysteriously appear in … Read more