Heather Solos Dear Home Ec 101: My dishwasher just isn’t doing as great a job anymore. I haven’t changed anything: same soap, I scrape the plates, I still use a rinsing agent. What could be going on? Signed, My Dishwasher is a Dud Heather says: Did you know your dishwasher requires regular maintenance to provide consistently clean …
Dear Home Ec 101, I am perplexed. I have never had a good answer to the question: how should I dispose of cooking grease (that is, grease from hamburger, bacon, etc.)? I’ve used several methods, but it’s all pretty disgusting and probably not environmentally friendly. I’ve poured it off into old glass containers and tossed …
Dear Home Ec 101, I received a duck down comforter as a gift last Christmas. The tag says to have it taken to the dry cleaners, but not only would it be a pain, it wouldn’t be easy on the wallet. Now, I love my comforter. But I’m so terrified to wash it on my …
Dear Home Ec 101, For a few weeks I’ve occasionally noticed a musty smell. At first I thought it was something in my house, but I couldn’t ever pin it down. I finally realized it was my favorite pair of jeans! I think they sat too long in washer, but I’ve washed them several times …
Dear Home Ec 101, I was hoping you could help me with a cleaning problem I have been having lately. I can’t get my floors clean! No matter if I wash the floor on my hands and knees or if I use a mop, there’s still a dirt residue that will not go away. I …
Heather says: I was a little scarce last week while I worked behind the scenes preparing for the launch of our new look. While I won’t be doing any major rework at this time, if you have any minor suggestions, I would love to hear them. On an unrelated topic, I would also like to …
Heather says: I suppose we could call this the Doh! Episode or perhaps it’d best be filed under the “We’re Not Smart Enough to Own Appliances.” Last Sunday dragging ourselves home after a day spent as manual labor, my husband and I were dismayed to find the fridge door slightly ajar. I accused him of …
Retro Saturdays are a chance for new Home Ec 101 readers to see something from the archives and allow Ivy and I a chance to spend time with our families. This was originally published in October 2007. Heather says: Our governor has asked South Carolinians to conserve water as nearly every county has been upgraded …
Heather says: If you have fallen behind on laundry and have several loads to do, start with the one that requires the most obnoxious amount of folding. In my house that’s the light colored load, it’s crammed with toddler clothes and other piddly items that are annoying to fold. Finish off with towels which require …
Heather says: The ratio of your home’s condition to a state of complete chaos is inversely proportional to the likelihood of uninvited guests arriving. Discuss.