Heather says: Some of you may have noticed that there has been a change in the formula of your Automatic Dishwashing Detergent, others may have just picked up a new box as usual, without paying much attention. Sixteen states including: Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, …
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, …
Dear Home Ec 101, I just got some new stainless steel appliances–and they streak–and have blotchy places on them. Any ideas? Signed, The Streak Heather says: You aren’t the first homeowner to fall for the gleaming lure of stainless. It’s so pretty there in the show room. What you don’t see are the legions of …
Heather says: While double checking my research I was stunned by how many frugal websites recommend a homemade cleaning agent with both bleach and vinegar in the recipe. NO. Never mix bleach and vinegar, bleach and ammonia, bleach and toilet bowl cleaners, or even different brands of toilet bowl cleaners (some are bleach based while …
Dear Home-Ec 101: This isn’t exactly a Home-Ec question but I figured you would know the answer. I have two cupholders in the front seat of my SUV. They are odd shaped, bigger than most normal sized cups, but too small to hold something the size of a Big Gulp for example. So when I …
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 …
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 …
Dear Home Ec 101,Here’s a question for those of us in Nashville who are conserving water due to the flood, what’s the best way to conserve water while washing dishes? I know the dishwasher is out. Should we wash dishes individually, or do the whole fill-up-the-sink-with-water thing? Does that really get dishes clean? It always …
Dear Home Ec 101, Last night, I left an aluminum pot on a burner I thought I had turned off. I served dinner and by the time I came back to it, all I found was a pan full of burnt food. Is my aluminum pot ruined? How do I remove the mess? Signed, Tempted to …
Dear Home Ec 101, I love having my home grown bacon or sausage on the weekend, but how do I get rid of the horrible grease smell after I have enjoyed breakfast? Signed, Bacon Bits Heather says: The aroma of cooking food is a mixed blessing at best. The odors drift throughout the house as …