Heather says: All homeowners (and renters, too) should know where and how to shut off their water main. Turning off the main water valve can prevent the minor hassle of a broken pipe from becoming a major water damage headache. If you have never needed to learn where the water main shut off valve is, …
Dear Home Ec 101, I am a 25 years old mother. My daughter just started her terrible twos and I need some me time. A great way for me to relax is to curl up on the sofa once she is asleep, light some candles and put my iPod on. It helps me relax. But …
Dear Home Ec 101, Can white vinegar be used as a natural dishwasher rinse aid? It seems that I remember reading that somewhere. White vinegar seems as though it would be more environmentally friendly and less expensive than the commercial dishwasher rinse aid products. Is there any harm in using white vinegar as a rinse …
Dear Home Ec 101, Lately I’ve noticed a greasy ring around the top of my machine, a Whirlpool Ultimate Care II which is a top loader. I know my clothes are *clean* but the washing machine grosses me out. I have tried scrubbing with vinegar, but it came back. Onto problem #2, which is connected. …
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, …
Fall is just around the corner. –Try telling that to the marketing people in our inbox. They keep sending emails that say, “Fall is officially here.” Um, no, not until next week; try again.– That said, in most areas of the country, the triple-digit days are over, and it’s time to head outside and check …
Dear Home-Ec 101, The toilet, in my bathroom is constantly making noise. It sounds like water is always running. Is there any way to turn that off? Signed, For the Love of Pete, Someone Jiggle the Handle Already! Heather says: There are a few things that can go wrong inside the tank of a toilet …
Questions for Home Ec 101 show up in the strangest places. Sometimes I’m minding my own business on Skype and they pop out of nowhere. This conversation has been re-enacted with permission, the name was changed to protect the innocent. MarshaMarshaMarsha: Sometimes I hate living out in the country. One of the of the kids …
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 rest …
Dear Home Ec 101, When I flip on the switch for my garbage disposal, nothing happens. It was working fine the other day. Could it be broken? Signed, D$*&# Disposal Even though it seems like it won’t come on, the first thing to do is turn off the power to the garbage disposal at the …