Today’s letter comes from Oilslick in Olympia, and we are diving into pillowcases and oily skin. Pillowcases and oily skin Dear Oilslick in Olympia: We have a few ideas, but ultimately the decision is up to you and your situation. You can try these options individually or a couple at a time. Option 1: Change …
Hello, I have a set of embroidered, cream-colored Christmas towels that are only used for decoration. They have never been washed and reside in my linen closet. I recently took them out of the closet, and they have yellowed in certain places. I am extremely upset as these towels are my favorite and were pretty …
Dear Home-Ec 101, I’ve read different thoughts on this, but none that I would consider authoritative. So I’m hoping you can help. I have a brand new fleece that I actually dropped some decent coin on (read: not Old Navy). Actually, it’s not all that new, truth be told. I just haven’t washed it at all since I bought it …
Dear Home-Ec 101, I really appreciate all the advice on your website. I wondered if you would know whether it’s alright to use white vinegar as a laundry detergent. Thank you very much. Sincerely,Tart in Tahoma Dear Tart in Tahoma, The short answer is not if you want to have clean, fresh-smelling laundry as a …
Dear Home-Ec 101, I have well water and found out that using bleach in the wash will turn my cloths brownish. And yes they have become dingy and not as bright. What can I use, if anything, to make them white again or keep this from happening again to newer cloths I get? And also …
Dear Home-Ec 101, I read your information on why liquid fabric softener causes stains on dark clothing and that you use white vinegar instead. I have a front loading machine. How do I add the vinegar and how much? Sincerely, Washing in Walhalla Dear W.W., To add the vinegar to your washer, use either the …
Dear Home-Ec 101, I’ve noticed inside the drum of my dryer that there are blue and gray streaks, they look like they are from jeans. How do I get rid of these stains in my clothes dryer? Sincerely, Blue in Bluffton Heather says The simplest thing you can do is to close the dryer door …
Dear Home-Ec 101, I have special, red guest towels. I really love their bright color, but they sat in the washer too long one day and now have that mildew smell. How can I get rid of the musty odor without losing the bright color of these towels that can’t be washed on hot? Thanks, …
Hello, I’m so lost. I’m trying to get some sweat stains out of my cream-coloured sheets, as well as my white mattress pad, and the closest I have to remove these stains is powdered Borax and/or pre-treat Resolve Spray ‘n Wash. I was really curious if it is safe to use both Borax and Resolve …
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 …