Can I Wash Clothes in Cold Water?

Dear Home Ec 101, I read that I should wash clothes in cold water when doing laundry to save energy. However, I was taught to wash everything in warm water. Can my socks, toddler clothes, and my husband’s workout clothes get truly clean using cold water? Signed,Tepid in Topeka When I first launched this site …

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Cooking in a Shared Kitchen

Dear Home-Ec 101, I am new to your blog and to cooking. I have been married for only 9 months and my husband just got out of the Army and we are staying with my grandparents while he looks for work. We have some money saved but it wont last forever, and we have been …

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Partially Frozen Turkey?

countdown to thanksgiving turkey day graphic

If you are landing on this page on Thanksgiving morning after discovering a partially frozen turkey, this advice is for you. Take a deep breath, it’s going to be alright. Put your icy turkey in a large plastic bag (food grade, think crockpot liner or oven bag). If the turkey is still in its original, …

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Drying Sweaters

Dear Home-Ec 101,I love, love, love my sweaters!  I anxiously await the autumn weather so I can wear them again. When I dry them in the dryer (even without heat) they get beat up and often the seam (especially where a turtle-neck is attached) will begin to unravel and fray.  I have attempted hanging the …

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How to Care for Acacia Wood

Dear Home-Ec 101, I have a dispute to settle. My husband and I recently bought the most beautiful, rustic acacia wood dining table. However, a couple of days ago we noticed that it is starting to crack here and there. Yes, we are young and with a house full of Ikea furniture it did not …

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