Question: I moved into a suite that has a dishwasher and after running a load, my glassware has a cloudy film on it. I always rinse my dishes before I load them, but some of them come out with a film. I ran the dishwasher and put vinegar in it but still have cloudy glassware. I have just steeped the glasses in a sink with vinegar, but this hasn't helped. Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks, Marie, Niverville
Answer: Typically, etching or fogginess occurs due to one of the following reasons: too much detergent; lack of rinse aid; an overloaded dishwasher; overly hot water temperature; lack of water softener on hard-water systems; or the detergent is not compatible with the machine.
To remove mild etching, head to the nearest pharmacy and ask for citric acid. Put cups into the dishwasher and add citric acid to the soap dispenser. Run the cycle as usual and if the etching stays, it is likely permanent. You can also soak cups in vinegar and rub them with fine steel wool. Don't get too excited if at first the glasses look brand new, because the etching may return when the glasses dry. I have heard positive results regarding phosphate-free Palmolive Gel Dishwasher Detergent (Lemon Splash Scent). However, you may need to experiment with a few different brands.
Question: I have a pair of black boots that are turning my socks or stockings black. Is there anything I can treat my boots with on the inside so my clothes no longer turn black? Bertha, Winnipeg
Answer: Assuming your boots are leather, your best bet is to purchase a waterproof compound formulated specifically for leather, available as a spray or wax polish. Test on an inconspicuous area to ensure that the dye stays put. Apply the product to the inside and outside of the boots; leave for a few hours. Buff with a rag and wear.
Feedback
To keep brown sugar soft, I switched to Splenda brown sugar. Never had this problem again, and the beauty is you use only half of the measurement when baking or cooking. If a recipe calls for one cup, you use half a cup. I use it in my muffins, on top of hot cereals, etc.
The other question was about getting blood stains out. You suggested Head and Shoulders, hydrogen peroxide and Rit dye remover. I will tell you that I have used a product called ERA. It is found in the laundry-soap aisle and can be used as a laundry detergent. It came to Winnipeg not long ago but I had been buying it from grocery stores in Grand Forks for many years. It started out with the name of ERA Plus, then it was called ERA Stainmaster, then ERA 2X and just this past December when I went to Grand Forks I found it at Walmart as ERA 3X. I used this product when my children were very small and still use it today. I never used it as a laundry detergent, but I have always had it on hand for getting stains out -- blood, grass stains, etc. Our son is 38 years old, so that tells you how long I have used this product. He used to get grass stains on his blue jeans, but the stains came out with ERA. Just thought I would give your readers other options. Cheers, Betty
Handy tips
Cosy your feet this winter by sticking hand warmers in your socks. Leave several in your car in sealable bags for emergencies. Another trick I use to keep my feet warm in the winter is to purchase an aluminum sun shade (used mainly on car windows). Take the insole out of your winter boot and use a marker to trace that exact shape onto the sun shade. Cut the shape and slide it inside your boot.
-- Grandma Marie
When I get cold waiting outside or in my vehicle, I place hand warmers under my armpits (not directly on my skin). This keeps me warmer than putting the hot pads in my gloves.
-- Danai
When we go camping in the winter, we take several hand warmers with us. We place our hot mugs inside clean, wool socks along with a hand warmer to keep drinks hot longer.
-- Jessica
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