Renovation & Design
Renovation & Design
SOLUTIONS: Clothes are clean -- but something smells
QUESTION: I have a problem with my washing machine. It smells bad and I don't know how to get rid of the smell or how it got there in the first place. Help!
Another question: Is there any way to keep the clasp of a necklace from sliding around to the front of my neck? I'd love it if there was a solution for that! Thanks. Rachel, Winnipeg
ANSWER: Firstly, this is a common challenge with washing machines, often the doors to the machines are tightly sealed and moisture has no chance of escaping between uses. Thus, mould forms under the seal and within the mechanics of the machine. It is true you should keep the door open when the machine is not in use so moisture can escape. You can run one cup of vinegar and a 1/2-cup of baking soda through the machine once a week to kill odour. Also, stop (if you are) using liquid fabric softeners, these tend to build up in the machine and produce mould. As well, lift the seal and clean underneath with a paste of three per cent hydrogen peroxide and borax or toothpaste and an old toothbrush, you will be amazed at the build up. Another favourite product for getting rid of the smell of musty machines is washing soda; you can find this in the laundry department of grocery stores. It is called, So Clean by Arm and Hammer. This product is amazing at whitening and brightening fabrics, as a matter of fact, I like to add 1/4 cup to each load of laundry when I wash whites (it contains no bleaches or phosphates). Both borax and washing soda are great for zapping odour. Also take out your detergent drawer and clean any mildew with three per cent hydrogen peroxide, baking soda and water.
If the odour remains; there may be a more serious problem such as a clogged hose or faulty or worn-out machine parts. This requires snaking the machine and using hot water and an unclogging chemical to free any clogs.
In terms of stopping the necklace from moving around your neck: Attach a heavier pendant, charms or beads to the clasp to add weight to the back of the necklace, attach the necklace onto your clothing or purchase a necklace extender.
QUESTION: I have a free-standing electric water cooler in my kitchen and I am starting to find the water doesn't taste good anymore. I wonder if I should run some baking soda water or something similar through it to freshen it up. I don't know how big the water reservoir is or how I would go about this. It is plugged in all the time but it is probably 10 years old and we all love cold water. Any suggestions? Sue, Winnipeg
ANSWER: Prepare a solution of 50/50 water and white vinegar in a bucket. Unplug the unit and remove the empty bottle. Use a sponge, water and vinegar to clean the inner surface of the unit. Leave for 20 minutes and then run the excess water through the machine into a bucket. Repeat four times. Pick up the drip tray, wash with vinegar and water and replace. Clean as many areas of the unit as possible with vinegar and water. Some people prefer bleach and water over vinegar, this is also an option.
QUESTION: My daughter bought a new pair of white jeans, there was a dark mark so she used bleach in the wash water just for that area. The area turned yellow, so I put them in water with Oxy Clean. Now they are mauve in the other areas and the yellow is lighter! Is there anything that can be done to bring these new jeans back to white? They have not been placed in the dryer. Louise, Winnipeg
ANSWER: Your best bet is to use Rit dye remover, according to the directions on the box, to remove all of the dye. Next use white Rit dye, to re-dye the jeans.
Fresh Secrets
*Stinky shoes got you down? Fill a sock with fresh coffee grounds. Fasten the opening with a rubber band and place the coffee sock inside shoes when not in use.
*Rub faucet and stainless-steel sinks with wax paper to prevent and remove watermarks.
I enjoy your questions and tips, keep them coming. Missed a column? Can't remember a solution? Need a speaker for an upcoming event? Check out my website Reena.ca.
Renovation & Design
SOLUTIONS: Stored food lasts longer when double-bag sealed
QUESTION: I bought graham wafers, stored them in a plastic jar and kept them in the deep freeze. When I went to use them to make a slice, the wafers smelled rancid. Is it due to the plastic container? Do I throw them away or is there something that I can do (as it's a big jar)? Thanks. Enjoy your column. Marlene (Winnipeg)
ANSWER: Frozen graham wafers should last at least one year in an air-tight container. Depending on the container you used, air and moister were likely factors in the rancidity of the food. In the future; if you double bag food in sealable bags, it will last longer. In the meantime, place wafers on a pan and heat in the oven for a few minutes, then observe smell. It is possible the wafers were freezer burnt and not rancid.
QUESTION: I do a lot of entertaining using tablecloths and napkins. Do you have any suggestions on how to get cloth napkins clean? Is there a pre-soak solution? Although they are fancy stitched and attractive, they are becoming quite stained. Thank you. Barb (Winnipeg)
ANSWER: On average, North Americans use 7,000 paper napkins per year. Cloth napkins add a special touch to any meal. Unfortunately, as time goes on they are used less frequently. As soon as your company makes an exit, gather all napkins and soak them overnight in cold water and a squeeze of lemon juice. In the morning, wash and dry napkins as usual. Treatment for removing existent stains depends on the fabric and colour of the napkins.
Feedback from Manitoba readers
Re: Seatbelt cleaning
In a recent column, you suggested cleaning seatbelts using a degreaser or shampoo and water or heavy duty laundry detergent and water. When I asked a car detailer (a person that cleans up cars prior to resale) he told me he cannot clean the seatbelts with any chemicals due to the possibility the chemical weakens the seatbelt material. (Roger)
Re: Organizing medication
I just wanted to respond to the person asking for help organizing her 82-year-old mother's medicine. There is only one answer to this, which you missed. I did this for my 88-year-old mother a few years ago and it is excellent. The pharmacy made bubble packs that are in Sunday to Saturday packages. They're easy to read with morning, mid-day, supper and evening markings for taking medication at the right time. The pharmacy also included non-prescription meds/vitamins that she takes in this. There are no "expired" medicines to throw away. Med alert supplied by the pharmacy makes up a package that is kept on the fridge with all her medications and contact information for paramedics, should they ever be called. You gave a very complicated procedure, which really did not help this person. Sincerely (Charlotte)
Re: Organizing medication
One should return expired medicines to the pharmacy for proper disposal, rather than toss out or flush down the toilet. It is much safer and eco-friendly. Love your column. Will be trying the stainless sink cleaning tips from that same issue. Thanks (Eric)
Baker's secrets:
-- Instead of a toothpick, test the doneness of a homemade cake with a raw spaghetti noodle.
-- For perfect and professional cake slices, heat the knife or run it under hot water and dry before cutting.
-- Before transferring a freshly baked cake to a platter, dust the platter with icing sugar to prevent the cake from sticking.
-- Wrap a slice of apple along with baked cake, to hold in freshness.
I enjoy your questions and tips, keep them coming. Missed a column? Can't remember a solution? Need a speaker for an upcoming event? Check out my website, Reena.ca.
