Category: Home Interior Tips

Here is a question from Shannon:

“When I wash a load of dark clothes, all the darker clothes end up with white marks on them. If I rub the clothing with a wet washcloth the marks go away almost completely, but this is not a good solution. What’s causing these white marks and what can I do about them?”

Thanks for your question, I believe what is happening is the laundry detergent you are using is not dissolving completely.

This can happen when you are using cool water which is usually the case when we are washing dark clothes. The trick is to start the washer put in the detergent and let the water fill up and then put in the clothes. This way the detergent has a better chance at dissolving.

Also most detergents are best used in warm water since most powders dissolve better in warm water. You could also try a liquid detergent in which case the technique I described above is still recommended.

To remove alcoholic drinks or wine, first read and follow the care instructions and any warnings on the garment label.

• Launder with detergent in hottest water safe for the fabric. Do not use soap (bar, flake, or detergents containing natural soap), since soap could make the stain permanent or at least more difficult to remove.
• Soak tough stains for 30 minutes in 1 quart of warm water and 1 teaspoon of enzyme presoak product.
• To remove old or set stains may require washing with bleach that is safe for the fabric.  Always check for colorfastness first.
• If all the sugars are not removed from the fabric a brown stain will appear when the fabric is heated in the dryer or is ironed, as the sugar is carmelized.

For tough Red Wine stains refer to “dye stains” for further help.

General Information
Washing machines and dryers only need a couple of basic cleaning procedures. Always follow the manufacturers recommendations when cleaning the lint filter or under the agitator.

Technique:
If gum or grease deposits onto the interior try to rub off with a soft cloth and mild detergent. Failing that, applying a small amount of degreaser or gum dissolving chemical onto the area affected should loosen the deposit. Never use abrasive cleaners or pads and always rinse completely.

Of course dryer lint screens must be cleaned before each load to ensure drying efficiency. For a more thorough cleaning, mild detergent and water works well. Completely dry the lint filter before using. For deposits on the dryer interior, usually caused by melting items from pants pockets, use a mild detergent or stain specific cleaners very sparingly. Afterwards wipe again with a damp cloth and let the interior dry. Do not use abrasive cleaners.

Dryer vents and pipes need regular cleaning to ensure full airflow. Often it is a simple procedure to remove the pipe and clean it out. A vacuum works well. Be sure to re-attach the pipe securely. If you are in doubt consult an appliance expert.

Use mild detergent and a damp sponge or cloth to clean the outside of the unit.

This question was submitted from Sam.

“I would like to know if there is a cheaper way of getting babies nappies clean, other than Napisan – something that is kinder to the nappies and baby?”

A strong product like Napisan is not necessary in all cases if the nappies are not allowed to dry.

Try these techniques :

Try a bucket with a laundry booster (one with enzymes) mixed with water. Pour this rather disgusting mix directly into the wash and launder with regular detergent or the booster.

I did it this way for our first child. The enzyme breaks down the organic wastes and it cleans up nicely when laundering. The booster I used was Borax but there are many kinds.

Experts normally recommend using a bleach to disinfect which is a good idea – pouring a cup into the wash is fine. If you are concerned about residual effects of soap and or bleach, rinse the wash once after washing.

All this is dependant on the time you have. We started with all the good intentions in the world but by the time our second child arrived we reverted to the earth destroying disposable nappies.

This question was submitted by Dixie:  “How do I clean an old strawberry daiquiri stain off a white cotton shirt?”

It was rather involved to try to get an answer that might work. And I do mean might, because if your daiquiri wasn’t a virgin, the alcohol makes it all the more difficult. First off, don’t wash in hot water, and don’t heat dry. This sets the stains so they will be there permanently.

As obscure as it seems here we go:

Be sure the fabric is durable, and will not be damaged by boiling water. Test a shirt tail for colorfastness (white should be OK) and for durability by dipping into boiling water. If the fabric shrivels up into a crumpled wrinkled mass do not proceed. If the stains are dry, moisten them with glycerin. Take the stained area and stretch it over a large pot or strainer. Secure with an elastic band or two. Put the shirt and pot in a tub or laundry sink just  in case you may spill any water.  Boil a kettle of water, and from a couple of feet above, slowly pour the water through the stains. I know I just told you not to wash this article in hot water, but by doing this the water is passing through and taking the contaminants with it, as oppose to sitting in hot water stewing.

• If any of the stain remains, cut open a lemon and rub the lemon on the stains, then hang to dry.
• If the stain remains mix some white vinegar and water 1:2, and apply that to the stains, then hang to dry.
• If the stain remains soak in a digestant for 30 minutes, launder as you normally would in cold water, and hang to dry.
• If the stain remains wash in a bleach solution as directed by the manufacturer, and hang dry. Do not dry this article in the dryer until you are satisfied with the appearance of the stained area (because that is the way it will stay, forever).
• If the stain remains make a big daiquiri and soak the entire shirt so it is red, and consider buying a new white shirt!!