April 2008 Issue
In this months Issue:
Buying a Washing Machine and Dryer
What's in your Cleaning Arsenal
Dressing Green
Home Laundry Tip
Buying a Washing Machine and Dryer
Someone once remarked that the thing that most surprised them about their life was how much time they spent doing laundry! No wonder, then, that buying a washing machine and dryer is such an important task.
If you're making the move from laundromat life to the pleasure of having your own machines, you'll want to do so with plenty of information before you look online or walk into a store. First and most important, consider the space you have available and where it is located in your house. If your space is limited, you may want to consider stacking washer-dryer units; if your space is near living areas, noise levels will be an important consideration. You'll want to look for an energy-efficient model to save money and reduce your environmental impact. Next, think about your own lifestyle.
* How often do you wash clothes? If you do frequent washes, a stainless-steel tub will be the most durable. Those who wash less often will be more than satisfied with a porcelain-coated steel or even high-grade plastic.
* What do you typically wash? If you often wash lots of different types of fabrics, different size loads and have clothing with many different levels of cleanliness, look for a machine with specialty cycles including settings for a second rinse or multiple water-level settings.
* What is your budget? Don't get talked into a machine with a lot of bells and whistles you might not need. Decide what features you definitely require and then decide if you want to pay extra for others.
Washing machines come in a top load or front load model. Top loaders are usually less expensive and less energy-efficient, but they do use regular detergent and come in a large selection of models. Front loaders are becoming more popular because they are more energy efficient, quieter, generally have more capacity and because they have no agitator, are gentler on clothing, but they are generally more expensive, can be awkward to load and some require a special detergent.
When buying a dryer, be sure to buy one that matches the capacity of the washer. While you can often get better deals by not buying in sets, you don't want to buy a dryer that's smaller in capacity than your washing machine!
Moisture or dryness sensors that adjust the drying time needed are a must-have. Temperature controls, including a permanent press setting will reduce wrinkling. Another suggestion: make sure the dryer has a drum light!
One feature you might not think about is where the lint filter is placed. Some dryers have them on the top or inside the door. Check the ease of moving it in and out. Does it seem sturdy enough? Again, think about where the dryer will be placed when considering noisier models.
Finally, before buying, take a look online at review and opinion sites for information about maintenance, repair and everyday usage to get feedback from other consumers who have already purchased the model you're considering.
What's in your Cleaning Arsenal
Now that it's April, many people think of doing spring cleaning. While household products that you can purchase at a supermarket can be extremely effective at cleaning, there are some simple ways to keep your home clean. Two items we recommend are hydrogen peroxide and lemon juice.
Hydrogen peroxide (use only in a 3% solution) is great for protein-based stains and can work wonders on carpets, grout in the kitchen or bathroom or in the laundry room; it's great as a deodorant or disinfectant. It should not be used on floors, since it can strip the finish. You can even use it to disinfect your toothbrush after brushing, clean cutting boards, and in your washing machine instead of bleach to get clean white clothes!
Lemon juice is also a wonderful, natural cleaning product, especially on soap scum and hard water deposits. Lemon juice is fantastic at eliminating odors (mix with some water) and grease, too. You can even mix lemon juice with olive oil to polish wood furniture! Finally, add 1/2 a cup of lemon juice to the rinse cycle and it will work just like bleach-and smell better, too!
Dressing Green
Is it possible to dress "green"-and if so, what exactly does that mean? While many people first embraced the idea of buying more natural, ecologically sound food items, the concept is now being extended to clothing. So what exactly are "eco-friendly clothes?" The term can be defined as clothing that uses materials or techniques that reduce our impact on our world.
Many people think this means you have to give up comfort, style or lots of money-not so. New manufacturing processes are creating a big impact on the fashion world.
Organic cotton is probably the fabric that's making the biggest impact in eco-friendly fashion. Unfortunately, damaging pesticides are used to grow cotton. Organic cotton, grown without chemical fertilizers or pesticides, can be found in upscale and discount stores alike. While it's often priced somewhat higher than regular cotton fabrics, the benefit to our planet cannot be denied. Another fabric to look for is hemp, which is not only easier to grow than cotton, but can also be extremely versatile for use in clothing and accessories. One of the newest materials is bamboo, which can be grown without fertilizers and pesticides and is easily renewable since it's a grass. And if you think of bamboo as uncomfortable or hard, think again: when manufactured into clothing, it's surprisingly soft and supple. Other fabrics that are becoming more popular are jute and soy fibers, as well as clothing recycled from different products.
So next time you go to the store, look at the labels or ask about garments made from some of these fabrics. You CAN make a greener impact on our planet!
Home Laundry Tip
No ones perfect&especially our pets, who sometimes do have accidents. Its important to remember that a cat or dog has a sense of smell much greater than people and will return to the spot if the odor is not removed&so simply cleaning an area is not enough. When cleaning pet stains, its best to avoid using steam cleaners, since this will permanently set the odor and the stain. And while some experts suggest using ammonia and water, pet experts say this may actually encourage pets to use this area again.
To clean a pet urine stain, soak up any extra moisture with a white rag or paper towels or even some newspapers. Then blot a solution of warm water and liquid laundry detergent and continue to blot until no more stained color appears on the towel. Finally, blot the area with some white vinegar and water (about 2:1 water/vinegar). Rinse and then cover with some paper towels, weigh down with a heavy object and blot until the carpet or upholstery is dry. If you want to teach your pet the right place to go, bring the urine-soaked paper towels or rags to the litter box or outdoor area to help remind your pet where he or she is supposed to go.
To remove feces, remove as much as you can with a scoop or spoon. Blot with the vinegar solution described above and let it soak for a few minutes. Blot and rinse with cold water; repeat if necessary until the stain is gone. To eliminate the odor, sprinkle baking soda on the spot, let it sit for a few hours and then vacuum.
You might also want to purchase a pet odor neutralizer available in most pet stores; be sure toread all instructions before use.