Dear Home-Ec 101,
Well, I am probably the worst person when it comes to checking out-I did that literally for 2 years when my husband left me 3 years ago for almost a year. The result has been devastating I am constantly consumed by guilt and serious insomnia.… Keep reading...
It’s May Day, and We’re Doing Fine
Life goes on, as it always does and things are settling back into a routine, an exhaustive set of tasks, but a routine nonetheless. Of course, school will soon be out for the summer and we’ll have to find our next new normal.… Keep reading...
Touching Base
It’s been a while and I hope you are well.
Amelia Katelyn was born on March 2 at 10:35 am. There was some serious concern that the gestational diabetes I developed was inhibiting her growth, so I was induced three weeks early.… Keep reading...
How to Care for Fleece to Prevent and Reduce Pilling and Matting
Dear Home-Ec 101,
I’ve read different thoughts on this, but none that I would consider authoritative. So I’m hoping you can help. I have a brand new fleece that I actually dropped some decent coin on (read: not Old Navy). Actually, it’s not all that new, truth be told.… Keep reading...
The Home-Ec101.com Family Is Growing
Our blended family is going to get a bit bigger.
Remember how I mentioned that I was recovering from mono and taking some time to rest? Well, I went straight from mono to morning sickness. Consequently, productivity has not been at an all-time high around here.… Keep reading...
Bad Disaster Advice
I’ve been paying a lot of attention to the information being spread with regard to how to prepare for a disaster, like a hurricane.
Bad Advice I’ve Seen Circulating
Hotels must take your pets in due to a law passed after Hurricane Katrina.… Keep reading...
Vinegar as Laundry Detergent?
Dear Home-Ec 101,
I really appreciate all the advice on your website. I was wondering if you would know whether it’s alright to use white vinegar as a laundry detergent. Thank you very much.
Sincerely,
Tart in Tahoma
Dear Tart in Tahoma,
The short answer is not if you want to have clean, fresh smelling laundry as a result.… Keep reading...
Why Is the Ice in my Ice Machine Melting?
Dear Home-Ec 101,
I have a fairly new ice machine at the beach, a house we use roughly every other weekend. Lately, the ice machine does not seem to be cold enough to keep the ice it makes frozen. I have vacuumed the coils, ran a “Clean cycle” with the cleanser, turned it off and completely cleaned and dried.… Keep reading...
Off-Topic: Checking In
Hey there,
I hope all of you are well. I know things have been pretty quiet here on the site. Initially, things were just getting quite busy at work, but one thing is never enough. Very recently my father was in the ICU with sepsis, but he’s home and doing much better.… Keep reading...
Removing Body Soil and Other Grunge from Furniture Upholstered with Microsuede
Dear Home Ec 101,
In 2006, we bought several pieces of microsuede furniture in a chocolate brown. Over time, the arms and headrests have become oily and dirty. The code on the label is “WS”. Can we remove the grime from our couch and recliner?… Keep reading...
A Day Late, A Dollar Short, No More: Life Skills are Frugal
Heather says:
I was once asked how I could call Home-Ec 101 a frugal site when overall money isn’t mentioned. The short answer? I believe life skills are some of the most underutilized assets of the general population.
Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.
… Keep reading...How Does Your Water Affect Your Laundry?
Dear Home-Ec 101,
I have well water and found out that using bleach in the wash will turn my cloths brownish. And yes they have become dingy and not as bright. What can I use, if anything, to make them white again or keep this from happening again to newer cloths I get?
… Keep reading... Removing Peanut Butter from Nubby Upholstery/Fabric
Dear Home-Ec101,
My husband dripped peanut butter on our nubby weave couch and rubbed it in when he tried to clean it off. Can you tell me and your readers how to get messes like this out without further ruining the upholstery?… Keep reading...
Help, how do I get rid of drain flies?
Dear Home-Ec 101,
I have three window wells in my finished basement. I am forever finding little black dead flies. I have sprayed, thrown gallons of bleach and ammonia down the window wells. In the window wells I found something like yellow cocoons that I think they have built.
… Keep reading... How Much Vinegar Should I Use in the Laundry?
Dear Home-Ec 101,
I read your information on why liquid fabric softener causes stains on dark clothing and that you use white vinegar instead.
I have a front loading machine.
How do I add the vinegar and how much?
Sincerely,
Washing in Walhalla
Dear W.W.,… Keep reading...