DEAR HELOISE: After a bout of sickness at our home, I cleaned the house well, but when it was time to start the laundry, a question came to mind: Does regular washing-machine detergent kill germs?
- Q.K., via e-mail
DEAR READER: Your question got Heloise Central wondering about this. You might be surprised when you read the information.
If you are not using hot water (140-150 degrees), chlorine bleach or a pine-oil disinfectant, you probably are not killing the bacteria. When you use hot water plus chlorine or color-safe bleach and the dryer, this will kill most germs. If your wash load includes colors or items that chlorine bleach can’t be used on, use color-safe bleach or pine-oil disinfectant.
Homemakers in the 1950s and before who hung their clothes out to dry in the sunshine were actually killing bacteria. That’s right, sun rays kill germs! Unfortunately, it isn’t possible for many of us to hang clothing outside.
To keep your washing machine as clean as possible, clean it once in a while, and always after someone has been sick. Use chlorine bleach and water only (no clothing). Current models may have a cleaning cycle.
DEAR HELOISE: When creating a cell phone contact, I put the association first, then name, date and other details as necessary. When a service call is made, I tape the person’s business card to the appliance.
- Joe Carnell, Enid, Okla.
DEAR HELOISE: To keep my exercise ball (very large, inflatable) from rolling around when not in use, I bought a smooth wood wreath large enough to use as a base, and set the ball onto it.- Holly Griffith, Sugar Land, Texas
DEAR HELOISE: I have read suggestions in your column of help for people who have difficulty swallowing pills. My method is simple:
I keep a jug of water in the refrigerator. When I need to take pills, I pour out a glass of cold water, drink it, and the coldness numbs my throat enough to swallow the pills without trouble. This may not work for everyone, but it works very well for me.
- Shirley Richardson, San Angelo, Texas
DEAR READER: Also, a little applesauce or other “slippery” food helps.
Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or e-mail [email protected]
HomeStyle, Pages 34 on 06/29/2013