Tricks of the trade make laundry chores a snap

In this week's article I thought I would share with you a few tricks of the trade that will help you in your daily laundry cleaning.

1. When washing laundry, do not mix towels with the rest of your laundry. If you do, the towels will transfer lint to the rest of the linen. Also, wash towels in the hottest water possible, it will help in breaking built-up soap residuce.

2. Mend sheets before washing them. Mending them after washing you'll find the holes a whole lot bigger.

3. Never starch linen table clothes before storing them away because they will turn yellow. Also, don't store them in plastic because it will make them turn yellow as well.

4. To remove lipstick stains on cloth napkins, use a little of WD-40, wait about 15 minutes, then work in straight dishwashing soap. Let it set about five minutes and then launder as normal.

5. If gum gets stuck to clothing, don't panic. Go to the freezer, put three ice cubes in a Ziploc bag and place the bag on the gum. Once the gum is frozen, break it apart with a pair of pliers, then wash as usual.

If you are allergic to any of the above products, please don't use them. Always test fabrics and paints before using any chemical compound. Please remember to wear rubber gloves to protect your hands and eye protection for your eyes.

If you would like to share a cleaning idea or concept with the reading audience, call Ed Madan at Northwest Environmental Services (255-2266) or send them to Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St., Sandpoint, ID 83864, Attn: What Would Ed Do?

Copy written by Edmond E. Madan, certified executive housekeeper and mold inspection and remediation contractor, Northwest Environmental Services, specializing in commercial, residential and disaster cleaning.