'Tricks' keep laundry soft, bright white

In this week’s article, I will continue with eight more tricks of the trade.

1. General indoor odors.

Mix one cup of distilled vinegar and 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract. Fill a spray container or plant mister and spray away those nasty odors.

2. Oven odors.

To neutralize the odor of oven cleaner, peel an orange or lemon and bake it in the oven. You’ll be surprised at the results.

3. Lacquer and varnish remover.

Did you get lacquer or varnish on your hands when you were resurfacing a piece of old furniture? Slap a little peanut butter on your hands and watch it melt off.

4. Washing machine maintenance.

Every month or so, fill  your washer with water, and add two cups of vinegar. Let it sit for an hour or so, then start your washer and allow it to go through its normal cycle. Then repeat the process — except add two cups of bleach. Your washer will be clean and smell great.

5. White socks and underwear.

If you want really white socks, try boiling them in water; the trick is to add several slices of lemon or squirt in some lemon juice.

6. Lint-free laundry.

Are you tired of plucking lint off your clothes? If so, add 1/2 cup of white vinegar to your rinse cycle. You’ll be surprised.

7. Clothing damage control.

It’s a good idea to turn your clothing inside out when laundering. You’ll find this practice will extend the life of your clothing.

8. Fabric softener.

Instead of buying expensive softener sheets, simply toss in 1/2 cup of baking soda into the washer with your laundry detergent. It works exceptionally well.

Stay tuned, because next week I’ll provide you with another eight tricks of the trade.

When cleaning with any cleaning product, always wear eye protection and rubber gloves to protect your hands. If you would like to share a cleaning idea of concept with the reading audience, call Ed at NWES at 255-2266 or e-mail them to madan@nwees.com or send them to Bonner County Daily Bee, Box 159, Sandpoint, ID 83864, Attn: What Would Ed Do?

For more information about Ed and his new handyman services, check him out at www.nwees.com.

Copy written by Edmond E. Madan, certified forensic, fire, flood, mold inspection and remediation/restoration contractor. Ed is the president of Northwest Environmental Services, Inc.