Shortcuts to make it less of a chore
Your washing machine
A stinky washer signals that bacteria and
mold may lurk inside. Here’s how to freshen it up
A
stinky washer signals that bacteria and mold may lurk inside
Front loader
- Select the preset cycle to clean the washer’s interior, such as Clean Washer or Tub
Clean.
- Follow your model’s manual direction or add one cup of chlorine bleach to the dispenser.
Run the cycle; with a cloth, dry puddles in the rubber door gasket.
- Remove the dispenser drawer and rinse it with warm water. With a soft brush, scrub away
any softener or detergent residue – it’s a magnet for mold and mildew.
Top loader
- Select the normal cycle, largest load size, hot water, and an extra rinse. For
high-efficiency machines with no agitator, follow the steps for a front
loader.
- Pour one cup of chlorine bleach into the dispenser or tub. Run a full wash (minus detergent),
double rinse, and spin cycle to kill bacteria clinging to the agitator.
- Rinse and scrub removable dispensers as you would for a front loader.
Make it easier next time…
After use, leave doors and lids open for an
hour or so to speed evaporation
Before tossing in dirty towels, use them to
wipe detergent dribbles
Try a washing machine cleaner monthly, like
those by Tide ($8.50 for three), Clorox ($4), and Affresh ($7)
Double duty – Rubber Band
Coming in and out with your hands full?
Loop a single rubber band around a door’s inside and outside knobs, twisting it
as you do so that the “X” presses the latch open. Once finished, hang the band
on the inner knob for the next time.
Plating pointers
Jealous of those folks with lush flower
beds or bumper crops of beans? Now it’s easy to join them: The When to Plant
app compatible with IOS 5 ($1.99; for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch) takes the
guesswork out of seasonal planting with month-by-month options based on your
zip code – telling you the perfect time to start seedlings indoors, sow seeds
outdoors, or harvest a crop. With detailed info on 120 fruits, veggies, herbs,
and flowers, the app also breaks down how much water and sun they’ll need.
Brown thumbs, begone!
based
on your zip code – telling you the perfect time to start seedlings indoors, sow
seeds outdoors, or harvest a crop
