Country Household Hints

Taken from  the Mansfield Enterprise, my hometown newspaper written by columnist Loretta Thomas                                      

   For generations country folk like us passed down straightforward approach's to life. Back then we made do with whatever material and resources we had  on hand to take care of home. You remember…a little of this and a dollop of down-home ingenuity with a good bit of old-fashioned elbow grease. 
  It was good commonsense practical and a frugal way of life…not always easy but, a good hard working and rewarding life. 
  
  This week we are concentrating on hints about laundry…while we don’t need to return to the days of hand-washing every piece of clothing or scrubbing grime and stains out with a washboard (although, I have one that comes in handy for a number of stubborn stains and such) taking advantage of some old-fashioned low cost tried-n-true laundry tips may end up turning your wash day into much less a chore. 
  

                                                      

               

  These tips-n-hints are not orderly by any means…I’m writing them as they come to me starting with your detergent…

1. To boost the cleaning and deodorizing powers of your usual detergent, add ½ cup borax to each load. You can find it in the laundry aisle in your stores.
2. Your dedicates can be safely and effectively laundered in warm water and add a small amount of mild dish liquid (not the fancy antibacterial brand.) 

3. I learned this one when I was getting my certification as Executive Housekeeper. To remove spots of blood from clothing, bedding, etc., use 3% hydrogen peroxide (the kind you find in the first-aid section) 
    
  Soak the stain with the peroxide, the blood will bubble or boil and loosen, if it doesn't completely gently scrape to help take the blood away with your fingernail or a flat knife. (Of course, I would not do this unless I was geared up safely and the knives used can be thrown out…safety first!) Then, rinse it again with peroxide. It would be much easier if you would do this procedure immediately after it happen before the blood dries and set. (Peroxide has a bleaching effect…test your fabrics.)

4. The best scent ever for your laundered sheets…try hanging them outside if you have a place. I guarantee you will have the best night of sleep ever…those sheets will have a soothing scent that will rock your care away and you’ll sleep like a baby! 
5. Speaking of bedding…oily stains on pillowcases can be removed with plain shampoo. Just pour some on the stained area, rub it in, rinse thoroughly and launder the pillowcases as usual.

6. Oh, I almost forgot…to help make the fabric of new pillowcases more resistant to stains from natural skin oils and oily products, starch the pillowcases lightly before use. I love them ironed!

7. Lift a fresh grease spot from fabric by sprinkling the spot with cornstarch. Allow this to soak up the grease for a few minutes, and then brush it away.

8. Speaking of your iron…if it clogs pour white vinegar into it and let it steam for 5 minutes. Unplug and let it cool, then empty the vinegar out and rinse the iron thoroughly by pouring clean water in and out. 
  Sure hope you can use these tips-n-hints and if you have them, this article will be a written reminder for your future reference. 
  You can view The Mansfield Enterprise online at: mansfield enterprise.com  &  Like us on facebook: Mansfield Enterprise Newspaper.

Best Wishes,
Loretta