A dream come true
Albert Pridgen of Kinston, a retired Army Iraqi Freedom veteran, noticed a child in need of a bicycle while on his daily walk in his neighborhood Dec. 19.
Javier Cannon, 8, was running beside another child who was riding a bike. With the approval of Javier’s mother, Christine Cannon, Pridgen bought a bike and returned the same day to give it to Javier.
He was excited but promised to wait until Christmas Day to ride it.
Home Solutions: Battling those seasonal stains
Nearly half of U.S. consumers say they have never read the directions on a package of laundry detergent, according to a survey from the Soap & Detergent Association.
It is no surprise that our clothing, both new and old, can last longer and outlast holiday stains by using the right laundry techniques and following the instructions on garment tags. A few of the laundry product trends that help make laundering faster and more effective include:
Travel size towelettes containing stain removers that fit in your purse or pocket will give you what you need to take care of stains immediately wherever you are.
Detergents and fabric softeners with color protection work best if you use them from the start with new garments. They help keep the original color vibrant.
Pre-measured detergent tablets, which take the measuring factor completely out of the equation, are handy, portable, light and drip free.
Some detergents are specially formulated to keep dark clothes dark.
Bleach pens that target stains with a fine point applicator are an effective treatment.
“Spa-treatment” laundry detergents pamper clothes with aromatherapy scents.
Wrinkle-releasing sprays relax and smooth fabrics without the use of an iron.
Dye-trapping sheets for the washer, which act like magnets, prevent colors from being transferred from one clothing item to another.
High Efficiency detergents are formulated to be low-sudsing and quick-dispersing to get the best cleaning performance with HE washers.
If the aftermath of parties and feasts have left you with stains on your family’s clothing, check out the following advice:
With stains, act quickly to increase chances of removal. Pre-treat stains by rinsing or soaking in cold water, then apply a commercial stain remover and launder. Check freshly washed wet clothes for stains that don’t wash away. Instead of drying them, which can permanently set the stains, pre-treat the stains a second time and wash again. Repeat as necessary.
All-purpose laundry detergents are especially effective on food, and greasy and oily soils. Since they are liquids, they are good for pre-treating spots and stains.
Most liquid and powder detergents are now concentrated; so follow the label instructions and use the measuring cap or scoop to ensure the correct amount.
Most importantly, read and follow laundry package directions, and you can have clothes that will outlast the stains.
Source: The Soap and Detergent Association
Trudy W. Pickett is extension family and consumer agent at the Lenoir County Cooperative Extension Office, 1791 N.C. 11/55. Reach her at 252-527-2191 or trudy_pickett@ncsu.edu.