Ruritan club names new officers
The Pink Hill Ruritan Club has installed new officers for 2013.
Kenneth Jones is president. Other officers are Carlton Jenkins, Rodney Smith, Clay Howard, Lesley Smith, Susan G. Myers and Linda Jenkins.
Home Solutions: Wring out the old; bring in the new
A new year is a good time to put to rest some cleaning practices that have seen their day. Read the lowdown on some old (and not-so-old) cleaning myths.
The Old: Sponges can be sanitized in the microwave.
The True: Using the microwave can be risky. Unless the sponge is soaking wet, fire is a possibility. The size of the sponge and the microwave power also influence the zapping time needed to kill germs.
It is better to soak the sponge for five minutes in a quart of water to three tablespoons chlorine bleach, and air-dry. Replace sponges every two to eight weeks, depending on frequency and roughness of use. Mop up food spills with paper towels.
The Old: It’s a good “green” practice to dry clothes on a clothesline.
The True: The increased use of cold- and warm-water wash cycles might not kill bacteria. Machine-drying will help reduce lingering bacteria and viruses. Additionally, some modern fabrics with optical brighteners or fluorescent whitening agents may turn yellow with extended sunlight exposure.
The Old: Club soda is a good stain remover.
The True: There’s no scientific basis for this claim. It probably worked because it was close at hand and treated the stain promptly. Tap water is cheaper and works just as well. Water treatment may only dilute, not remove the stain. Stain sticks, stain wipes and pre-wash stain removers are usually better remedies.
The Old: Crumpled newspapers are great for cleaning windows and mirrors.
The True: There was a time when this worked, but changes in paper and ink formulas could cause smudges on windows and casings. Paper towels or a microfiber cloth are better options.
The Old: Hairspray is a great way to remove ink stains.
The True: This technique surfaced — and often worked — when alcohol was a key ingredient in hairspray. Today’s formulas are either low-alcohol or alcohol-free. Use undiluted rubbing alcohol or a stain-removal product formulated for ink stains instead.
Resource: Soap & 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.