better living through chemistry

 

1. I make my own laundry detergent - because of so many issues here (son a burn survivor - he can’t ‘do’ a number of things, my skin is so sensitive and all the new ‘scents’ are killing me). Even the ‘free’ stuff (maybe whatever they did for the He bs) is getting to me. Fels Naptha soap, A&H laundry and borax. Works great and a little vingar/A&H baking soda/h2o makes an ok fabric softner.

   M30 - which used to be sold for almost nothing at Dollar General (the yellow one - I get them all mixed up) - but not anymore - was great on stains. On the ‘net all I can find is by a real case lot (I think it’s 24 cases or some such nonsense). Such a shame - all the good stuff is taken off the shelves.

   Resolve (way back when) had an upholstery product - with the brush on the spray outlet - worked against everything but red koolaid (should be banned, it is forever) and of course now they sell garbage.

   The exchange (military) system used to sell a strong but it worked pet stain product - as usual I get used to it - gone again. So that too, I make my own (we go through it a lot when the pychotic kitty gets human food or p’od at us - even the ittty bitty kitty is having spew attacks of late - I blame the constant rain). Dish detergent, vinegar and h2o - only downside is you have blot it with a towel and pressure for at least two days.

   I have 3 shampooers (will never get rid of the Hoover - but it requires air drying - but will also do the floors) - a small pet/people stain machine and of course a steam cleaner. If CSI ever has to go through this house - every room is going to light up like a Christmas tree. Between the spew and poo psycho cat and our son who still (thankfully not often at all) spontaneous bleeds - this place needs to be sanitized by one of those after disaster specialized cleaner companies!

   Posted by wardmama4       09/02/2014  at  08:46 AM  



2. The other consideration for these “new technology” appliances will be repair costs.  The electronicization of everything has made it difficult to impossible for people to fix their own stuff.  You need specialized tools or a gadget that reads a diagnostic code to tell you what the computer thinks is wrong.  If you don’t have those, you have to have a service call.  That’s probably going to be a minimum of $300 plus parts. 

   Appliances are not designed or made to last 25+ years any more. 8 to 10 is it.  If your 8 year old fridge quits, you almost have to replace it.  If you have it fixed, chances are something else is going to fail in a few months, and so on. 

   But, thanks for the info on detergent additives.  I am sick of my dishes having that haze on them.  Time to try some of them.

   Posted by John C       09/02/2014  at  08:50 AM  



3. John C - I bought a 20lb jug of Sodium Percarbonate years ago, and it’s still half full. Depending on the mix, it will do everything from help your laundry to clean tile grout and whiten old concrete. A medium solution in a spray bottle makes the greatest carpet cleaner ever; spray it on, and the stains evaporate. Rub, blot, let dry. Cleans nearly anything, but haven’t tried it on red koolaid (doesn’t work for tar though).

   You can get TSP at the painter’s store. Big box stores usually have the “mock” product. Savorgan TSP, in the red and orange box. A strong solution will take the oil spot off your garage floor. You can etch metal with the stuff. A very small amount is all you want in a dishwasher; you’re better off going with the $2 bottle of LemiShine.

   Posted by Drew458       09/02/2014  at  09:41 AM  



4. The Obama administration is working on new efficiency standards for seemingly every appliance but the kitchen sink.

   Spurred by President Obama’s climate action plan, the Department of Energy is pumping out new standards for refrigerators, dishwashers, air conditioners, ceiling fans, furnaces, boilers, water heaters, lamps and many more appliances.

   Hello America and, welcome to the European Union. WTF took ya so long?

   Here ya go Drew. What I have been ranting about for so long. Does anyone recall what I said some months before postal changes re size and price some yrs ago? Was here FIRST by some months then USA.  This other stuff just naturally follows the pattern.
   
   From today’s paper.

   · Shoppers made feelings clear about ban on models of more than 1,600 watts
   · Many have been stockpiling two or more models to beat the regulation
   · New EU directive is intended to reduce energy use, but has infuriated public
   · Online electrical retailer ao.com said sales had soared by 380 per cent
   THE OTHER HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES IN THE EU’S SIGHTS

   Under threat: Food blenders may also be targeted
   Some 30 devices – mostly domestic electrical items – are facing overhauls to meet the EU guidelines, including:

   Air conditioning in cars – blamed for increasing fuel consumption although critics point out the drag created by opening a window uses more energy. Window heaters and seat heating will also be looked at.

   Fitness equipment – many modern exercise bikes and rowing machines use electricity to generate resistance.

   Hairdryers – power savings of 30 per cent may be required, although salons argue they will spend longer drying hair.

   Blenders – smoothies and soups may take longer to prepare if new rules are introduced.

   Fax machines – under scrutiny despite all but dying out in homes as people switch to
   email.

   Photocopiers, printers and scanners are on the list too.

   Power tools – they could face changes despite the Commission’s report stating the potential improvements are ‘small’.

   Lawnmowers – all types, including electrical and petrol, could be affected.

   Patio heaters – a key target due to the amount of energy lost.

   Kettles – may have to be redesigned to switch off sooner or slash surface heat loss.

   Toasters – they waste power if one or more slots is empty.

   Posted by peiper       09/02/2014  at  01:22 PM  

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