Speed Queen Consumer Laundry Washers and Dryers

Maggie's Laundry Room Madness

Hello Readers! Thank you all for your questions in the past months. To make sure we answer as many of them as possible, we've asked our favorite "Domestic Diva," Maggie to help us out. If you have a question for Maggie, you can email her at comments@alliancels.com. Here is the first edition of Maggie's Laundry Room Madness.

Dear Maggie,

I always make it a habit of checking my son's pockets before doing the laundry. But somehow a crayon got through all the way to the dryer. Now it's all over the jeans and the basket of my dryer. We've tried a couple different things on getting the crayon out of the dryer but nothing has worked. My husband suggested buying a new one. Help!

Sincerely,

Mary
Sandusky, Ohio

Dear Mary,

Maybe it's time to sew those pockets closed! Who knows what you might find next time! For now, wipe the inside of the dryer with a soft cloth and household cleaner. Then put a load of rags in your dryer and run a short heat cycle to absorb the crayon. Remember, it's never a good idea to use any chemicals or chlorine bleach in your dryer.

Maggie

Dear Maggie,

I've had it with my teenage daughter. She's gotten fingernail polish on just about every inch of my house. So far I've had luck removing it, but can't seem to get it off her favorite quilt. Any ideas on how to get the fingernail polish out of her quilt?

Yours truly,

Ann
Greenville, South Carolina

Dear Ann,

I think it's time to get your daughter some clear nail polish! To save that quilt, place the stain face down on paper toweling. Sponge the stain with non-oily nail polish remover until the stain disappears. Then wash her quilt according to the care label.

To help prevent future stains, have your daughter place wax paper under her hands while she paints her nails. This will protect what's underneath.

Maggie

Dear Maggie,

I just bought new cloth placemats. They looked great until the spaghetti dinner. Anyway, I've noticed friend's placemats that looked beautiful before they were washed and looked horrible after. Even ironing couldn't help get out the wrinkles.

How do I wash my new cloth placemats so that they stay looking new?

Patti
Carlsbad, California

Dear Patti,

To keep those cloth placemats looking new, wash them in cool or warm water, depending on the fabric and stain. For spaghetti stains, use a pre-treat or liquid detergent on the stain.

To get out those wrinkles, dampen the placemat slightly before ironing. Iron lengthwise to keep the edges as straight as possible.

Maggie

Dear Maggie,

My cat has started using my laundry basket as a litter box. I found a stain removal guide but it only had how to get out human urine. Will these directions work or should I do something more to get out the cat pee smell?

Thanks,

Cheryl
Memphis, Tennessee

Dear Cheryl,

Time to trade in that cat for a fish! Whether the urine comes from a cat or a potty training toddler, rinse the clothing in cold water, and soak with an enzyme soaking product. Wash in hot water with chlorine bleach if it's safe for fabric.

If your cat is going outside of the box, it's usually a sign that Fluffy is having problems. Whether your cat is stressed out, retaliating or is sick and having issues with its box, take your cat to the vet because if it's left unaddressed, your cat will keep going outside the litter box.

Maggie

Magnetic Water

by Shila Patel

Ever notice how plants look healthier and more vibrant after a thunderstorm? If so, you've observed a phenomenon that has long intrigued scientists and evaded explanation. Now botanist Andrew Goldsworthy, a researcher at London's Imperial College, offers a theory about why thundershowers are more beneficial to plants than an equivalent amount of water from the sprinkler. The answer: Electric currents flowing from thunderclouds.

Goldsworthy believes that plants have evolved to use atmospheric electricity to optimize cellular growth. The plants detect increased electrical activity before a storm and adjust their metabolisms to take maximum advantage of the storms. Experiments have shown that, under some air and soil conditions, growth in plants exposed to artificial electrical fields increased up to 70 percent.

Though no one can create a thunderstorm, Goldsworthy thinks home gardeners might achieve similar effects by using water conditioned by magnetic lime descalers, though he cautions that results are not consistent. To date, most research has focused on "hard" water, or water that is high in dissolved minerals, but Goldsworthy believes soft water may also benefit. In both cases, if your water doesn't contain the right sort of colloids (tiny particles suspended in the water), it resists conditioning.

According to Goldsworthy, when the descalers work, "The colloidal impurities activated by the descaler seem to interact with cells to make them grow and divide faster, similar to the electrical effects of a thunderstorm on plants."

Using conditioned water, Goldsworthy germinated notoriously difficult parsnip seeds earlier than usual. Commercial growers using descalers, including one of Denmark's largest cucumber growers, report 20 percent increases in yields. You can build a water conditioner using powerful 3/4-inch cylindrical magnets attached to opposite sides of a 1/2-inch-diameter copper or PVC pipe (they don't work well on other types of pipe). For instructions on the specific magnets to use and water flow rates, consult Everett Moore's Magnetic Water Conditioning Handbook (Moore Technical Industries, Inc., Box 1705, Cottonwood, AZ 86826 (520) 634-9891, 1996; $13).

Or buy a hose-end type, the MagnaLawn 2000 and higher-tech versions, such as ClearWave or Water-King. The latter two devices electronically emit radio waves from wires wound around the water pipes.

Because results vary depending on environmental conditions, the jury is still out on the effectiveness of these devices.

Stain Removal Corner

Smelling like a rose.

No one likes to smell. That's why most of us use a deodorant or antiperspirant. Contrary to popular belief, a deodorant is not an antiperspirant. Deodorants neutralize the smell of sweat while antiperspirants clog pores to stop you from perspiring.

While both are great at stopping embarrassing body odor, there is an equal chance that either will accidentally end up on the outside of your favorite shirt. To prevent that from happening it's recommended that you let your deodorant or antiperspirant dry before dressing. If you notice a spot right away, a baby wipe will come in handy to remove it. But for those unnoticed deodorant stains, try this the next time you do your laundry!

Removal Guide

• Always read the care label on clothing or fabric.
• Using a small amount of detergent on a clean white cloth, dab (don't rub) the stain.
• Wash following the care label instructions.
• If the stain is still there, try dabbing the stain using a white cloth and white vinegar*.

Sweat is for the Gym

Southern ladies call it glistening, others call it perspiration but for most of us, it's just sweat, our body's natural way of cooling itself down. While we may use deodorants to mask the effects of sweating, there is no way to hide it when your shirt is damp, especially under the arms. But, there is a way to make the evidence disappear!

Removal Guide - Light Stain

• Always read the care label on clothing or fabric.
• Using a liquid detergent, apply to stain and gently rub.
• Wash following the care label instructions.

Removal Guide - Heavy Stain

• Always read the care label on clothing or fabric.
• Using a pre-wash stain remover, apply to stain and allow to sit for 10 minutes.
• Wash following the care label instructions using detergent and an all-fabric bleach**.
• If the stain persists, try using ammonia on fresh stains or white vinegar* on old stains. And wash following the care label instructions.

Kool-Aid® Kids Favorite Drink

Kool-Aid® is one of the most popular drinks for kids. It's packed with vitamin C and available in a wide variety of flavors including cherry, tropical punch, orange and berry blue. Kool-Aid® tastes great, but doesn't wear so well. To keep the Kool-Aid® in your child's mouth and not on his shirt, here is a stain removal tip just for you.

Removal Guide

• Always read the care label on clothing or fabric.
• Soak the item in a diluted solution of all-fabric powdered bleach. First test for color fastness.
• Wash the item according to the care label instructions.
• If the stain persists, try a dye remover, but note that color removers will also take out the color in the fabric along with the stain.

*Note: Use the white vinegar sparingly as the acetic acid in it can cause the fabric to weaken. Also test for color fastness as it may cause color to change in certain types of fabric.

**Note: Do not use bleach on items that have been treated with the vinegar or ammonia.

Staying Hydrated in the Summer

Remember to drink more water in the summer

By Stephen Wuerger
Media Relations Manager
Affinity Health System

Keeping your body hydrated is an important factor in staying healthy. And, as summer comes (hopefully), it becomes even more important. Here are some hydration hints to keep you healthy this summer:

• Drink at least eight, 8-ounce glasses of water a day. Drink more during the summer months, or if you exercise frequently.
• Drink an extra glass of water for every 25 pounds that you exceed your ideal weight.
• Drink water regularly throughout the day, rather than all at once.
• Drink before you feel thirsty. This is a sign that your body is already partially dehydrated.
• Drink extra fluids 30 minutes to one hour before exercise, then every 20 minutes during exercise to stay fully hydrated.
• All caffeine-free fluids help to hydrate your body, but plain water is the best. Your body also gets water from foods like fruits and vegetables.

And for those who are unconvinced that drinking water will make you healthy, think again. Drinking water:

• helps to maintain muscle tone and strength
• assists the blood in supplying vital nutrients to tissues
• lubricates the joints, and cushions the organs
• helps regulate body temperature
• aids in digestion and bowel function carries away waste products

Surviving the Rain While Camping

There are all types of camping. There are RV parks with showers, flush toilets, lakes and/or swimming pools, or there's the type of camping I grew up doing with outhouses, baths in the lake, no electricity and lots of dirt. No matter what type of camping you do, it inevitably seems to rain at least one day. Here is a list of must packs just in case of bad weather.

• Crayons and activity books to help keep little ones busy.
• A flashlight. Not only is it a good idea for getting around in the dark, but flashlight wars between kids will keep them amused. Don't forget to bring the extra batteries.
• Disposable rain ponchos. If there is no lightning around, playing in the rain can be fun. Just put on a poncho and some water shoes and go puddle hopping.
• A radio. This is a good idea not just for the music, but to help keep you up-to-date on the weather conditions.
• A screen tent. This will help keep the bugs out and give you extra room to spread out during rain showers.
• A deck of cards. You can spend hours playing rummy or war, but here's a tip: because of humidity, store your cards in a resealable plastic baggie.
• Books. It gives you and your kids the chance to catch up on some summer reading.
• Tarp. Actually, a couple tarps. If you are tent camping, tarps can be placed under the tent when you pitch it for added protection. It's also good to cover your firewood with a tarp.
• Extra bug repellent. It never fails. After a good downpour, mosquitoes come out by the millions.

Tide to Go

Tide Introduces New Tide to Go and Provides Stain Rescue to the Masses!

- New Portable Stain Removal Pen Promises to Conquer Fresh Food and Drink Stains -

Let's face it - getting a stain on your favorite shirt or tie can ruin your day but there's good news on the way. This May, Tide is coming to the rescue with new Tide to Go - the brand's first-ever portable stain removal pen to instantly remove many fresh food and drink stains when and where they happen.

This is a relief to Americans surveyed by Opinion Research Corporation who had something to say about the stain game. Some of the worst occasions for an unexpected stain included an important job interview (57%), weddings and first dates. And they get emotional about spills and spots too - food and beverage stains most often made survey respondents feel frustrated (39%), embarrassed (32%), even angry (10%), and 29% of respondents say that their first impression of someone with a stain is that they are clumsy.

The most exciting benefit of this innovative solution is it works instantly to eliminate stains that unexpectedly occur on the road, with the kids or while out with friends. Tide to Go dries quickly without leaving watermarks, is safe to use on most colorfast, machine washable and dry cleanable fabrics, and is also designed for multiple uses. Overall, Tide to Go simplifies consumers' lives - there's just no need to rush to the laundry room whenever they are faced with stains.

"There is never a good time to get a stain so consumers want to deal with them when and where they happen. Tide to Go satisfies this previously unmet consumer need," says Julie Woffington, Tide Brand Manager. "It's amazing to see how consumers react to the product. They are thrilled with the results and even more excited by the new found convenience of being able to beat stains while on the go."

According to survey respondents, 95% say they immediately try to remove an unexpected and unwanted stain on the go with solutions including water (37%), seltzer water (10%) and vinegar (3%). Stains don't make a good first impression - 60% say their first reaction to a stain is to furiously rub it with whatever is handy, and 22% change their clothes. Tide to Go changes all of this though and easily eliminates many fresh food and drink stains - without the fuss - in the just a few simple steps.

For best results follow steps 1-4. Here's how it works:

• Remove excess residue from the stain.
• Press the tip onto the stain several times to release some stain remover solution onto the stain.
• Rub tip gently across the stain to remove it.
• If treated area will be exposed to direct sunlight, wipe with a damp cloth or napkin to remove excess solution left on fabric.

Tide to Go is specifically designed to conquer many fresh food and drink stains including coffee, ketchup, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, soda, grape juice and tomato juice.

Beginning in late May 2005, Tide to Go will be available in most grocery, mass and club stores nationally. It will be available in a single-pack, 3-pack and 5-pack (club stores only) with suggested retail prices of $2.99, $6.99 and $8.99 respectively.

Top Summer Picks

Summer is finally arriving. That time of year when the days seem to last forever. It's a time to take things slow and enjoy being with friends and families. To help you relax, we've developed a list of our favorite summer time activities.

To Cool Off - "Kid's Only"

1. Slip N' Slide - From Whamo!, just hook it up to your garden hose, run, dive and slide your way to cool.
2. Little Tikes: Ultimate Beach Ball Sprinkler - This wild sprinkler combines beach ball action with wild water play. Just inflate the ball, hook it up to a hose, and watch the fun begin. Water sprays out of four different spray heads, so everyone gets wet. Kids can kick it around the yard just like a regular beach ball, or parents can fill up a water pouch in the bottom of the ball to make it a stationary sprinkler.
3. Challenger 1 Inflatable Pedal Boat - Heading to the lake for the weekend? Don't forget to take the Challenger 1 Inflatable Pedal Boat from Aviva. Your kids will have a blast pedaling across the lake.

Books for Mom

1. Vanishing Acts, Jodi Picoult. Delia Hopkins is a search and rescue worker who begins having flashbacks to her early childhood, but the memories don't make any sense. As life begins to unfold around her, Delia must come to terms with a history she didn't know.
2. The Chili Queen, Sandra Dallas. This book is a laugh riot. The story of a madam, slave, bank robber and an outlaw, the twists and turns in this book will keep you turning the page and finding yourself laughing out loud.
3. Blue Dahlia, Nora Roberts. The first book in a new trilogy from Roberts, Blue Dahlia introduces us to Stella Rothchild. She has just moved to Memphis and takes a job at the In the Garden nursery. With the promise of a page-turning experience if this new trilogy is anything like the Sisters Island line-up, readers are in for a rare treat.

Books for Kids

1. Today I Feel Silly: And Other Moods That Make My Day, Jamie Lee Curtis. One of the best children's books to help children learn what their feelings are and that they are okay to have, your child will love the illustrations and descriptions of each mood we all have.
2. Cars, Trucks and Things That Go, Richard Scarry. It's the story of the pig family. As they take a trip to the beach, the family sees all the cars, trucks and things that go that they have never seen before. A childhood favorite because of the unique vehicles and the little "goldbug" that's there for children to find on every page, this book is sure to be a welcome addition to your little one's library.
3. Ballet Shoes, Noah Streatfeild. By far, the best of the Shoe Books which also include Party Shoes, Traveling Shoes, Dancing Shoes and Theatre Shoes, Ballet Shoes is the story of three little orphaned girls who dream of becoming famous, each with her own special talent. A must read for any little girl.
4. Sister Anne's Hands, Marybeth Lorbiecki. Taking place in the 1960s, Sister Anne is an African American nun who goes to teach at a Caucasian catholic school. After a racial comment is made in her class, Sister Anne uses the experience to teach her students about race, her history, tolerance and acceptance.

Outdoor Fun - Everyone

1. Miniature Golf - A fun activity for any age, it is a great way to spend an early evening together.
2. Drive-in Movies - Share your memories of the outdoor theatre with your kids. To locate a drive-in near you go to www.driveinmovie.com
3. Backyard Fire - Don't wait for camping to enjoy a fire outdoors and roasting marshmallows. Today, you can purchase outdoor fireplaces. For a minimal investment, you can experience hours of family fun.

Top Family Videos

1. The Incredibles - Follow the adventures of the Incredible family as they save the world from an evil mastermind.
2. The Sand Lot- A feel good movie, watch as a bunch of misfit boys play ball and learn about courage and friendship.
3. The Love Bug - With a hyped-up remake due out this summer, show your kids how it all began with this loveable classic.

Summertime Treats

1. S'mores - There is still something wonderful about this classic. Grab the kids, some marshmallows, Hershey's® Chocolate and graham crackers and let this sweet treat bring back the memories.
2. Jiffy Pop Popcorn - Definitely a fun way to make popcorn. Over a gas burner on the stove or over a campfire, Jiffy Pop® is a great snack that's fun to watch pop.
3. Kool-Aid Popsicles - Easy to make and delicious to eat, all you need is an ice cube tray, saran wrap, toothpicks and your favorite Kool-Aid® flavor.