You’ve got the laundry room questions, she’s got the answers. Don’t throw that stained shirt or garment away before checking with our “Domestic Diva,” Maggie. In months ahead, she’ll continue to answer as many reader questions as possible. If you have a question for Maggie, you can e-mail her at comments@alliancels.com.

Dear Maggie,
One word — chocolate. My girlfriend’s Valentine’s Day gift was a large box of chocolates. I love the sweet treats, but I noticed a couple chocolate stains on my favorite dress shirt. Any ideas on how to attack them?

Rich,
Omaha, Neb.

Dear Rich,

Next time give your girlfriend the box of chocolates and let her deal with the stains. To get the stains out of your favorite dress shirt, first rinse it with cold water. Rub detergent into the stain and soak the shirt in cold water. If a greasy stain remains, sponge the shirt face down on paper towels with a pretreat product. If traces of the stain remain, wash in hot water and chlorine bleach (if safe for fabric).

Maggie

Dear Maggie,

My son decided the best way to dry his wet sneakers was to toss them in the dryer. While his shoes certainly got dry, the inside of my machine now has scuff marks all around the cylinder. I’m afraid I’ll ruin a load of whites if I put them in, but I’m not sure how to clean the inside of the machine. Help!

Eileen,
Pittsburgh, Pa.

Dear Eileen,

It’s great to see your son taking on domestic responsibilities – his wife will appreciate that some day!! To make their marriage last, you should introduce him to the optional drying rack to dry those shoes in the future.
To take care of the current scuff marks, wipe the interior surfaces using a soft cloth and household cleaner or a non-abrasive paste of powdered laundry detergent and hot water, followed by a short heat cycle with a load of rags. If the interior is still scuffed, contact the appliance dealer. DO NOT use any chemicals or chlorine bleach in the dryer!

Maggie