Once and done not necessary for soap
Dear Reena: I tend to only use a bar of soap once before throwing it out because I don’t want to spread germs onto myself. Do you think that this is common practice among other people?
Or do you think it is safe to re-use soap several times?
Philip We live in a country where thankfully many people have access to clean water and soap, and research shows (and I mean a lot of research) that bar soap and water are an effective solution in removing dirt, grime and germs.
This is because soap is a surfactant — a solution that lifts crud, bonds with it, and allows it to be rinsed away with water.
Some say that soap dates to 2800 BC and has been used ever since. It is safe to re-use soap repeatedly.
In fact, many people (including me) wash with a bar of soap until only crumbly little pieces remain. At that time, the little pieces are often added to water in a soap dispenser and used as liquid soap.
Just as a side note: In 1847, Hungarian physician Ignaz Semmelweis discovered that the incidence of puerperal or childbed fever among mothers could be cut drastically when doctors washed their hands before delivering a baby.
This was a dramatic discovery, and a solid testament regarding the importance of hand washing throughout day-to-day life. Dear Reena: I wonder if you have any suggestions to get rid of a red-wine stain that I have on one of my wooden kitchen cupboards. It has been there several weeks.
Glen Red wine is notorious for permanently damaging textiles, because whatever wine touches, it often dyes. When you’re cleaning cupboards, the safest cleaner is dish soap and water. Scrub with an abrasive (non-scratching) cloth. Some people have had success using a baking-soda mixture to clean wine off cupboards, but this is risky, as you do not want to damage the colour of the wood.
Feedback from readers
Re: Toddler sippy cup Dear Reena: Speech pathologists don’t recommend the use of sippy cups, as the child does not need to use facial muscles to control the flow. The increase in speech impediments is the direct result. Susan Re: Cleaning cooked grease off pots Dear Reena: The best, and easiest way to get cooked grease off the bottom of aluminum or stainless pots and pans is to use a sanding sponge found in any dollar store or outlet where paint products are sold.
Just scrub with hot water (and scouring powder if you want) and it all goes away like magic. It is cheap and ecological, no strong chemicals needed. My sister gave me that trick and I have now passed it onto numerous friends. Colette
Handy cleaning tips:
• Clean tar off your car. Smear a little peanut butter onto the area and wipe it away in seconds. Dan • Clean your kettle with little effort. Fill the kettle one quarter full with 50/50 vinegar and water (or straight vinegar). Boil and pour out contents. Your kettle will look as good as new! Just remember to drain the vinegar before making tea, so you don’t end up drinking vinegar (learned that the hard way). Reena Note: Every user assumes all risks of injury or damage resulting from the implementation of any suggestions in this column. Test all products on an inconspicuous area first.