The scoop on soap: Reuse without worry
Q 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 reuse soap several times?
A We live in a country where thankfully many people have access to clean water and soap. 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 reuse 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.
A side note: In 1847, Ignaz Semmelweis discovered the incidence of childbed fever could be cut drastically reduced when interns wash their hands before delivering a baby and after performing autopsies. This was a dramatic discovery, and a solid testament regarding the importance of hand-washing.
Q I wonder if you have any suggestions to get rid of a red wine stain that I have on one of my wooded kitchen cupboards. It has been there for several weeks.
A Red wine is notorious for permanently damaging textiles, because whatever wine touches, it often dyes. Whenever cleaning cupboards, the safest cleaner is dish soap and water. Scrub with an abrasive (non-scratching) cloth. Some people had success with a combination of baking soda and non-bleach, non-gel to clean wine off cupboards. This is risky as you do not want to damage the colour of the wood.
FEEDBACK FROM READERS
Re: Toddler sippy cup
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. Submitted by: Susan
Re: Cleaning cooked grease off pots
The best, and easiest way to get the cooked grease off the bottom of aluminum or stainless pots and pans is to use a sanding sponge found in any dollar store or elsewhere where paint products are sold. Just a scrub with hot water (and if wanted a scouring powder) and it all goes away like magic. It is cheap and ecological, no strong chemicals needed.
Submitted by: Colette
HANDY CLEANING TIPS
Clean tar off your car. Smear a ■ little peanut butter onto the area and wipe it away in seconds.
Submitted by: Dan