- Wash similar colours together to minimise colour runs.
- Wash clothes inside out to preserve colors.
- Separate laundry according to its weight. For example. heavy laundry (bedsheets, quilt covers, blankets), delicates (lingerie), etc.
- Metal teeth of zips and button can snag clothes in a wash, so zip up the pants and button up all shirts before throwing them into the washing machine.
- It’s better to wash clothes in cold water as hot water tends to loosen the threads.
- Wash bed linens in hot water to kill germs.
Laundry tips
Storing flour
Store flour in an airtight container or sealable bags and keep it in a cool place or your refrigerator’s vegetable compartment. Once opened, white flour stays fresh for 6 months while wholewheat, rye, buckwheat, and barley can be kept for 5 months. Throw away flour if it smells bad, changes color, or is invested with weevils.
Ironing tips
- To iron pleated skirts, clip the bottom with clothing pegs.
- Sprinkle and rub the base of the iron with talcum powder (while it’s still cold, of course) to avoid silky fabrics sticking to the iron. Alternatively, place a thin towel or handkerchief between the iron and the fabrics.
- Fill a spray bottle with water and use it on cotton or linen before ironing to smoothen out creases.
Washing machine care and maintenance
- Clean out the detergent compartment regularly to remove any residues that may cause blocking.
- Occasionally, pour white vinegar in the detergent compartment and run your washing machine empty with hot water.
- Front-load washing machines use less water than the top-load ones and therefore it is advisable to use liquid or low-suds detergent to prevent residues accumulation.
Microwave cleaning tips
- Mix 100 ml of water with 2 teaspoons of baking soda in a microwave-safe container.
- Place the container in the microwave and run on High for 5 minutes. The steam will loosen the dirts and baking sode helps to deodorize the microwave.
- Remove the bowl and wipe the interior with cloth.
- It is best to do this often to prevent dirts from accumulating.
Coconut milk substitute for your recipe
A lot of asian recipes require coconut milk to make thick and savory gravy. While it tastes delicious, it is high in fat and cholesterol and should not be consumed too often. However, you can substitute all coconut milk in the recipe with low fat milk, unsweetened soya bean milk, or rice milk. This way, you can still enjoy delicious recipes while staying healty.
Remove chewing gum from clothes
- Hold the clothes over a steaming kettle until the gum is soft. Pull it off carefully
- Place the clothes in the freezer and remove the gum when it’s frozen
Eliminate toilet odour
Light a match in the toilet after each use 