126: Starch Raving Mad

I really might have been doing this pod for too long because when we heard our listener say what SOUNDED like “Stay Flow,” I knew immediately that it must be spelled “Sta-Flo.” I just KNEW.

Then again, maybe I knew because this laundry standard pre-dates the right for women to have a bank account without her husband’s name on it.

This “thriftier” solution is cheap as hell and, it seems, might be able to help with everything from a stiff-collared shift to curtains that are just a little too….floppy?

You can still get Sta-Flo just about anywhere - maybe even your local hardware store? - and we’d love to hear how it works for you. Here’s the show:

Another subject we got into today was dishwashers. Specifically, dishwashers with hard water. I’ve never dealt with hard water myself, but after doing a little more research, it looks like you can try the following solutions:

• A cup of white vinegar in with your wash

• An enzymatic dish washer product (Dirty Labs makes a great plastic-free one)

• A pre-rinse (Seventh Generation makes a good one)

• Or turning your heat up on your hot water heater (assuming you don’t have small kiddos at home)

And don’t forget to follow The Rules of Making Your Dishwasher Work Better:

• Run the hot water before you start the dishes

• Pour some loose dishwasher soap (any kind) into the door before you shut the washer door

Also, it’s not a bad idea to try flushing/cleaning out your dishwasher. While baking soda and vinegar do cancel each other out, they also make that wonderful foam that can help free us scuzz that’s backed up in your dishwasher.

As always, we love to hear from you. Put the Spotline into your phone and call when you can!