Last week I received a call from a lady by the name of Sandra. She said they had just moved here from Michigan. She said last summer while in Sandpoint their family stopped at Hoot Owl’s for breakfast. While waiting for their meal she read my article to her husband (Jim) from the Daily Bee. Sandra said my article coupled with the general appearance of Sandpoint and Ponderay gave them a “real home town feeling.” During the course of the conversation she inquired about shirt collar staining. The following is my response to her question:

One of the things that all of us do during the summer is perspire. When we do, our body oils become trapped in different parts of our clothing. Body oil and dirt gets trapped in the fibers of our collars and cuffs of the shirt and blouses that we wear. To get rid of that dirt ring try this technique: Get a small toothbrush and brush hair shampoo into the soiled collars and cuffs of that you want cleaned. Give it some time, probably about 5 to 7 minutes before you launder. After laundering, you should see a noticeable difference. Shampoo has a surfactant in it that is designed to lift, remove and dissolve body oil.

All of us leave perspiration marks on our clothing. Depending on the type of deodorant and cosmetics that we wear will determine the color of perspiration marks or rings left. If you are having difficulty removing these under arm marks try this little trick: Soak the marked spots in a solution of 1 part of vinegar and 3 parts of warm water. Let time work its magic, about 5 to 8 minutes should work to dissolve the salts and oils in the fibers of the cloth. After laundering the stains should be gone.

To Sandra and all of our new arrivals to the Sandpoint area; Welcome, I’m sure you will find this to be a wonderful place to live as I do.

When cleaning with any cleaning product, always wear eye protection and rubber gloves to protect your hands. If you would like to share a cleaning idea or concept with the reading audience, call Ed at NWES (255-2266), e-mail them to nwees@hughes.net or send them to Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St., Sandpoint, ID 83864, Attn: What Would Ed do?  For more information about Ed, go online to www.nwees.com.

Copy written by Edmond E. Madan, certified indoor environmental professional, forensic, fire, flood, mold Inspection and remediation/restoration contractor. Ed is the president of Northwest Environmental Services, Inc.