SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2013
THE ZAPATA TIMES 3B
HINTS | BY HELOISE DOES DETERGENT KILL GERMS? Dear Heloise: After a bout of sickness at our home, I cleaned the house well, but when it was time to start the laundry, a question came to mind: Does regular washing-machine detergent KILL GERMS? — Q.K., via email Your question got Heloise Central wondering about this. You might be surprised when you read the information! If you are not using hot water (140-150 degrees F) or chlorine bleach, or a pineoil disinfectant, you probably are NOT killing the bacteria. When you use hot water plus chlorine or color-safe bleach and the dryer, this will kill most germs. If your wash load includes colors or items that chlorine bleach can’t be used on, use color-safe bleach or pine-oil disinfectant. And believe it or not, homemakers who hung their clothes out to dry in the sunshine were actually killing bacteria. That’s right, sun rays kill germs!
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HELOISE
Unfortunately, it isn’t possible for many of us to hang clothing outside. So, to keep your washing machine as clean as possible, clean it once in a while, and always after someone has been sick in your home. Use chlorine bleach and water only (no clothing). Current washing models may have a cleaning cycle on them. — Heloise PET PAL Dear Readers: Diane Heller of Van Wert, Ohio, sent a photo of her part-Siamese cat, Tuffy, lying down on the couch. Diane says: “We found this photo the other day and noticed the “bunny” in the rear part of his body. He came from a litter of eight. When he was first born, he slept in my husband’s shoe — he was that little.” To see Tuffy and his “bunny,” visit www. Heloise.com and click on “Pets.” — Heloise
DENNIS THE MENACE
FAMILY CIRCUS
PEANUTS
GARFIELD
DAILY CRYPTOQUOTES — Here’s how to work it:
DILBERT