photo by cheeseroc

DEAR SARA: I’d like to know what can I do to remove the perspiration smell out of clothes. Even after washing T-shirts, they still smell in the underarm area. Any way to remove the yellowness from there, too? Our family has like-new T-shirts that are already ruined. I hate to keep buying new ones. — Jen, e-mail

DEAR JEN: You can mix a paste of baking soda and water — 4 to 5 tablespoons to roughly 1/4 cup water. Rub it into the T-shirt, and let it dry. Then fill a sink with water and 2 tablespoons of salt, and let soak overnight. Rinse. Pour vinegar into a spray bottle. Spray the T-shirts and then launder as usual. OxiClean works well, too.

DEAR SARA: I want to make my own comforter, but I’m not sure what size a queen-size comforter should be. Any suggestions? — Julie, Ohio

DEAR JULIE: A standard queen-size mattress measures 60 inches by 80 inches. When buying retail comforters, the size varies. Typically, 90 inches by 95 inches would work with a dust ruffle/bed skirt. But you should measure your mattress. I don’t know how thick your mattress is, and that can make a difference. You should decide how far you want it to hang based on personal preference and type of bed frame. Some prefer only a couple of inches over the box spring, while other people like their comforter to hang lower.

DEAR SARA: Can I freeze containers of juice? Juice goes on sale, and I have coupons, but I can only keep so many in my fridge. Do you think they would freeze OK? It ends up a very cheap drink option for my 16-year-old! — H. Meade, Canada

DEAR H. MEADE: Yes, you can freeze juice in the container, but you need to allow some head space. So pour some off the top of each container before you freeze it.

DEAR SARA: I read you can make your own powdered eggs by scrambling eggs, frying as usual in a pan and then drying on low temperature (135 F) in the oven for 10 hours. Do you think this would be useful? — Angel, via e-mail

DEAR ANGEL: I wouldn’t do it. You can buy powdered/dehydrated eggs (48 ounces, No. 10 can) for less than $25. I’m not saying you can’t do it. I’m sure many people have successfully dehydrated eggs at home. I haven’t tried. My point is that I don’t suggest it when there’s a cheaper source available without the risk of salmonella or a long amount of time involved. Carla Emery, in her book “Encyclopedia of Country Living,” shares: “Beat very fresh whole eggs thoroughly (use an egg beater or the equivalent). Pour beaten eggs to make a very thin layer (maximum 1/8 inch) on drying surfaces that have been precoated with plastic or foil.
“In an oven or dryer, dry at about 120 F for 24 to 36 hours. When the egg layer is dry on top and firm throughout, peel away the plastic or foil layer, turn the egg layer upside down and dry that side 12 to 24 hours more. Then break it up and dry it a few more hours. Then turn your dried egg into a powder using a mortar and pestle or a blender. These eggs work fine in baked goods. Make scrambled eggs by combining the powder with an equal amount of water, such as 1/4 cup dried egg powder with 1/4 cup water.” But proceed at your own risk. Most dehydrator manuals don’t suggest trying it.

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