Launder
Dirt and oils attract wool-eating pests, so hand-wash last season’s sweaters, scarves, hats, and mittens before packing them away.
1. First swish garments in cool water (hot can cause shrinkage) with wool detergent (such as Woolite), then rinse well by soaking in a few changes of cool water until the water runs clear.
2. Roll up in a towel—never wring or twist knitwear—to remove excess water, then unroll onto a flat surface; to help sweaters retain their shape, square shoulders and hems, and keep sleeves alongside body.
3. Once items are thoroughly dry, fold them in acid-free tissue paper and stack in a vacuum bag or airtight container, taking care not to overfill. Store in a cool, dry space (no damp basements).
Home
Remove storm windows and clean with an all-purpose solution of equal parts white vinegar and water, wiping with a damp soft cloth and drying with another cloth. Label windows before storing. Before replacing screens, give them a thorough cleaning: Wet screens with a garden hose; scrub lightly with a soft-bristle brush and an all-purpose cleaner that doesn’t contain ammonia, as it can discolor aluminum. Rinse the screens well, and let them air-dry before placing them back in the window frames.
Every Easter I host an egg hunt for children and bake cookies for favors. Rather than spreading each cookie with royal icing as in the past, I now simply dip each one in tinted icing and let the excess drip off before embellishing, saving much time and effort.