Tech & Travel Tips: March 2007

Laundry Kit

Laundry kitHere are several ideas for assembling a laundry kit that you can pull out whenever it’s time to do the wash.

I use an empty dishwashing liquid bottle to carry my laundry detergent. Using a measuring cup, I poured liquid into the bottle, marking the sides of the bottle in four-ounce increments. The bottle’s squeeze top is perfect for spot cleaning, and by using the marks I made on the side of the bottle, I don’t put too much soap into the washing machine. I also keep an old toothbrush handy for stubborn stains.

I save quarters year-round and keep them in the colored tubes that mini M&Ms candies come in. One tube will hold $13 worth of quarters. Old prescription medication bottles also work. This keeps me from having to search for change at the last minute.

I keep my fabric softener sheets in a plastic box that once held baby wipes. This keeps the sheets from getting damp. A small box that holds just enough sheets for a couple of laundry days works best for me. The box has a small opening in the top from which I can pull out one dryer sheet at a time. If you prefer liquid fabric softener, you can use the plastic squeeze bottle idea.

I also keep several inexpensive refrigerator magnets handy to put on the washer lids. That way, if there are a large number of washers and dryers, I don’t have to guess which one has my clothes in it. Plus, other folks aren’t as likely to get mixed up and mistake your laundry for theirs.

Last, but not least, I keep all of these items in a vinyl tote that can easily be carried over my shoulder. It fits into a small space in a cabinet and will contain any spills should something tip over. I also tuck a cleaning cloth or a few paper towels in the bag in case the washers need to be wiped down.

Marie Haskins
Derry, New Hampshire

Use an old sock for dirty cleaning jobsWhenever I need to do a quick, dirty motorhome job (especially when on the road), I put my hand in an old sock to keep it clean. I’m able to maneuver my fingers freely, and when I’m finished I can throw the sock away or keep it for another time.

Angel U. Perez, F91356
Willits, California

Rubber belt to protect towed carTow bar kits and deflectors are installed higher on some cars than others, which allows the lower part of the vehicle’s fender or parking lights to be unprotected. A simple solution is to obtain a section of 10-inch-wide reinforced rubber belt (approximately 3/16-inch thick) and cut two 16-inch-long pieces. The belt I used came from a farmer who used it to power a piece of his equipment, but you also can use a truck mud flap and just cut it to the size you need. Use three 10-24 screws for each section, and attach the pieces to the bottom of the deflector so it protects the exposed areas of the towed vehicle. Make sure to include washers on each side to keep the screws from pulling through the belt.

Ron Happe, F289905
Evansville, Indiana

Use a toothbrush to clean caulkCleaning the white caulking that’s used around the outside doors and moldings on our RV has always been difficult. Dust and road dirt would collect there, and these areas never seemed to get white again. After my husband tried numerous cleaners, I suggested he use toothpaste (we happened to have the “whitening” type). Using an old toothbrush and a small amount of toothpaste, he scrubbed the dirty caulk, then wiped it clean with a wet terry cloth rag. The caulk was perfectly white again, and the job was relatively effortless.

Barbara Lowe, F369781
Hemet, California

Use underbed containers to store sewer hose.I purchased two clear plastic, 46-quart underbed storage containers. Using a black grease pencil, I printed “10 feet” on the side and top of one of the containers. I then placed a 10-foot sewer hose with the proper fittings on each end into the container and placed the lid on top, securing the clips. On the other container I printed “20 feet” on the side and top and placed a 20-foot sewer hose with fittings on each end inside, and attached the lid. There is plenty of room inside the container for the 20-foot hose. I then put one of the containers on top of the other and placed them both inside my motorhome’s storage compartments. For convenience, I chose the compartment next to the one that has my sewer connections.

Ken Massie, F338443
Ironton, Ohio

Our Thetford toilet would not hold water. After I cleaned out the valve groove or slot with the special Thetford tool, the water leaked out even faster. I discovered that the seal felt stiff and wasn’t at all flexible enough to seat against the gate valve.

I went to my someday-I’ll-need-that supply container and there, hiding in the back corner, were two samples of 303 Aerospace Protectant. The product information block advised that it could be used on almost any natural or synthetic material. It was worth a try. Using a cotton swab, I cleaned and conditioned the seal for the gate valve. (Please note that petroleum jelly and other products may be harmful to rubber seals.) Wow, what success. The toilet will now hold water as it is supposed to.

I was able to accomplish this repair without removing the toilet from its mount. This is not a quick job, so be prepared to spend some time on your knees. Also, always wear disposable gloves while working on units in this area, and clean all surfaces before starting the repair.

James H. Doherty, F152581
Arcata, California