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Q: I have always been told that we should
not use sunscreen that’s more than 1 year old. Is this true? How do
I know that the sunscreen I buy is not more than 1 year old?
A: Sunscreens tend to lose their
effectiveness over time. Look for a manufacturer’s expiration date
stamped at or near the bottom of the container. The expiration date is
the manufacturer’s estimate of the latest time the product can be
used with assurance of safety and effectiveness. But the date assumes
the products were stored under proper conditions. Extreme heat or cold
can shorten a product’s life.
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Q: Dishes are coming out of the
dishwasher with black marks. What causes this? Can it be prevented?
How do I remove them?
A: Typically, the marks are caused when
your dishes are close to or touching metal items. Lightweight metal
items can jiggle and move during the wash cycle. Because these metals
are soft in comparison with dishes and other tableware, they’ll
leave marks when they rub against dishes.
Try removing the marks with a damp
cloth and baking soda. Rub gently using a circular motion. Mild
abrasive cleanser such as Bon Ami or Barkeeper’s Friend will remove
the marks, as will silver polish. Just be sure to test these products
on the back first to make sure they don’t mar the surface.
To keep these marks from forming, try
the following:
-Do not load metal utensils or pots and
pans or aluminum next to or atop dishes in the dishwasher.
-Do not stack soiled dishes in a
stainless steel sink. This can result in metal marks around the rim
and bottom of the dishes.
-Avoid sliding or rubbing dishes
against the metal surface of a sink.
-Use care when cutting meat and other
items on plates and platters, as knives with serrated edges can leave
gray lines or streaks. Avoid using a ‘‘saw blade’’ motion
across the surface of the platter. Cut large items on a cutting board
and then transfer them to a serving platter.
-Do not let dishes rub against uncoated
rack tines. Forcing items into a rack can damage the coating on racks,
exposing bare metal. Severely worn racks should be replaced, but small
exposed areas can be repaired with coating repair kits available from
dishwasher part distributors.
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