Cleaning the Shower Curtain

I can't think of a more fitting first SincerelyMaxine project/entry than cleaning and reusing a shower liner that would otherwise be discarded and replaced.

Maxine’s bathroom’s had plastic shower doors that slid on tracks and had built-in towel bars. A little heater built into the wall could be turned on after you were done, making lots of noise and giving off that toaster/electricity smell. Toilet paper and kleenex had crochetted cozies that matched the wallpaper. I wish I had a picture.

My showers have always worked on a curtain-rod, shower liner method. And for years now we’d periodically spring for the $3 curtain liner at Target. Last time I insisted that we spring for the $7 deluxe liner that included metal grommets (the budget liner inevitably tore at the top), but this time we’d clean the shower liner once the inevitable grime accumulated.

Don’t get grossed out – either you confront this same problem, or you’re throwing a lot of money away.

So here’s how you do it:

1. Remove the shower curtain

2. Set washer to ‘hot’ and regular cycle

3. Add regular amount of detergent and half that amount of bleach

4. Rehang the shower liner (don't put in the dryer)

While it dries, treat yourself to a martini with the $7 that you saved.

Sincerely Maxine

I've been scheming about a new blog for a while... I'd like somewhere to focus on projects that don't involve my blood pressure or waistline. Things like making jelly, how to darn socks, making granola bars, etc.

When the whole economic meltdown hit last fall, it dawned on me that many of my friends were simultaneously experiencing a reevaluation of the whole "American dream". It suddenly felt like my parents' dream - fast food, easy food, big cars, master suites, early retirement.

And my latest obsession was canning foods for the winter. Eating locally. Learning to extend the life of my clothing. These were the skills that our grandparents and great-grandparents possessed. These were the skills that my parents happily left behind as they raised their own families.

So this new blog is called Sincerely Maxine, after my grandmother. I'm going to post the items here for now, but eventually hope to transition them to a new, dedicated site. I hope you enjoy - and insofar as you have project ideas, let me know!