Quick questions on ANYTHING (see first post for Freezing, Reheating, Slow Cooker, +)

squeaky

Or just leave it alone and buy cold water washing powder.

I'm serious, honest.

By the sound of it the thermostat in your machine has failed in the "on" i.e. "up to temperature" condition.

So the machine always thinks the water is at the "right" temperature and so doesn't turn the heating element on.

So in fact it's saving you money.

Some machines have the temperature sensor integral to the heater element, others have a separate sensor.

If it's a combined one - fitting yourself can be a bit tricky... there are usually clips or holders that you MUST make sure that your new element slips under; otherwise it can bend with the heat and touch the drum!

Fitting a stat yourself is more straighforward, usually, and there are bound to be "how to" videos available on line.

In any event, as savvy says - pop over to In my home and give the make and model of your machine and it's likely that someone will be able to tell you chapter and verse for your particular washer.

Savvy_Sue

I'm sure I'd be happy to wash some of my stuff on cold wash, but I like to do sheets etc at 50 to kill the dust mites. You can put them in the freezer, but I don't have a big enough freezer for that!

Oh, and dust mites are a bit of an 'issue' for us as DH has eczema and asthma.

nell2

Thanks for the washing machine advice. The machine is covered by a warranty so I'll ring the repairers tomorrow and arrange for them to pay a visit to fix it.
I do try to wash at low temps most of the time, but for things like tea towels I like to make sure they are really clean, hence the need for the occasional hot wash.
Thanks again
Nell
x

nell2

One last update on my washing machine - as SavvySue suggested, I felt the door after 25 minutes and it did definitely feel warm. I'd been feeling it too early in the cycle so that is why there was no heat to it. I'd assumed it would be warm from the start. Anyway, thanks for all the advice, and I can now wash my teatowels and bedlinen on a hot wash safe in the knowledge that I really am killing the bugs.
Thanks again everyone - must dash and put in a load more washing before the school run!

shell2001

How can I cut my millionaires shortbread into squares without the chocolate and shortbread cracking?

Not that it seems to bother any of this lot as its scoffed quickly enough:D

Savvy_Sue

Would a very sharp knife dipped in boiling water slide through the chocolate easily?

cat64

Does anyone know if a jar of mincemeat that was opened before xmas and has been standing half used in the kitchen since will be ok to use? Or is it too risky?

Skint_Catt

cat64 wrote: »

Does anyone know if a jar of mincemeat that was opened before xmas and has been standing half used in the kitchen since will be ok to use? Or is it too risky?

Mines been in the fridge and I wouldn't hesitate to use it, but depends how warm your kitchen is. Open it, have a good look, smell it - if it looks and smells ok you're probably fine.

Refund_Queen

Hi,
Just a quick Q, If you put a joint of beef (recommended for slow/pressure cooker) in the slow cooker, do you have to cover it with liquid?!
Thanks x

squeaky

No, just put a small amount in the bottom so that the steam can create the water seal round the lid. Meat in first, then enough water to get about 1cm or 1/2inch deep.

You can also sit your meat on an upturned saucer too.