the toolbox

Creating storage behind door

The Cabidor cabinet lets you add extra storage space to the back of a door.

The cabinet attaches to the door and its hinges, so it moves with the door. Adjustable shelves let you store items of varying heights, and retention rods keep those things in place when the door swings open or shut.

It's about 4 inches deep, and it comes in two sizes, both available with or without mirrors on the outside, plus a model outfitted specifically for jewelry.

Prices range from $129.99 to $289.99.

The Cabidor can be ordered at www.cabidor.com or 1-239-643-5573.

Fabric softener fragrance fix

Q: I am wondering how to remove the odor left behind on clothes by fabric softeners. I have tried very hot water for the wash and the hot setting in the drying, thinking that the high temperatures would break it down. Our grown kids use it heavily, but we never use it in our house, due to my wife's allergic reaction to many smells.

A: Actually, high temperatures can bond the fragrance to the clothing's fibers and dyes, laundry expert Mary Marlowe Leverette says in an article on About.com. Leverett, a former Clemson University extension agent, suggests these steps for removing fabric softener fragrance:

• First air out the clothes outdoors or in a breezy, sunlit room, preferably one with lots of plants to absorb the odor. You can create an artificial breeze with a fan. Depending on the strength of the fragrance and your wife's sensitivity, you can air the clothes for anywhere from a few hours to a couple of weeks.

• Next, soak the clothes overnight in a washing machine filled with water and one cup baking soda. When they've finished soaking, allow the clothes to complete the washer cycle, and then wash using unscented laundry detergent. Add a cup of distilled white vinegar to the rinse cycle, stop the washer and let the laundry soak for an hour before completing the rinse cycle. Use an extra rinse cycle if your washing machine has one, but don't add anything to the extra rinse.

• If possible, line-dry the clothes outdoors. Dry white or light-colored clothes in the sunlight, but dry dark colors in the shade to prevent fading. If you must use a clothes dryer, use a low temperature.

• Repeat the steps if necessary.

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