What’s your most annoying task?

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One of the things that has startled me most about family life is exactly how much time I spend in stain removal! I would never have dreamed what a time-consuming, frustrating and generally annoying occupation this would be. My partner thinks that the washing machine is the answer to removal of any kind of mark, and will blithely and optimistically chuck in any stained garments, so if I don’t want everything permanently cooked into the fabric I have to intervene in time. I’ve been forced to develop my skills in removing oil (cooking/engine/bicycle chain), blood, tomato-based sauces, spices, berry juices, coffee, grass, mud, ink, paint, wine… Today’s challenge I think is lipstick. This was on part of the costume I was allocated for our pantomime production. I haven’t been wearing any lipstick so I know it isn’t mine, but when I took the top off I found one large smear in the middle of the back and several other dashes here and there. I was going to take it back to the costume people, but then I thought that since they are already over-worked and pushed for time I would take it home and try to clean it up myself. Lipstick isn’t something I’ve had to deal with before. I’ve worked through my stain-removing guide and various online suggestions. I’ve tried toothpaste, alcohol, salt-and-vinegar paste, hydrogen peroxide and washing-up liquid/ dish soap. The stain has faded quite a bit and the smaller patches have gone I think but that seems to be the best I can manage. There is a limit to exactly how much time I can spend! What’s the most annoying thing you have to waste time on? All rights reserved. © Text and image copyright Fleur 2022.