apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Has anyone bought a Danby portable dishwasher? They have a really nice compact size, and the only gripes I see are that the hose connections have some cheap plastic fittings (that sometimes break.) Has anyone used one? What do you think?

Thanks!

Oh and on another note, Sears has some 24" ranges that you can order through their website. That's kind of a nice option too, for those that have been looking for the smaller size.

Does anyone have tips on where to look for lightweight, dishwasher-safe plastic plates and bowls? I will be doing a lot of mild camping this summer and I'd like some dishes that I can bring along and wash and reuse and then take home and run through the washer. Also, I have seen melamine dishes for sale, is that the same as plastic? Does anyone have experience with melamine?

Lexan dishware is great for camping. It's lightweight, doesn't retain smells or stains, and pretty impossible to break (it's what Nalgene bottles are made from). Here's an example:
http://www.rei.com/product/655944

I also recommend Snow Peak's titanium spork - functional outside and for ice cream...
http://www.rei.com/product/660002

I recently bought some simple white melamine plates from Crate and Barrel and I believe they're dishwasher safe (not microwaveable though). However, I think I read on here not too long ago that melamine is bad green-wise (after I bought them). Oops.

Bit of a panic here..suspected the cat brought home fleas from being boarded a few weeks ago, but investigation revealed bedbugs in the living room and bedroom. I've read the bedbugger site over twice, but I can't find the answer to this problem....leaving Thursday morning to visit family in another state for ten days. What luggage, clothes, shoes and other things can I safely take with me? I will have only tomorrow evening after work to deal with this. (I haven't told them about the problem.)

Wow... I always (since my bedbug issue, that is) vacuum all suitcase compartments with a crevice tool and spray them inside and out with pesticide before I bring them inside. I recommend a permethrin spray intended for controlling headlice on mattresses because it's less obviously foul than Raid. Naturally, deal with the vacuum bag/ yucky stuff container immediately. You can empty your suitcases outside and wash everything in hot water once you arrive. Bring as little as possible. Not a surefire way to prevent spreading the problem, but the best my feeble, paranoid brain can manage. If the weather is very warm, you might also try leaving your things in a hot car for a few hours. Of course, where I live that's an invitation for a break-in.

anne in reno - martha stewart at kmart had cute plastc plates recently, definitely reusable, not sure about dishwasher, but worth a look.....

Id wash all my clothes in hot water and put them in bagsbefore I left,m ad spray the house down
also Re using "a permethrin spray intended for controlling headlice on mattresses because it's less obviously foul than Raid"
Just FYI,Raid's active ingredient is Permethrin.. just a weaker solution...so in a pinch if you dont have time to buy the fancy stuff you can use Raid.
and leaving the bags in the car in broiling sun is a GREAT non chemical way to kill them dead as doornails I love it!

Lisa2 in Austin: we just bought one! Danby dishwasher, the one on coasters. We've had it for about 2 weeks now, so can't tell you any long term solutions, but it looks incredibly solid, and all the parts look very trust worthy. It washes well, and is surprisingly multi-featured - 2 level spray system? Wow.

From what I read, Danby has a great customer support system. So far didn't have to contact them. :-)

SYB,
A few years ago I also started to routinely clean my suitcases after any trip. Feel uncomfortable storing dirty suitcases that have been exposed to the grime and dirt of travel.

I wipe my suitcases inside and out with a disinfectant and let it air dry before storing it back in the closet.

Careen,
I'd suggest bringing minimal clothing and footwear (and launder/clean what little you plan to bring before the trip) in order to minimize chances of transferring the fleas to your relatives' home. Other thought is to postpone your visit so that you don't expose their home to a potential problem.

I'm just thinking that the plane goes so high, that most things would die from the temperature up there.

Nope, it's actually colder up in altitude due to less oxygen.