Fixit: Look for expiration date on sunscreens

Q I have always been told that we should not use sunscreen that's more than a year old. Is this true? How do I know that the sunscreen I buy is not more than a year old?

A Sunscreens tend to lose their effectiveness over time. Look for a manufacturer's expiration date stamped at or near the bottom of the container. The expiration date is the manufacturer's estimate of the latest time the product can be used with assurance of safety and effectiveness. But the date assumes the products were stored under proper conditions. Extreme heat or cold can shorten a product's life.

Black marks on dishes Q Dishes are coming out of the dishwasher with black marks. What causes this? Can it be prevented? How do I remove them?

A Typically, the marks are caused when your dishes are close to or touching metal items. Lightweight metal items can jiggle and move during the wash cycle. Because these metals are soft in comparison with dishes and other tableware, they'll leave marks when they rub against dishes.

Try removing the marks with a damp cloth and baking soda. Rub gently using a circular motion. Mild abrasive cleanser such as Bon Ami or Barkeeper's Friend will remove the marks, as will silver polish. Just be sure to test these products on the back first to make sure they don't mar the surface.

To keep these marks from forming, try the following:

• Do not load metal utensils or pots and pans or aluminum next to or atop dishes in the dishwasher.

• Do not stack soiled dishes in a stainless steel sink. This can result in metal marks around the rim and bottom of the dishes.

• Avoid sliding or rubbing dishes against the metal surface of a sink.

• Use care when cutting meat and other items on plates and platters, as knives with serrated edges can leave gray lines or streaks. Avoid using a "saw blade" motion across the surface of the platter. Cut large items on a cutting board and then transfer them to a serving platter.

• Do not let dishes rub against uncoated rack tines. Forcing items into a rack can damage the coating on racks, exposing bare metal. Severely worn racks should be replaced, but small exposed areas can be repaired with coating repair kits available from dishwasher part distributors.

Send your questions to Fixit in care of the Star Tribune, 425 Portland Av. S., Minneapolis, MN 55488, or call 612-673-9033, or e-mail fixit@startribune.com. Past columns are available at www.startribune.com/fixit. Sorry, Fixit cannot supply individual replies. Fixit appears daily in Source except on Friday.