Question: We have a ceiling fixture that has three-inch, plastic teardrops hanging from the edge of it. They look discolored and I wonder what I could use to bring back the clearness of them. Thank you, Geoff
Answer: I am assuming that the teardrops are discolored from everyday dirt and grime. Here is my favorite recipe for cleaning plastic teardrops on light fixtures. Cover the floor with newspaper. Combine 1 tsp. rubbing alcohol, 4 cups hot water and 2 tbsp. dishwasher anti spot agent i.e. Jet Dry. Spray onto plastic teardrops, drip dry and polish. Or soak the teardrops (if they are detachable) in this solution, whichever works best for your situation. No polishing required.
Question: I have very expensive custom made cellular shades on all of my windows and the draw cords on all of them are getting very dirty. I’ve tried bleach with water on a cloth and run the cloth up and down the cord, but it is not doing anything. What would you suggest I use to clean them? Thank-you for your time. Lynn
Answer: Your best bet is to scrub all cords with Sunlight laundry bar soap and water. If you cannot locate Sunlight, use Ivory bar soap. Scrub and rinse with water.
Question: I have a very oily t-zone on my face. I buy pore strips to clean my face (especially my nose) and they really seem to help, but they are too expensive, and I can’t afford them. Is there any way to make pore strips at home? Thanks, Olga
Answer : You want cheap? I’ve got cheap! Go to your local grocery store and purchase a box of unflavored gelatin and milk (any kind of milk works). In a little microwavable dish combine 1 tsp. milk with 1 tsp. gelatin powder. Microwave for 10 seconds. Cool and then use a small paintbrush to brush liquid mixture onto your face (avoid eyes). Leave for 10 minutes and peel. Works just as well as pore strips!
Question: I was given a beautiful cashmere sweater for Christmas, and I am wondering if you have any tips to ensure that moths don’t get at it. I had another cashmere sweater that now has a hole in it, and I was devastated. I do not want to use mothballs because of the smell. Thanks for your help. Helen
Answer : You are smart to avoid mothballs, they give off toxic vapors and the smell lingers. Clean your cashmere sweater according to the directions on the label. Store the sweater in an airtight container along with lavender and/or rosemary sachets. Another option: Sprinkle lavender essential oils onto a cotton ball and store with the sweater.
Big Ideas for Little Problems
For moist homemade cakes, add 1 tsp. vinegar and 1 tsp. baking soda to your recipe. Submitted by: P.H.
I like to wash Lego blocks once in a while and when I do, I put them inside of a mesh laundry bag. Tie a knot to keep it closed and toss the bag into the washing machine. I wash with cold water and laundry detergent and lay them on a towel to dry. Submitted By: P.H.
I have one of those big Kitchen Aid mixers and never knew where to keep the attachments so that they wouldn’t look messy. I then purchased a few 3M plastic hooks and hung them in my pantry, now I hang the attachments and they look organized! Submitted By: Paul
Whenever I paint wooden chairs, I gently tap a nail into the bottom of each leg. I can then paint the feet of the chairs and they don’t touch the floor, so no paint gets smudged. Remove the nails when paint is dry. Submitted By: Mark
Note: Every user assumes all risks of injury or damage resulting from the implementation of any suggestions in this column. Test all products on an inconspicuous area first.
Have a great suggestion or tip? NEW EMAIL: reenanerbas@outlook.com
