Colleen De Neve / Life at Home
Question: We have two red leather chairs; the one I sit on has a whitish spot or a discoloration on the area where my head rests. I tried leather cleaner but it started to take the red off and left a rough spot on top of the area. I phoned the store where we bought it (at the time it was only a year old) and they said it was probably the chemicals I put in my hair. I will admit I get highlights done, but we have had other leather chairs and have never had this problem. Anyway, it has gone on for four years now and I wonder if you or any of your readers have a solution for this. I have a towel over it now because the mark is embarrassing. Thanks for any help you can give me.
— Elaine
Answer: It is quite common for leather to discolour around where heads and arms rest. This is a result of products we use, body oils and abrasion. Discoloration is most prevalent on dark colours. Leather-repair kits are available online or in stores, although colour-matching is very difficult and can often accent the area instead of hiding it. Leather recolouring balm is a great option for you because you don’t need an exact colour match. Rub balm onto the entire surface: the leather becomes softer and all colours blend together well. Protective products for leather will help prevent this challenge from occurring in the future.
Question: The grout on my shower wall is crumbling. I pride myself on being a bit of a handyman. What steps can I take to repair this?
— Ernie
Answer: You will need to purchase new grout. Make sure to choose grout that offers colour-matching caulk. Use a utility knife to cut out the old caulk. While wearing safety goggles, scratch out at least the top layer of old grout. Mix a small amount of new grout with water (according to the directions on the package); a paint-mixing paddle does a great job. Mixing together small batches of grout as needed will give you lots of time to work. Smear grout onto the wall and smooth off excess with a sponge pad. Finish by caulking corners and tub/tile joints.
Question: I am experimenting with chocolate chip cookie recipes. Now, I have heard that you absolutely love chocolate, and so I thought you would be the perfect person to ask for some advice. What is the difference between white and brown sugar and butter vs. margarine in a chocolate cookie recipe?
— Tina
Answer: If I were stranded on an island I would definitely be happier with a bag of chocolate chips! Brown sugar gives you a softer, chewier cookie; white sugar bakes into a crispier one. Using butter results in flatter cookies compared with cookies baked with margarine, which end up thicker.
Feedback
Re: Freezing Cheese
I freeze all my cheddar cheese in smaller pieces as I buy the huge store-brand blocks of cheese. I wrap them in paper towels before freezing to avoid moisture when thawing. My tip: Leave the block of frozen cheese to thaw naturally on your counter and the cheese stays firm and doesn’t crumble. Thawing in the fridge causes it to stay too cold and to adhere together.
— Dorothy
Tips of the Week
Clean plate trick: when frosting a cake, place the cake on the serving plate. Put strips of wax paper around the cake. Frost and decorate cake and then remove wax paper strips, and your plate stays clean!
— Marcel
When the visor of your hockey helmet fogs up, spray it with Pledge furniture polish. Wipe off excess and the visor stays clear.
— Austin
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.
Reena Nerbas is a popular motivational presenter for large and small groups; check out her website: reena.ca. Ask a question or share a tip at reena.ca.
