QUESTION -- I washed a load of laundry yesterday and put it in the dryer. When the laundry came out of the dryer, you guessed it; my six-year-old had left a four-pack of crayons from a restaurant in the pocket of his jeans. There is now crayon on everything: jeans, yoga pants, sweatshirts, T-shirts and a winter coat. I have cleaned up the dryer using WD-40 and dish soap, but I am not having much luck with the clothing. In need of your advice, Carrie, Winnipeg
ANSWER -- Do you think you'll laugh about this someday? Since this is wax, treat it just like you would candle wax. Place the stained side down on a pad of paper towels: spray with WD-40. Let stand five minutes. Turn the fabric over and spray the other side. Work liquid detergent onto stains. Wash in hot water with laundry detergent and either colour-safe bleach, borax, Oxy Clean, washing soda or vinegar. Warning: Never spray WD-40 directly inside the dryer drum.
QUESTION -- We recently bought a new tablecloth while we were in southern France. I put a table protector under the tablecloth, one of those that are plastic on one side and soft material on the other. The two sides are sewn together in diamond shapes, similar to cloth placemats. We had to put an extra leaf in the table, which meant we had to remove the table protector, and to my horror, some parts of it stuck to the table as I was gently pulling it off. I had the plastic side towards the top and the soft side on the table. I now have a table I hope is not ruined. Can you give me some advice as to how I can remove the cloth that is stuck to the table? I used water first, which allowed me to remove some of it. I also used Murphy's Oil Soap plus Liquid Gold, neither of which helped. Was I wrong in placing the table protector with the plastic side facing up? Someone told me WD-40 is the answer, but I want to hear from you first. Thank you. Darlene, Winnipeg
ANSWER -- Be careful! Although WD-40 will do the trick, the varnish will most likely need reapplication. WD-40 has a great reputation for stripping paint and varnish, because it is a solvent. I would prefer if you begin by covering the area with a tea towel and using a warm iron or a hot hair dryer to heat the stuck-on table protector. Or use a product called Goo Gone, peanut butter or mayonnaise are also great options and won't strip the wood. Then use a plastic putty knife to gently scrape the plastic. When laying down a table protector, the felt side belongs on the bottom, the vinyl on the top.
QUESTION -- How can I get Silly Putty out of my blue jeans? Lori (Gladstone)
ANSWER -- Spray the area with WD-40 (or rubbing alcohol) and wipe the putty away. Next, apply dish soap and water onto the clothing. Blot and wash as usual.
Feedback from readers who care:
Dear Reena,
I just want to tell your readers that although WD-40 does have many uses for things around the house, bike chains are not one of them. In my experience, WD-40 will strip away the existing lubricant that you need for the drivetrain. To lubricate bike chains, please buy proper waterproof bike-chain lubricant. Pass it on, Marcus (bike store owner)
Dear Reena,
As a Christmas gift I received a brand-new set of glassware. Ridiculously fastened stickers were cemented onto each piece. I sprayed WD-40 onto every sticker and they all peeled off as easy as pie! Thanks, Morgan.
WD-40 tip of the week:
-- Snow can build up on your satellite dish and mess up your reception. Spray a coating of WD-40 on the dish, and the snow easily slides off.
I enjoy your questions and tips, keep them coming. Missed a column? Can't remember a solution? Need a corporate presenter on the topic: Harness the Power of Words? Check out my website Reena.ca.
