Eliminate hard water stains on shower doors

Question: We have tried everything to get the hard water stains off our shower doors. The doors are less than three years old. CLR, vinegar and lemon juice do not work. Any tips before we rip them out for a plastic shower curtain?

— Sandra

Answer: Before purchasing a shower curtain, consider trying a product recommended by a previous contributor. She had the same issue with etching on her glass shower doors.

The best product she found is called Cerama Bryte, marketed for stoves with glass cook tops, suggesting other glass cook top cleaning products would probably work as well.

Although it didn’t eliminate the etching, it became barely noticeable after she used it — and because it is made for glass surfaces it won’t scratch the glass.

Question: How do I clean, or remove, water stains on teak wood?

— Linda

Answer: Lay a tea towel onto the wood and press a clothing iron onto the stains, using medium heat. Lift the tea towel, and move it to the next affected area. Wipe the table with teak oil and polish with a soft cloth.

Question: I would like to remove the spots on my kitchen faucet without using products that will provoke a reaction. Any thoughts?

— Ben

Answer: Here’s a good one! Polish the taps with wax paper to remove water spots on your faucet.

Question: My least favourite household chore is cleaning the fridge. Is there a way to reduce the need to clean the glass shelves in my fridge? I am looking for a solution that doesn’t take up a lot of space and isn’t much work?

— Dan

Answer: Line the fridge shelves with plastic wrap. The wrap isn’t overly noticeable, and reduces the amount of times per year you need to clean the fridge. Change the plastic as needed.

Feedback from friendly Manitobans

Re: Alternative to soy sauce

I read in a previous article where you spoke of the high sodium content of soy sauce and recommended buying low sodium soy sauce.

There is a better alternative than low sodium sauce, it is called Bragg All Purpose Liquid Soy Seasoning.

This is a natural soy sauce and has 320 mg of sodium per 5 ml — and this is natural with no added sodium. Users cannot tell the difference between this real soy sauce and the high sodium product. This product can be purchased in health food stores and at Bulk Barn.

— Arthur

Hold on to these exciting tips!

Get rid of static electricity on clothing by running a wire hanger on the underside of the pants or dress.

— Carla

Prevent hair frizz by wringing your hair out using paper towel, instead of fabric towels. Paper creates less friction and absorbs more water which quickens drying time.

— Blair

Capture the sweet, delectable taste of corn on the cob. Add a pinch of sugar when boiling corn to help bring out the kernels’ natural sweetness.

— Pearl

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.

I enjoy your questions and tips, keep them coming. Need a presenter on the topic: effective speaking or the power of words? Check out: reena.ca.