QUESTION -- I am storing my winter boots over these glorious summer months, however, I see that I have salt stains on the leather. What suggestions do you have for getting them off? Janet, Winnipeg
ANSWER - As in many cases, vinegar is the answer that you are searching for and this challenge is no exception. Using a good quality microfibre cloth, wipe the boots with plain old vinegar. Not only will this remove salt stains, but it will condition the leather at the same time!
QUESTION -- I am hoping you can help me! I have glue on the front-passenger seat of my car. It's a cloth seat, black in color. The glue is IPEX brand PVC Conduit Solvent Cement. This is used with rigid PVC conduit to cement pipes together (used to run electrical wires through). The glue was drizzled accidentally on the seat, so it's not a concentrated blob, but rather several streaks. It is dried on now and can't be scraped off with anything. Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks, Kathy, Winnipeg
ANSWER - Since this product has dried on, it is likely permanent. I have not heard of any water-based solvent that will remove PVC Conduit Solvent Cement. The most effective solution is acetone. However, the risk with acetone is that it is flammable and has the potential to remove color from upholstery. An alternative option is to spray the area with WD-40, and after 10 minutes gently scrape with a razor blade. Next clean with dish soap and water to reduce the chemical smell.
Sweet Tips of the Week:
Soothe a burnt tongue with white sugar. Just a few grains will relieve the pain.
Keep your brown sugar from hardening by storing it in a sealed container in the fridge.
Put sugar cubes in the bottom of your biscuit container. The sugar absorbs the moisture and keeps biscuits fresh longer.
Mix handfuls of sugar into the soil of unhealthy plants. If your outdoor plants have lumps on the roots they may have a nematode infection caused by little worms (often found in carrots and potatoes). Adding sugar to soil increases the bacteria count that helps fight the invasion.
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.
