QUESTION: We live in a 1930s heritage home and there is natural tile in front of the fireplace. Unfortunately, the tile has been scraped by the bottom of a chair. We have tried to fix it but with no luck at all. Would you have a suggestion for us? Robert, Winnipeg
ANSWER: For many surface scratches you can buff them out with fine-grit sandpaper or fine steel wool. A popular handyperson expert trick is to purchase one tile to match the scratched tile, sand the tile to produce tile dust, cover scratches with instant glue and pack the scratch with the tile dust. Gently sand after the glue is set.
QUESTION: I am newly married and want to take good care of my home. At my wedding shower, a conversation broke out about some of the necessary areas in the home that people forget to clean. What do you think they are? Kaley (St-Pierre-Jolys, MB.)
ANSWER: Great question! Kitchen sponges and dishcloths are often left too long before changing. Other forgotten areas of the home may include: the space between appliance and counter; behind appliances, floor and wall vents; ceiling fans; top of fridge; pillows (decorative and bedroom); and mattress cleaning.
QUESTION: I am so frustrated with holiday baking. I follow every recipe exactly as it states and my cookies and cakes always burn. What am I doing wrong? Candice (Rosenort, MB.)
ANSWER: It is important to note baking times are only guidelines, because ovens typically bake at different rates and vary slightly when it comes to temperature. Weather (humidity), altitude, oven pans (i.e. glass vs. metal) and oven models will change the outcome of your food. You are the boss of your oven and baking time is done, when you say it's done. Begin by purchasing or borrowing an inexpensive thermometer to test your oven temperature. Check baking 10 minutes before the recipe states it's done. If the toothpick comes out clean, baking is complete. If baking is browning too quickly on top, cover it with foil.
QUESTION: How do I clean road-salt stains from my rubber car mats? I tried vinegar and it doesn't clean very well. Bill, (Winnipeg)
ANSWER: Begin by beating the mats with a broom to remove most of the loose dirt and dust. Then vacuum the mats until no dirt remains. Using either dish soap or carpet shampoo and water, create lather and distribute onto the salt stains. Then scrub with a stiff brush, rinse and let air dry.
Handy hints of the week:
-- When I was using a permanent marker one day, I noticed it seeped through the paper onto the wood table I was writing on. I immediately sprayed the area with hairspray and the ink disappeared without damaging the wood. Submitted by Brittany
-- Hard-shell clams are easy to open if you pour boiling water over them. Submitted by Ronald
-- I save old shower curtains and wash them well. When the curtain is clean, I use it for a tablecloth at picnics. I also save the curtain rings for napkin holders. Submitted by proud to be frugal Sam
-- I have worked in the manicure industry for many years. For longer-lasting nail polish, I wipe each nail with vinegar before applying polish. Submitted by Shondra
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.
