QUESTION: I have a problem with my favourite jeans. They are about a year old and still leaching major dye to the point my underwear and the tops of my socks are ruined. I have tried numerous solutions: washing them in cold and hot water, soaking them in vinegar and salt, and more washing. What can I do? Gail, Winnipeg
ANSWER: Sounds as though this is the result of defective dye, a problem that might not go away over time. If possible, bring the jeans to the store and explain the situation. If the jeans are unwearable, purchase Rit dye remover. Either enjoy the light colour of the jeans or dye them with the Rit colour of your choice.
QUESTION: My electric kettle didn't shut off, and the steam caused a white film on the door of my cabinets. I tried wiping it off, adding oil conditioner and scrubbing it lightly. Nothing worked. Maybe it discoloured the urethane. Any suggestions? Thanks, Don, Gimli
ANSWER: Use a hairdryer on the highest setting to blast the white mark and draw the moisture out. As you heat the area, rub the surface with a soft cloth. The sooner you tackle this challenge, the better.
QUESTION: I made a birthday cake for my daughter. I bought chocolate buds to decorate the top of the cake, and when I opened the box I was disappointed because the chocolate looked grey instead of brown. How can I make the chocolate look good, and are they safe to eat or should I throw them out? Bernadette, Churchill
ANSWER: Throw out chocolate? No way. Fat bloom happens to chocolate when the cocoa butter separates from the other ingredients. Sugar bloom, on the other hand, is also grey and has a gritty texture; this is caused by weather conditions such as humidity. Some think bloom happens as chocolate ages, but humidity is almost always the culprit. Take the delicious chocolate buds and dip them in water. Let them dry on a tea towel, and they will appear dark once again.
QUESTION: How can I prevent fitted sheets from coming off of the corners of my bed. This drives me crazy. Kathy, Winnipeg
ANSWER: You can purchase or sew clasp straps (also called sheet suspenders) that hold corners in place. Or consider purchasing a drawstring-tightened sheet. Not only will the sheet stay in place, the linens appear less wrinkled.
HANDY HINTS OF THE WEEK
Instead of throwing out a mismatched sock, put it to good use: Make a can cozy. Cut the tube part of a sock the same length as a can drink. Slide the sock over the can to keep it cool on hot days. Or cut the tube of a sock the same length as a mug. Keep hot drinks hot a little longer by making an extra hole in the tube of a sock so the handle of a mug can fit through. -- Randy
Using a sharp pair of scissors, cut apart two socks. Slide your foot inside the tube part and pull it over your pant legs to prevent ticks and other bugs from crawling up. -- Dan
I enjoy your questions and tips, keep them coming. Missed a column? Can't remember a solution? Need a corporate presenter? Check out my website at Reena.ca.
