Keeping Teddy crisp and clean

Question: My mom reads your article and would like to know how to clean a white teddy bear. Could you please send any tips on this? —Thanks kindly, Laurie

Answer: Vacuuming teddy bears is the least risky way to clean them. However, wiping with a damp white cloth is one of the simplest and most effective ways to clean your teddy bears. For stubborn dirt, grime and odours you will have to resort to a stronger cleaning technique. Check the care label on your bear. To dry your teddy bear, never use the machine dryer. A better way to dry the teddy bear is with a hair dryer. If your teddy bear is an antique, avoid washing or cleaning the bear yourself. There are special establishments who specialize in restoring teddy bears. Another option is to place your teddy bears in a garbage bag with a half cup of baking soda. Shake to freshen. This will remove dust and stale odours but it will not remove stains. To remove stains, use the wet cloth technique stated above.

Question: Can you please give me an idea of what I can use to give my concrete countertop natural shine? It used to have somewhat of a shine but now it’s dull. — Greetings, Alex

Answer: An easy and inexpensive suggestion for you is to rub melted beeswax over the surface of the counter with a chamois cloth. Let it dry and then wipe. Extra tidbit: Beeswax is also great for rubbing over the threads of screws to lubricate them and make them drive in better.

Cleaning cast iron frying pans

My very old cast iron frying pan had years of encrusted food, oil, etc. on both the inside and outside surfaces. When we purchased a new self-cleaning range, a friend suggested I put the pan in the oven when it was in the self-cleaning mode. It worked like a charm.

Of course, I had to "cure" the pan again before using it. Really like your columns.

— Jan

I enjoyed the article about old iron pans. I have my mother-in-law’s cast iron pan, and there are some things I can make with only that pan. When it comes to cleaning the pan, if necessary, I use detergent and a scouring pad to clean, and then wipe it dry with paper towel. A drop of vegetable oil on the paper towel is good too. Thanks.

— Bill

Peeling Eggs

I have an easier way of peeling eggs. I cook as many eggs as I need, drain the water, shake the pot to break the egg shells, take a look to see if I shook it enough, pour on cold water and lift out the eggs with very little peeling left to do. Thank you.

— Gwendolyn

Tips of the week

To keep big, hairy spiders out of your house, take horse chestnuts, pierce them with a needle or awl and put them in the corners and under the furniture in each room. They don’t deter little spiders, just those horrible large ones.

— Diane

As everyone knows, razor blades are made of stainless steel and hair is only protein so how can hair dull your blades? It doesn’t; what dulls the blade is the soap or shaving cream you use. So store your razor in a cup or other container with about a half inch of cheap rubbing alcohol in the bottom; replenish as it evaporates. Our razor blades now last us for years.

— Diane

Extra tidbit: Rubbing alcohol is also effective as an air freshener and helps absorb stale odours, so leaving a container in the bathroom will do double duty. (Warning: Do not leave rubbing alcohol exposed where children have access to it).

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.

Reena Nerbas is a popular motivational presenter for large and small groups; check out her website: reena.ca. Ask a question or share a tip at reena.ca.