
Park Lighting
Question: Is it possible to safely put a small discoloured lampshade in the dishwasher?
I like the lamp and can’t find a new shade that fits. Thank you. — Carol
Answer: Care of the lampshade depends on the textile. A glass lampshade, for example, may clean well on the top rack of the dishwasher.
Use vinegar only instead of dishwasher detergent because the bleach in detergent may discolour the lampshade.
Most fabric lampshades may be vacuumed or cleaned using a lint roller. Use your bathtub to care for washable lampshades. That way you can monitor any discolouration.
Question: My husband dropped a sweet-potato casserole onto the area rug in our dining room.
It is a type of braided rug that I purchased from Pine Ridge Hollow a few years ago (not cheap!!).
I have not been able to determine if it’s cotton or acrylic, even based on the tag it came with.
I have tried to clean the stain with carpet spot cleaners, but it didn’t work. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks. — Barb
Answer: I hope that you at least had a taste of that delicious casserole before it fell!
Based on your description, you are able to clean the area using water and a product and since it is a braided textile, it is likely not treated with carpet protector.
Begin by wetting the area with water and blotting with a towel to remove any residual products that you already tried.
Next scrub the wet area with Sunlight Laundry Bar Soap, (available at Superstore and other grocery stores). Rinse well with water and blot to dry.
Question: My cat continuously jumps inside my baby’s bassinet.
Do you have any suggestions or sprays I can use to keep the cat out? Thanks. — Marcus
Answer: Sprays and scents, foils and netting are popular suggestions for preventing cats from jumping into cribs and bassinets.
I would not use any of them, too risky. In my opinion, your best bet is to keep the bedroom door closed, so that the cat is not able to enter the room.
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.
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