Light mopping the best way to deal with footprints

Question: I am very frustrated! We just replaced our flooring with luxury Alterna vinyl tile and laminate, and I have used a variety of cleaning methods. Professional Boba, Armstrong once and done, club soda and water with vinegar. I use a microfibre mop. Vinegar and water or straight club soda seems to work the best; cloth needs to be clean to get the best results.

The problem is footprints. How can I keep my floor looking clean for more than a day? I have even tried eliminating fabric softener from the socks.

I complained for 15 years about my old flooring and was hoping the new flooring would be better. I don’t want to wash my floor every second day.

Answer: You are using the correct products and tools to clean the floor. According to the Armstrong website, the best way to take care of your new gorgeous floor is to sweep or vacuum it. When washing the floor, make a solution of one quarter cup Armstrong Multi Surface Floor Cleaner to one gallon water. Use a good-quality microfibre mop.

If you use any product other than the recommended products, you may void the warranty. Some flooring is prone to footprints, and in those cases a light wipe with a very damp mop is the best solution.

Question:  I am excited to work in my garden this year but I am on a fixed income. Is it possible to grow roses from cuttings? — Verna

Answer: Oh yes, I have a frugal solution for you. Cut a few inches off the stems and push each stem into a raw potato. Bury the potatoes four inches into the ground and cover them with soil and peat moss. The potatoes moisturize the stems and keep them healthy as they take root.

Question: On more than one occasion I have made a batch of homemade soup that ended up tasting a little too salty. Typically, the entire contents of the pot ends up being thrown out. Is there any way to save salty soup? — Mavis

Answer: The salty-soup remedy depends on the type of soup that you are cooking. Add one or more of the following (whichever goes with your soup): cream, milk, water, chicken stock, beef stock, tomato juice, tomatoes, brown sugar or potatoes.

If you choose cream or milk, don’t let the soup return to a boil or the milk may curdle. If you use stock, make sure it is a low-salt version or, better yet, your own homemade, unsalted stock.

Good Ideas:

I made an easy-to-use watering can using a clean one-gallon milk jug. Poke several holes in the lid. Fill the jug with water and replace the lid. Voila! A perfect watering jug. — Case

I find that when I am in the pie-making zone, there is one tip that stands out the most for me. I make my pie dough, wrap it in plastic wrap and then chill it overnight in the fridge. Doing this relaxes the gluten, which leaves me with a tender, flaky crust. — Myra

People always comment on how good my house smells. All you need is a mini slow cooker (crock pot), two tsp. cinnamon, one tsp. vanilla and two cups of water. Simmer on low for hours; it makes the house smell great. — Lucas

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.