Patricia Sheridan / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette FILES
Sometimes an open window and fresh air are all that’s needed to remove leather odours.
Question: How do you remove the off-gas odour from a leather sofa? -Sue
Answer: Whenever attempting to clean leather, you should always test cleaners on an inconspicuous area first and read the manufacturer’s instructions.
Over the years readers have had great results removing chemical smell from leather using one of the following solutions: Open windows and wait; in time the smell will disappear. Clean the leather with commercial cleaners, or saddle soap, or dish soap and water, or a spray bottle with white vinegar and a few drops of tea tree oil, or a renewing product called Urad (available on-line).
Question: I just put an ink stain on the seat of my dining room chair. I believe the material, is a type of suede.
I use hairspray on ink stains in clothes; however, I'm not sure I would be able to use this method on my chair. I'm wondering as to how I would "wash" out the hair spray.
I trust you will be able to come up with a solution and help me. Thanks a bunch. -Sincerely, Anne Marie
Answer: The first solution I would try is shaving cream, you will only require a small amount. Wipe the stain and rinse with water.
Rubbing alcohol, Dawn dish soap, hairspray and bug spray (containing DEET) have all been successful (test on an inconspicuous area first).
Another option is to clean the stain with Sunlight bar soap and rinse with water. You can also leave the stain, chances are it will fade over time.
Question: I recently purchased a new self-cleaning oven. To prevent pizza spill over, I lined the bottom of the oven with aluminum foil. The aluminum ended up cooking to the bottom of the oven.
I have used oven cleaner several times overnight, but it has not lifted any of the aluminum. Is there any other way to get this aluminum foil off? -Thank you, DD
Answer: While this isn’t an instant solution it is effective at removing foil without damaging the porcelain finish of your oven.
In a cool oven, lay a hot, wet rag on the oven floor, leave it for about 30 minutes. Use a little liquid dish soap to lubricate the area and scrape the foil with a plastic scrub pad, plastic scraper, or expired credit card.
The foil will eventually burn off over time. Refer to the instruction manual to determine whether it is safe to use the oven.
I have not heard of any problems from people who have used their oven when foil is stuck to the bottom.
Timeless Tricks
Before you put up a new plastic shower liner, soak it in a tub of warm water mixed with a cup of salt for a half hour, don't rinse before hanging. The salt acts as a drying agent, preventing the humid conditions that breed mold and mildew.
Want a clean and clear bathroom mirror after showering? Squirt a small dab of shaving cream onto a paper towel, rub it over the glass, then wipe with a dry cloth. The cream leaves an invisible film, making it difficult for water beads to stick and giving you a fog-free mirror for weeks.
So that cheese doesn’t stick to foil when making lasagna, cover the dish with parchment paper first, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This also prevents cheese from sticking while in transport to a potluck dinner.
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
