Patching linoleum won't take long, and it works

-- Celine, Lorette

If you have already tried to insert shavings of linoleum into the space and cover the area with clear nail polish, yet have not been successful, then you need to find another piece of linoleum from the same dye lot. If you do not have a spare piece, cut a little piece from behind the fridge or from the closet. To remove a little piece from another area, hold a putty knife blade perfectly perpendicular to the floor. Score the area and then heat it with a hairdryer and lift it up carefully using the putty knife.

Lay the patch over the area to be repaired making sure that the pattern lines up. Place masking tape across to make sure the scrap piece does not move. Use a sharp razor blade knife and cut along the pattern on the patch through the damaged piece right through to the sub.

Remove the masking tape, the patch piece and the burnt area using a hairdryer and putty knife. Scrape the sub floor underlay clean and apply a thin coat of adhesive allow that to dry for 30 minutes. Next apply the adhesive to the back of the patch and the sub floor. Position the patch into place and push it down firmly. Lay a piece of parchment or wax paper on the patch and pile it with books, leave overnight. In the morning apply a seam weld (from a hardware store) along the pattern joint to hide the repair.

I know that this sounds like a lot of work but if you buy really good adhesive glue and seam weld, the project won't take long and you will be happy with the results.

Q: My son had an old car that left grease stains on our cement car port and I have tried everything to clean it, do you have any suggestions?

-- Susan, Brandon

You can purchase products formulated for cleaning concrete. The following are other options, always wear eye and skin protection when using chemicals. Bleach, dilute as the directions indicate for cleaning. Let the solution sit on the stained area for several minutes, then scrub and rinse. Or TSP, dilute one cup in one gallon of hot water. Pour it on the area and let it sit for 15 minutes. Scrub with a stiff brush. Rinse off with hose and repeat if needed. Or muriatic acid although this is not a stain remover or cleaner. The acid actually etches away the concrete itself, and sometimes the stain as well. You will need to scrub and rinse this chemical also. Follow the directions carefully! Use muriatic acid only if you seal the driveway with masonry sealer afterwards. Remember that you will be altering the level of the surface if you remove a lot of material. If you use a pressure washer, make sure you have the right nozzle. A jet that is too concentrated can damage concrete. Use a nylon scrub brush.

Q: My friend heard you on the radio giving a window cleaner recipe; she tried it and loved it but can't find the recipe. Could you give me the correct measurements for the ingredients? I would appreciate this as I clean windows in a church building and I dread the streaks! Thank you.

-- Marlis, Winnipeg

The window cleaning recipe is a cinch to make. In a spray bottle combine 1 tsp. cheap shampoo or dish soap, one-quarter cup rubbing alcohol. Fill the remainder of the bottle with white vinegar. Spray onto windows and wipe with three-day old or older newspaper. Super cleaner!

Q: I am getting ready to store my tools for the winter. Any suggestions on how to keep rust from forming on the blades?

-- Darren, Selkirk

Begin by cleaning the tools and any already rusted areas with fine steel wool and light oil such as WD-40. If you do not have WD-40 on hand you can opt for cooking, mineral or baby oil. You can also sharpen your tools now, which means they will be ready when spring comes a-calling.

Q: I burnt popcorn in the microwave and the entire house smells (especially the kitchen). What can I do to combat the smell?

-- Larry, Winnipeg

Here are a few tricks to tackle this quandary: You can either heat lemon juice or vinegar in the microwave until it boils over and then wipe out the interior. Or combine into a bowl; vanilla and water and heat until it boils over or another option is to combine lemon slices, vinegar, vanilla, dish soap and water in a bowl and heat. Alternatively combine and heat baking soda and water. If the odour persists, store coffee grounds in a bowl in the microwave to absorb excess odours. All the best!

Reena Nerbas is the author of the national bestsellers, Household Solutions 1 with Substitutions, Household Solutions 2 with Kitchen Secrets and the soon to be released book Household Solutions 3 the Green Edition available on-line and in stores across Canada.

www.householdsolutions.org