QUESTION: I have an almond-coloured Corian kitchen sink that is badly stained. I have tried manufacturer’s cleaners, pure bleach soaked overnight, and bleach-and-water solution soaked overnight. The most effective, but not perfect, is sprinkling baking soda over the sink, then sprinkling hydrogen-peroxide to make a paste. Leave it overnight. By morning it is better, but it only lasts a day or two. Any ideas for a better solution?
— Thanks, Josie
Answer: After using the hydrogen peroxide and baking soda combination, use a green scrubby cloth to wipe off all traces of brown residue. The next trick is to prevent water from sitting on the surface. Rub the sink with vegetable oil once a week to deter discolouration. Drying the sink after use will also help.
Question: I accidentally put a pen in my shirt pocket without putting the top on first. We are seeking a solution to address this problem. Can you please assist?
— Thanks, David
Answer: Wash the shirt in hot water and OxyClean. Repeat at least three times. If there is a noticeable difference, you are well on your way to zapping the stains, so continue the process.
Another option is to pour rubbing alcohol onto the stain or spray the front and back of the stain with hairspray and then blot. Next, pour laundry detergent onto the area, leave for an hour and wash. If the stains don’t budge, your best hope is to use Iron Out or Rit dye remover according to the directions on the bottle. The fabrics will be light in colour, but still wearable.
Question: I put down some very expensive vinyl flooring around five years ago. My husband walks around the house in black stocking feet and there are dark marks on the floor where he most often stands. Any suggestions on how to get rid of these?
— Many thanks, Pat
Answer: If the marks are on the surface of the vinyl floor, they will often vanish if you rub them with a rubber eraser.
For stains that have penetrated into the vinyl, your best bet is to mix together one cup of water and 2 tbsp. of household ammonia. Use a non-scratching scrubby pad to clean the floor. If the stains remain, the dye may be permanent.
Question: Whenever I invite guests over for a potluck meal, there is always an awkward moment at the end of the evening when it comes time for them to leave. The guests insist that I should keep all of the remaining food, but I don’t want it. How can I politely refuse the leftovers?
— Sam
Answer: Well, we certainly do not want good food to go to waste. Here is my suggestion: as you invite guests to your next potluck meal, make it clear that each guest will be asked to take their leftovers home, no matter how delicious the food is. You can reassure them that you really appreciate that everyone is doing their part to add to the meal, and you do not wish to deal with storing leftovers.
How advertisers make foodlook delicious
Ever notice that food shown on commercials looks extra tasty? Here are a few tricks of the trade:
â Beef patties shown on commercials are often undercooked and coloured with shoe polish. Grill marks are added with hot skewers.
â That pancake syrup you see is likely motor oil, which puddles and flows more attractively, since it doesn’t seep into the pancakes as quickly as syrup.
â To keep soft drinks fizzing during a commercial shoot, advertisers sometimes add antacids to lengthen the bubbling time.
â Toothpicks are used to hold condiments in place while filming hamburgers.
â Some food stylists use mashed potatoes in place of ice cream when filming commercials. Potatoes don’t melt and can be coloured to the ice cream’s flavour.
Have a great suggestion or tip? Please send an email at: reena.ca
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.
