QUESTION: We have Plumbago in our courtyard, a blue-flowered plant which is used in dyes. They are sticky, and a flower attached to my pants and then I sat on our cotton fabric couch. We now have a blue mark the shape of the flower right in the middle of a white area. We have taken the cover off as we can wash it, but don’t know the best thing to use. Right now, we have toothpaste on it, but thought we would ask you. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Naomi
ANSWER: Unfortunately, toothpaste won’t cut it because the fibres are permanently dyed as opposed to surface dyed. The great news is, the cover is washable. If you are fine to lighten the entire couch cover, purchase dye remover or the product Iron Out and use it according to instructions. Iron Out is easy to find at most craft stores. If you only want to lighten one particular area, remove the couch cover and soak the area with three per cent hydrogen peroxide on the blue spot. Wash, and repeat this process until the stain is gone. Paint thinner is one other option for direct treatment on the flower mark.
QUESTION: I want to have a cupcake-making party for my daughter’s birthday party. How much batter do I need for 24 cupcakes? Alvaro
ANSWER: If you make enough batter for a double-layer cake, you will have batter for 24 cupcakes. Fill each muffin liner two-thirds full. If you want to make cupcakes ahead of time, you can freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to two months.
Did you know that the first cupcakes did not have frosting, but instead were topped with lard as a kind of cake-moistening gravy? British prime minister Winston Churchill was the first person to suggest a kind of sweet frosting on the top of the cakes.
QUESTION: I inherited a strand of old cultured pearls, and I wonder if they should be cleaned, and if so how? Anita
ANSWER: Your best bet is to place your pearls into a clean pantyhose leg and tie the opening with a rubber band. Then, fill your sink with baby shampoo and warm water and clean the pearls under water using a soft cloth. Stay clear of anything containing ammonia or abrasives. Wipe pearls after each wearing. It is also a good idea to restring your pearls when the string starts to look dingy, to keep your jewelry looking its very best.
QUESTION: I find that even though the public is supposed to remain two metres apart, many people do not take this seriously, and are way too close to me while I shop. Should I tell them to move? Andy
ANSWER: Yes, if people are too close you can politely remind them about social distancing. This is such a new expectation for people that many of us forget. Problems occur when one person immediately begins yelling at the other person and causes a scene. Not only is this disrespectful, but it also spreads more germs when you are yelling rather than calming asking the person to keep their distance.
Helpful hints
• Nightcrawlers are as important to our environment as earthworms and ladybugs. But sometimes, like many other of our bug friends, they have the capacity to take over the yard by forming mounds on the lawn, making it hard to enjoy the yard or even cut the grass. If left, they can completely destroy the yard. Begin by power-raking the lawn. While there are chemical pesticides on the market, you will help yourself by watering your lawn deeply, but not often. This helps force the worms to bury themselves deep into the soil.
• To catch nightcrawlers, make a solution of one gallon water combined with one-third cup of mustard powder. Stir well and pour over soil. This will attract nightcrawlers to the surface. Pick the worms up and sell them to a fish bait store. Some businesses will pay good money for these large worms.
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.
Have a great suggestion or tip? Please send an email to info@reena.ca. Reena Nerbas is a popular motivational presenter for large and small groups; check out her website: reena.ca.
