QUESTION: We have an original cast iron tub. This summer it was refinished and was beautiful and sparkling white until yesterday, when I used a pink bath bomb. During the short soak (20 minutes) it stained the tub a deep, dark pink. I called the bath bomb company and they said to scrub with baking soda and lemon juice. It did nothing. We removed some of the stain with bleach but not completely. I fear we have to again have the tub refinished. Can you suggest anything that might help remove the stain? The bath bomb is from Lush, and apparently the colors are "natural" but they still dye like crazy. Thank you so much in advance for your help. Genevieve (Winnipeg)
ANSWER: With the bathroom vent turned on, put the stopper in the drain and add 60 millilitres of Super Iron Out into the tub. Fill it with water but be careful, the fumes are strong. Wait 10 minutes, drain the tub and rinse it with water. This product is strong but works well. Another option is to leave the tub as is. The dye will likely fade over time.
Q: My girlfriend had her brick home vandalized with broken eggs. They have tried many things, but none have worked so far. The eggs are baked on, as this happened while they were away this summer. Do you have a solution? Kathy (Emerson)
A: The easiest technique for removing egg from brick is to spray the area with a pressure washer. Another trick is to soak the area with liquid laundry detergent and cold water. Since egg is a protein stain, hot water will make the stain more difficult to remove. After 30 minutes, wash the area with cold water and rags.
Q: Do you have any uses for old tea leaves other than composting them? Marvin (Winnipeg)
A: Here's a little gem you can try: Clean windows, glass and mirrors by collecting tea leaves in a bucket. Cover with rainwater and leave overnight. Strain and use with a squeegee. Dry with a three-day old or older newspaper. Or deodorize your feet by soaking them in a bucket of tea leaves and water. Lastly, sprinkle tea leaves around ferns and rose bushes. The nutrients contained in tea leaves will give your plants a boost.
Household hints that measure up:
- Here is an easy trick for measuring shortening or peanut butter. If a recipe calls for half a cup of shortening, measure 120 millilitres of water into a measuring cup. Add shortening until the water line reaches 240 millilitres. Pour out the water, and you are left with 120 millilitres of shortening or peanut butter.
- Before measuring honey, run the spoon under hot water. The honey will slide off with ease.
- When measuring sticky liquid ingredients in measuring cups, spray the cups with cooking spray. Ingredients will slide out quickly.
I enjoy your questions and tips -- keep them coming. Missed a column? Can't remember a solution? Need a corporate presenter on how to harness the power of words? Check out my website at reena.ca.
