QUESTION: Is it possible to repair a trampoline? Our family trampoline has a rip in the canvas-like material about 10 centimetres long. Thanks. Lori, Winnipeg
ANSWER: This is the season where trampolines go up and so do many children as they jump to their heart's content. If you happen to have the manufacturer's information, contact them. They may offer you a warranty and possibly repair the mat for you. If warranties are not an option, purchase a trampoline repair kit at you local sporting goods store. The kit comes with a patch, strong thread and instructions on use. Happy bouncing!
QUESTION: I am hoping that you will be able to help me with my problem. We have removed from our living room the coffee table that was sort of in the middle of the room. It has now left four big indentations in the carpet which you can see quite well. I was hoping that you may have some suggestions for me to try to get rid of them. Thank you for your help and time. Diana, Winnipeg
ANSWER: You can use a damp cloth and a hot iron or hair dryer to remove carpet dents (be careful not to scorch carpet). Place the damp cloth over dents and place iron on for a few seconds. Keep the cloth damp. Then take a soft hair brush and brush over it to bring up any remaining spots, this may take several minutes. Or just place a few ice cubes in each of the indentations -- when the ice melts use a pet fur brush to pull up carpet, the indentation should be gone. Or use a garment steamer or steam iron to soften the indented area (be careful not to get the carpet soaking wet), and gently rake the pile with fingers or a brush to fluff them up again. This takes care of the pile only; indentations in the padding beneath the carpet will just take some time after the pressure source is removed to become less flat.
QUESTION: I just installed a new patio door and I am trying to remove the sticker from the glass, I can't find any solutions. Thanks. Eman, Winnipeg
ANSWER: All you need to do is spray WD-40 onto the glass. Wait 10 minutes and scrape with a plastic putty knife. Wash window as usual.
QUESTION: I have a problem with removing a very unpleasant odour from expensive athletic pants. My daughter borrowed my pants and while wearing them had the stomach flu and soiled the pants. I have soaked them in detergent and washed them twice in cold water. The odour remains, I am afraid to use hot water and do not know what else to do. Please help! Mavis, Winnipeg
ANSWER: Check the care label instructions, unless the label indicates that you must use cold water you should be safe soaking the pants in hot water. In any case, soak your pants in a bottle of cola, leave for two hours. Rewash with detergent. The smell will be gone.
Blooming Good Tips of the Week:
-- Change vase water every day and clean vase well before adding flowers.
-- Add a copper penny (made before 1968) to the water vase, this acts as a natural fungicide. Submitted by Lindsay, Steinbach.
Reena Nerbas is the author of the national bestselling Household Solutions series. Her website is www.householdsolutions.org. You can contact her at Box 429, Blumenort, Man., ROA 0C0.
