QUESTION: Do you have any tips on how to get regular blue pen ink off the inside of a car? My four-year-old released her inner Picasso on the vinyl interior of my car.
Katie, (Whitemouth, MB)
ANSWER: Ink sometimes comes off easily and other times it dyes the surface and is impossible to remove. Begin by wiping the ink with dish soap and water. If that doesn't work spray hairspray (or rubbing alcohol) onto the spot and wipe. Test on an inconspicuous area first.
P.S. Some people say that the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is the best for removing ballpoint ink.
QUESTION: We have tub decals on the bottom of our tub. Do you have any suggestions as to how to remove them without scratching the enamel of the tub? Thanks!
Sheila, (Steinbach, MB)
ANSWER: In order to remove decals from the bottom of your tub begin by prying a corner of the decal up and holding a blow dryer on the area. Switch the setting to hot and leave for about 3 mins. Peel the decal upward. Or pour boiling water onto one decal at a time, peel. If the decals do not budge spray the decal corner with WD-40. Leave for 15 mins. and scrape with a plastic putty knife.
QUESTION: Can you tell me your homemade recipe for cleaning ceramic top stoves? Someone said you had it in one of your articles but I can't find my paper. Thank-you.
Pat (Winnipeg, MB)
ANSWER: While there are ceramic stove top cleaners available on the market, the easiest way to clean your stove top is with a little tool sold at most places where ceramic tops are sold. This little tool is shaped like a razor blade and takes off the stains left from cooking and oddly enough the blade does not damage the stove.
QUESTION: I know everyone likes to hold onto their "new car smell" as long as possible, however I just bought new furniture and the "new" smell irritates my sinuses. I always have the windows open all summer, but this is bedroom furniture so I am wondering if there is anything I can do to lessen the smell. Is it the wood, because I love that smell of wood or is it the stain? It is a "wood product". Thanks so much for your wonderful column.
Leslie, Winnipeg
ANSWER: The smell that you notice may be the finish or stain applied to the wood during manufacturing. The good news is that the smell will diminish over time. In the meantime find out where the smell is coming from, is it the outside or inside? Begin by cleaning the wood with Murphy's Oil and water. If the smell remains, wash the furniture by painting it with vinegar and a few drops of tea tree oil (or straight vinegar if you do not have tea tree oil), allow the table to air dry (this has had great success). Also, place coffee ground, sprigs of eucalyptus or charcoal inside of the table to absorb odours. After a few days, remove the contents and STUFF the chest full of newspaper. Leave for at least 4 days. Another option is to purchase a product called Odorzout (www.88stink.com). Lastly, check if the smell is coming from the underside of the furniture which may be bare, if this is the case varnish underneath. In any case give your furniture time to air out especially if it was wrapped in plastic and sitting in a warehouse for several months.
Dear Reena,
I really enjoy all your tips in the Winnipeg Free Press. Last Sunday "Olof" from Selkirk wrote you about having trouble finding a phosphate-free dishwasher detergent that was environmentally friendly and worked as well as regular commercial types. You gave a good tip about adding borax and baking soda. I would also like to mention a product I have had great success with. It's called "Bio-Vert/Bio-Green" Automatic Dishwasher Tabs. They are advertised as "Canada's Ecological Choice" I think they are from Quebec. They are made with vegetable-based active agents, and are biodegradable in 28 days. The package also shows the little rabbit symbol for not testing on animals. I bought mine at Wal-Mart. I live in The Pas and we have fairly hard water here, plus I have a no-frills dishwasher. The double-action tabs are nice and flat so they fit easily in my detergent compartment. I find they do a fantastic job - as good as or better than any commercial product I have used in the past, plus I have not had any trouble with my glasses etching. They come in a cardboard box of 30 tabs. I hope you decide to pass this info. on to Olof. I don't normally use a rinse agent because I didn't know there were "green" alternatives. I am looking forward to trying the tip you gave about vinegar and essential oils and to more eco-friendly tips in your columns. Keep up the good work!
-- Joan, The Pas
Dear Reena,
Read Sunday's article re: phosphate-free dishwasher detergent with interest because I am using President's Choice Green tablets and find that they do an excellent job. Also, I use vinegar all the time for various cleaning jobs and it has always worked well for me!!! I try to use as few commercially prepared cleaning products as possible. My cupboards are almost bare of those products. Using phosphate free washer products and dishwashing detergent as well. It's only a small contribution to a better environment but if everyone did even just one thing, it would be helpful.
-- Anonymous
Fabulous Tips
Submitted by Ellen (Selkirk, MB)
* To remove grease spots on wallpaper, make a paste of cornstarch and water. Apply to the area, let dry then brush off.
* To clean pewter, rub it with cabbage leaves.
* To remove smoke stains on mortar between the stones on the front of a fireplace, brush the mortar with water, then brush on a solution of 1 part muriatic acid to 10 parts water. Rinse this off when it stops foaming. Repeat as necessary. Observe extreme caution when handling muriatic acid. Protect the floor and hearth with a plastic drop cloth covered with several layers of newspapers. Protect skin and eyes, and test on an inconspicuous area first. Read instructions and warnings on muriatic acid.
I enjoy your questions and tips, keep them coming! Check out my web site! www.householdsolutions.org
Reena Nerbas is the author of the national best sellers, "Household Solutions 1 with Substitutions", "Household Solutions 2 with Kitchen Secrets" and the soon to be released book "Household Solutions 3 with Green Alternatives" available on-line and in stores across Canada.
