QUESTION — My house was “egged” a couple of weeks ago. The house is stucco — the kind that is troweled on, not the kind with little stones and pieces of glass. There are four circular blotches with stains running down where the egg white dripped. I have got all the dried egg off, but the stains remain. So far I have tried: dish soap, vinegar, graffiti remover (almost seemed to make it worse), and Arm & Hammer laundry soap (liquid). Any ideas? Thanks for any help. Kate, Winnipeg
ANSWER – Sounds like you are exerting tremendous effort into zapping this stain! The “protein” shadow that you describe is not only on the surface and therefore difficult to remove. Over time, sunshine will naturally either lighten or darken the stain (older stucco will likely darken). If the stucco is painted you may be best off purchasing a small can of paint and covering the area.
However, another option is to combine: 1 gallon warm water, 1 quart household bleach and 1 cup trisodium phosphate (TSP). Apply the solution to the entire area and lightly agitate with a soft bristle brush. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. Repeat until the stain vanishes. Although bleach is dangerous when combined with ammonia, research indicates that bleach may be combined with trisodium phosphate.
If the stain remains you may want to try a stronger product, test on an inconspicuous area first. Zap the stain with either oxalic acid and water or muriatic acid and water (use according to directions on the container). Muriatic is one of the most dangerous products available for household use therefore use caution. Oxalic acid is a bleaching agent and will work similar to bleach.
QUESTION — Thanks for your column in the Winnipeg Free Press each week, always interesting! I have a problem that needs a solution. My relatively new, front loading washing machine has an odour. Basically, it smells like wet clothes that have been sitting in a pile for too long. Leaving the door open after each load seems to help a little, but is not practical in the long run. Besides, I don’t like the idea of washing clothes in something that doesn’t smell clean. Any ideas you have would be appreciated. Sincerely, Carol, Winnipeg
ANSWER — It is great that you keep the lid open when the machine is not in use so that moisture can escape. Run 1-cup of vinegar through the machine at least once a week to kill the odour. Also, stop (if you are) using liquid fabric softeners. These tend to build up in the machine and produce a mouldy smell. Another favourite product for getting rid of the smell of musty machines is washing soda you can find it in the laundry department of grocery stores. It is called “So Clean”, by Arm & Hammer. This product is amazing at whitening and brightening fabrics. As a matter of fact, I like to add a one-quarter cup to each load of laundry when I wash whites (it contains no bleaches or phosphates). If you can’t find washing soda, use borax (both borax and washing soda are great for killing odours). Lastly, sometimes mould builds up inside the machine in places that are hard to get at. If the odour persists, call in a professional.
I enjoy your questions and tips, keep them coming! Check out my website! www.householdsolutions.org
Come and see me at the Winnipeg Autumn Home Show, Sept. 25 & 26 at the Winnipeg Convention Centre.
