QUESTION: I accidently melted the plastic handle of a spatula in my oven (don't ask). I noticed a horrible smell in my kitchen and immediately turned off the oven. I have not used it since because I don't know how to remove the burnt plastic. I will appreciate any help you can offer me.
-- Michelle, Winnipeg
ANSWER: Before trying anything else and with the oven turned off, heat the area with a blow dryer to soften the plastic. Use a plastic putty knife to gently scrape. The best methods for removing melted plastic from ovens are all mechanical (not chemical). If plastic remains, scrape the area using a sharp blade. A razor blade scraper held at a low angle is exceptionally good at getting plastic off. Additionally, fine (000) steel wool will finish the job nicely. You may want to apply cooking oil or peanut butter to the area (before scraping) to soften the plastic.
QUESTION: I read your column every week. You have great ideas. Hoping you can help me with my situation. A few months ago, I noticed some "stuff" at my patio door. I thought one of my cats had thrown up so I cleaned it with foam carpet cleaner, but then I noticed white stuff in the wood.
Then in July, while sitting on the deck, I saw a wasp fly into the door frame at the bottom under the wood frame, so looking more closely I saw the door frame has a crack, which I will need to fill. Now I don't know if a nest is inside the frame/wall but it seems to be getting bigger. The area does not smell, but I saw two little bugs on it today. I really don't want to pull the carpet away or do major work. Is it a fungus, wasp stuff, or what? Any ideas would be great.
-- Corrin, Winnipeg
ANSWER: It is difficult to determine what the white "stuff" is. If I were you, I would cover the carpeted area well and clean the area in question with bleach and water. That way it doesn't matter whether it is a nest or mould, you will thoroughly clean and disinfect the substance. Make sure to wear gloves and I agree with you, seal the area A.S.A.P. If bleach and water do not help, you may need to call in an exterminator. Keep me posted!
QUESTION: I am contacting you on behalf of our church. We have built a beautiful new two-year-old church, the flooring of which is laminate.
There was a water spill that was not noticed and left a mark. Is there anything that can be done to remove the water mark?
-- Keith, Winnipeg
ANSWER: Water spots on laminate flooring may be caused by several factors including: too much cleaner, and/or mineral deposits in the water. In some cases, the water dries on the surface and the minerals leave white areas that look like moisture spots. Although I don't know which cleaners you used on your floor, I am assuming you tried: laminate floor cleaner, water and ammonia or water and vinegar and have had disappointing results. Typically, laminate flooring is tough and almost anything can be cleaned with little effort as long as it is done fairly soon after a spill. However, in this case, if you cannot remove the watermark you are best off applying a layer of Turtle Wax to the floor using a soft cloth or taking a trip to your local hardware store. Bring a piece of laminate with you and colour match the floor to a wax stick or touch-up pen. Also, since the floor is only two years old, check to see whether you have a topical water warranty. If all else fails, call in the professionals to take a peek.
QUESTION: I regularly read your column in the Winnipeg Free Press and was wondering if you could tell me if those dryer balls people use instead of dryer sheets actually remove static?
-- Grace, Winnipeg
ANSWER: It really depends on whom you ask! Dryer balls do not seem to cut down on drying time but some people testify they make a big difference with respect to a reduction in static cling. You may want to switch to plain old white vinegar. Your clothes won't smell like vinegar and you will no longer need dryer sheets.
Feedback from Readers:
Hi, Reena;
Regarding your column about gritty residue in cups etc. that have been washed in the dishwasher.
I had the same problem once and was told it was because I was using too much dishwasher detergent. It was after I had bought a new dishwasher. The serviceman told me new dishwashers are so much more efficient they need only about one-third the amount of dishwasher detergent then the old ones needed. And that gritty deposit is the undissolved or unused dishwashing detergent.
Using too much detergent would also likely leave white smear marks, or crazing, on glassware. I now only use about two to three teaspoons of dishwasher detergent, even though the detergent compartment could hold much more. It might be worth her while to use less detergent and see if the problem persists.
-- Martha, Winnipeg
I enjoy your questions and tips. Keep them coming.
Check out my website (www.householdsolutions.org) and come see me at the Winnipeg Autumn Home Show, Sept. 25 and 26 at the Winnipeg Convention Centre.
Reena Nerbas is the author of the national best-selling series, Household Solutions 1 with Substitutions, Household Solutions 2 with Kitchen Secrets and Household Solutions 3 with Green Alternatives available online or by calling: 204-320-2757.
