QUESTION: I am in desperate need of some help with my problem. I accidently got pinkish-white nail polish splashed onto my new stained cabinets (the cabinets are dark stained) and I need to know how I should get it off. We got the nail polish off of the front of the cabinets before it dried, but didn't get to the side of the cabinet before it dried. So it has left two big pinkish-white streaks. I just don't want to ruin the cabinets by trying solutions, if I can help it. So a co-worker directed me to you. If you can help me, I will appreciate it more than you will ever know. Kristen (Boissevain, Man.)
ANSWER: Make sure to test all products on an inconspicuous area before using them on your cupboards. Spray area with WD-40, leave for 10 minutes. Gently rub with a slightly abrasive cloth. After nail polish has faded, clean area with dish soap and water.
Update from Kristen: We ended up getting the nail polish off with Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Took it off like a charm and didn't damage my cabinets at all.
QUESTION: How do I prevent life's little critters from feasting on my corn? Lindsay, Winnipeg
ANSWER: To keep birds and small animals from eating corn, secure thin, dark-coloured string in a zigzag pattern across the bed. String should be about three cm above the ground. Not being able to walk properly will frustrate the birds and encourage them to leave. Also, keep birds away from the garden by placing a pinwheel nearby. Or attach aluminum foil strips to a stake. If you happen to have an artificial owl lying around the yard, place it high in the garden to deter feather folk.
QUESTION: I have spilt candle wax on my sealed wooden deck. Before the snow hits the ground, I want to clean the mess. What is the best technique to remove the wax? Betty, Winnipeg
ANSWER: Candle wax on a sealed wooden deck can be removed using a putty knife and grease remover (test remover). Steam clean, heat with an iron or apply hot water and a little pressure.
QUESTION: We live in the country and love to watch and feed wild birds. We have a journal and keep track of the types of birds that visit our yard each year. Can you give us a tip on storing lots of bird seed? We buy it in large plastic bags that tend to tip over and make a mess on the garage floor. Lawrence (Grunthal, Man.)
ANSWER: Store birdseed in a 20-gallon garbage can. This is inexpensive and holds more than a 50-pound bag of seed, it is fairly easy to carry because of the handles, and comes with a lid. Makes food easy to access for quick filling. Less mess and less time.
Feedback from Manitoban who cares:
Re: The light bulb invention.
Reena,
Thomas Edison did not invent the light bulb. He bought the patent from Henry Woodward and Mathew Evans, of Toronto, in 1874.
I've always wondered if having several bulbs burn out could be caused by voltage spikes coming from the electric company. I don't know either way. Phlyp (Binscarth, Man.)
Fabulous tips of the week:
-- Rub a shelled walnut over furniture to hide scratches on wood furniture. Kyah (Blumenort, Man.)
-- Make your own laundry detergent; grate one-eighth bar Sunlight laundry soap and combine with one-quarter cup borax. Toss clothes into the washing machine and mixture onto fabric. Clothes always come out clean; I have been doing this for years. Anonymous
-- A tackle box works well for storing hairclips and elastics. The baubles and bands go in the small upper trays and brushes/product/etc. in the larger bottom part. And the whole thing can be stashed in a cabinet or drawer. To keep ponytail holders even more organized, purchase one of those binder rings from your nearby office supply store. Mertle
I enjoy your questions and tips, keep them coming! Missed a column? Can't remember a solution? Need a speaker for an upcoming event? Check out my new blog/website: reena.ca
