QUESTION: I am wondering if you have any suggestions. I have laminate flooring in my living room and leather couches/chair. Every time we sit down they slide a bit. How can I keep them from sliding? Regards. Rachel, Winnipeg
ANSWER: Your problem will soon be a distant memory. Purchase rubber gripper pads; they stop furniture from sliding and protect your floors. The best part is that they are easy to use -- just peel and stick.
QUESTION: I spilt vodka, water and lime juice on an antique oak buffet/hutch (bottom part). The liquid left a white stain behind and I have no idea how to remove it. What can you suggest Reena? Thanks. Michelle, Winnipeg
ANSWER: It sounds as though the alcohol in the vodka may have stripped the finish of your beautiful buffet. Before refinishing the piece, let's try this handy solution. Smear the area with either non-bleach, non-gel toothpaste or mayonnaise. Leave for one hour and wipe. If the stain remains, lay a piece of brown paper or a tea towel on the spot and press with a warm clothing iron. Be careful not to burn the wood. Remove towel and observe the stain; if it remains you will need to strip and refinish the wood.
QUESTION: I look forward to your help, Reena, and plan to purchase your books as Christmas gifts for family and friends.
1. I have an old trunk in my basement storing blankets etc. It is off the floor and we have never had dampness in the basement. This is the first time that I have noticed a musty smell when opened; not mildewed but musty. I have removed everything and the inside looks fine. What can I do to get rid of the smell so that I can continue to use this large special trunk which is now 50 years old?
2. Please guide me with some suggestions as to how I can clean my washer and dryer as well as my dishwasher. All are old but working well but I would like to freshen the inside of them. Thank you for your help -- I do enjoy your column in the Winnipeg Free Press. Helen, Winnipeg
ANSWER: Without knowing what the trunk is made of, it is difficult to recommend a cleaning action. If the trunk is wood, clean it with Murphy's Oil Soap and water. If it is plastic, clean it with dish soap and water. If the trunk is fabric on the interior, clean it with shaving cream. If the trunk is lined with paper or cardboard, dampen a cloth with vinegar and a few drops of essential oil such as lavender or orange. Wipe and dry. Leave the lid of the trunk open until it has aired out and is completely dry. Store a container of cat litter in the trunk to absorb excess moisture.
To freshen up your dishwasher, run a package of Tang orange crystals (or vinegar) through the cycle. To freshen up your washing machine add one cup of white vinegar to each load for the next few weeks. To freshen up the dryer, wipe it well with dish soap and water. Another important step in cleaning your dryer is to remove any lint buildup from the lint trap after every use. Although the lint buildup may not be excessive, this excellent habit will keep you from ever allowing the lint to build up to a dangerous point. In fact, lint is often carried by campers to use as a starter for their campfire. Next clean the lint trap with an old toothbrush dish soap and water. Whoa, I'm out of breath!
Fabulous Winter Tips of the Week:
-- Many people have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors installed throughout their homes. But do you have a heat detector in your home? Since heat detectors can be used in areas where there is dust or cooking, they work great in kitchens, utility rooms and garages. These are areas where a smoke detector would be giving off nuisance alarms. Since heat detectors are not interlinked, they can pinpoint the location of a fire.
-- Keep your car doors from freezing shut; spray the rubber seals of your doors with cooking spray.
-- Make slippery steps easier to walk on by sprinkling non-clumping kitty litter onto iced areas.
-- Keep your attic well ventilated. The colder the attic, the less melting and refreezing on the roof.
Quote by Martin from Winnipeg: "Count your blessings each day that you are on this side of the grass."
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., R0A 0C0.
