QUESTION: Recently I hosted a dinner and when the guests left I noticed several red wine stains on my white tablecloth. Because my laundry room is small and dark I decided to use Spray and Wash while the tablecloth was still on the table (that way I wouldn't miss any stains). The next day I realized the spray had dulled the finish on my wood table. Is there any way to restore the finish? My table is honey oak with a veneered top. Shirley, Winnipeg
ANSWER: It sounds as though the chemical in your cleaning solution stripped the finish from your table. Begin by smearing mayonnaise onto the area. Wait 20 minutes and wipe. If the area appears unchanged, you will either need to contact a professional or attempt to buff and blend. Purchase 600 grit superfine wet/dry sandpaper and gently rub the surface with water or lemon oil. Dip 000 steel wool into paste wax and buff the area. You will notice the spot will be shiny but will dull when it dries. As the area starts to dull, buff with a soft cloth. Another option is to conceal the area with a matching crayon or permanent marker (blend with your finger). If you choose to use a crayon, slightly soften it in the microwave or on the stove in a pot before spreading it onto the wood.
QUESTION: My problem is a badly scorched pot I left simmering on the stove intending to return home five minutes later. I got distracted by a neighbour for about 10 minutes, returning to find my smoke detectors singing loudly and my town home filled with smoke. Eeeeek!
Two things:
How do I get my expensive pot cleaned up to look like new? I have tried baking soda and an abrasive scrubby, kitchen soap in boiling water. This has worked somewhat. The outside of the pot is still stained near the bottom.
How can I eliminate the scorched odour from my home? This is the first time this has ever happened, and neighbours came to see what the alarm was all about! Thanks so much for your advice. Kay, Winnipeg
ANSWERS: Adding the element of heat is smart but instead of water and baking soda, pour enough vinegar into the pot to cover the bottom, then add baking soda. Bring to a boil for 5 minutes. Turn element off, cover and leave overnight. Scrub in the morning. Unless there is a chance of permanent scratches, use an S.O.S pad. Or sprinkle the inside of the pot with a layer of dishwasher detergent powder. Fill the pot one-quarter full with water. Boil for 5 minutes and remove from element. Leave overnight and wash as normal. Or leave cola in the pot overnight. Scrub with an abrasive pad in the morning! Some people have great results by soaking a fabric softener sheet inside the pot with some water overnight, however it sounds like your pot is in need of a more aggressive solution. As for the outside of the pot, spray with oven cleaner and scrub (test on an inconspicuous area first).
The odour will eventually evaporate but in the meantime, leave an open bag of charcoal in the room or a big open bottle of vinegar or an onion cut in half. You might also check out purchasing a diffuser you can plug into the wall and add some really nice smelling essential oils. Or, boil vanilla (or essential oils combined with water) on the stove to reduce the burnt smell.
QUESTION: I am looking for your recipe for bugs or mosquitoes using mouthwash and other ingredients. This is supposed to be good for keeping the nasty pests away. Lisa, Winnipeg
ANSWER: I have decided we won't be inviting mosquitoes to visit this year. But just in case, you can make your own mosquito repellent by combining the following into a spray bottle: 1 L water, 4 tbsp. (60 mL) lemon dish soap, 4 tbsp. (30 mL) Original Listerine. Spray liberally (safe for small children).
Fantastic tips of the week:
-- Free up counter space by making your own banana hanger. Buy a long utility hook and screw it underneath one of your kitchen cabinets. Hang your bananas on it.
-- To touch up popcorn ceilings, use a textured, pre-mixed paint. Dab onto your ceiling with a small paint brush. It is important to remember ceilings yellow over time therefore have the white paint tinted with a touch of yellow so it will blend with your ceiling.
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., ROA 0C0.
