QUESTION: I read your column in the Winnipeg Free Press each week and thoroughly enjoy the tips and solutions. We recently removed old wallpaper in the bathroom with fabric softener and some of the fabric softener ran onto the bathroom mirror. The glass at the top of the mirror will not wipe to a clear sparkling clean and it is cloudy/streaky. I have tried glass cleaners and vinegar and also different types of cloths but it is still cloudy/streaky. The problem is just at the top of the mirror because the rest of the mirror seems fine. Would you have a solution?
Also, we have a leather couch and in the top left corner it appears that some of the colour has rubbed off and there is a small black patch. I think that it may be worn over time from people's heads resting in that same spot. I have tried Dawn dish soap to rub it off but I think that the leather colour is gone so it cannot be fixed. Do you have any tips for this problem? Angie, Winnipeg
ANSWER: Spray a generous amount of non-gel shaving cream onto the mirror to remove the foggy cloudy appearance. Wipe and remove with a soft cloth. Next make a solution of cornstarch and water, wipe onto mirror and wipe off. Both solutions are great for zapping residue and giving mirrors a shiny appearance. Worst-case scenario, ventilate and spray on WD-40.
In terms of the leather, here are a few solutions to try: Wipe leather stain with a damp sponge until it is wet. Next rub with a piece of bread, to absorb stain. Or sprinkle the area with baking soda, leave for 30 minutes. Swipe back and forth with a damp brush until baking soda is absorbed. Or wipe leather with vinegar, doing this will break down the sweat stain and clean the area. If the colour is definitely gone, purchase a leather restoration product to bring back the colour. Lastly, I have heard from a number of people that Armor All is effective for removing stains on leather; just remember to always test everything on an inconspicuous area first.
QUESTION: You spoke at our women's retreat two years ago, and I am still using many of the tips that you shared, but now I am once again stumped. We have old (but good) plastic containers that smell, musty. My husband and kids want me to throw them out, should I listen to them? Darla, Clear Lake, Man.
ANSWER: Throw them out? No way! Use a pastry brush and smear the plastic interior with either mustard or toothpaste. Make sure that you cover every corner. Fill container with water and leave for a few hours, the smell will be gone.
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.
