QUESTION: I use pens that take refills. The last two worked for awhile and then stopped working. The store clerk suggested warming them; they worked briefly and then stopped. Is there anything else that I can do? Refills aren't cheap! Love your column, it is definitely a must-read! Dawn, Portage la Prairie
ANSWER: I agree that refills are not cheap. Since there are thousands of different types of pens and refills, your best bet is to contact the manufacturer of the pen instead of talking with the sales person. Warming the pen tip with a candle flame is typically the best way to get ink flowing but this should be longer lasting then a few uses (and risky as it could damage the pen tip). If the manufacturer does not give you a satisfactory answer, you may want to consider changing pen brands.
QUESTION: How can I remove shoe polish from carpet? Thanks. Norma, Winnipeg
ANSWER: Wash the area with heavy duty laundry detergent. If unsuccessful, apply glycerine and leave for one hour. Wash with warm water. When shoe polish stains won't budge, clean with one of the following: Rubbing alcohol, Goo Gone or Spot Shot for carpets these are great options.
QUESTION: I am not only getting tired of replacing numerous plug-in air fresheners around my home but it is also becoming expensive. Do you have a recipe for homemade air fresheners? Thanks in advance. Ruth, Winnipeg
ANSWER: Here is a very simple air freshener that you can make yourself. In a spray bottle mix half-cup rubbing alcohol, one cup water and 10 drops lemon essential oil. Spray room as needed. You can even add a few drops of this recipe to your vacuum bag. Also, placing sprigs of eucalyptus around your home will leave you with a nice aroma. Or put a bowl of vanilla in rooms that need freshening.
Another option is to purchase a catalytic lamp. Although a little pricey, it should last for many years. These fragrance lamps are said to actually purify the air, eliminate unpleasant odours and leave behind wonderful fragrances that will fill your home or office.
One more solution is beeswax candles -- what a wonderful scent when lit. This is another great way to make a room smell nice without adding a bunch of unhealthy toxins into the air.
Feedback from Manitoban Who Cares:
Dear Reena:
Regarding the subject of toilet paper in the Winnipeg Free Press on Dec. 10, 2011: What is the best toilet paper to buy to get the greatest bang for my money? My husband uses so much toilet paper, what a waste! Erma
This subject has bugged me for years. Not only does the quality come into play, but both the width and thickness become problems. I can't stand to see the recycled paper floating around in the bowl after a flush. Where is the saving when two or more flushes of water are required? Many times the width of the paper makes the roll look lost on my holder. It's irritating! The other week I purchased what I thought was good quality toilet paper with a pleasing thickness and softness. I was surprised to see that my toilet paper would not flush down, instead the paper was blocking up. Out came the gloves to remove the paper. The solution: use less paper so that both me and the bowl are happier. A.M.S., Winnipeg
Fabulous Tip of the Week:
-- Make your own gold cleaner: Stir together one teaspoon baking soda with half-cup water. Buff gold with a soft cloth. Always test on an inconspicuous area first.
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.
