QUESTION: A group of us hope you can suggest how to effectively clean the inside of smelly boxing gloves. So far we've tried Febreeze, Javex and vinegar. We've heard rumours about freezing but at the same time we want to make sure we don't damage the gloves. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you. Karen, Winnipeg
ANSWER: The unappealing stench that you refer to comes from mould and bacteria collected from your hands; both thrive in warm and humid environments. Always air dry gloves when not in use. If you can't hand-wash them in the bathtub, spritz inside the glove with 50/50 rubbing alcohol and water. After a few minutes, slide one of the following inside gloves; a cotton ball with a few drops of tea tree oil, a sock full of cedar chips, or dry coffee grounds. Also store crumpled up newspaper inside each glove when not in use.
If you can pop one of your old gloves into the freezer for 24 hours, this will be a great test as to how well your gloves will hold up to freezing temperatures (a great way to combat smells). Freezing temperature will kill bacteria.
QUESTION: I cleaned my stainless-steel fridge with Windex. It has left a shine where it should be a brushed look. Do you know of any way to rectify this problem? Bev, Winnipeg
ANSWER: Windex is ammonia and may have permanently stripped the brushed finish. Your best bet is to contact the manufacturer and ask for the recommended fix. Please do not experiment with products advised to you by other stainless-steel appliance owners because they may be dealing with stainless steel that differs from yours. Please let me know what the manufacturer says.
QUESTION: I have two of your books and find them very helpful. However I could not find anything about cleaning silicone cookie sheet liners and utensils. Hope you can help. Thanks. Nancy, (Treherne, Man.)
ANSWER: Silicone is a non-porous option for cookware and bakeware. Some people love it while others will drive to the ends of the earth to avoid it. For daily cleaning use a little warm soapy water or toss them into the dishwasher. Every once in a while, use my 'Corellabunga' recipe (page 88 of Household Solutions 2). In a large pot combine: 4 cups water, 3 cups vinegar and 2 tbsp. citric acid (found in pharmacies). Boil for 5 minutes and remove from water. Scrub with an S.O.S. pad and dish soap. The faster you clean up after each use, the easier the task.
QUESTION: Here's a problem I think has no solution. Being a novice at hair colouring, I tried a non-permanent ammonia-free colour. I tried to be careful but a spot must have landed on my white vinyl flooring and I didn't even notice it until the next day. I have tried everything but the colour is not budging! I wrote to the company, they suggested Javex. That did nothing. Do you have any suggestions? Appreciate any advice,. With thanks. Marlene, Winnipeg
ANSWER: If acetone didn't do the trick and rubbing alcohol had no results why not tackle that stain with a taste of its own medicine? You dyed the floor, now use RIT dye remover to 'undye' the mess. According to the RIT website: "RIT can be used to dye many different types of materials including wood, paper, plastic, feathers, and even canvas shoes!" So why not the floor? Test the product on an inconspicuous area to be certain that the floor will not discolour. Soak the area with hot water and RIT dye remover, pour the contents onto the affected area and note the difference. Worst-case scenario: Replace a small section of the floor.
Reader feedback
Hi Reena,
A belated thank-you for solving the sediment problem in my dishwasher. I poked the upper spray arms with a toothpick and loosened all the sediment and eureka it worked! I also changed the dishwasher powder. Now I have nice clean dishes. Grace
Fabulous pumpkin treat of the week
Make your own Jell-O Pumpkins by dissolving two, six-ounce boxes of orange Jell-O in two-and-a-half cups boiling water. Let set for 30 minutes. Whisk together one (3.4 ounce) box of instant vanilla pudding with one cup milk. Mix until smooth. Pour pudding contents into Jell-O. Blend and pour into greased 9x1- inch pan. Chill to set. Cut into circles using a glass or pumpkin cookie cutter. Decorate pumpkin face with candy corn and black licorice.
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, MB, ROA 0C0.
