QUESTION: I have three drops of white spray paint on my microfibre sofa and loveseat. I spray-painted a mask and thought if I waved it around, it would dry faster. I didn't realize it had some wet paint on it and when I waved it around, a few drops landed! How can I get the spots off? In a panic, I dabbed a small amount of nail-polish remover on them, but that didn't work. I would appreciate your expertise! Thanks. Melanie, Winnipeg
ANSWER: Unfortunately, solvents do not work well to remove paint from microfibre fabrics after the paint has set for more than six hours. One option is to scrub the area with dish soap and water. Goof Off is your next step; be sure to test it on an inconspicuous area first. Scrubbing the area with paint thinner is a risky option because it may discolour the fabric. However, if you find yourself considering throwing out the furniture, then you have nothing to lose by choosing this option.
QUESTION: Hope you can help with my problem. My daughter left a glass of water on the middle of her desk. It is a new laminated desk, and the glass left a circular bubble pattern. I would not be able to peel up the surface to place glue underneath. I am not quite sure how to attempt to fix this. I was thinking of ironing with a cloth underneath the iron, but hope you can give me some advice before I try. Thanks. Holly, Winnipeg
ANSWER: You took the words right out of my mouth. If I were in your position, I would take a white tea towel and press the area with a warm iron. It is my hope that as you pull the moisture from under the finish, the bubble will recede back to its original position.
QUESTION: I have used several of your solutions in the past and they work great. I have a laundry problem. Can you please tell me how to get the smell of diesel fuel out of my husband's work clothes? Someone told me to use Lestoil, but that smells just as bad! Help! Mary, Winnipeg
ANSWER: Diesel is a very strong odour and for that you require a powerful solution. Soak the work clothes in two cups of cola and half a cup of baking soda. Add enough hot water to cover the clothes. Leave for several hours and wash as usual.
QUESTION: Do you have any easy tips for sharpening regular everyday household scissors? Mine are dull and I don't want to purchase a new pair. Helda, Landmark, Man.
ANSWER: Fold together several sheets of aluminum foil and cut through the foil several times with the scissors. The foil acts as a sharpener for the blades. Or in the same way, use a new SOS pad or fine sandpaper and cut through either several times to sharpen the scissors. Of course, if you happen to have a knife sharpener on hand, you can use it to sharpen scissor blades and make those scissors as good as new.
QUESTION: What is the right way to care for a down-filled comforter? I washed and dried mine in the machine and now it feels lumpy and matted.
ANSWER: Before taking another step, check the care label instructions to find out if machine washing is recommended. If you decide to launder by machine, you will need an oversized washer so the comforter has sufficient room to move; therefore the average home machine may not be the answer. Wash with warm water on a low setting. Include clean washable shoes inside both washer and dryer to help the comforter wash and dry on all sides. The blanket should be fully fluffed and dried before it is removed.
Extra tip: Since a comforter takes a very long time to dry, wrap it in dry towels to ring out the moisture before sending it to the dryer.
Fabulous tips of the week:
-- Who's ready to make deodorant? In a double boiler, heat equal parts baking soda, petroleum jelly and talcum powder until a smooth cream forms. Store in a jar.
-- For eyeglass wearers who have a hard time seeing to tweeze eyebrows, turn eyeglasses upside down before tweezing. That way seeing is no problem and eyebrows are not obstructed.
I enjoy your questions and tips, keep them coming! Missed a column? Can't remember a solution? Need a speaker for an upcoming event? Check out my brand new blog/website: reena.ca .
