QUESTION: I purchased a grey velvet sofa. It had some creases on the middle of the cushion so I foolishly decided to iron them out. Consequently, I flattened the pile. Is there anything I can do to refresh this velvet pile? Thanks.
Jean, Winnipeg
ANSWER: This sounds like a permanent condition. Judging by your description, the fibres became heated and shrank much the same as when one puts teddy bears into the dryer. Attempt to rectify the problem by steaming the area and gently pulling the fibres up.
QUESTION: Can you tell me the best way to clean Tyndall stone on my fireplace? The whole thing has become discoloured over the years and there is a smoke smudge left from previous fires. Any help you can offer would be appreciated. Thank you.
Gerry, Winnipeg
ANSWER: Since Tyndall stone originates in Manitoba, I decided to call Gillis Quarries Ltd. Tyndall Stone in Manitoba so that I could provide you with the best possible advice.
If the surface is smooth, your best bet is to sand any stained areas with 50-grit sandpaper. A belt sander is a little easier and will save time. Do not use TSP on the surface; because of the salt in TSP, you may end up with white residue (efflorescence) on the stone. If the stone is rough, clean with a nylon-bristle brush.
In both cases, avoid using water, but if you feel that it is very necessary, protect the surrounding area and clean with 50/50 bleach and water.
QUESTION: I have a tan-coloured leather recliner that needs cleaning. I read newspapers and books in the chair and over time the ink from the newsprint has made the arms dirty. I tried liquid dish soap and a soft brush to remove the dirt, but it has little or no effect. Do you have any ideas on how to clean the arms of the recliner?
Myron, Steinbach
ANSWER: Whenever attempting to clean leather, you must always test cleaners on an inconspicuous area first. Over the years, readers have had great results getting rid of newspaper-ink stains be using one of the following: shaving cream, rubbing alcohol, Goof Off, Goo Gone, Sunlight bar soap, saddle soap, Windex, Calvin Klein Obsessions After Shave or Axe Body Spray. Discontinue application if leather dye begins to fade. Another favorite leather cleaner and renewing product is Urad (available online). Taken from Household Solutions 1 with Substitutions
Feedback from a reader:
Original problem: Lemon-juice stain on sealed Absolute Black granite countertop.
Dear Reena,
Thank you so much for taking the time to respond! I decided to soak the entire counter with lemon juice (I used over 40 lemons!), as it was the juice from a lemon which took the sealant off in the first place. (I did try this on my sample first). The same source you cited pointed out that after using lemon juice everywhere and seeing the surface uniform, choose one area and apply more juice. If it looks lighter, bad news: etching! If the second shot of lemon juice doesn't disturb the finish, a cure has been found... the sealer is gone!
It does look better. The smudgy marks and rings are basically gone. The rings are ever so slightly visible when the counter is wet, but only to me because I know where they were.
On the sample, I had originally used paint stripper, and while that didn't seem to work on its own, following it with lemon juice seemed to make the ring 100 per cent gone. I think if I used paint stripper as well on the counter, the rings would be 100 per cent gone, but I could see damage happening by accident to our painted cupboards, hardwood floor, etc., and I hate the idea of something so toxic in the kitchen, so I am going to live with it as is. Thanks again Reena! You're the best! Marg
Fabulous Tips of the Week:
Dear Reena,
A couple of weeks ago I read a question in your column about removing a substance burnt to the bottom of a pot. I have used a dryer sheet in the bottom of my pot and just covered it with hot water. I let it sit for an hour or so and then using the dryer sheet, I scrub the pot clean and then wash normally. It really works! Pat, Winnipeg
Dear Reena,
To remove glue residue from jars: Soak the jar in hot water. Leave for 30 minutes. Dry the jar with paper towels and apply a generous amount of petroleum jelly, margarine or bacon fat. Allow to stand 24 hours. Wipe area with a paper towel. Repeat if necessary. This works on most glue. Mary, Winnipeg
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.
