QUESTION -- I put a hot dish on my oak dining table and it took the finish off. Is there a way to get rid of the white mark without restaining the table top? I would really appreciate hearing back from you. Thanks kindly. Sherry, Winnipeg
ANSWER -- It depends on how deep the heat penetrated the wood. Begin by blow drying the area. This may be all you need to do. If the spot remains, wipe the area with either mayonnaise or non-bleach, non-gel toothpaste. Leave for about an hour and wipe off. If the mark is not deep it will disappear. If the mark is still there, you can lighten the area by applying oxalic acid or a product that contains oxalic acid. Many furniture restoration professionals sell these products and should be able to help you select a product best suited for your needs. Oxalic acid will bleach the wood so be aware that once the water mark is removed, you'll probably have to refinish the piece. Test on a hidden spot.
QUESTION -- I have a black gas stove (that I really love) but would like to find something that cleans the black stovetop without using harsh scrubbers or chemicals because I am afraid to damage the surface. It would be nice to also do this without streaks! Is this covered in any of your three books? If not, any ideas? Thanks so much, Brenda (Russell)
ANSWER -- Using a good quality micro fibre cloth, wipe your stovetop after each use when it has cooled. Clean burners with dish soap and a plastic scouring pad. Stubborn cooked-on spills can be cleaned with a mild abrasive cleanser that you can make yourself by combining 50/50 borax and baking soda. If the spills are difficult to remove, allow the baking soda and borax combination time to sit on the food stained area before scrubbing it with a plastic scouring pad. Wash removable burner grates in a sink full of warm, soapy dishwater with a plastic scouring pad. Rinse all parts with warm clear water and dry.
Be careful to avoid the gas ports on your burners. If they are plugged use a toothpick to clean the ports, or brush gently with a soft-bristled brush. For pilot-less stoves, check the port and area below the igniter wire and clear it as well. Debris left under the igniter can keep the gas burner from lighting. To remove streaks combine 50/50 vinegar and water and wipe stove top.
QUESTION -- We have just recently purchased a used tent trailer and it smells like mothballs and it has been stored since 2008. Is there something that could get rid of these smells? Your help is greatly appreciated. Christine, Winnipeg
ANSWER -- You may want to consider renting an ozone machine. This little machine is not recommended for regular use but it is great for enclosed areas that have had smoke or flood damage or just smell. The machine lets out a molecule called O3 (which of course is oxygen with an extra molecule attached). The third molecule escapes into the air and absorbs all odours. These machines can be rented at tool rental retailers as well as some hardware stores.
If the machine is not an option for you, the best idea is to overpower your home with another smell but something not damaging to your health. If I were you, I would visit a gift shop or candle shop and purchase a bunch of soy candles. I have a few soy candles that carry a nice long-lasting scent without even being lit. If you choose a soy-based candle, make sure that you put it into a votive because as it melts it needs to be contained. Put several of these around the trailer and soon your summer home will smell nice. Wash everything including window treatments with a combination of vinegar and tea tree oil. Rinse with water. Lastly, the most obvious suggestion, which is to leave the windows open as much as possible.
Fabulous Tip of the Week:
I received this tip while in Europe. To keep cheese from going mouldy, wrap it in wax paper.
To prevent broom handles or metal vacuum wands from marking walls, put old socks over the ends. Both tips submitted by Kathy Felgate.
When oven spills occur, quickly pour a generous amount of salt onto the area. Wait about an hour and wipe up. The salt will absorb the spill and make clean-up a snap! Submitted by me: Reena Nerbas
Reena Nerbas is the author of the national best sellers, Household Solutions 1 with Substitutions, Household Solutions 2 with Kitchen Secrets and the BRAND NEW Household Solutions 3 with Green Alternatives available online and in stores across Canada.
I enjoy your questions and tips, keep them coming! Check out my website! www.householdsolutions.org
