Question: I have a problem with my Christmas tablecloth; it has a red stain from candle wax. The tablecloth is satiny and organza polyester. There seems to be a red lipstick smudge as well. I have tried Head and Shoulders dandruff shampoo and the heating method, but a red mark remains. Any suggestions?
— Elfie
Answer: The challenge with candle wax is that it often literally dyes the fabric of the tablecloth. Unfortunately, some stains are here to stay; depending on the location of the stains, you could soak the areas in paint thinner, but then you run the risk of removing additional dye from the fabric. Another solution that you can try is to scrub the area with Sunlight bar soap (this is a product that is found in the laundry section of grocery stores). Scrub with soap and water and wash. Repeat until the stain is gone. This remedy works quite well on shiny fabrics and will not discolour the cloth.
Question: I live on a farm and my house has white siding. In summer, I get terrible spider-dropping stains on the siding. Our mercury light faces this side of the house and the spiders are out making their webs at night. They’re quite big with round bodies. I’m presently scrubbing the siding with Spray 9, which only lightens the stains. Any idea about which product would eliminate the brownish stains? Would there be a spray to coat the siding and eliminate their presence?
Also, I would like to know how to get rid of jiffy mark writing on the hard black plastic of a Ski-Doo. I’ve tried rubbing alcohol, nail polish remover and paint thinner to no avail. Thank you for any ideas. — Christine
Answer: Although spiders add a huge benefit to our world they do, in some cases, make a mess. The easiest way to clean your siding is to use a pressure washer. Read the washer instructions carefully before use. Be sure to hold the pressure washer straight at eye level to keep the water on top of the siding where it can clean most effectively. Do not aim the washer upward, as water may be driven behind the siding. WD-40 is another option for cleaning up the mess but be sure to test it on a piece of siding to make sure that it does not stain the exterior.
To reduce the population of spiders and webs you can purchase a product called Web-Away Spider Eliminator. This product is non-toxic, biodegradable and an ecological safe product. The ingredients in Web-Away are approved by FDA/USDA and can be found on the Internet.
Now to tackle the marker on the Ski-Doo: Often when we try to remove permanent marker we end up setting the stain with cleaners. However, one wonderful proven solution that may work in your case is to colour over the permanent marker with a dry erase marker. Wipe with a dry rag and then with a wet rag.
Feedback
Re: Cleaning Shower
The dish soap worked so well to clean my shower. Now the question is how to get rid of mould in the shower drains. Just as a side note: yesterday on the radio was a story about a man who was cleaning his shower with toxic commercial cleaners and no ventilation and he passed out. Luckily when he came to he was able to stagger to his cell phone to call 911, but was unconscious when the emergency team arrived. He was revived as soon as he was outside. Dish soap and water are cleaning winners! Best wishes!
— Tess
Great information! I am not sure if you can reach the mould or you only smell an odour but if you have mould in the drains, my favourite non-toxic remedy is to pour lots of white vinegar (or cola) into the drains every day until the mould is gone.
I had a plant that had fungus gnats. I put it outside and it froze. I left it out all summer and it started to grow so I replanted it with new soil. I brought it in but the gnats came back, so I put Dr. Scholl’s athletes foot powder on the dirt and the gnats did not return.
— Bernice
Tips of the Week
A real tree can add to the spirit of Christmas by filling your home with beauty and the scent of pine. But take caution, a real tree can also pose a fire hazard. Each year, more than 400 residential fires involve Christmas trees and tragically nearly 40 deaths and 100 injuries result from those fires.
Unplug your Christmas tree before you leave the house or go to bed.
Keep your tree at least three feet from furnaces, radiators and fireplaces.
When you buy your tree, have the vendor make a fresh cut an inch from the bottom; this will help the tree drink.
Note: Every user assumes all risks of injury or damage resulting from the implementation of any suggestions in this column. Test all products on an inconspicuous area first.Reena Nerbas is a popular motivational presenter for large and small groups; check out her website: reena.ca. Ask a question or share a tip at reena.ca.
