Question: You had a solution a while ago, but I have lost the article! The only thing I can remember is that you spray the solution on chandelier crystals/plastic, leave it and everything is clean nice and shiny! Thanks so much!
— Olive
Answer: Here is the solution to clean a chandelier without scrubbing or polishing each piece.
Begin by covering the floor with newspaper or hang an open umbrella under the chandelier. Into an empty spray bottle combine one tsp (five ml) rubbing alcohol, four cups (1 l) hot water and two tbsp (30 ml) dishwasher anti spot agent (i.e. Jet Dry).
While the chandelier is off; spray the unit and let the liquid drip dry onto the umbrella or newspaper.
Recycle newspaper or rinse umbrella in the bathtub.
Question: I had the pleasure of listening to you at the Farm Women’s Conference; I bought your book and look forward to your Winnipeg Free Press column every Saturday. I do have a question for you: I came across my mom’s old nursing cap from 1946. It’s in fair shape but quite yellowed. I have searched the internet looking for a way to restore it, but haven’t had much success. Would you be able to provide some guidance? Many thanks!
— Shelley
Answer: In order to clean and restore the nurse’s cap, begin by combining two tbsp (30 ml) of cornstarch with 1/4 cup (60 ml) of water.
In a pot, bring one cup (250 ml) of water to a boil. Reduce heat to medium, then add the mixed cornstarch into the water until it becomes thick (just like gravy).
Into a bowl, mix four cups (1 l) of water, 1/4 cup (60 ml) of fabric-safe bleach or three-per-cent hydrogen peroxide and one tbsp (15 ml) of laundry detergent. Open the nurse’s cap and soak it in the bleach mixture for five minutes.
Scrub until clean. Towel dry using a white towel. Brush the cornstarch mixture onto the flat fabric to stiffen the material. Air dry, iron and fold into the cap shape.
Question: I have a Coppercraft piece (sold like Tupperware years ago), but it has several very dark spots on it — not green. Is there some way to remove them?
— Marjorey
Answer: The first option is to purchase Bar Keepers Friend and polish with a soft cloth. The second option is to sand the copper with dry, 400-grit sandpaper to remove the black marks. Follow that with 2000-grit wet sandpaper to polish the bowl.
It should look like new!
Here comes Christmas!
I always cut out sugar cookies on parchment paper. They peel off of the paper with ease and don’t lose their shape.
— Vanessa
To hide the stem of my Christmas tree, I wrap the trunk with burlap. I like the natural look and it is cheap.
— Ben
The finishing touch of my Christmas tree is the white chiffon fabric that I wrap around the bottom. The thing that makes it so unique is the white twinkly lights that I lay under the fabric (the lights don’t get hot). The lights shine through and add a special touch to the look of the tree.
— Miles
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
