QUESTION - I attempted to install ceramic tile inside the entrance of my home. It has been six months and the grout between some of the tiles is beginning to crack and crumble. Any idea why this is happening? Tanis, The Pas.
ANSWER - The first question to ask yourself is whether the grout was mixed properly. When mixing grout, a proper consistency must be achieved. Improperly mixed grout can lead to weak grout lines that crumble and crack. Grout can also crack along seams of walls where expansion and contraction occurs. However, the most likely reason for any grout line to crack is because the tile is loose. It sounds like more cement was needed under some (or all) of the tiles to hold them in place. You can determine if a tile is loose by tapping it with your knuckle and if it sounds hollow it is loose. You might even be able to lift the tiles up with little effort if they are really loose. In this is the case, you will want to re-do those tiles. Two days following installation remember to seal the grout.
QUESTION - What is grout sealer and should I seal my bathroom tile? Dorin, Winnipeg
ANSWER - Grout sealer is a liquid that is applied about two days after grout work is done. Once it is applied it soaks into the grout and dries creating a protective barrier against water and dirt. Sealing tile is strongly recommended after it has been newly re-grouted or following new tile installation. It can greatly extend the life of your grout and even make it easier to clean as the dirt will tend to float on the surface rather then penetrate deep into the grout. If grout is very stained it can be professionally steam cleaned.
QUESTION - My mom has a huge scratch in her glass coffee table and I was wondering if you have any solutions as to how to get it out. Any input you have would be great. Thanks. Danielle, Winnipeg
ANSWER - Some people report that inexpensive whitening toothpaste is effective at hiding small scratches. Add baking soda to the toothpaste and apply it into scratches with a toothpick, leave it for 30 minutes and buff with a soft cloth. Two other homemade solutions for hiding small scratches on glass are Brasso metal polish or the following homemade remedy: Combine 50/50 dry mustard and white vinegar. Buff scratches and polish the surface with a soft cloth.
To hide large scratches such as what you are describing, your best bet is to purchase a glass scratch fixit kit. Check out your local hardware store or websites for repair kits such as i.e. www.glassscratchrepair.co.uk.
QUESTION - I read your article in the Winnipeg Free Press last week and wanted to try your window/glass cleaner recipe but you didn't indicate the sprayer bottle size. Therefore, I don't know how much vinegar to mix in with the 1 tsp. dish soap and one quarter cup rubbing alcohol. Please let me know. Thank you, Wendy, Winnipeg
ANSWER - Use an 18 oz spray bottle and the recipe will work well!
QUESTION - I'm a bachelor and need your help. Can you recommend a cleaner and sealer/polish for a Bath Fitter bathtub liner? Many thanks. Kale, Bisset.
ANSWER - You can use Gel Gloss as a sealer/polish or Turtle Wax. If you use Turtle Wax, you need to completely clean the unit before applying the wax. For everyday cleaning, use any non-abrasive product i.e. dishwashing soap, baking soda and water etc. Borax and Ajax are too abrasive unless you dissolve them in water first.
Reena Nerbas is the author of the national best sellers Household Solutions 1 and 2
I enjoy your questions and tips, keep them coming!
Check out my website! www.householdsolutions.org
Fabulous Tip of the Week
Store chips, crackers and cereal in the freezer, they will never go stale!
