Question: A small kitchen mat that had a black cloth border on the bottom got wet when cleaning the floor and transferred the black dye into the beige vinyl flooring. I have tried everything I can think of (vinegar, bleach, solvents, laundry soaps and stain removers) to try to lift it or at least lighten it to no avail. Henry
Answer: Since the dye has become part of the vinyl, anything you apply to the flooring may destroy or at least discolour the vinyl. You need a product that will seep into the textile without ruining it. Vinegar does not contain a bleaching agent and will therefore not be effective. Soak the area with three per cent hydrogen peroxide, every day for several days. Take note of whether the area lightens, as you do not want a large white/yellow patch on your floor, so a little whitening at a time is ideal. Last resort is to use the Rit dye remover according to the instructions on the box.
Question: Our boat was stored over the winter, and mould developed quite badly on the carpet and the vinyl seats. Concrobium Mold Control was recommended, and it did remove a lot of the staining, and a light coat of it should protect it from further mould. Is this a product you would recommend? Do you have other suggestions? Thanks so much. Carol
Answer: Regarding the vinyl seats, I have never used or heard of Concrobium Mold Control, but the fact that it is working is cause to continue use. It may require several applications to clear the stains completely. You can also attempt to erase the marks using an art eraser, or apply mineral spirits or WD-40, these products that have had great success.
Question: Part of my grocery bill each week is spent on premium orange juice. So, I want to confirm that 100 per cent orange juice is made with oranges alone because the carton says, "never any water or sugar added." Is there anything at all added to the oranges? Norman
Answer: While many orange juice cartons/bottles claim to be 100 per cent pure premium orange juice, manufacturers often add a chemical flavouring compound known as ethyl butyrate to orange juice to enhance the flavour. The easiest observation of this may be done with your own simple experiment. Squeeze enough oranges into a cup to give yourself a few sips. Next pour yourself a cup of your favourite store-bought orange juice. Smell the difference? When flavour packs are added to "fresh" orange juice, it gives consumers the illusion the oranges are freshly squeezed. When compared side by side, most people notice a difference between fresh and store-bought juice.
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.
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