Question: I would like to remove the spots on my kitchen faucet without using products that will provoke a reaction. — Sophia
Answer: Polish the taps with wax paper to remove water spots on your faucet.
Question: What is tea tree oil and what is it used for? — Carson
Answer: Tea tree oil is extracted from the Melaleuca tree in Australia. Tea tree oil has many uses as it is a disinfectant, deodorizer and plant spray: into a spray bottle combine eight drops of tea tree oil and 32 ounces of water. Mix well and mist plants. Tea tree oil is safe for counters and can be used as an All-Purpose Cleaner: add 10-15 drops tea tree oil to two tablespoons of vinegar with one teaspoon of borax. Put solution in a 12-ounce spray bottle, then fill bottle with water. Shake until borax dissolves. Tea tree is also great for killing lice, as well as athletes foot. Purchase tea tree oil at most grocery stores, as well as health-food stores.
Question: I have an Under Armour athletic garment that has body odour smell in the armpits. I wash it after every use, but I cannot get the foul smell out. Any suggestions? — Candace
Answer: Soak in 50/50 white vinegar and water for a few hours before tossing the entire contents into the washing machine. Wash with HOT water and machine dry, so that fabric dries quickly. I also contacted the Under Armour company and they recommend soaking the gear thoroughly for 30 to 60 minutes in a solution of a half-cup of baking soda mixed with two quarts of water.
Question: Do you have any ideas of a good substitute for sour cream? — Marie
Answer: Combine four drops of lemon juice with one cup whipped cream. Let sit for 30 minutes.
Question: I’ve got a problem with my Christmas tablecloth. I have a red stain from candle wax on my tablecloth. It’s satiny and organza-like polyester (I think). There also seems to be a red lipstick smudge as well. I have tried Head and Shoulders and the heating method, but a red mark remains. Any suggestions? — Elly
Answer: The challenge with candle wax is that it often literally dyes the fabric of the tablecloth. Unfortunately, some stains are here to stay, but (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.
Wise thoughts
Dirt does get under fingernails when working, even when wearing gloves. To aid cleaning of fingernails — carry along the last bit of a soap bar and scratch your nails over the bar — filling under the nails with soap. After working, when you clean up, soap is the last part of the dirt under your nails and comes out easy and prevents staining. — Mary-Ann
Prevent wineglasses from toppling over in the dishwasher by gently securing them to the rack with an elastic band. Get rid of static electricity on clothing by running a wire hanger on the underside of the pants or dress. Freshen up shoes by placing a fabric softener sheet inside each shoe while not in use. — KM
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.
Have a great suggestion or tip? Please send an email at: reena.ca. Reena Nerbas is a popular motivational presenter for large and small groups; check out her website: reena.ca.