File photo / The Associated Press
Fill cracks and holes in a wood table with wood-filler epoxy, let harden, then lightly sand the surface with 180-grit sandpaper.
Question: I have an old wooden table that was in very bad shape and I took it to be refinished. The refinished product is beautiful, but now the tabletop is splitting or separating. Is there anything I can do to fix this problem without having to take it back to be re-glued and refinished again? Thank you in advance for your expertise. Sally
Answer: If you do not have prior knowledge or experience in the field of carpentry, the greatest outcome will occur if you take the table for professional repair and refinishing. If this is not an option, you can attempt to repair the table with the help of a wood-filler epoxy, matching the colour of the wood (available at hardware stores). Use wood filler epoxy according to the directions on the package. After you fill the split, smooth the putty with a putty knife. Let dry and sand the table. Refinish as desired.
Question: My stainless-steel toaster oven has scorch marks on the outside surface. How can I remove these? Thank-you, Bonnie
Answer: Many people would agree that a degreasing product is your best option to remove scorch marks on appliances. Others suggest the following as effective products for this challenge: Bon Ami, Bar Keepers Friend, Mr. Clean Magic Eraser and Windex. In my experience, a great option is to apply cooking oil onto the stain. Sprinkle baking soda over the oil. Leave for 15 minutes and scrub with a damp green scrubby pad. Rinse with water and dish soap. In some cases scorch marks are permanent and are not removable.
Question: The baking tray in our toaster oven is getting black in spots. How can I clean it? It seems like it’s baked into the pan — there’s nothing to scrape off. We haven’t had this pan very long. Susan
Answer: I am assuming that you are referring to the baking tray where the food sits, and not the crumb tray which sits on the bottom of the oven. Begin by reading the toaster oven manual for cleaning and safety recommendations. Some people line the baking tray with foil or parchment paper; use caution because this may be a fire hazard and can ruin the unit. Clean the tray often to reduce staining which occurs from baked on food. Clean your bake tray with a combination of baking soda, vinegar and dish soap or Bar Keepers Friend. Scrub with a non-abrasive nylon or polyester cloth. Toaster oven liners are available at some kitchen stores. Clean the glass door with a sponge, dish soap and water.
Question: How can I clean my sterling silver, gemstone ring without losing the stones? Joyce
Answer: The best way to clean silver rings is to gently rub them with warm water, dish soap and a baby toothbrush. For very dirty jewelry, add one drop of household ammonia. Avoid anything abrasive such as toothpaste, as this may scratch the jewelry. Avoid harsh commercial silver cleaners as they may dissolve the glue that holds the jewelry together. Dry with a soft cloth.
Feedback:
Doll Repair:
My daughter drew all over her American Girl doll with ballpoint pen. After paying $100 for this doll, I wanted to remove the marks. I applied acne medicine with 10 per cent Benzoyl Peroxide onto the marks then wrapped the stained area with plastic wrap. I left the doll wrapped overnight. In the morning I wiped off the acne medicine with a clean cloth and fresh water. The ballpoint ink vanished. I am glad this worked, otherwise I would have sent the doll to the American Girl hospital in the U.S. — Colleen
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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