QUESTION: About three weeks ago, I painted a wall and a couple of days later I noticed a musty smell in the room. I now realize that the smell is coming from the wall. I have since washed the wall with an ammonia-water solution, rinsed with plain water, washed again with a bleach-water solution and rinsed with plain water, but the smell remains. Any comments or suggestions? Fran, Winnipeg
ANSWER: As time moves forward, the musty paint smell will disappear. In the meantime, fill several bowls of water and place onion halves into each bowl. The smell of onions will absorb the foul paint smell without leaving a strong onion smell behind. Next time you paint, add a few drops of clear (real) vanilla to your paint can to mask fumes.
If I were you, I would stop washing the walls because every time the walls become wet, the paint dry period is delayed. Instead, fill an empty spray bottle with white vinegar and add several drops of tea tree oil. Spray the air but not the walls.
Finally, never combine bleach with ammonia. You began by washing the walls with ammonia and then again with bleach; I realize that you did not literally combine both products, but even using one after another is risky. Bleach and ammonia make a deadly combination by creating chlorine gas, which is unhealthy.
QUESTION: How can I clean the yellow cigarette-smoke stains off a piece of dried coral (Elkhorn coral)? The piece is approximately 24 inches high and eight inches at the widest point. It was originally white and is now a yellow colour. Thank you for your time. Beth, Winnipeg
ANSWER: The fact is that the colour of coral is highly variable, relying on a large number of environmental factors such as lighting, spectrum, nutrition and alkalinity. If you change any one of those variables then the colour of the coral will change.
In terms of dry coral, use whitening toothpaste for smokers or Crest whitening toothpaste and a soft toothbrush to clean coral. Another option is to soak coral in several denture tablets and water. Leave overnight and rinse.
Did you know? Two major reef building species, the Elkhorn and Staghorn corals, were placed on the endangered list in 2006.
QUESTION: We have a cottage north of the Gimli area which we use year-round. It's only about 10 years old. The well water is hard. There are now rust stains on the toilet bowl, which I can't seem to get rid of. Any ideas?
I've also recently purchased a stacking washer and dryer for the cottage. Are there any preventive measures I can take to ensure I don't have problems with the washer because of the hard water? Thanks for your help. Carol, Winnipeg
ANSWER: To remove rust stains in a toilet, purchase a pumice stone and lubricate it with either cheap shampoo or dish soap. Wet the stone and gently wipe the toilet rim to remove rust marks.
As for your washer, leave the lid open whenever the machine is not in use. Run one cup of vinegar through the machine at least once a month so that the washer and hoses remain fresh and clean.
Fabulous Tips of the Week
-- Next time you have a sore throat, dice an onion and soak it with honey in a covered cup for at least one hour. Every two to three hours drink a spoonful of the liquid. You will be amazed at how great it tastes and soothes.
-- Add one tablespoon of vinegar to the rinse water when washing and your pantyhose will last longer.
Reena Nerbas is the author of the national bestselling Household Solutions series. Her website is www.householdsolutions.org. You can contact her at Box 429, Blumenort, Man., ROA 0C0.
