Renovation & Design
Renovation & Design
Use a hair dryer to stretch tight shoes
QUESTION : I own a pair of shoes that have a stretch fabric over the top of the shoe. I tried them on as I need them for a wedding this weekend and they are tight. How can I stretch them a bit so they feel more comfy? Thanks, Shirley, Winnipeg
ANSWER : Here are effective techniques for shoe stretching. Put on a pair of thick socks. Slip into your shoe. Wave a hot hair dryer over the tight area for 30 seconds. Take a break and repeat. As the textile heats, it becomes easier to shape and stretch. Or fill a sealable bag with water. Seal the bag and put it inside another sealable bag, remove the air and close the bag. Insert the water bag into the shoe. Freeze the shoe overnight. Remove ice bag in the morning, as the water freezes, it stretches the shoe.
QUESTION : My husband's socks leave little bits of material all over and they wear out quickly : these are black dress socks. Do you have a recommendation of nylon/wool/polyester that would wear better? Thanks, Corinne, Winnipeg
ANSWER : Nylon socks last a very long time but some argue that nylon is uncomfortable and non-absorbent. High quality cotton and wool also lasts a long time especially if they are hand washed and hung to dry, however some say that itchiness is a negative factor. Your best bet is to purchase specialty socks made for hunting, hiking or sports such as rugby. They often contain a blend of cotton, spandex, wool, Lycra and nylon. High quality socks are a smart investment and last for years.
QUESTION : Three problems: I have a sporadic smell in my bathroom sink drain. Also, I can see discoloration on my linoleum floor in the laundry room; any way to remove it? I have a stain on my hardwood floor. I was polishing the floor and put the bottle down on the floor and it left a mark like it ate the finish. I have tried everything and nothing seems to work. If you could help with all these things I would appreciate it. Thank you, Yvette, Winnipeg
ANSWER : Bathroom sink odor: This problem is annoying especially when company is coming over. This sink dilemma may involve the drain and vent. The trap under the basin may not be holding enough water and is allowing sewer fumes into the room. If possible, remove the trap and clean it well with vinegar, water and dish soap. Also, clean the drain: pour one cup vinegar into drain, chase with one cup baking soda. Plug the drain and fill the sink with hot water. Leave overnight and in the morning, drain (it takes a couple of treatments to effectively remedy the odor). Do this once a month to keep the bathroom smelling fresh. If the sink continues to smell, call a plumber to investigate the vent stack from the roof.
Extra Note: Vinegar and bleach are not a safe mixture : in fact you should not mix bleach with anything (except water).
Discoloured linoleum floor: Unfortunately the yellow stains may be permanent. With so many vinyl and linoleum products on the market, it seems that what works on one does not necessarily work on another. If your floor is more than 50 years old it is most likely linoleum, in this case the linseed that makes up linoleum has discolored. In order to bring back the color the floor would need to be stripped and refinished. Doing this may or may not remove yellowing.
Or perhaps, the floor is actually vinyl. Many people have found pouring 3 per cent hydrogen peroxide onto the floor every day for three days is helpful. Other people have had great success by combining one quarter cup OxiClean with four litres of boiling water and pouring the solution onto the area. Another solution is bleach but most experience that this application removes the floors finish and shine.
Hardwood floor: Consider calling a professional hardwood floor restoration company to repair the stains on the floor. If you would like to take the DIY route; use very fine steel wool and wipe with mineral spirits to loosen the wax. Ventilate well and wipe with a damp cloth (test on an inconspicuous area first). Refinish as necessary.
Fabulous Tips of the Week
I have my own spray wet mop and I never purchase store bought refills. Instead I make my own; into the empty store bought bottle I combine 50/50 vinegar and water and three drops dish soap. My floor looks amazing! Submitted by: Eugene
I shake my head when I see people eating Taco in a Bag because they eat it wrong. For your lunch bag (in separate containers) prepare: chopped lettuce, tomatoes, grated cheese, salsa and ground beef. Purchase a bag of taco chips (this is where I notice people go wrong). Instead of cutting off the top of the bag (like most people tend to do), cut along the side of the bag. This make the meal easier to eat and salsa is able to flavor the entire contents of the bag (and my mother said my university degree was a waste of money). Submitted By: Marc
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.
I enjoy your questions and tips, keep them coming. Need a Presenter on the topic: Effective Speaking or The Power of Words? Check out: Reena.ca
