Renovation & Design
Renovation & Design
SOLUTIONS: Keep those photo albums picture-perfect
QUESTION: What is the best way to store photo albums so that they do not warp over time? Brendan, Cartwright, Man.
ANSWER: You want to get the most out of your photo albums and all of the hard work that you put into making them a lasting memory. Store your albums where you spend most of your time, not in attics or in the basement (where water damage is always a threat). Position albums up and down, vertically; your photos can get warped if stored on their sides.
QUESTION: I received a wool blanket for my birthday several years ago. Can you tell me how to wash it without it shrinking? Celica, Winnipeg
ANSWER: Tumble dry the blanket by itself for three minutes to remove dust (no heat). Fill washing machine with lukewarm water and a half-cup detergent. Run washer for three minutes. Turn machine off. Add blanket and let soak for 10 minutes. Use your hands or a broomstick handle to turn blanket. Set machine to spin. Never use the agitator on wool blankets. Remove blanket and fill machine with warm water and one cup vinegar. Let blanket soak for three minutes. Spin to drain. Tumble dry on the air-only setting for 20 minutes. Note: To soften blankets, add a capful of hair conditioner or to vinegar rinse. (Taken from Household Solutions with Substitutions)
QUESTION: When cleaning my oven with commercial oven cleaner I got some oven spray on my vinyl flooring. I didn't notice it until the next day. It has not eaten through and made a hole but seems to be on the surface as little dark brown spots. Is there any way that these might be removed? As we live in a rental unit any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Linda, Winnipeg
ANSWER: Oven cleaner contains a huge amount of lye which can cause permanent burns on surfaces. Begin by making a paste of baking soda and water. Leave the paste on the surface for one hour before scrubbing with an SOS pad. Second options include: Orange TKO or Brasso, both have had positive results. If the stain remains you may need to replace that section of the floor.
QUESTION: I am told you are the one to turn to for a stain problem. I have an off-white leather couch and it has a light blue stain on it. The stain almost looks the colour of blue jeans but I have no idea where it came from. I have used two different leather cleaners on it and it has faded the stain to some degree but has not taken it away completely. Do you have any magic that I can try? Thank you, Bob, Winnipeg
ANSWER: Magic indeed! Begin by erasing the stain with the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser this has been a big help to several people with the same conundrum. You can also wipe the area with Dawn dish soap and rinse with a small amount of water. Worst case scenario, wipe stain with rubbing alcohol. Always test on an inconspicuous area first. There are products on the market formulated to remove dye transfer on leather; one such product is called Maxi Cleaner.
Fabulous Tips of the Week
-- Keep your rolling paper wrapped in waxed paper and in the fridge. It will be chilled, and ready to roll out pastry.
-- To brighten white sheets, hang them overnight on a clothesline in the winter.
-- To take the crease out of dresses, skirts and pants after letting down the hem, spray the fabric with vinegar before ironing.
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.
Renovation & Design
SOLUTIONS: Keep those photo albums picture-perfect
QUESTION: What is the best way to store photo albums so that they do not warp over time? Brendan, Cartwright, Man.
ANSWER: You want to get the most out of your photo albums and all of the hard work that you put into making them a lasting memory. Store your albums where you spend most of your time, not in attics or in the basement (where water damage is always a threat). Position albums up and down, vertically; your photos can get warped if stored on their sides.
QUESTION: I received a wool blanket for my birthday several years ago. Can you tell me how to wash it without it shrinking? Celica, Winnipeg
ANSWER: Tumble dry the blanket by itself for three minutes to remove dust (no heat). Fill washing machine with lukewarm water and a half-cup detergent. Run washer for three minutes. Turn machine off. Add blanket and let soak for 10 minutes. Use your hands or a broomstick handle to turn blanket. Set machine to spin. Never use the agitator on wool blankets. Remove blanket and fill machine with warm water and one cup vinegar. Let blanket soak for three minutes. Spin to drain. Tumble dry on the air-only setting for 20 minutes. Note: To soften blankets, add a capful of hair conditioner or to vinegar rinse. (Taken from Household Solutions with Substitutions)
QUESTION: When cleaning my oven with commercial oven cleaner I got some oven spray on my vinyl flooring. I didn't notice it until the next day. It has not eaten through and made a hole but seems to be on the surface as little dark brown spots. Is there any way that these might be removed? As we live in a rental unit any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Linda, Winnipeg
ANSWER: Oven cleaner contains a huge amount of lye which can cause permanent burns on surfaces. Begin by making a paste of baking soda and water. Leave the paste on the surface for one hour before scrubbing with an SOS pad. Second options include: Orange TKO or Brasso, both have had positive results. If the stain remains you may need to replace that section of the floor.
QUESTION: I am told you are the one to turn to for a stain problem. I have an off-white leather couch and it has a light blue stain on it. The stain almost looks the colour of blue jeans but I have no idea where it came from. I have used two different leather cleaners on it and it has faded the stain to some degree but has not taken it away completely. Do you have any magic that I can try? Thank you, Bob, Winnipeg
ANSWER: Magic indeed! Begin by erasing the stain with the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser this has been a big help to several people with the same conundrum. You can also wipe the area with Dawn dish soap and rinse with a small amount of water. Worst case scenario, wipe stain with rubbing alcohol. Always test on an inconspicuous area first. There are products on the market formulated to remove dye transfer on leather; one such product is called Maxi Cleaner.
Fabulous Tips of the Week
-- Keep your rolling paper wrapped in waxed paper and in the fridge. It will be chilled, and ready to roll out pastry.
-- To brighten white sheets, hang them overnight on a clothesline in the winter.
-- To take the crease out of dresses, skirts and pants after letting down the hem, spray the fabric with vinegar before ironing.
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.
