Pipes, pens and paper towels
Q How can I remove a ballpoint pen ink stain off my leather couch?
A The safest solution is to do nothing; ballpoint ink on leather often fades on its own over time. If you don’t want to wait, apply a small amount of dish soap and water onto the area, this may be all you need to get the job done. When attempting to clean leather, you should always test cleaners on an inconspicuous area first. Over the years, readers have had great results getting rid of ink stains by using one of the following: non-bleach, nongel toothpaste; shaving cream, hairspray, Goof Off, Goo Gone, Sunlight bar soap, mosquito repellent containing DEET, saddle soap, Windex, Calvin Klein Obsession After Shave or Axe Body Spray. Discontinue application if leather dye begins to fade. Another popular leather cleaner and renewing product is Urad, which is available online.
Q I have recently started smoking a pipe. Do you know of any solvent that will dissolve all the gunk that accumulates in the pipe without destroying the pipe itself? I enjoy your columns very much.
A Place the pipe in a sealable bag and pour salt and rubbing alcohol into the pipe. Close the bag and shake (the bag, not yourself ). Leave overnight and wipe; rinse with water.
Q Do you think paper towels are a sanitary product for wrapping food such as veggies, or cooking food in the microwave?
A Your choice for storing and cooking food such as fruit and vegetables has a major impact on taste and texture. Certain veggies such as asparagus, beets, horseradish, parsnips, artichokes, herbs and lettuce may be stored in either dry or damp paper towels, depending on the vegetable, without unsanitary consequences. However, in my view, a clean tea towel does the same trick and is less expensive and more environmentally friendly. When using paper towels in the microwave, choose solid white paper towels and avoid paper towels with printed colour designs.
ALTERNATIVES TO SINGLE USE PLASTIC BAGS
Whenever I buy frozen fruit or vegetables in zip lock bags, I rinse them out and keep them. They are so handy to dispose of smelly things in the garbage (bones, shells, meat waste) so that the smells stay locked in. It helps to prevent odours every time I open my garbage pail. Marlana
As we all know, many stores will no longer offer plastic grocery bags, so I have purchased several bins to carry my groceries to my vehicle. Val
I kept forgetting to take my own bags whenever I went shopping, but now I add “remember bags” to the top of my grocery list which reminds me before I enter the store. Len
Jute bags are a great alternative to plastic bags. They are made from biodegradable vegetable fibres and can be composted when they begin to fall apart. Edward
I hired my neighbour to sew 12 mesh produce bags. I always keep six of them in my purse, and now I never need to use plastic vegetable bags at the grocery store. Lance
Reena Nerbas is a popular motivational presenter for large and small groups; check out her website — reena.ca — to ask a question or share a tip.
Disclaimer: 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.