DISCOLOURED WALLS ARE LIKELY IN NEED OF FRESH COAT OF PAINT
Also, tips to get rid of grease marks on tile backsplash and an eyeglass cleaner recipe
Q I love your natural, nonchemical solutions. Is there anything that will remove the dark discoloration on the paint behind pictures hung on the wall? And is there a way to prevent this discoloration from happening?
A I contacted my favourite paint store and asked them for advice on this question. They said you are best off to repaint the entire wall. Most paint fades over time due to sunshine. This is not a stain, therefore it is permanent. The discoloured area is bleached and only by adding colour will the wall return to a solid hue. To avoid this in the future, you can search out fade-resistant paints or close window coverings during peak daylight hours.
Q I’m wondering if you have a homemade eyeglass cleaner solution. I need something that is safe for plastic lenses that have been coated with an antiglare and anti-scratch coating.
A I received the following recipe from an optician. Begin with a small test on your lenses ( just to be safe). Fill a spray bottle threequarters full of rubbing alcohol and one-quarter with water. Add a few drops of dish soap. Shake to mix. Spray lenses and gently wipe with a soft cloth (not paper towels, toilet paper or tissues, as these will scratch your lenses).
Q The tile backsplash directly behind the stove has grease marks. Any solutions?
A There are products on the market designed specifically for cleaning beautiful tile.
Here are suggestions in case you do not have access to commercial products. Begin with a combination of dish soap and water, then scrub with a non-scratching abrasive cloth. Next, make a paste of baking soda and three per cent hydrogen peroxide, scrub with a non-scratching abrasive cloth. Worst-case scenario, clean the area with household ammonia (test on an inconspicuous area first).
FEEDBACK FROM FABULOUS CONTRIBUTOR
Re: Spreadable butter
I used the following recipe to double the volume for many years and especially when we lived in Senegal as butter was so very expensive, having come all the way from France. I purchased the lecithin at health/ bulk food stores. It was a great way of stretching butter, plus it tasted just like butter, but with a softer consistency.
Submitted by: Lorraine
SPREADABLE BUTTER RECIPE
Combine 1 cup (250 ml) soft, salted butter, 1 cup (250 ml) safflower, canola or corn oil, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) water, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) skim milk powder, 1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) lecithin. Blend and pour into a lidded plastic container. Store in the fridge.
USES FOR AVON BUBBLE BATH, SKIN SO SOFT
Besides providing a delightful bath time and leaving no tub ring, Avon Bubble Bath is an effective product for lots of household cleaning needs and problems. Remove grease stains from clothes even when the stain has been missed the first time and the item has been washed and dried! Effective about 95 per cent of the time, apply full-strength bubble bath to the stain, rub in and let sit for about 30 minutes. Rewash the item, but make sure you rinse first to remove excess bubble bath beforehand (you don’t want a washing machine full of bubbles). Redo if the stain doesn’t come out on first try. Be cautious on dark fabrics not to leave on for too long. It is also great for handwashing fine lingerie. Submitted by: Jo-anne
I use Skin So Soft oil to soothe my aching muscles. It also soothes sunburns and softens hair when you use it as conditioner. Submitted by: Madeline
Skin So Soft oil spray is what I use to repel certain ant species that gather around my windows. Spray product on window sills. Submitted by: Roy
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.