Soak your wrinkled vinyl tablecloths in warm water
Q When we proceeded to set the tables for our church supper, we discovered that two of our vinyl tablecloths had been carelessly folded and put away. How do we get the wrinkles out of them? I do believe they will crack if left this way. I wondered about using a hair dryer on them or a steam iron with a damp cloth under the iron. Do you have an answer for us?
A Soak the tablecloths in the bathtub or a sink with warm water and 1 tbsp. (15 ml) of fabric softener or hair conditioner. Hang them to dry. Ironing the tablecloths may also help but adds more work than necessary.
FEEDBACK FROM WISE CONTRIBUTORS
Re: Smell from wood-burning stoves
The smell is likely due to negative house air pressure. The solution is to put in fresh air vents in both appliances. Also, open a window wider when drafting a wood stove but always leave it a little open. Every pound (0.45 kg) of wood requires one cubic foot (0.03 cubic metres) of air to burn. A fire with lots of air burns cleaner and hotter. A fire burns better during a high pressure (clear sky) than a low pressure (cloudy sky precipitation soon). The actual terrain where you live can affect how your wood stove burns, and the air pressure inside. Also, every time I use the exhaust fan shower or stove I open a window (wider in the winter when the wood stove is burning).
Submitted by: Rodney
P.S. I had a shower and opened the southeast window. As I got out I smelled the unusual chimney odour. The wind was coming from the northwest and was vacuuming air out the southeast window and with the exhaust fan, that changed the air pressure to be equalized by entry from the easiest point of entry. This should be avoided when burning or just after, due to C02.
Re: Repairing deep cuts in leather furniture
A reader of yours had asked it you can re-dye leather. The short answer is no but the longer answer is you can have the leather repainted. I had this done on my BMW — seats with the colour rubbed were airbrushed by a pro. They looked new after the paint job. Did the same with an expensive living room leather chair — again it looked new after the paint job.
My car seat air-brushing cost roughly $500. Tell people to call luxury car dealerships to see who they use for a good referral. Submitted by: Rick
THIS SPUD’S FOR YOU
Have a knife with some rust
■ spots? If you insert the knife into a potato and let it sit for a while, it will go a long way in removing the rust.
Submitted by: Henry
I make the best stuffed potatoes
■ you have ever tasted. My secret is to slit the potatoes a few times and microwave them for about five minutes. Next, scoop out the potato flesh and combine with creamy alfredo sauce, cheddar cheese, chopped garlic, salt and pepper. Fill the potato skins and bake in the oven until soft.
Submitted by: Dez
Instead of cleaning potatoes by ■ scrubbing them with a bristled brush, I use an abrasive pad to ensure they are very clean and free of dirt.
Submitted by: Dez 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.