WASH AWAY STICKY RESIDUE ON GLASS
Q To deter birds from flying into my patio windows, I put decals on the windows. I took the decals off and they have left sticky goo which I can’t remove. Do you have any advice?
A Your best bet is to wash the sticky residue with a nonscratching abrasive cloth, hot water and dish soap. The hot water will loosen the glue. Clean your windows as normal after the residue is gone.
Q To meet the recycling standards, I was removing a large label from paper towel packaging. I got it off in one swift rip, which was fantastic, until it landed flat on the concrete floor. I finished unloading the paper towels and by the time I got to the label, it was flush. I was able to peel off a few bits, but they were coming off in bits. I stopped as I felt this wouldn’t help. Now I’m left with a foot-long mess on the concrete. Thoughts? Hoping to avoid heavy-duty chemicals. Thought maybe a rag soaked in vinegar might work?
A Hot water and a stiff plastic scraper should be all you need to remove the sticker. A hot hair dryer is another option. Or pour rubbing alcohol onto the area and gently scrape.
Q I would like to know how to clean a badly burned ceramic stovetop. My daughters have made eggs and not cleaned the stove top properly and it is impossible to clean. I have used the glass top cleaner and scraper but am unable to get the burned spots off.
A Years ago, a contributor shared the same challenge. She sprayed the stove with oven cleaner and scrubbed. She said the stove looked brand new (test on an inconspicuous area first).
FEEDBACK FROM WISE CONTRIBUTOR
Re: Peeling garlic
I was reading about a tip for removing the peel from garlic cloves. I have the following tip: Microwave a clove or two on high for about 5 seconds, then cut off the end and the peel will just slide off !
Submitted by: Christine
USE THESE TIPS WITH A GRAIN OF SALT
Pour 1/2 cup (125 ml) of table salt into your kitchen/ bathroom drain and garburator. Doing this quick exercise once a month will freshen the drain and get rid of stinky pipes.
Submitted by: Mark
To quickly chill a bottle of wine, place the bottle in an ice bucket. Add a layer of ice on the bottom and sprinkle it with a few tablespoons (about 45 ml) of table salt. Continue to layer salt and ice until it reaches the neck of the bottle. Then add water to ice level. After 10 minutes, open and serve. Rinse the ice bucket thoroughly after use.
Submitted by: Mark
Before winter, I maintain my metal tools and bicycle parts by cleaning them with a paste of salt and lemon juice. This prevents future rust buildup.
Submitted by: Mark
Get rid of bitter coffee by adding a pinch of table salt to the fresh coffee grounds before running coffee through the machine. Submitted by: Aileen
Remove odours from hands and cutting boards by rubbing them with lemon juice and salt. Rinse with water.
Submitted by: Aileen
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.