Lighten, brighten, pop and polish
Say goodbye to scuff marks on plates, enjoy DIY popcorn, and get out ground-in gum
Q I have a problem I hope you can help me with. I bought white dishes at Ikea. Unfortunately, over the years they ended up with grey marks all over them from cutlery. Do you have any tips on how to remove these marks?
A Although the scratches are permanent, I have found great results with non-gel whitening toothpaste, leave for 15 minutes and rub the surface with an S.O.S pad to lighten the grey marks.
Q I was a guest at a workshop that you spoke at last month; you were demonstrating how to make your own microwave popcorn. Can you please tell me the quantities again?
A Just like store-bought popcorn, not every kernel will pop but this method is cheap, easy and best of all, tasty. Into a brown paper bag mix half a cup of popcorn kernels and one tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add a sprinkle of salt. Fold bag over two or three times to firmly seal and set upright in the microwave. Microwave for 21/2 to three minutes or until popping slows down. Butter may be added as desired. Warning: Stay near to the microwave while popcorn is popping.
Extra Popcorn Treat: In a stainless-steel pot, combine three quarter cups cornstarch, one-quarter cup butter or margarine, two teaspoons water, half cup icing sugar and one cup marshmallows. Stir and heat until marshmallows melt. Pour contents over 20 cups popped popcorn and form into popcorn balls. Cover with plastic wrap and leave at room temperature. Extra Tip: Grease or wet hands before forming balls to reduce stickiness.
Q How can I get black scuff marks off of painted ceramic without taking the paint off ? Also, I have a large area of melted red wax crayon in the back seat of my car. It is not possible to scrape any of it off as it has soaked into the fabric.
A To remove scuff marks on ceramic pieces, rub with an art eraser and wipe with a damp cloth.
To remove wax on upholstery, heat the wax using a hair dryer and scrape as much of the wax as possible. Spray WD-40 onto the area, leave for 10 minutes and wipe. Scrub the area with Head and Shoulders Dandruff Shampoo and water. Rinse with water and let air dry (test all products on an inconspicuous area first).
Q How can I remove chewing gum that has been ground into our carpet? I looked on your website but couldn’t find the answer.
A Spread smooth peanut butter over the gum; work it around all of the mess. The gum will become oily and easy to remove. After it is gone, clean the carpet with dish soap and water.
Contributors share life hacks
Perk up wilted vegetables by soaking them in two cups water and one tablespoon vinegar. Submitted by Deb
While baking soda will taste disgusting at first, if you rub it on your teeth and brush with a wet toothbrush daily, you will soon notice that it does a great job at whitening teeth. Submitted by David
Before composting your orange peel, rub the white part on your teeth to lighten stains and brighten your smile. Submitted by David
Reena Nerbas is a popular motivational presenter for large and small groups; check out her website at 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.