SOME HELPFUL TIPS FOR BRIGHTENING STAINED FLOORS
Also: How to turn a peeling, foil-wrapped Thermos into one that’s more appealing
Q We bought a newer house and found that, upon washing the kitchen floor, the linoleum has a yellow stain/tinge to it around the sink area. The colour is supposed to be white. I tried a couple of cleaners, but have not had success in brightening the colour. Is there something I can use to help this issue?
A It sounds as though the previous owner kept a mat at the sink area. The sulphur used in manufacturing the mat has left you with a yellow stain, which is often permanent. With so many vinyl and linoleum products on the market, what works on one does not necessarily work on another. If your floor were more than 50 years old, it would most likely be linoleum. Since your home is newer, the floor is probably vinyl. Many people have found pouring three-percent hydrogen peroxide onto the floor every day for three days is helpful. Other people have great success by combining 1/4 cup (60 mL) OxiClean with one gallon (4.5 L) hot water and pouring the solution onto the area. Another solution is bleach, but most people suggest this application removes the floor’s finish and shine. Lastly, mineral spirits are another treatment that people have told me worked for them. It is a shame that so many floors tend to yellow and discolour, most often from a rubber backed rug or some other weight being left on one specific area.
Q I recently purchased a stainless-steel Thermos with foil wrapped around the exterior. Although the instructions say, “dishwasher safe” the foil peeled after four washes. Now, the foil is half gone and looks unappealing (pardon the pun). Should I toss the Thermos or is there a remedy to fix it?
A Since the foil on the Thermos peeled due to the heat of the dishwasher water, you have two options: Either contact the manufacturer and inquire about a refund or continue similar steps to peel the remaining foil. Put the Thermos into a stainlesssteel pot, and fill it with enough water to cover the Thermos. Bring the water to a boil for at least five minutes. Use tongs to remove the Thermos, and gently scrub the remaining foil off with a non-scratch abrasive pad. Your Thermos will be stainless steel in colour and ready to use.
FROZEN PEACH HINT
I just discovered a method for freezing peaches — and it is a wonderful time- and messsaver. This works the same way as freezing whole tomatoes and it is so easy. Just freeze the whole peach, with skin and all, and when it is time to use it, run it under hot water and the skin slips off. You are left with a beautiful ripe peach with no discoloration. I’m doing all 11 kilograms this way. — Submitted by: Anonymous
LET THE FLOWERS BLOOM INTO SPRING
Before purchasing flowers for someone special; keep in mind that typically, the more fragrant a flower is, the shorter it will live.
If you ever decide to make yourself a necklace using fresh flowers, be sure not to wear the flowers directly against your skin. Hang them slightly off of your shoulders because your neck sweats and will decrease the life of a flower necklace.
DID YOU KNOW?
In Hawaii, a woman wearing a flower on the right side of her head signifies that she is available. A flower on the left signifies that she is unavailable and a flower on the top centre of her head means she is taken but still looking.