STAINS ARE A PAIN
Hair dryer helps erase steam marks, while S.O.S pad rescues discoloured floor
Q My electric kettle didn’t shut off and the steam caused a white film on the door of my cabinets. I tried wiping it off, adding oil conditioner and scrubbing it lightly. Nothing worked. Maybe it discoloured the urethane. Any suggestions?
A Using a hair dryer on the hottest setting, move the dryer over the white mark to draw out the moisture. As you heat the area, rub the surface with a soft cloth. The sooner you tackle this challenge, the better.
Q How can I prevent fitted sheets from coming off the corners of my bed? This drives me crazy!
A You can purchase or sew clasp straps (also called sheet suspenders) that hold corners in place. Or consider purchasing drawstring fitted sheets, not only will the sheets stay in place, but the linens appear less wrinkled — just tighten the drawstring to secure sheets.
Q I want to make a fruit platter. How can I tell when a pineapple is ripe?
A Great question! Tug on one of the pineapple leaves. If the leaf is loose, the pineapple is ripe.
Q I was wondering if you might have a solution for cleaning felt pen marker off the wall?
A Permanent marker stains often need a little gentle persuasion in combination with an effective ink remover. Try one of the following products and scrub with an abrasive cloth (not an S.O.S pad or steel wool): WD -40, paint thinner, acetone, Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, rubbing alcohol or glycerine. If the marker remains, sand with fine sandpaper and touch up the area with paint.
FEEDBACK FROM READER Re: Easy-Off Stain
I read in your column about the lady who got Easy Off Oven Cleaner on the floor despite having newspapers down. I just want to let you know the same thing happened to me and I tried all my cleaning products — and nothing helped. Then my daughter came to visit and said, “Oh, just use an S.O.S pad” and she proceeded to clean my floor, and the spots came off perfectly. Submitted by Helen
SMART LIFE HACKS
Peanut butter hint: The peanut
■ butter in the bottom third of the jar is always such a hassle to get at without getting peanut butter all over my knuckles, so I have two solutions. (1) Use a large spoon and soft-blade scraper to remove the peanut butter and transfer it to a small snap-top container; or (2) using a box cutter, very carefully cut off the top two thirds of plastic jar and cover the remaining open container of peanut butter with plastic wrap. Submitted by Dave
I use Glad Press and Seal paper
■ to line the shelves in my fridge. When they become dirty, I toss them. No wiping and no mess! Submitted by Christine
I make pancakes in the shape
■ of gingerbread men. Place a gingerbread cookie cutter onto the frying pan; and pour the pancake batter inside. When the batter sets, take the cutter off and flip the perfectly shaped pancake. Submitted by Christine Make your own night cream:
■ Combine 1/2 cup (125 mL) olive oil, 1/8 cup (30 mL) vinegar and 1/4 (60 mL) water. The oil softens and moisturizes skin, while vinegar lightens discolorations, kills bacteria and loosens dead skin. Dampen face before use. Submitted by Morgen
Note: 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. Reena Nerbas is a popular motivational presenter for large and small groups; check out her website: reena.ca. Ask a question or share a tip at reena.ca