Be careful when handling mothballs

How can I get rid of the smell of mothballs, which were put in a plastic bag with a veil that was stored some years ago? — HJ, East London.

Mothballs are made from either naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene and are dangerously toxic, so it was not a good idea to store a garment in a plastic bag with mothballs.

The active ingredients can cause different health effects if the exposure is high enough.

Mothballs slowly turn from solids to toxic vapour, so when you smell mothballs you are actually inhaling an insecticide.

According to an item on the internet, you can eliminate the smell by soaking the item in a solution of equal parts water and white spirit vinegar.

For delicate fabrics such as the veil, put the vinegar and water solution in a spray bottle and thoroughly spray rather than soak.

Launder after the treatment and hang out to dry.

Do not put anything treated in this way in the tumble dryer as heat could permanently set any smell that remains.

Is there still such a thing as invisible mending? Dry cleaners used to do it, but I have been

unable to find anyone prepared to tackle a small tear in a blouse made of a synthetic material. — JW, Gqeberha.

The days of invisible mending are long gone because it was so costly, but you may be able to repair the blouse at home, using an old remedy involving egg white.

Egg white is a natural glue, according to an item on the internet, so perhaps it would work in sealing a small tear. The item said the egg white is non-toxic, very sticky and dries fast and clear, so it is excellent for lightweight items such as papier-mâché, tissue paper and glitter.

Try painting egg white onto the tear with a fine brush. Ideally, one would place something heavy on top to provide pressure while it dries, but I’m worried that the heavy object could stick to the egg white. Perhaps you could experiment first.

My other concern is that even if the egg white treatment works initially, it may not withstand wear and laundering.

I have unglazed terracotta tiles in my patio, and they have acquired rust marks from iron furniture. How should I remove these marks? JG, East London.

—

Terracotta tiles are probably the most popular for patios but their porous nature, especially if unsealed, means they have a propensity for staining.

Last time this subject came up I spoke to The Tile Doctor, who suggested that the floor be cleaned with Lift Off, in a 10% dilution with water.

Once the tiles are dry, clean with an alkaline soap, such as Super Power Clean — an all-purpose cleaner/degreaser. Then rinse.

You should consider a sealer, and depending on whether you want a shine or matt finish, use either Acrylic Hydroseal or Miracle Seal, respectively.

It seems a fairly straightforward operation, but follow the instructions precisely. For instance, the sealers should not be applied in hot conditions or full sunlight, or to damp tiles.

What is French chalk, which is mentioned in DIY articles on cleaning? JD, Gqeberha.

—

French chalk is used in tablet form by dressmakers and tailors for marking out patterns and in crushed form for the puffer apparatus that marks hem lengths. You will find it at haberdashery shops.

Do you have a recipe for homemade golden syrup? — KL, Gqeberha.

Way back in 1986 “JO” of Klipplaat sent in this one:

Golden syrup

6 cups white sugar

8 cups water

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cream of tartar

¼ teaspoon ground ginger

Boil until the mixture thickens. If you over-cook it, add extra hot water and boil a while longer, to thin it down.