The trick to cleaning grout
Also: Try kitty litter or coffee grounds to overpower old mothball-smell in trunk
Q Can you help us with a grout problem in our bathroom? We want to clean the grout between the one-inch (2.5-cm) tiles. What can we use to clean the yellowish grout? I have tried a commercial cleaner and it didn’t do anything. I used a spray cleaner; it was garbage I will be taking it back to the store.
A Spray the grout with 3% hydrogen peroxide and then gently scrub with fine sandpaper and dish soap. Another option is to scrub with sandpaper and whitening toothpaste. Be persistent and it will pay off.
Q We were given a beautiful old trunk that smells of mothballs. We have tried many ways to get rid of the smell such as airing it out, stuffing it with newspaper and leaving lemon juice soaked cotton balls in it, and nothing has worked so far. We wonder if we didn’t try these tricks for a long enough time or if there is something else we can do. It really is a beautiful old trunk.
A The key is to overpower the mothball smell with another smell which will eventually disappear on its own. Find a tray and place it on the bottom of the trunk, sprinkle the tray with either a generous amount of Kitty Litter or even better dry coffee grounds. Leave for two days and then remove tray.
Q Do you have a solution for cleaning weathered river rock? It has discoloured over the years with dirt and I wonder if there is a solution I can add to the power sprayer.
A There are many popular commercial products on the market, manufactured specifically for power washers. Here is a homemade formula that was submitted to me, I have not tried it but was told that it works well. Into a bucket combine: 4 gallons (18 L) of bleach, 3 ounces (85 mL) dish soap and one gallon (4.5 L) water. Spray the stones, being careful not to hit anything green with the solution.
Another option is to make a wooden frame. Cover it with wire mesh similar to chicken wire but with smaller holes. Find a large, empty bucket and place the frame over the bucket. Scoop the rocks onto the wire. The dirt will fall through the wire. Pour the rocks sitting on the wire into a separate bucket and wash them with dish soap and water. Rinse with water. This is a long process, perfect for very small amounts of rock.
Be sure never to combine bleach with any product. Sometimes people may look at a bottle of bleach and wonder, “Why shouldn’t this be mixed with ammonia?” The answer? Huge danger! Chlorine gas (or chloramine gas) was used as a chemical weapon during the First World War and later by Nazi Germany in the Second World War. Bleach and ammonia create chloramine gas, a deadly combination.
FEEDBACK FROM A FRIENDLY READER
Re: Smelly dishcloth
For dishcloths and face cloths, I add 1 cup (250 mL) vinegar to the rinse load. It has helped prevent smelly cloths. Submitted by:
RM 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.