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Solutions & Substitutions

How to get rust off countertop, dirt off grout, marker off carpet, with ingredients you have.

Dear Reena,

I was at an early Valentine party, to begin the evening we (ladies only) were given a peel and stick red heart. I peeled mine and pressed it on the lapel of my black finely ribbed pant suit. To make sure it stuck, I gave it an extra pat. Later when we tore the heart off, we saw another heart. An unwanted one! Some ladies were smarter and just peeled the hearts off, but several women were left with an unwanted heart. Some tried rubbing it with an ice cube. No dice! I haven’t touched mine. Please help! Grace

Dear Grace,

In order to zap the residue left on your suit, wipe the area with rubbing alcohol. Leave it for five minutes and wipe away. Test on an inconspicuous area first.

Hi Reena,

My white bone china plates have marks on them from my stainless-steel cutlery; the marks won't come out with the use of the dishwasher. Any ideas of how to clean them? Thank-you, Terry

Dear Terry,

Since scratches caused by cutlery tend to damage more than just the surface, you may be looking at a permanent condition. With that said, here is a solution to try: Make a paste of baking soda and water, rub the plate with an S.O.S pad and the baking soda. Rinse and dry.

Dear Reena,

My husband and I recently built a new home and installed beautiful quartz countertops. We were led to believe that quartz was impermeable to all types of staining. However, last week my husband left a rusted cookie sheet on the counter and we now have a rust stain that I can’t get off. I was wondering if you had any tips for removing rust from a quartz surface. Candace

Dear Candace,

Squeeze the juice of one lemon into a bowl and add enough baking soda to make a paste. Apply the mixture with a cloth and wipe until the rust is gone. Be sure to test solution on an inconspicuous area first.

Feedback from Outstanding Reader

Hi Reena,

Just want to let you know about my success with a cleaning solution that you recommended. My family members had vomit on their couch cushions, so I sent them the solution that you recommended. They have returned from Germany and said they used vinegar followed by baking soda to clean their cushions and it worked perfectly. Thanks again, Joan

Feedback from Wise Readers

Clean dirty grout with mouthwash and an old toothbrush (Listerine works best). Submitted by: Laura

Wax paper taped inside slatted closet doors will help to keep out moths and dust. Submitted by: Corey

To remove permanent marker from carpet, wash area with Mr. Clean original liquid and water. Scrub with a brush. I used this on my light tangerine carpet and was thrilled when the marker came out, I can’t even tell where the marker was. Marion

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 

 

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