Handy Hints for Wednesday ~1
Here I am one week down the road from my big moment on TV. As a result of the programme I have received several queries about stain removal and other household hints. It has given me the idea to devote one day a week to these little tips. From now to the end of the year I hope to include uses for the following items that most of us have in our homes.
Lemon juice
Vinegar
Tooth paste – non gel
Dental Floss
Denture cleaning tablets
Shaving Foam
Baby wipes
White sewing cotton
Now I begin with a personal mishap with hot port at the weekend. My houseguests witnessed how I dealt with it. This is the carpet with an all-over pattern.
And here is the particular area where the port was spilled. The shot was taken after I cleaned it up.
I soaked up the excess liquid with an old towel and then rubbed gently with a baby wipe. We used two wipes in total and as you can see the stain has completely gone. I think I prefer this method to pouring the white wine on the stain. The wipes are supermarket own brand – fragrance free.
Now to answer the questions I received in the last week:
Q. Judy from Imagine asked; does vinegar work on feet as well as hands?
A I don’t see why not! When you put your hands or feet in the bowl or basin of vinegar it will feel like iced water.
Another tried and tested treat for feet is to add a capful of liquid fabric softener to a basin of hot – to warm water. Add feet and steep for 15 minutes! This makes nail cutting very easy
Q. Emma wanted to know about a silver ring she was wearing at the sink while using bleach and now the silver has faded.
A. If the ring is pure silver try soaking it in 110mls of white distilled vinegar & 2 tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda for two to three hours. Rinse well under cold running water; put the stopper in the plughole so you don’t lose the ring! Dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.
Q. S Byrne enquires about cleaning non-slip floor tiles in a bathroom.
A. If the tiles are ceramic some cleaners will leave a residue like a smeary coating. Try 2 tablespoons of ammonia and 1 tablespoon of borax in 1 gallon of water and use a rag or chamois-type mop. Rinse the mop frequently and change the water as it becomes dirty.
Q. How to remove milky tea from a white carpet
A. Mix one tablespoon of liquid hand dishwashing detergent with two cups of warm water. Use a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent solution and blot until the liquid is absorbed. Repeat until the stain disappears or is no longer absorbed into the cloth.
If the stain remains, mix one tablespoon of ammonia with two cups of warm water. Sponge the stain with the ammonia solution and blot until the liquid is absorbed. Finally sponge with cold water and blot dry.
Q. Siobhan asked how to remove ball point marks from a white leather handbag
A. Dab full strength distilled white vinegar on the pen mark using a cloth or a sponge. Repeat until the marks are gone.
Baino said,
November 12, 2008 at 10:25 am
OK I’ve got one for you . . doggy wee stains on a grey wool carpet.They’ve been there for a while since Lily was a pup but even Preen, Steam cleaning and Napisan won’t get them out! Challenge on. And I think you’re wonderful for posting green alternatives to commercial cleaners. I have Gumption, Borax, baking powder and Vinegar in my arsenal . . .they are amazing thing and environmentally friendly. Go you good thing!
Phil O'Kane said,
November 12, 2008 at 12:08 pm
you’re a genius.
i will pick up some baby wipes, lemon juice and denture cleaning tablets on my way home. then start being more clumsey.
Nancy said,
November 12, 2008 at 1:50 pm
Dear Heloise ….(OOPs, I mean Grannymar.)
Seriously, do you remember Heloise? Or did you even have her column in your newspapers? She was famous here for years for tips such as the ones you are telling us. When she died her daughter,Heloise Jr. took over. I haven’t seen her lately but perhaps some of your other readers have.
I think you could make a living with a newspaper column or short TV show giving us these tips.
You are very good at it, GM. Maybe your opportunity for fame and fortune is just around the corner.
Darlene said,
November 12, 2008 at 2:32 pm
I remember Heloise well, Nancy. I used to clip her articles out. Unfortunately, when a mishap occurred I couldn’t find the solution because I had so many clippings. Granymar, you should write a book with an index. It would be a best seller.
Grannymar said,
November 12, 2008 at 2:46 pm
@Baino - Since the stain is there for some time a mild ammonia solution might help. Use it to sponge the area, it might return the cartpet to its original colour or at least make it less noticeable.
Remember I do not have pets, but I know people who use this method!
@Phil - I don’t see you as a clumsy person!
@Nancy & @Darlene - Are you changing my name?
Heloise never made it this side of the pond that I remember. Fame and fortune?? I think I will stay as I am and enjoy having fun.
Now if only I had a cure for my own cold!
steph said,
November 12, 2008 at 3:04 pm
Grannymar
Drinking again! I dunno
Mind you… now you’ve got a cold, you’ve got the perfect excuse for hot toddies.
My household hint for today is…
Take that bottle of port to bed with you and don’t get up again until it’s finished!
Hope you feel better soon…hic!
kenju said,
November 13, 2008 at 5:13 am
I’d much rather use fabric softener than vinegar - it smells better!
Phil said,
November 13, 2008 at 7:48 pm
Oh I didn’t mean that you did see me as clumsey, but rather I will be more clumsey and spill things so i can put your handy hints to good use
Alice said,
November 21, 2008 at 3:52 am
Got any tips for cleaning an expensive Squash Blossom necklace made by the Zuni Indians? it’s beaded with silver beads. Do you think the vinegar & 2 tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda would work as long as I keep it off the turquoise and other natural stones?
Grannymar said,
November 21, 2008 at 9:12 am
@Steph - The Port bottle is now empty and magically the cold has gone…. now where was I?…..
@Judy - I in wintertime I use the fabric condotioner in with the warm/hot water just to warm my feet.
@Phil -
@Alice - Not seeing the necklace I am slow to advise. This might be one for the professionals!