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Question: Carpet stains. A few weeks ago I spilled hot tea on my beige carpet. I have tried all kinds of carpet cleaners, but the stain has remained. Do you have any suggestions. Thanks -- Suzette Suze0810@aol.com (Ref:0170)
Answer: I have had considerable success with Borax to take stains out of carpet. First dampen the area with warm vinegar in water (just a dash in a ice-cream dish half full of water). Then sprinkle the powdered borax over the area quite liberally. (I make a point of buying Borax that looks like talc in texture as there is also one which looks like dry fibreglass type slivers and I don't like that one). Leave the mix to dry and the stain just comes to the surface of the borax powder. Quite magic. Vacuum when dry -- JM
Question: Nicotine stain removal. I would like to know if there is a way of removing nicotine stain of Perspex (plastic) if you have any info that could help me please reply to hutchey@xtra.co.nz &/or at production@coincascade.co.nz thank you for your time regards ps: I will try using lemon juice and salt -- "Shane Hutch" HUTCHEY@xtra.co.nz (Ref:0171)
Question: Onions. IF cutting onions caused your eyes to watered, try using your hand to sprinkle some fresh water onto your toes (left hand sprinkled to right toes, or vice versa). strange ... but it works. I learnt from the older generation. Jaslyn .... Singapore stl036q@tninet.se "Wah Fong & Jaslyn" (Ref:0172)
Question: Clogged toilets. Hi, Any tips on a good way to unclog a toilet located on the second floor of a home? Unit flushes but water is evacuated very slowly. Thanks. -- "Karen" klreeves@pscnet.com (Ref:0173)
Question: Scratched canvas. During a recent move, a canvas painting I own was inadvertently placed against the corner of a box. This has left a stretch point in the canvas. Do you have any suggestions as to how I can minimize the stretched area? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. -- "CaptureTheMoment" Claborns@aol.com (Ref:0174)
Question: Lighting re-wiring. I've got a set of halogen spotlights that run on 12 volts and came supplied with a transformer that's designed to be plugged in to a wall-socket. Is it possible to re-wire the lights so that they can be operated from an existing lightswitch? -- "Fin Harrison" Fin.Harrison@stortext.com (Ref:0175)
Question: Scuff marks? Any suggestions on the removal of scuff marks on white leather shoes? The product sold at the shoe store did little or no good! Thanks a lot. -- claire kingen kingen@exis.net (Ref:0176)
Answer: Try White correcting fluid, tippex, liquid paper etc. Try using scotch guard on them but use it in a discrete place first to test it. Or some shoes can be put right in a gentle cycle washing machine depending on the sole. Something like a sneaker can usually be put in the washer with some bleach and then air dried. -- bonny
Question: Sewer Drains. Hello, Wondering if you can provide advise/information on how to eliminate the sewer gas smell from our two floor drains in the basement as we recently purchased our 80 year old home and are unfamiliar with the procedure. Is there something we can pour into the drains on a monthly basis to reduce this odor? The house has been remodelled over the past few years and a bathroom was added long after the house was built. The house was built by a builder many years ago and it was my understanding that he intended to someday put in a toilet in the basement so he planned the plumbing system the way it is. I feel that possibly the water level in the drains must stay at a constant level to avoid odours, but not sure of the requirements of doing such. Any assistance or information will be greatly appreciated. Thank You! -- Lacey14K@aol.com (Ref:0177)
Answer#1: Sewer Drains. Hi. I don’t know how long ago you left this message about your 80 yr old home and the basement floor drain or if the problem was fixed, but here goes anyhow.
In order to keep the sewer gasses (including possibly flammable methane) from getting into your house, all waste pipe openings must be preceded by a trap. (also called a “P” trap). This is to keep a level of water to prevent gasses and sometimes sewer pests from getting into your house. In this instance, the toilet assembly actually contains the trap. If the toilet is not there, neither is the trap, so an airtight seal should be placed over the opening. I’ve not looked for one recently but Home Depot or Lowes type stores should be able to help. If a specific cap is not available, heavy plastic and duct tape should do the trick at least temporarily. Regards, -- GEORGE RAUDENBUSH georgenospam.raudenbush@customnspultrasonics.com Jan 2 2006Answer#2: Ordinary Chlorine Bleach will quickly neutralize smells coming from sinks undiluted or diluted 1:1. Sometimes sinks smell because the water trap in a "u bend" is not effective -- www.qznaz.com
Question: Plumbing. Every time we finish running water; toilet, dish washer, etc., there is a loud bang as the water is cut off (toilet fills or cycle ends on dish or clothes washer)... What gives. What is the problem here? Thanks -- "Bill" OMANINC@aol.com (Ref:0178)
