Dear Reena: I have two flannel-backed vinyl tablecloths. They were obviously wrapped in tight plastic packaging for a long time, because they have a lot of deep creases. What methods would you recommend I use to remove the creases without melting the vinyl?
Joan
Fill a bathtub with cool water. Soak the tablecloths in the tub for a couple of hours to drench the creases. Hang tablecloths to dry. If creases persist, cover folds with a damp tea towel and iron on low setting to remove creases.
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Dear Reena: I own a suede jacket that has a big dirt mark on the sleeve, because I fell on my elbow into a puddle. I also have a few scuff marks on the opposite sleeve. What should I use to clean the area?
Garry
Hope you are not hurt from the fall! Get rid of scuff marks by rubbing the marks with a pencil eraser, and then wiping the nap with your nail brush. Sprinkle the suede fabric with baking soda, and then brush the nap back and forth with a damp nail brush. If the suede is a synthetic fabric, you will be able to clean it with plain old water and dish soap. Rinse and let dry.
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Dear Reena: We moved into an old home and we are excited to use the wood-burning fireplace. What do we need to do before we use it, so that we don鈥檛 burn down the house? Any tips?
Peter
Before lighting your first fire, inspect the chimney exterior for broken bricks or crumbling mortar. Shine a light inside the chimney, and be on the lookout for birds鈥� nests and cracks.
Check to make sure that the damper opens and closes properly. Clean the chimney and any loose ash, or contact a professional for seasonal maintenance. Retailers also sell chimney-sweeping logs that are designed to reduce and treat creosote buildup.
Extra tip: It is also important to note that the wood you burn in your fireplace should be seasoned for at least one year before use. Properly seasoned wood burns hotter and creates less creosote.
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Dear Reena: Can you please give me a simple recipe for homemade garlic butter? Thanks,
Carolyn
For the easiest garlic butter recipe, stir together: 1 cup softened butter with 1 Tbsp garlic powder. For garlic butter with a kick, try the following recipe. Into a bowl, stir together: 1 cup softened butter, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 1 tsp garlic salt, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp Italian seasoning salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper and 1/2 tsp paprika. Spread on bread before toasting. Store remainder in a sealed container in the fridge.
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Feedback from readers
Re: Cleaning dog fur off upholstery
Dear Reena: Purchase a cat-hair brush, but not the wire ones. I brush my rugs, couch, cloth chairs, you name it. Nothing works better. Rekha
Re: Prevent S.O.S pads from rusting
Dear Reena: Store S.O.S pads in a small container in the freezer to prevent them from rusting. The frozen pad cleans better and faster because it is stiffer. CEC
鈥� I crocheted a reusable Swiffer cover for my mop. It works well and there are many patterns available online. Great Christmas gift, because they are easy to make. Karenna
鈥� My exterior festive greenery display is perfect for fall and winter; all I change are some of the plant colours. This year, I filled my wooden wheelbarrow with plastic container pots and then with eucalyptus, fresh greenery and holly on branches. The display is a welcoming addition to my home and sits right beside my front door. Sharon
鈥� We had a dripping faucet, it was the weekend and the plumber was scheduled for Monday. To quiet the faucet, I took a piece of dental floss and tied it around the spout so that the water would drip down the floss and not keep us awake at night. Jean-Luc
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.
