Dear Reena: My partner was staining something on our deck and he accidentally splattered stain on the vinyl siding, cement walkway and the composite deck. How should we proceed? Karen
One option is to try the organic compound Oxalic Acid. Test it on an inconspicuous area and take care to read the instructions. Oxalic Acid is a bleaching agent and will lighten the stain.
Another option is The Stripper by Behr. If the stains remain, the areas will need re-staining or repainting.
Dear Reena: What’s the best way to remove mould from the grout in our shower? Charlene
Try using pumice stone. Pour some dish soap onto the stone and then scrub the grout. Next, spray isopropyl alcohol onto the grout to prevent mildew from growing and discolouring the grout. Another option is to make a paste of borax and water and scrub the grout with an old toothbrush. To avoid future mould build-up, wipe the wall with a towel after each use.
Dear Reena: Is there a way to seal a down-filled jacket to prevent the feathers from escaping? Heather
If the problem is excessive, you could try to return the jacket — even without a receipt. Depending on the label, the store might offer a refund or exchange.
If the jacket cannot be returned, pull escaping feathers toward the inside of the jacket when they decide to stick out. If you pull feathers out, the holes become larger and more feathers will escape.
Put your jacket in the dryer and run the no-heat fluff cycle for about 15 minutes. As the jacket is worn the feathers compress and flatten, making them easier to fit through the weave, but if you fluff your feathers they will fatten up, making it less likely they’ll fit through the fabric.
Preparing your yard for fall
• Before the cold hits, protect plant roots from extreme temperatures by spreading areas with two to three inches of mulch. Doing this also preserves moisture.
• Quack grass is one of the most troublesome perennial lawn weeds and it is difficult to control. Your best option is to dig it out, making sure that all rhizomes are removed because even a small section left in the ground can renew growth. Fill the holes with soil and grass seed. Fertilize and water the lawn.
Extra tip:
Never-fail finger paint. Combine 1/4 cup of cornstarch with 2 cups of water. Boil the cornstarch mixture on the stove until it reaches the consistency of paint. Remove the cornstarch mixture from the stove and pour into separate dishes. Create different colours by adding a few drops of food colouring to each dish. Mix well until the desired colour is achieved. Finger paint made with cornstarch is non-toxic so you needn’t worry about little painted fingers being put into little mouths.
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.
Check Reena’s website — reena.ca — to send tips and questions and to find missed columns or mislaid solutions
