How to remove possum poo stain from tone-topped table

Thank you for your great website. I saw the hint about possum poo and wondered whether you can help. A friendly possum christened my friend's brand new stone-topped table their wee and it has soaked in. Is there any way we can remove the stain before we seal the table so it can't happen again.

Best wishes and thank you.

Gerri Wood. 


Hi Gerri

Thank you for your question. For grout, timber or paving stones - which I think will cover what your table is made out of - you will need:

1. Plaster of Paris powder (hardware stores and chemists supply this)
2. White vinegar.

Mix enough water with a cup of the Plaster of Paris powder to form a stiff paste that a spreading knife would stand up in then add 1 dessertspoon of white vinegar to every cup of the paste.

Now spread a 1cm thick layer across the affected part of the table and allow to completely dry before brushing away. If it is too hard to brush away, tap it lightly with a wooden spoon until it cracks and this should allow you to brush it away.

If it won't crack easily then it means that the paste is not completely dry underneath so just leave it for a while longer before attempting to remove it.

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Instantly Ban Damp Winter Smells and Create a Festive Mid Winter Christmas Aroma

At this time of year when everything is closed up that old-sock smell seems to pervade houses and the interiors of well loved cars.
Oil of cloves spray has a festive Christmassy smell and will immediately improve the aroma of your home and car.

Buy a small inexpensive bottle of "Oil of Cloves" and protective face mask, from your local pharmacy or sometimes from the medicinal section of some supermarkets.

For the Car:

Fill an empty 1 litre spray bottle and add a 1/4 teaspoon of the oil. Wearing the face mask, shake the mixture well, open all the car doors and boot then spray your car upholstery especially in the corners and under the seats but avoiding the automatic seat mechanisms.
Shut the doors for 10 minutes to let the spray completely settle, then if possible open the car doors and leave the car in the sun. Don't vacuum right away leave for a couple of days to allow any mouldy corners to dry out and die from the effects of the cloves which will cause bits of dried-out stuff to appear. You can then vacuum the entire car.

CAUTION: Though quite safe to drive round in a closed car an hour or so after spraying DO NOT spray and then immediately jump into the car close the doors and drive off; some people can be quite sensitive to the spray.

For the house:

Choose a sunny day and do the same for your home, spraying curtains, walls and upholstery but, again, avoid any electronic goods or metallic surfaces. The spray is quite safe in large rooms even with everybody in it so a face mask is not always necessary.But it is best to use a face mask in confined areas of the house such as wardrobes or shower boxes.

Note: do not turn on heat pumps or blow heaters for at least an hour after spraying unless the room or area is unpopulated.

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Natural inexpensive formula to clean the table

Hi Annie

I would like to use a natural but inexpensive formula to clean the tables, door handles and other surfaces in our pre-school. We are almost continuously cleaning every surface to keep down the transference of winter flu germs. The children are always touching surfaces and then putting their fingers in their mouths; a perfectly natural habit for kids but what can I do to make sure they are not licking toxic fingers?
Leanne
Rangiora

Hi Leanne, 

It's simple! Buy the cheapest white vinegar put in spray bottle and use it as a spray and wipe for which it is very effective. The vinegar smell dissipates within a few minutes of using it and the sour taste may even encourage the kids to keep their fingers out of their mouths but then there is no accounting for taste.

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A good natural cleaning solution that won't ruin the cork

Hi Annie,

We have just moved into a house with cork floors in most of the rooms, can you please tell me a good natural cleaning solution that won't ruin the cork.
Susan
Devonport.

Hi Susan
Clean cork of any sort using a clean soft bristled brush or broom and the following tea solution

You will need

• A clean soft bristled broom
• An old towel
• A 9 to 10 litre bucket
• Black tea or teabags

Method

• Vacuum or sweep the cork floor first.

• Pour 10 Cups boiling water over 5 Black Teabags or 5 to 10 teaspoons of black tea.
Leave to steep for 5 to 10 minutes.

• Strain and add the solution to a 9 litre bucket and fill the bucket with warm water.

• Standing on the old towel, dip the broom at an angle into the bucket and sweep onto the cork floor moving forward with your feet to dry the floor as you go;

• Cork floors are best dried right away.

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Deodorising the cat's litter tray without putting the cat off using it

Hi Annie

I have heard that spraying anything like pine or lavender around or in the cat's litter tray will put them off using it and they will simply go somewhere you don't want them to. Is there anything we can use to lower the smell that never quite leaves the tray no matter how much I rinse it off, apparently bleach products also put cats off.

Susan
Gisborne

Hi Susan,

You are quite right Susan, chlorine bleach, ammonia, lavender and pine will give your cat litter tray aversion and that is the last thing you want in the winter time when most cats especially old ones prefer an indoor toilet. The answer is simply when washing out the tray add a heaped teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda to water in the corner of the tray and scrub the tray well, this will keep down and kill any residue odours without putting the cat off using it.

Annie

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Brightening Your Whites the Natural Way

Hi Annie,

I have just got out my white flannelette sheets and found that though they were stashed clean in the linen cupboard all summer they have developed a dull grey appearance. Is there any way I can brighten them up naturally?
Jill
Te Awamutu

Hi Jill,

You are in luck. It is lemon season and you might be lucky enough to have a tree or you can buy them quite cheaply and, apart from a sunny day, that is all you will need. Choose a sunny day so you can hang the sheets out after treating. Put the sheets on normal cycle with usual amount of washing powder and add 1/2 cup of lemon juice to the fabric conditioner slot or conditioner bowl of your washing machine.

Hang out to dry and the residual lemon juice in the fibres will react with the ultra-violet rays in sunlight and bleach the sheets. Using lemon juice instead of bleach has the added bonus of keeping the sheets soft as though you did in fact add fabric conditioner, whereas bleach would make them go stiff and could react with sensitive skin.

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Clean windows and make the most of winter sunshine

You will need:

1. Two or three pairs of old clean pantyhose.
2. Methylated spirits
3. A roll of paper towels


Here’s a fool-proof way to clean windows so they sparkle. Dilute 1 cup of methylated spirits in an average-sized bucket of warm water and using the pantyhose rolled up and dipped in the bucket:

1) Clean the inside windows with vertical strokes.
2) Clean the outside windows with horizontal strokes.
3) Immediately dry off with paper towels.

Never use methylated spirits undiluted or else the windows will dry too quickly and not allow you to remove the marks.

For bird poo and kitchen window grease spots, use a little white scourer on a separate pantyhose, then rinse off with a separate bucket of water and roughly dry with a clean cloth to remove the residue of white scouring powder before giving the whole window the methylated spirits and water treatment.

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Here’s a simple, natural, hypo-allergenic solution to cleaning away bathroom scum

Hi Annie,

What is the best natural stain remover to use in the bathroom and
kitchen? I was wondering if I should start using natural remedies
instead of chemical household cleaners.

Thanks,
Louise Jennings,
Somerville Intermediate


Hi Louise,

Yes, bought bleach-based cleaners can often set off intolerant reactions, especially for the person doing the cleaning; the chlorine gas, though, light is not good for you.

The now-popular, but comparatively expensive, natural cleaners readily available on the market consist mainly of two common and inexpensive ingredients: bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) and white vinegar. Your
cheapest source of bicarbonate of soda is available from bulk bin suppliers and white vinegar is also available in plain-pack brands. Just make sure that it is white-clear vinegar. More expensive brands of vinegar only taste better in your cooking, so it makes no difference what you use for cleaning. There’s no need to worry about the vinegar smell, white vinegar odour will, unlike your fish'n'chip malt vinegar, dissipate within half an hour of cleaning a hard surface.

To clean the bathroom

First pour the white vinegar into an old spray bottle. Sprinkle the bicarbonate of soda into the wash basin or bath then spray with white vinegar and wipe or scrub while the mixture is fizzing. This means you don't spray until you want to clean that area of the bath. For shower walls and tiles, pour the about 1/4 cup of bicarb into a plastic container or bowl. Make a well in the middle of the powder and using a small scrubbing brush or old toothbrush pour a small amount of white vinegar into this well then dip the brush into it and load up with
the now fizzing mixture before scrubbing the shower corners and walls. Keep adding the white vinegar as you need it to keep the mixture fizzing.

You will find that this is actually more effective on soap scum than almost any bought bathroom spray.

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Attention textile and home-tech teachers - how to use your lemon

It's lemon season, so here are a couple of textile uses for a sunny day, especially useful in textile and sewing class.

To remove unpicked, stitch hole marks and students' thumb stains from sewing projects, simply rub the stains with a little pure lemon juice then, without washing, hang out to dry in the sunshine for an hour or until the marks have faded away. If necessary repeat the process until completely faded.

For needle-point unpicked marks, be careful to keep the juice away from any completed stitches as it will fade the colours. Also good for totally unpicked pieces of embroidery as you can use the cloth again for new projects.

Hi Annie

Don't ask how, but I have lilac bubble bath all over the sleeve of my favourite cream-coloured winter wool jersey.

Annabelle
Christchurch South

Hi Annabelle,

Pick a sunny clear day - there should be a good few frosty ones on the horizon.

Put a teaspoon of lemon juice into a cup of warm water in a small bowl. Dip a piece of old white cloth into the bowl and wring out then dab the stain repeatedly dipping the cloth and wringing out until you have covered the entire stain with the mixture. Be patient and just dab as you do not want to raise the wool pile. Now hang out in the sunshine for a couple of hours and the stain should have gone. If the jersey is clean except for the now hopefully faded-away stain there is no need to wash as the lemon juice will have evaporated.

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Recycling tips for Mother's Day gift wrapping

As teachers most of you will know about cutting up and recycling gift cards, but do you do the same with gift-wrap?

Annie's wrinkle-free recycled gift wrap tip

To re-use old wrapping paper, simply cover the paper with a clean damp cloth and then iron.

Making gift-wrap in class

This will give the kids a perfect first-week-back project plus to make sure they finish on time, they have the added incentive of having to have it ready by the end of the week in time for their respective mums on Sunday May 12.

Materials:
Ask the kids to bring from home empty paper bags, boxes and clear wrap from recent shopping trips, old gift boxes, containers, ribbon, material, paper and old greeting cards. Then, with plenty of glue-stick and a little imagination, you can make the most impressively-wrapped presents. Don't forget the kids’ scissors, hole-punch for tie on gift tags and sticky tape. A sticky tape dispenser is also a good investment as it saves tape.

Brown paper bags decorated with a glitter glue stick plus an old ribbon or even shredded raffia string finished off with a cut-up greeting card as gift tag can make any parcel look very vintage and original.

Cheap pressies and fancy wrap

My favourite use of recycling for wrap is for gift baskets and bubble bath bottles and jars of homemade body scrub.

Clean old net curtains lightly painted or sprayed with pink and silver glitter make a great wrap for this job. Tie up with some spare net curtain painted extra well and a gift-tag attached and you are done. You can also make good tie-up ribbon using old clean pantyhose or any old ribbon cut to suitable length and shape then painted with pink glitter glue.

I always find my baskets at mission shops. I simply decorate the bottoms with old lace, spare wrap or cut up paper strips.

Also as a Mother's Day gift that costs nothing to make and is always appreciated Don't forget my Easy to Hang Rag/Sock/Knickers Bag.
 
Have a Great Mother's Day Week and don't forget to do something special for who you consider the best lady in your school!

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The cure for stubborn sliding doors

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Carpet Stains

Last week I answered a question on chocolate on the carpet after the onslaught of Easter eggs and then I was asked what about red wine, hair gel, make-up, even plant pot stains and someone being over enthusiastic with polish on an upholstered dining room suite so I have endeavoured to answer all your questions in a set of answers just below.

Carpet Stains from Wine and Beeswax to Blusher 

To remove beeswax polish or hair gel from nylon carpet gently rub, sparingly with tea tree oil which will dissolve the polish or the hair gel then sponge the stain and the oil off with a cold damp cloth that has been well wrung out. 

For any type of carpet red wine is best immediately removed with any white wine you have handy. Sprinkle sparingly over the red stain and blot off the diluted stain with a paper towel. Finish by rubbing gently with a well wrung out cold damp cloth and again blot dry with a paper towel. If you have guests at the time throw a clean white tea towel over the area so they don't tread in dirt from their shoes.

For any type of carpet powder make-up, eye-shadow and blusher or even natural terracotta stains from pots cut a cake of bath soap into 4 long pieces and finish this simple carving up job by rounding out the ends of each of the 4 pieces. Rub the stain with a piece of the soap to pick up the powder. Replace with a fresh piece of soap once the first piece is covered in powder stain and continue until all the powder has disappeared. Finish by rubbing gently with a well wrung out cold damp cloth and blot dry with a paper towel.

Annie

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Bad smells and mould

Hi Annie 

I've noticed that since coming back from a School camp with a car full of children, I cannot seem to shift that old sock smell from my car and it is unpleasant for me and embarrassing whenever another adult gets into my car, not too mention my kids screaming pooey whenever we re-enter the car! 

Marie 
Ashburton

Hi Marie

Next trip pick up a small inexpensive bottle of "Oil of Cloves" and protective face mask, from your local pharmacy or even medicinal section of some supermarkets. 

Find an empty 1 litre spray bottle fill with water and add a 1/4 teaspoon of the oil. Wearing the face mask, shake the mixture well, open all the car doors and boot then spray your car upholstery especially in the corners and under the seats but avoiding the automatic seat mechanisms. Oil of cloves has a festive Christmassy smell so will immediately improve the aroma of your car. 
Shut the doors for 10 minutes to let the spray completely settle, then if possible open the car doors and leave the car in the sun. Don't vacuum right away leave for a couple of days to allow any mouldy corners to dry out and die from the effects of the cloves which will cause bits of dried out stuff to appear, you can then vacuum the entire car. 

Repeat whenever the old sock smell begins to return. I have a friend who uses it lightly just before she clears out and vacuums the inside of the car. 

CAUTION: Though quite safe to drive round in a closed car and hour or so after spraying and it has settled DO NOT spray and then immediately jump into the car close the doors and drive off; some people can be quite sensitive to the spray. 

NOTE: The spray is quite safe in large rooms so a face mask is not always necessary but is best used in confined areas such as cars and shower boxes. 

Annie

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Chocolate Eggs, Carpet and Upholstery don't mix!

Hi Annie 

It's Easter Week and short of shutting the kids outside with their eggs I can't think of any way of keeping chocolate stains off the couch and carpet.

Ingrid 
Wellington

You could drape the couch, chairs, cushions and even duvets with an old sheet during the danger periods, I used to do this at kid's parties and found it was a good way to lessen the stress levels. Remember to tuck the sheets in to avoid trip-ups.

Unfortunately sheets on the carpet do not work and are a definite tripping danger so if chocolate appears on the carpet or upholstery use the following simple recipe.

First keep a bottle of chilled water in the fridge, a bar of white soap and a couple of clean neutral coloured cleaning cloths handy. 

Treat any stain IMMEDIATELY by dipping a corner of the bar of soap in a bowl of the ice-cold water and scribbling over the stain.

Dip a cleaning rag in the bowl of ice-cold water and wring out well to avoid soaking the area, now rub the soap away and the stain should have disappeared. 

NB: Never use warm or hot water, as it will set the stain making it almost impossible to remove.

This treatment only works properly on fresh stains, so if the stain is old or has already dried in the sun this may not work. There are several other treatments but I would need to know exactly what the fabric is made of before suggesting any one treatment for dried stains. 

Happy stain free Easter!

Annie

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Make-up on your collar is not a good look!

Hi Annie

My hubby gave me a good quality, long, white cotton, towelling, shower and dressing robe for Christmas, which I absolutely love. I have a tendency to put my make up on whilst wearing it and now I have foundation stains all around the collar. I have tried various pre-wash solutions, which haven't worked that well and I am loathed to use bleach as it may ruin the decorative, fine, black piping trim. Are there any other options that are safe to use?

Quick before hubby really notices.

Rebecca
Christchurch

Don't worry make-up on white or pale coloured towelling is a common problem.

Here is the solution:
Mix half and half methylated spirits and any type of dishwashing detergent. All you need is about two teaspoons of each for a large collar area such as this.

Rub the mixture with your fingertips into the stain until it literally turns to jelly then wash and dry the garment or towel as normal.

If the stain is ingrained repeat each time before you wash the garment.

Here's a tip to avoid future make-up stains on this favourite garment and having to wash it too often, fold an old scarf or hand-towel around the collar area before putting on your make-up.

Regards
Annie

Choosing stain resistant surfaces for a new room or house.

Hi Annie

I want you settle a staff room argument, when choosing surfaces for a renovation or new house, which is best natural or synthetic?

Liz
Hamilton

Hi Liz

Yes stain prevention on surfaces is something everyone should consider when renovating or building a new home.

Natural surfaces do stain more easily than plastics and synthetic fibres but then it is generally easier to remove a stain or mark from a natural surface.

As there are so many different types of surfaces on the market I couldn't accurately give you the answer you require so to settle the argument I suggest that you obtain samples of the surfaces under discussion from your local building or kitchen fittings supplier and also flooring supplier. I would then spill everything you can on each sample from beetroot juice to coffee and see which one is the easiest to clean. This could be a fun science, home economics or hard technology project.

Annie.

Discouraging a Slimy Postal Delivery

Hi Annie

We have a letterbox in a garden wall and bushes around it and it seems every late Summer and Autumn I reach in and often find a slug or snail stuck on my letters, together with the slimy trail. Any clues on how to discourage these little creatures?

Jane
DunedinHi Jane

How horrible, but funnily enough not an uncommon problem. It happened to me just last week. Perhaps the cooler Autumn nights makes them look for shelter.

Anyway the trick is to rub Vaseline© around the outside of the opening then slugs and snails can't get a grip to climb up, across and in.

To follow up on the more common problem of slugs in the garden; This can be dealt with by using hollowed out oranges or grapefruits, partly burrowing them in the garden then adding stale beer which slugs love to drown themselves in. Citrus fruit skins are better than old saucers as the slugs bend the sides of the fruit as they crawl in, then can't get out again. They prefer beer to vegetables and at least die happy.

Annie.

I call this my "Doctor Who" method, as you need to turn back the clock using simple solvents.

Hot water and time set stains in place, so you need to play Doctor Who with simple, inexpensive household soap and chemicals applied in a particular order to bring the stain back in time to when it first got onto the clothing.


You will need:

• A little methylated spirits - available at any supermarket or hardware store.

• Glycerine - available at all pharmacies and often in the medicine or cosmetic section of your local supermarket. Usually about $3 to $4 for a small bottle, which is all you will need.

• A bar of plain white bath soap or laundry soap.

Method:

1. Wipe the stain with methylated spirits to open up the fibres so a cleaning product such as simple bath soap can get in.

2. Rub with glycerine to soften the stain.

3. Using a fresh bar of white bath or good brand of laundry soap, dip a corner of the bar into a small bowl of ice-cold water. Now, as though you are using a crayon, scribble it onto the stain. (Note: do not use warm or hot water as the stain will reset and you will have to start again).

4. If you scribbled over the stain completely the bloodstain should have disappeared. If necessary, repeat all of the steps above and rinse in cold water until all the soap and stain come out.

5. Hang out to dry in the sun which will fade any sign of the stain and, if you wish, you can then wash/rinse again in the washing machine or by hand in a warm temperature to remove any soap residue that might be left in the garment.

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Glue and Banana Stains

Hi Annie
Please would you let me know how to remove banana stains from clothing?

Many thanks
Katherine-Mary Molloy
PA to the Principal, Board Secretary
Kaikorai Valley College

Hi Katherine Mary

Unlike berry and food colouring stains which can be treated with white vinegar and sunshine banana has a sticky texture and so for this type of stain pour a little Tea Tree oil onto an old pair of pantyhose and rub onto the stain before washing as usual. You can also use this method for glue on cotton and natural fibres however for polyesters and school clothing is generally made from polyester see the next Q & A.

Annie.

For PVA stains on Polyester

PVA stain removal from polyester clothing

Question:

Hi Annie
How can you get PVA glue out of clothes once they have already been washed? The children always end up with PVA on clothing and it seems to leave a permanent mark.

Hilary Brown
Melville Intermediate School


Hi Hilary

Most school clothing is now made out of polyester so use this method just for polyester.

Before the next wash, first wipe the PVA stain with a cloth dipped in methylated spirits or dip larger stains straight into a small container of methylated spirits. Next hold the stained area over a steaming pot or jug and as soon as you move the garment away from the steam (you don't want to burn your hands in the steam), quickly rub the stain with your fingertips and glue should now be soft enough to remove.

Annie

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Get rid of winter's patchy dead skin with a Simple Kitchen Cupboard Body Scrub Recipe

Yes a change of seasons so let's clean ourselves up this week.

Now it's spring many of us will be worried about exposing all that dry and often pale, patchy skin when we swap jerseys for more revealing tops and the winter boots for jandals and sandals.

Simply plastering on moisturizer and/or bronzer will actually make your skin look even more uneven and highlight the problem. What you first need to do is exfoliate and the simplest way to do that is make a body scrub from ingredients you already have in the pantry.

Where to use:
Great for feet, shins, elbows, knees, thighs, hands, upper chest and back

Caution: Do not use this recipe on your face or neck, as it will be too abrasive. Also do not use on any broken skin or on skin problems requiring medical advice.

Recipe:

I find the following is enough for feet, shins, knees, hands, and elbows. Double or triple it for a full body scrub.

1/2 cup brown or white sugar OR 1/2cup of any salt. I like sea salt.
1 Tablespoon of any olive oil
2 Tablespoons of lemon juice.

Mix all the ingredients together and keep in an air-tight jar in a cool place but not the fridge. Use this recipe up within a week to 10 days

To use effectively apply to dry skin areas before you shower.

Apply with your hands using circular motions with your fingers to rub the mixture in going back over the same area for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Shower thoroughly and apply your favourite hand and body moisturizer.

Make and use once a week.

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Errant ball-point pen marks on clothing

Hi Annie

Our question is How do you get ballpoint pen stains off sweatshirts

Thank you

Ann Hoglund
Kaiapoi North School

Hello Annie

I was wondering what I could use on wool to get out ink pen marks. Unfortunately I had my knitting in my wool bag and my older grandson put his pen in with it. Consequently I have two or three pen marks on my new woollen jersey I am knitting for my grand daughter.

Kind regards,

Chris Bucknell
Woodend School.

Answer

Biro marks are the most common stains for teachers and students alike and many think it is almost impossible to remove; however here is a great way to get most biro marks off clothing, cushions, couches and carpet.

You will first need to make some rotten milk solids solution so it's a good idea to gather up all clothing and make a note of all the carpet and upholstery spots marked with biro to see how much you will need.

It's easy to create create your own rotten milk solids solution.

Create rotten milk solids the good old-fashioned way by simply leaving full fat milk out in the sun in a wide mouthed container. If you have the idea of souring milk with vinegar or lemon juice don't bother, as it is a much less effective biro mark remover. Make sure you leave the container of milk solids alone until it is lumpy and smells really off!

Once the milk solids have formed strain the liquid (whey) away by pouring the mix gently through your fingers so you are left with the solids in your hand then spread the mixture over the biro stain.

Leave on the stain until the biro starts to bleed into the rotten mixture, you can now shake the lumps off the garment, wipe off soft finishing with a dry cloth or use a wide tooth comb on carpet to lift the solids out.

Use a bar of white bathroom soap dipped in COLD water on the remainder of the stain and then rinse in cold water until all the soap has gone. For carpet and upholstery remove the soap by repeatedly wiping with a cloth wrung out in COLD water.

WARNING: Avoid treating wood furniture and any surfaces that are water sensitive, as you will be left with a white mark.

PLEASE NOTE: For marker pens and crayons we use different methods depending on the types of inks used.

Have fun doing this as everyone will think you a bit crazy but it does work!

Annie.

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The nuisance of neighbourhood dogs and cats.

Dogs

If you have the problem of neighbourhood dogs using your garden and lawn as a toilet and scaring your cat then lavender will soon dissuade them.

1. Add one teaspoon of lavender oil to 1 litre of water in a spray bottle. Give the bottle a good shake before spraying the entire area you want them to keep off especially around where they generally enter the property.

2. Buy two or 3 lavender bushes a plant around your property's main entrance way or where the dogs tend to come in from.

3. Lavender plants also keep flies away from doorways and open windows so planting around these areas also helps and make a good sleeping spot for the cat who doesn't mind lavender at all.

Cats and Possums using your flower and vegetable beds as toilets

To dissuade cats and possums digging up your garden to use as a toilet, find some flat stones and rub with any mentholated rub, (what you use for chesty colds) then place the stones in the garden face down so the rain doesn't wash it off.

Also use a little of the rub around the paintwork on doors and windows to prevent them coming in the house. Remember though that this will also stop your own cat coming in if it uses that same entranceway.

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Simple natural solution to cleaning Bathroom Scum

What is the best natural stain remover to use in the bathroom and kitchen?

I was wondering if I should start using natural remedies instead of chemical household cleaners etc.

Thanks
Louise Jennings
Somerville Intermediate

Bought bleach based cleaners can often set off intolerant reactions especially for the person doing the cleaning; the chlorine gas though light is not good for you if you have to use it often. The now popular but expensive natural cleaners readily available on the market mainly consist of the two common ingredients bicarbonate of soda and white vinegar. Also known as Baking Soda your cheapest source is available from bulk bin suppliers and white vinegar is also available in plain pack brands, just make sure it is white or clear in colour.

More expensive brands only taste better in your cooking so it makes no difference what you use for cleaning.

To clean the bathroom:
First pours the white vinegar into an old spray bottle. Sprinkle the
bicarbonate of soda into the washbasin or bath then spray with white vinegar and wipe or scrub whilst the mixture is fizzing. This means you don't spray until you want to clean that area of the bath.

For shower walls and tiles pour the about 1/4 cup of Bicarbonate into a plastic container or bowl. Make a well in the middle of the powder and using a small scrubbing brush or old toothbrush pour a small amount of white vinegar into this well then dip the brush into it and load up with the now fizzing mixture before scrubbing the shower corners and walls.
Keep adding the white vinegar as you need it to keep the mixture fizzing.

You will find that this is actually more effective on soap scum than almost any bought bathroom spray.

If you are worried about the vinegar smell don't worry white vinegar unlike your Fish'n'Chip malt vinegar smell dissipates within half an hour of cleaning a hard surface.

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Candle Wax on Carpet and Tablecloths

Candles are lovely on a cold dark winter's evening but it is so easy for the wax to end up on your best tablecloth or carpet The first thing to remember is don't dry re-melting it, get out the ice cubes instead.

For carpet

Pop some ice cubes in a tea towel or plastic bag and place over the stain. Leave for five minutes to chill and shrink the wax. Then using a smooth edge knife or ice-block stick lift most of the wax off the surface.

Little bits of stubborn wax will still be left so deal with these by placing a paper towel over them and weighting it down at the edges so that you can now use a hair dryer over it to melt the remaining wax underneath. When heated by the hair dryer these bits of wax will melt and be absorb by the paper towel. You will need to change the paper towel several times until no greasy marks of melted wax appear on it.

Once the candle wax colour has gone there will be a greasy mark on the carpet which can be removed by using a few drops of tea tree oil on an old pantyhose and rubbing the stain with it.

Use a paper towel to remove any remaining tea tree oil and stain residue.

On Tablecloths, cushion covers and clothing

Fold the item with the stain facing up and pop into a plastic bag before putting into the freezer. If it won't fit in the freezer use the ice cubes in a plastic bag method. When the item is cold Use a smooth edge knife or ice-block stick lift most of the wax off the surface.

To remove the remaining bits of wax place on your ironing with about six layers of paper towel underneath and on the stained area. Now press an iron over the paper towels changing as needed until all the wax has melted and been absorbed by the paper towels.

Remove the paper towels and remove the residue by rubbing a little tea tree oil into the remaining oily stain before washing that piece of fabric as you normally would.

Remember to keep safe by never leaving a candle unattended and this will also minimize the incidence of errant wax.

Annie

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Removing mould from grouting

Hi Annie

The grouting between the tiles in the school washrooms has developed a black mould. Soap, water and elbow grease has not worked. Any ideas?

Louise Jennings
Somerville Intermediate

All you need are two inexpensive natural ingredients. White vinegar and Bicarbonate of soda plus an old toothbrush or two and a couple of dry cleaning cloths.

For vertical tiling on walls spoon two teaspoons of the bicarbonate of soda into a saucer, add about the same amount of white vinegar and then immediately whilst the mixture is still frothing dip and load the toothbrush up with the mixture and scrub thickly onto the grouting. Leave whilst you move onto another section of grouting but wipe away with a dry cloth before the mixture completely dries.

Note do not use a wet cloth as it is good to leave some vinegar residue to discourage any re-growth of the mould. The white vinegar smell will soon dissipate.

Keep mixing up small amounts of the mixture and work your way across the wall.

On horizontal areas all you need to do is make sure the area is dry before sprinkling with bicarb of soda then spray with the vinegar and proceed with the toothbrush and cloths as before.

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End of year outdoor clean ups, removing engine oil or other oil stains from concrete floors, paths, driveways, terracotta tiles, pavers and normal bricks

Hi Annie
Do you know what we can do about oil stains on the school carpark and also on the floors of the hard technology mechanics.


Hi Annie
Do you know what we can do about oil stains on the school carpark and also on the floors of the hard technology mechanics buildings and areas?
Tim Smith
Auckland

For very recent oil stains scrub immediately with a normal solution of a good quality washing up liquid (not natural organic versions) and warm water.

For the more likely soaked in stain you will need to purchase a bag of plaster of Paris powder so that you can use a mixture of this and dish-wash liquid to lift and absorb the stain(s).

1. For outside areas make sure you pick a dry day and perform the following during the warmest part of the day.

2. With an old table knife mix up a stiff mixture of plaster of Paris so that the knife stands up in it and to each cupful of this add a teaspoon of good dishwashing liquid.

3. Spread this paste 1cm thick over the stain(s) and leave to dry.

4. To test for dryness tap the plaster with the brush head that you are going to brush it all away with and if it won't crack or start to brush away easily leave to dry for a longer time. Once dry the stain should disappear as you brush the plaster away

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The Magic of white vinegar and sunlight

Hi Annie

What should you do immediately when staining clothes with beetroot juice?

Ginny Catterall
Executive P.A.
Whangaparaoa College

Hi Ginny

Beetroot juice stains though horrific are no worse than other food stains. White vinegar and ultra violet light will remove it therefore simply spray with white vinegar and hang out in the sun then wash as normal in cold water not hot.

Annie


Hi Annie

I have spilt some drops of red wine on a cream but oldish woollen carpet. How do I get them out? There are also a few coffee stains to get rid of too.
Look forward to your answer.

Christina Moroney
NZ Registered Teacher
SPELD Trained Teacher


Hi Christine

Vinegar means sour wine and this liquid is produced from oxidation by acetic acid bacteria in wine, cider, beer, fermented fruit juice or nearly any other liquid containing alcohol. You can use any of these liquids but white vinegar leaves no residue or colour and doesn't even need to be rinsed off as it evaporates completely after a day or so of treating the stain.

Try and do this on a sunny day, spray the stain with white vinegar and wipe off as much of the red wine and coffee stains as you can then re-spray until the stains have disappeared. Leave to dry. The slight vinegar smell will disappear after a few hours.

Annie

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Coffee stains on whites

Hi Annie

How do you get a coffee stain off a white shirt?

Robyn Meikle
Associate Principal
Tauranga Unit
Northern Health School

Hi Robyn

Before washing the garment in the machine try this:

Ice-cold water is the trick to use here:

Using a block of white bathroom soap dipped in ice-cold water out of the fridge, shake off the excess from the bar and scribble it all over the stain. Next dip your hands in the ice-cold water, then massage the soap scribble well into the stain. Take a clean white cloth and also dip in the cold water before using it to sponge away the soap. Finally rinse in cold water, check the stain is gone and if not repeat the process.

Wash the garment on normal cold water cycle. If there is still a residual mark it is best to dry in the shade and not tumble dry as we do not want to cook what is left of the stain further into the shirt.

If the stain is old you may have to repeat this process before the next couple of washes and the stain will eventually completely disappear.

Annie

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PVA stain removal from clothes

Hi Annie

How can you get PVA glue out of clothes once they have already been washed? The
children always end up with PVA on clothing and it seems to leave a permanent mark

Hilary Brown
Melville Intermediate School

Hi Hilary

Most school clothing is now made out of polyester so use this method just for polyester.

Before the next wash, first wipe the PVA stain with a cloth dipped in methylated spirits or dip
larger stains straight into a small container of methylated spirits.

Next hold the stained area over a steaming pot or jug and as soon as you move the garment
away from the steam, (you don't want to burn your hands in the steam) quickly rub the stain with
your fingertips and glue should now be soft enough to remove.

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Removing black tar from carpet and work clothes

Hi Annie

How do you remove Tar from wool carpet?

Peter Davies
Whangaparaoa College

Hi Peter

New driveways and paths created in the school holidays can often be the cause of these particularly nasty stains that are simply caused by fresh tar softening up on warm days and people walking over them. Here's how to remove them:

You will need a pair of thin food handling or medical gloves, an old saucer or shallow dish, baby oil and baby powder, or any other sort of talcum powder as long as it is in a puffer type container. (I suggested baby powder as it is now generally sold in this type of container).

Treat the stains one at a time.

Puff the baby powder in a circle, 1cm away from the outside edge of one of the tar stains, as this will stop the tar spreading when you loosen it up.

Wearing the gloves and with the baby powder still at the ready, dip your fingers in a saucer of the oil and rub the oil into the stain until it starts to spread and softens. Now sprinkle the baby powder directly over the oil and roll the powder and tar into balls inside the outer circle of talc. You can now pick up the globs of tar, oil and talc, make sure there is no baby oil left in the stain area by using extra talc.

Move onto the next tar mark.

When finished, vacuum up the surplus baby powder. There shouldn't be but ff there is any oil left in the carpet use a wrung out cloth dipped in methylated spirits to remove the rest of the baby oil.

Annie

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Removing cooking oil from cotton clothing

Hi Annie

I make the mistake of not wearing an apron. How do I get oil splatterings off cotton T -Shirts? I think it is oil from cooking.

Brenda
Maclean's School

Hi Brenda

Grab the dishwashing liquid and patiently pour onto each spatter stain and rub between your fingers until the fabric begins to feel like jelly. This means the oil is coming out. Rinse out the jelly part and move onto the next spatter. When you have treated all the spatter marks, put into the washing machine on rinse cycle to completely remove all the dishwashing liquid.

If this doesn't work start again by rubbing the spatters with baby oil, which will make it look worse to start with but it will loosen the oil so when you use the washing up liquid, the removable jelly-like substance will form more easily. This second method works better on old oil stains.

Annie 

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Removing Hair Dye from carpets and PVA Glue from clothing

Hair Dye on the Carpet - who hasn't done this as some time in their life!

Hi Annie

How do I remove hair dye from the carpet? Thanks.

Regards
Crystal Cane
Fairburn School
Auckland.

Hi Crystal

1) Sponge out the stain using one part Dylon colour run remover to 5 parts hot water. Make sure it is the colour safe type.
Annie

Removal of PVA Glue from clothing

Hi Annie
How can you get PVA glue out of clothes once they have already been washed? My children always end up with PVA on clothing & it seems to leave a permanent mark.

Regards

Hilary Brown
Melville Intermediate

Hi Hilary

Before washing, dip the areas of clothing affected in a small plastic container of methylated spirits and rub gently then wring out the excess back into the container before washing as normal. I find keeping a small plastic container with sealable lid in the laundry is the most economical and handiest way to use methylated spirits, which is useful for many stains but will evaporate if not covered and sealed.

Annie

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Removing chewing gum from carpet and student's hair with ice and Tea Tree Oil

Hello Annie

Chewing gum stains in the carpet in the classroom! - How do we get rid of it?

Donna Mason
Sunset Primary School


Removing chewing and bubble gum from concrete, school-desks, clothing and carpets

Fill a number of small plastic bags with ice and place one bag on each lump of chewing gum. Once the gum has been chilled enough to have gone rock hard use an ice-lolly stick or a blunt knife and carefully lift the lump.

The gum should come off cleanly but if there are persistent bits left behind rub with an old pantyhose that has a good dose of Tea Tree Oil on it. Once the area is clear of gum rub the area with a damp cloth that has been dipped in 50/50 water and liquid woolwash to remove the Tea-tree oil residue. Used in this way, any brand of woolwash is also a handy and economical carpet spot cleaner.

You can also use this method for soft surfaces such as vinyl, leather and clothing.

Gummed hair is often the cause of classroom trauma so you can dispel the panic and aggravation by using this same method to remove any sort of gum out of a student's hair; however instead of woolwash tell the student to wash their hair with their family shampoo as soon as they get home.

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Removing oil pastels stains from clothes

Hi Annie
How do we get stains from oil pastels out of our clothes?

Thanks

Sacha Fawbert
Maungaraki School
Lower Hutt 5010


Pour two drops of Tea tree oil into the centre of a slice of bread, pull the four corners of the bread together and rub the centre of the bread on the clothing. If you have a sea sponge or other soft sponge handy, use this instead of the bread.

Wipe off the excess Tea tree oil with a damp cloth and by this time the coloured mark should have completely gone.

In order to remove any oil residue wash clothing as you would normally do.

Annie

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Mould stains removal and prevention

Hi Annie,

My question is 'Do you know how to get mould stains out of curtains?' They have a thermal backing but there is a cotton overhanging piece.

Thanks,

Fran
Bream Bay College


Hi Fran
You can read the following instructions for your specific problem with mould on curtains or click on my page www.tstnz.com/house_garden.html#mould to view this answer and more on mould as not all surfaces suffering from mould problems can be treated in the same way.

Annie

Mould Stains removal and prevention for soft furnishings, books and the inside of shower boxes

Removing the damp smell and mould stains from

• Books and walls behind bookshelves
• Cushions, Upholstery, Curtains, Blinds and Carpets
• Upholstery in Cars and Car-boots
• Inside Bathroom Showers

Mould cannot grow in dry well ventilated sunny areas. Unfortunately during winter months this environment simply does not exist in and around many NZ homes and school-buildings.
All moulds spread by spores and preventing re-growth is as important as its removal but luckily both can be done at the same time for every kind of mould.

Ingredient to buy and prepare:
Oil of cloves and dissolve a 1/4 teaspoon of this powerful oil into at least 1 litre of water in a spray bottle.

Spray all of the above and leave to dry for 24 hours by which time the mould should have dropped off and disappeared but if not spray a little more of the clove water onto an old pair of pantyhose and wipe onto the area. In all cases do not wipe off the spray because once dry the cloves will keep damp away for 1 to 3 months at which point you will need to spray again.

Special Note: For upholstery in cars and anything that is movable like shoes or cushions spray and leave in a sunny spot.

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Different marker pens need different treatments

Hi Annie, can you please tell me if you have ever successfully removed highlighter pen ink from carpet. It is a bright orange colour, which I understand is one of the hardest colours to remove.
Thanks
Sue

Sue McLeish
Northern Health School


Hi Sue
Yes dealing with errant pen marks is a universal problem for teachers and Mums. It isn't so much the colour as the fact that there are different types of pens and each type needs to be identified before treating.

As most marker pens contain their own solvent you will need the original pen or the same brand and type of pen. You may also need to use the same remedy as for biro and artist's ink, which is the rotten milk solids solution. You will need to make this before proceeding but do not apply until you have read the method of removal below. See the instructions at the bottom of this article for the easiest way to create rotten milk solids.

NOTE: Read the following and have everything ready first before starting.

Marker pen removal method:

Ingredients to have at the ready:
The original or same brand and type of marker pen that made the original stain
Rotten Milk solids click here to see how to make.
Methylated Spirits
White Spirits
Common Soap and Water
Acetone

Important: Test the Stain
Test out your remedies in the order they are listed above using cotton buds dipped in each solution. Roll each differently dipped, cotton bud over a small part of the stain until you find the solution that starts to effectively dissolve the stain.

Once you have found the right solvent from the list, do the following and work fast:

1. In one stroke draw the original pen back over the mark, which will start to dissolve the stain.
2. Next immediately start stroking the cotton bud repeatedly dipped in the correct solvent until you have removed all the colour.
3. To neutralise the mark rinse with water or white vinegar. White vinegar is usually the better of the two to use but for some surfaces such as marble tops it is safer to use water.
4. Remove any residue of water or vinegar with a dry cloth and if you have just removed the mark from an item of clothing hang to dry.

Creating your rotten milk solid solution.
You can create rotten milk solids the good old-fashioned way by leaving out in the sun in a wide mouthed container. Make sure you leave the container of milk solids alone until it is lumpy and smells like off milk. Do not use vinegar or lemon juice to sour the milk.

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Marked and greasy kitchen window-ledges

Hi Annie

What is the best thing to use to get stain marks out of paint for places like window ledges - especially in the kitchen area? I have some small rusty looking stains (I don't know what has caused them) on my window ledges which is above the sink in the kitchen - the paint is only about 2 years old and is an oil based acrylic.

With regards
Margaret Stormont
Administration Officer
Patumahoe School

Hi Margaret

The best solution is two fold. First, clean the window ledge with white vinegar and rub with an old panty hose, because if it is a food stain of any sort this should shift it (I'm thinking a messy brown or tomato sauce bottle could have been left there after a barbie). It will also remove all grease from your window ledge. Don't wash with water afterwards, just leave the vinegar on as this will help to stop the build up of grease and make it easier to clean next time.

If they are stubborn rust stains that you have on your window-ledge then there are two other methods we can try.

1. The Natural Way: For this, hopefully like my kitchen your window-ledge does get some sunshine during the day. When the sun is full on your window-ledge try pouring non-iodised or plain salt in little piles over the stains, then squeeze lemon juice from a fresh lemon into the salt to moisten the salt but not disintegrate it. Leave until the sun has left the windowsill for the day then brush or wipe away the salt. The rust marks should have been bleached out and disappeared. If they faded but not disappeared, have another go the next day.
2. Resorting to Chemical Cleaners: If the above does not work or you have a kitchen on the south side of the house (no sun), then you will need to use something more toxic like Ranex or CLR and don't forget to use your rubber gloves when using these type of chemicals. Simply follow the manufacturer's instructions and if it is rust the marks will go.

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Playing Doctor Who with Methylated Spirits

Last week I talked about using Methylated Spirits as a solvent for Sweat Stains and Odour, this week here's how to remove old-blood.

Hi Annie

'Stain Removal'

I have a white top that got animal blood on it and it sat in the laundry for over three days
now I cannot seem to be able to budge the stain, it looks hideous, can you please help?

Thanks

Candi Callaghan
Ward School
Marlborough

Removing blood stains from white polyester clothing

Hi Candi

As the stain has now set over time you need to play Doctor Who with solvents applied in a particular order so that you bring the stain back in time to when it first got onto the clothing.

You will need:

• A little Methylated Spirits - Available at any supermarket or hardware store.
• Glycerine - Available at all chemists and often in the medicine or cosmetic section of your local supermarket.
• A bar of plain white bath soap

1. Wipe the stain with methylated spirits to open up the fibres so a cleaning product such as simple bath soap can get in.
2. Rub with glycerine to soften the stain. Glycerine is available from all chemists and the cosmetic/medicinal section of many supermarkets.
3. Using a fresh bar of white bath soap dip it into a small bowl of cold water and as though you are using a crayon scribble it onto the stain. (Note do not use warm or hot water and the stain will reset and you will have to start all over again).
4. If you scribbled over the stain completely the bloodstain should have disappeared but if necessary repeat all of the steps above and rinse in cold water until all the soap and stain has come out.
5. Hang out to dry in the sun which will fade any sign of the stain and if you wish you can then proceed to wash/rinse again in the washing machine or by hand in a warm temperature in order to remove any soap residue that may be left in the garment.

Annie

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Removing Summer fruit stains from clothing plus how to rid summer whites of sweat stains and odour.

Hello,

My friend's baby loves eating blueberries, but she is always staining her clothes. What is the best way to deal with this type of stain?

Also my husband leaves sweat marks on his white shirts, how can I remove these.

Thanks.

Kelli Witana
Moerewa School

Hello Kelli

We are in luck. What ripens the fruit also rids clothes of the inevitable stains. Before washing any fruit or vegetable stained clothing, wipe with white vinegar and hang out in the sun until the vinegar has dried and the ultra violet light from the sun has faded the stain. Then wash as normal. For old stains, your friend may have to repeat the process but if she does this every time she is about to wash the baby's clothing then old and stains will disappear within a couple of washes.

A simple and quick solution to sweat stains on white shirts and T-shirts.
Most shirts these days are made of polyester and the sweat becomes locked in the spiral fibres making it hard to remove the unpleasant odour and sweaty stain marks but this is easier to remedy than you might think. Simply keep a small, covered, wide mouthed, plastic container of methylated spirits near the washing machine. Each time you need to do your husband's shirts and before throwing into the washing machine, dip the sweaty areas in the methylated spirits; then so you can reuse the meths wring out any excess back into the container. The methylated spirits unlock the polyester fibres in the shirts allowing the washing powder and machine to do their jobs.

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Rust stains on cotton lace or cotton cloth and clothing

Hi Annie

Can you tell me how to remove rust stains from a lace and cotton christening gown. The stains are well set as the gown had fallen down behind a hot water cupboard and been there for years.
I would appreciate any advice you could give.

Thanks

Kiri Storer
Glen Taylor School
172 West Tamaki Rd
Glendowie

Hi Kiri

I am assuming that the gown is cotton lace, that is, the entire garment is made from cotton.

You will need

• A packet of plain salt (not-iodised).
• 1 lemon (or maybe two or three depending on the number of rust-stained areas and how dark in colour they are).

Method

1. Find a sunny spot and spread the area of garment to be treated on a clean plastic cutting board or other such surface that the colour or surface will not be damaged by the salt or lemon.
2. Pour a little mountain of salt over each rust spot and squeeze just enough lemon juice over each mountain peak so that the salt is moistened but the little mountain does not collapse.
3. Leave to dry for an hour making sure the sun is always directly shining on the piles of salt. The sunlight, lemon and salt all react together to dissolve the rust and it is absorbed by the salt.
4. Once dry brush the salt away and the stain will have either disappeared or faded. As there are a number of stains on your christening gown plus they are quite old and set, you will most likely need to repeat the process a couple of times until all the stains have faded away completely.

Annie

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Seasonal shoe and foot odour remedies

Hi Annie

It's summertime and I have become a fitness walking fanatic but how do you stop sports shoes becoming smelly. I also have two boys and a husband who all have the same problem.

Susan
Primary Teacher
Taranaki.


Hi Susan

Let's make some natural shoe and foot deodorant which will not only rid you of that all pervading smell on your porch or when anyone takes their shoes off in the house but also help to prevent fungal infections of the foot.

This recipe will make enough for one person, so Susan as there are four people in your family in need of this remedy you may need to quadruple the ingredients below, so each person has their own bag of sweet smellies, which they can use on any number of their own shoes.

You will need:

• 2 drops of Tea tree oil (Kills tinea)
• 2 drops of oil of cloves (Kills mould spore so it doesn't form really good in damp conditions)
• 2 drops of lavender oil (Anti-bacterial, deters insect from crawling into your empty shoes and gives off an attractive clean fragrance).
• 2 Tablespoons of Bicarbonate of Soda (Really good for absorbing sweat).
• 2 Tablespoons of Talcum Powder (For a nice cool silky feel + also absorbs moisture)
• A standard cleaning cloth size piece of Muslin cloth (30cm x 30cm) or an old but clean pair of pantyhose.

Method:

1. Mix all the ingredients together and place into the middle of the muslin cloth and tie all the corners together or alternatively put into the closed toe end of the pantyhose.
2. Tie the ends together of the muslin or tie off the pantyhose where suitable with a piece of string or ribbon so you can undo easily for washing and refills.
3. Now simply pat the inside of the shoes and wipe your feet with this bag before and after wearing your shoes.
4. Re-use until the sweet smell of the bag disappears then empty, wash, dry and make a refill.
    

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The essential in-expensive stain solvent to store in your cleaning kit

How do you get rid of old tea stains on carpet?

Cheers

Evelyn Straka
Executive Officer
Wainui School

Hi Evelyn

Simply spray lightly with undiluted white vinegar, wait 1 to 2 minutes and then rub with an old pantyhose. Repeat until the stain has completely gone.
Annie

Versatile White Vinegar: The essential ingredient of any stain removal kit.

Vinegar means sour wine and this liquid is produced from oxidation by acetic acid bacteria in wine, cider, beer, fermented fruit juice or nearly any other liquid containing alcohol. You can use any of these liquids but white vinegar leaves no residue or colour and doesn't even need to be rinsed off as it evaporates completely after a day or so of treating the stain.

Uses: Note to effectively remove stains from any of the following you may need to use white vinegar in conjunction with other ingredients such as bicarbonate of soda.

1. All lime based stains such as chalk and concrete marks, electric jug and plumbing pipes scaling.
2. Absorbs nasty smells in enclosed areas such as freezers, cars, bags, microwaves
3. Boiled dry saucepans
4. Urine stains and odours
5. Cigarette stains on walls and ceilings
6. Red wine stains on just about anything
7. Food stains
8. Permanent press in the wrong place and iron marks.
9. Non-chemical surface cleaner for kitchen tables and benches
10. Glass and windscreens
11. Barbecues
12. Zippers and fabric fasteners that have gone green
13. To expand and bring to life shrunken silk garments
14. Keeping the head on the beer in your glass
15. New towels and fabric that never dries fully.
16. White marks that won't wash off black fabrics and clothing.

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.
Suicidal Insects on your windscreen can be a road hazard.

Dead insects and insect excrement on windscreens and house windows is very annoying. In the case of your windscreen, it also poses a health and safety risk. Therefore before you decorate the house for Christmas or set off into our beautiful countryside make up this spray and keep it handy, as it will make it really easy to for you to clean your spattered windscreen at the end of each day.


Using this spray will help prevent the incidence of a gluey mess that you can't see through whenever you need to switch on the windscreen wipers.

Spray ingredients:
1 teaspoon T-tree oil
1 teaspoon glycerine
1 litre coldwater

Using a clean spray bottle combine ingredients and shake well.
Spray glass and wipe away with an old pantyhose or paper towel.

Preventing fogged up car windows
At this time of year your car is more likely to be full of people and to stop your windscreen from fogging up on a humid, rainy day pour a teaspoon of sweet almond oil onto a soft cloth and polish the inside and outside of the windscreen with it. Repeat this polishing technique on all the inside windows especially the rear and front seat side windows. Smells good too!

Using this spray on other surfaces
You can also use this spray on all washable surfaces but take it easy how much you spray on carpets or upholstery. Rather than directly spraying onto soft surfaces, I first spray onto pantyhose then rub the stain with it, wiping away the residue with a clean cloth.

Bird droppings
Please note there is a whole section on bird droppings, as which type of spray to use depends on the bird's diet so we'll tackle that in next week's column.

Happy Holiday preparations

Annie

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.
An inexpensive Christmas Present

Hi Everyone

Today I am answering a Universal Question - What to give to someone at Christmas that doesn't cost the earth, is different, really useful, personalised and made with love out of recycled materials:

Attention Textile & Home Economics Teachers - A Useful Christmas Present for your students to make out of Recycled Materials:

The Easy to Hang Rag/ Sock/ Knicker Bag.

As it is the season of gift making here's a cheap and simple to make but useful Gift for you and your students to make. It is the Rag Bag or Sock/ Stocking/ Knicker Storage Bag. It hangs in any cupboard or wardrobe

You will need

• An old shirt with buttons preferably short-sleeved but it doesn't matter.
• Scissors
• Needle and thread
• Artist Marker Pens or Fabric Paint and Brush.
  Visit www.zigzag.co.nz to purchase these online.
• STENCIL LETTERS of the Alphabet that spell RAGBAG or a person's name plus any other STENCILS such as daisies, butterflies, etcetera.
• Optional fancy buttons plus any other washable decorations
• Coat Hanger

Method

1. If short-sleeved sew up the armholes. If long-sleeved cut off the arms completely or trim to until short-sleeved and sew up the arm-holes
2. Sew together the bottom ends of the shirt so a bag is formed once the shirt-buttons are done up.
3. If you want to decorate by exchanging the original buttons for something fancier sew them on now.
4. Stencil paint on the words RAG BAG or JANE'S KNICKERS or JOHN's SOCKS or whatever seems most useful or generic such as just SOCKS.
5. Add any other decorations or paint on a sock or aerosol can or pair of knickers to depict the bag's usage.
6. Put the finished shirt onto a clothes hanger and do up the buttons

Now you have a storage bag that can be hung up in the wardrobe, on the back of any door or on a hook in the cleaning cupboard. For ease of installing you may wish to add an instant stick on hook to the final gift parcel.

This is really useful gift for people who live in a small flat or have very little storage space. Could even be an alternative to LOCKERS and may rid of the mess in the CLASS CLOAKROOM.

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Removing mould stains from curtains

Hi Annie,

Do you know how to get mould stains out of curtains? They have a thermal backing but with a cotton overhanging piece.

Thanks,
Fran
F. Powell
Bream Bay College

Hi Fran

The different materials are not a problem because you can use the same natural oil of cloves spray remedy (see recipe below) for all of the following:

• Books and walls behind bookshelves
• Cushions, Upholstery, Curtains, Blinds and Carpets
• Upholstery in Cars and Car-boots
• Inside Bathroom Showers

Mould cannot grow in dry well ventilated sunny areas. Unfortunately during winter months this environment simply does not exist in and around many NZ homes and school-buildings.
All moulds spread by spores and preventing re-growth is as important as its removal but luckily both can be done at the same time for every kind of mould.

Recipe:
Ingredient to buy and prepare:
Oil of cloves and dissolve a 1/4 teaspoon of this powerful oil into at least 1 litre of water in a spray bottle.

Spray all of the above and leave to dry for 24 hours by which time the mould should have dropped off and disappeared but if not spray a little more of the clove water onto an old pair of pantyhose and wipe onto the area. In all cases do not wipe off the spray because once dry the cloves will keep damp away for 1 to 3 months at which point you will need to spray again.

Special Note: For upholstery in cars and anything that is movable like shoes or cushions spray and leave in a sunny spot.

Annie

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Removing pet vomit stains

Hi Annie,

Unfortunately my dog has recently been ill.
He was unable to get out of the back door quickly enough and some vomit ended up on the beige carpet. I think it's a nylon and wool mix.
There is a yellowy brown stain left on the carpet. Can you suggest how this can be removed?

Thanks

Liz Rainbow
Taupo-nui-a-Tia College
Spa Road
Taupo

Hi Liz

Hopefully this is just a temporary problem caused by the youth or old age of your pet.

Most pets eat commercial dry or tinned foods and the stains from this can be treated as follows: First treat with cold water and bath soap and if after doing this there is still a pinkish stain, then brush two to three drops of glycerine only for every 30 cm of stain over carpet, vinyl or timber floors.

Leave for 20 minutes then repeat the cold water and bath soap treatment using an old rolled up pantyhose to erase the stain.

Annie

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Removing blood stains from furniture

Hi Annie,

I'm wondering what is the best way to get a bloodstain out of a couch?

Thanks

Tina
Willowbank School 56S Middlefield Drive
Howick South, Manukau,


Hi Tina

1) Using a fresh bar of white bath soap dip it into a small bowl of cold water and as though you are using a crayon scribble it onto the stain.

2) Select an old but clean toothbrush and scrub the soap covered stain with it. Avoid adding any extra water to the toothbrush, as you do not want to soak the couch.

3) Sponge off the soap with a well wrung out cloth that has been dipped in another bowl of cold water.

4) If you scribbled over the stain completely in step one, the bloodstain should have disappeared but if necessary repeat all of the steps above and do not allow anyone to sit on the couch until it is completely dry.

N.B. Do not soak the couch thinking this will help the stain to come out.

Annie

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Removing oil pastels stains from clothes

Hi Annie
How do we get stains from oil pastels out of our clothes?

Thanks

Sacha Fawbert
Maungaraki School
Lower Hutt 5010

Pour two drops of T-tree oil into the centre of a slice of bread, pull the four corners of the bread together and rub the centre of the bread on the clothing. If you have a sea sponge or other soft sponge handy, use this instead of the bread.

Wipe off the excess T-tree oil with a damp cloth and by this time the coloured mark should have completely gone.

In order to remove any oil residue wash clothing as you would normally do.
 
Annie

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Removing chewing gum from carpet

Hello Annie

Chewing gum stains in the carpet in the classroom! - How do we get rid of it?

Donna Mason
Sunset Primary School


Removing chewing and bubble gum from concrete, school-desks, clothing and carpets

Fill a number of small plastic bags with ice and place one bag on each lump of chewing gum. Once the gum has been chilled enough to have gone rock hard use an ice-lolly stick or a blunt knife and carefully lift the lump. The gum should come off cleanly but if there are persistent bits left behind rub with an old pantyhose that has a good dose of Tea Tree Oil on it. Once the area is clear of gum rub the area with a damp cloth that has been dipped in 50/50 water and liquid woolwash to remove the Tea-tree oil residue. Used in this way any brand of woolwash is also a handy and economical carpet spot cleaner.

You can also use this method for soft surfaces such as vinyl, leather and clothing.

Gummed hair is often the cause of classroom trauma so you can dispel the panic and aggravation by using this same method to remove any sort of gum out of a student's hair; however instead of woolwash tell the student to wash their hair with their family shampoo as soon as they get home.
 

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Removing acrylic paint from clothing

Hi Annie,

We have terrible trouble with dried paint on our school sweatshirts & polos - we would love to be able to advise parents how to remove this - any ideas? We typically use school acrylic paint and our hoodies & Polo shirts are a turquoise colour, made from polyester cotton mix. Thanks for your help.

Louise McGrath
Office Manager
Hurupaki School
Kamo
Whangarei


Hi Louise

Acrylic Paint can be a real problem as on contact it begins to bond quite quickly with nylon/ polyester fibres such as fleecy hoodies and polo shirts. Methylated spirits will break down these bonds and separate the paint from the fibres however this does take time. The best way to deal with each area or paint spots is to employ the tie-dye method of soaking but instead of dye you use cold methylated spirits in a wide mouthed container that you can cover.

This means that you fasten the paint spotted section of the garment with an elastic band and then soak the finger shaped piece of clothing in the methylated spirits for 20 minutes, covering the container to stop the meths from evaporating. Then remove and rub the garment with your fingers to help release the paint from the fibres. If it doesn't work fasten it up with the elastic band again and repeat the soaking for another 20 minutes and if necessary repeat the process for as long as it takes to release the paint.

If you use a glass container you will see that quite suddenly the fibres will release the paint, making methylated spirits, paint coloured and that is the time to remove and start rubbing the cloth again. Depending on the paint quality and how much is on the garment it can take quite some time to remove it all but with patience it does work.

Once the paint is gone, immediately rinse out the methylated spirits and wash as normal to make sure all the paint residue has been removed.

Even though it is now cloudy, it will never bond with paint so the methylated spirits can be re-used for other garments so there is no need to throw it away. Just make sure it is kept in a sealed jar in a dark cool place.

Annie

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How to remove sweat stains from clothing

Hi Annie,

What is the best way to remove sweat stains on light coloured clothing?

Susanne
Te Kauwhata College
Waikato


Hi Susanne

I am presuming that the problem is with nylon or polyester clothing as natural fibres such as cotton open up when water and detergent is applied during the washing process, unfortunately synthetic fibres don't do this so the unpleasant stale body odour and yellow-brown stain remain locked in.

The answer is simple: pre-stain treat with Methylated Spirits!

A good trick is to keep a covered, wide mouthed container of methylated spirits in the laundry room. Dip the stained area into the container and to save on the meths, wring out the excess back into the container before throwing into the washing machine. This will open up the fibres allowing the washing detergent and cycle to do its job. The advantage of the dipping container is that you don't waste methylated spirits. Instead of dipping you can also wipe the methylated spirits onto the garment.

You can also use this method on darker clothing where no matter how often you wash the garment, the under arm odour after an hour's wear tells you that this piece of clothing has a similar problem.

Annie

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Removing highlighter or marker pen stains

Hi Annie, can you please tell me if you have ever successfully removed highlighter pen ink from carpet. It is a bright orange colour, which I understand is one of the hardest colours to remove.

Thanks
Sue

Sue McLeish
Principal's Nominee
Northern Health School
C/- Whitiora School
Hamilton


Hi Sue
Yes can be tricky but certainly will come off if you find the correct solvent for the stain, which is what the following set of instructions will do. It could also be a good science experiment as not all highlighter and marker pens are created equal and therefore might require some experimentation. The benefit of this particular project is that it will also remove a pesky stain.


Here is what you or the science class would need to do:

First note that each different type of marker pen's errant marks may need treating differently.

As most marker pens contain their own solvent you will need the original pen or the same brand and type of pen that caused the marks. Make sure you have all materials below including the rotten milk solids (instructions on how to make this are also below) before you start on your experiment


Items to have at the ready:
1) The original or same brand and type of marker pen that made the original stain
2) Cotton buds
3) White vinegar
4) Clean white dry cloths.

Plus

The stain solvents to test with:
5) Methylated Spirits
6) White Spirits
7) Rotten Milk solids - see how to make and use just below.
8) Common Soap and Water
9) Acetone

Have your remedies lined up and test them in the order they are listed above using cotton buds dipped well in each solution and spun onto a small part of the stain until you find the one that starts to effectively dissolve the stain.

Once you have found the right solvent from the list do the following and work fast:

In one stroke draw the original pen back over the mark, which will start to dissolve the stain.

Next immediately start stroking the cotton bud repeatedly dipped in the correct solvent until you have removed the entire colour.

To neutralise the mark rinse with water or white vinegar. White vinegar is usually the better of the two to use but for some surfaces such as marble tops it is safer to use water.

Remove any residue of water or vinegar with a dry cloth and don't let anyone walk on the area until completely dry.

Creating your rotten milk solid solution.
You can create rotten milk solids the good old-fashioned way by leaving out in the sun in a wide mouthed container. Make sure you leave the container of milk solids alone until it is lumpy and smells like off milk. Do not use vinegar or lemon juice to sour the milk.

Stain removal using the rotten milk solid solution

1) When ready to use strain the mixture through your fingers catching the lumps and then rub the lumps over the stain(s)
2) Now leave until the ink starts to bleed then grab or shake the lumps off the carpet or rug.
3) Next dip a bar of common bathroom soap in cold water and rub the stain until it disappears.
4) Rub the soap residue away with a cloth rung out in cold water.

If the ink mark remains it means that you did not leave the rotten milk solids on long enough so repeat the whole process. This method can also be used on curtains, all furnishing fabrics and clothing.

Could be a good science experiment for one of your classes. Happy solvent experiments

Annie

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Using Springtime Sunshine as a Stain Remover

Dear Annie,

Our school has black and white school sports shirts made of Polyester. They are often returned with grass stains - what advice should we give to parents on getting them out?

Regards,

Helen Kinsey-Wightman
Principal
Rangiwahia School


Good Day Helen

Type the below treatment this into your next school newsletter with the heading 'Treating Sports Shirts for Grass Stains'.

Now spring has arrived all you need to make our School Sports Uniforms look smart and sharp again is a sunny day, white vinegar and your usual washing powder.

Treat the stains with dabs of white vinegar before and after washing normally. Make sure you hang the affected clothes out on the line in the sunniest spot.

Annie

Good morning Annie,

Could you please tell how to remove mildew (black) stains from curtains?

Thank you

Kathryn Hooper
Highlands Intermediate School
New Plymouth

Hi Kathryn

The good thing about springtime sunshine is that we can use it to address all those depressing mould and mildew problems that have arisen over winter. It is best to treat now as mould loves warmth even more than damp and will get worse as the weather warms up, especially if we have a wet spring, so use those sunny days.

Removing the damp smell and mould stains from:
* Books and walls behind bookshelves
* Cushions, Upholstery, Curtains, Blinds and Carpets
* Upholstery in Cars and Car-boots
* Inside Bathroom Showers

Mould cannot grow in dry well ventilated sunny areas. Unfortunately during winter months this environment simply does not exist in and around many NZ homes and school-buildings.
All moulds spread by spores and preventing re-growth is as important as its removal but luckily both can be done at the same time for every kind of mould.

Ingredient to buy and prepare:
Oil of cloves and dissolve a 1/4 teaspoon of this powerful oil into at least 1 litre of water in a spray bottle.

Method:
Spray all of the above and leave to dry for 24 hours by which time the mould should have dropped off and disappeared but if not spray a little more of the clove water onto an old pair of pantyhose and wipe onto the area. In all cases do not wipe off the spray because once dry the cloves will keep damp away for 1 to 3 months at which point you will need to spray again.

Special Note: For upholstery in cars and anything that is movable like shoes or cushions spray and leave in a sunny spot.

Yay for Sunny Days!

Annie

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Removing coffee stains from carpet

How do you get a coffee stain out of an acrylic carpet?

From Rachel Carson
Pirongia School

Hi Rachel,

Coffee stains on carpets respond to any of the following for the following reasons:

Vinegar means sour wine and this liquid is produced from oxidation by acetic acid bacteria in vinegar, wine, cider, beer, fermented fruit juice or nearly any other liquid containing alcohol. You can use any of these liquids apart from red wine, but white vinegar is very economical, does not affect the carpet colour, leaves no residue or colour itself and the smell dissipates within minutes. White vinegar doesn't even need to be rinsed off as it evaporates completely after a day or so of treating the stain.

Therefore just wipe the stain with a cloth soaked in white vinegar, repeat after a few minutes or until stain has all come off onto the cloth and leave to dry with perhaps a piece of string or long piece of material draped around the cleaned area of carpet to discourage people from walking over that spot until it is completely dry.

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Grass stains on uniforms and chewing gum stains on carpet

Removing grass stains off school sports shirts.

Dear Annie,

Our school has black and white school sports shirts made of Polyester. They are often returned with grass stains - what advice should we give to parents on getting them out?

Regards,

Helen Kinsey-Wightman
Principal
Rangiwahia School

Dear Helen

All you need to do is wait for a sunny day; then treat the stains with dabs of white vinegar before and after washing normally. Make sure you hang the affected clothes out on the line in the sunniest spot.

Annie


Removing chewing gum stains from classroom carpet

Hello Annie
Our question: Chewing gum stain in the carpet in the classroom! - How do we get rid of it!

Donna Mason
Sunset Primary School
Rotorua

Hello Donna

Fill the same number of plastic bags with ice as there are gum stains or gum and place one bag on each lump of chewing gum. Once the gum has been chilled enough to become rock hard, use an iceblock stick or a blunt knife and scrape close to the surface to lift the lump. The gum should come off cleanly but if there are persistent bits left behind rub with an old pantyhose that has a good dose of Tea Tree Oil on it. This will also remove the gum stain. Once the area is clear of gum rub with a damp cloth to remove any oil residue and allow drying before walking on that area again.

Annie

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How to remove cat and dog excrement, urine and vomit

Could you please tell me the best way to deal with stains from our new puppy? Unfortunately there have been a few wee accidents on the carpet.

Cheers
Kay Smythe

Animal poo or vomit
Hopefully this is just a temporary problem caused by the youth or old age of your pet.

Most pets eat commercial dry or tinned foods and the stains from this can be treated as follows:
First treat with cold water and bath soap.

If after doing this there is still a pinkish stain you will need to brush two to three drops of glycerine for every 30 cm of stain over carpet, vinyl or timber floors. Leave for 20 minutes then repeat the cold water and bath soap treatment using an old rolled up pantyhose to erase the stain.

Urine:
It is hard to spot how far urine is spread, so invest in a ultra-violet light. These are not expensive and can be purchased from most lighting shops or large hardware stores. On a dark night shine the light around the smelly area and using a piece of chalk mark the area before switching off the light. Clean area with white vinegar and the smell will disappear.

The light is also useful in that by locating every spot of urine and removing it your pet is less likely to return to that area, identify it as a previous toilet spot and repeat the performance.

Hi Annie,

My question is " Do you know how to get mould stains out of curtains? They have a thermal backing but there is a cotton overhanging piece.

Thanks,
Fran
Breambay College

Hi Fran

As mould spreads by spores in damp air, this means that if you have mould on the curtains there will be mould in other parts of the room such as on
* Books and walls behind bookshelves
* Cushions, Upholstery, Blinds and Carpets

Mould cannot grow in dry well ventilated sunny areas but during winter months this environment simply does not exist in and around many NZ homes and school-buildings. Preventing re-growth caused by the spread of the mould spores is as important as its removal but luckily both can be done at the same time for every kind of mould.

Ingredient to buy and prepare:
Oil of cloves: Dissolve a 1/4 teaspoon of this powerful oil into at least 1 litre of water in a spray bottle.

Method:
Spray all areas showing mould and any you suspect may be starting to grow mould then leave to dry for 24 hours by which time the mould should have dropped off and disappeared but if not spray a little more of the clove water onto an old pair of pantyhose and wipe onto the area. In all cases do not wipe off the spray because once dry the non-toxic cloves will keep damp away for 1 to 3 months at which point you will need to spray again.

Oil of cloves is generally available a supermarket health and beauty section and is generally always available at any pharmacy.

Hi Annie

I want you settle a staffroom argument, when choosing surfaces for a renovation or new house, which is best natural or synthetic?

Liz
Hamilton

Stain prevention on surfaces is something everyone should consider when renovating or building a new home. Natural surfaces stain more easily than plastics and synthetic fibres but then it is generally easier to remove a stain or mark from a natural surface.

As there are so many different types of surfaces on the market, I couldn't accurately give you the answer you require so to settle the argument I suggest that you obtain samples of the surfaces under discussion and spill everything you can on them from beetroot juice to coffee and see which is the easiest to clean. Could be a good science, home economics or hard technology lesson plan.

Hi Annie
I have a woollen baby shawl creamy/ white that has been stored in a pillowcase in a camphor box for a few years. The spots that have developed are a yellowy colour and quite small. I have not attempted to wash it in a wool wash.

Thanks

Margaret
Mairehau High School
Christchurch


Hi Margaret,

Finally I found the email I was writing to you at 1.51pm on the 22nd February 2011 and we all know what happened next. I was on the 7th floor of an office block in Hereford Street, Christchurch CBD where were you?

Your question had caused me to have to do some research as I had not encountered this problem before and so I was hoping to find the answer a lot sooner than this, that I had written so carefully on the day and moment the world changed for all of us who live and work in Christchurch.

At some point in its life it is most likely that this shawl (maybe you lent it to someone) was washed in normal washing detergent and/ or too hot a water temperature and/ or dried in strong sunlight.

A common mistake is to wash woollens in a liquid clothes washing detergent rather than a wool wash thinking that because it is liquid it should be ok; However the bleaches and chemicals in normal washing detergents whether liquid or powder burns wool as does hot water and bright sunlight. As with skin the burn marks or dots then develop over time even if the garment has been carefully stored.

The best way to remove these burns is to first try washing the shawl in a reputable wool wash product or even better make your own.

My wool and delicates wash recipe is as follows

You will need:
1/4 cup of the cheapest normal hair shampoo - It's not about the price but cheap shampoo does not contain any natural oils so cleans the wool fibres more effectively.
1/2 cup of pure soap - Grate up a bar of plain soap.
2 teaspoons of Bicarbonate of Soda
2 teaspoons of Vinegar
Optional - 4 to 6 drops of lavender oil (Softens the wool and kills germs plus adds a lovely calming fragrance)

Method:
1. Put all the ingredients into a two-litre container and shake well then almost fill with water and shake well once more.
2. Shake well again just before you use it. (Costs less than a dollar to make a two-litre bottle).
3. Hand-wash the garment in the wool wash, as you would normally do in luke-warm water. Dry flat away from sunlight.
4. If once it is dry, the marks have faded but not completely gone then gently wash and dry again.

If nothing happens then try the following:

Soak the shawl in 1 part white vinegar to 20 parts luke- warm water i.e. 100ml to 2 litres of warm water. Leave for 15 minutes then again wash in the wool-wash mix and dry in shade.

This is a safe treatment and hopefully it works so do let me know Margaret as I did have to research this one.

P.S. I will be visiting Mairehau High next week with a parcel from Edmonds and some books for your school library.

Hi Annie,

I have yellow dog urine stains on our light grey carpet, I have tried carpet shampoos, baking soda, and even peroxide. Have you any other suggestions that I could try please.

Thanks, Sharyn

Hi Sharyn

On a bright sunny day try sponging with a cloth wrung out in white vinegar then spray the room with lavender mist to discourage the dog or cat from urinating in this room and to dispel the odours. To make the lavender mist fill a litre spray bottle with water and add one teaspoon of lavender oil.

If your puppy or cat is constantly returning to the same spot you need to identify all the stain spots so you can treat the entire affected area which will discourage the pet from repeating this annoying performance and make it easier to train them to use a litter box or go outside. To do this you need to invest in an ultra violet pen-light available from most electronic or lighting stores. These are not expensive and like the CSI programmes on TV you simply switch it on in a dark room and use chalk to draw around any spots the pet has urinated on so you can treat all these spots at once which will prevent the pet from remembering that this was once a it's favourite toilet area.

Extra Tip: You may think it is a good idea but do not spray litter boxes with lavender as the pet will not like the smell and stop using it.

Hi Annie,

The problem of grass stains on kid's clothes, particularly my daughter's soccer uniform, is a weekly occurrence. I don't have great success with any of the readily available products, purchased at the supermarket. Do you have an elegant solution using basic household products?

Thanks
David
Whangaparaoa College


Hi David

All you need to do is wait for a sunny day; then treat the stains with dabs of white vinegar before and after washing normally. Make sure you hang the affected clothes out on the line in the sunniest spot.

Annie

Hi Annie

I have heard that it is impossible to get out a stain of red fizzy or cordial out of carpet. Is this true or is there something that will take it out if not found straight away?

Thanks

Tracey Foden
Broadlands School

Hi Tracey

Thanks for your question. Of course you can remove cordial!

Hire a steam-cleaning machine from the supermarket. Use half the recommended detergent for the area you intend to clean then add to this
1/2 cup of bicarbonate of soda
1/2 a cup white vinegar
1/2 a cup of methylated spirits
2 teaspoons of eucalyptus oil (available from most supermarkets in the cosmetic or health section).

Now use the machine with this combination of ingredients in exactly the same way as you would normally steam clean a carpet.
 

Hi Annie,
A couple of days ago a container of milk from the shopping was split and ran into the boot of the car. I managed to soak up the milk and have since used dishwashing liquid and water to try and rid the boot of the rest. Unfortunately there is an off milk smell in the car, it is usually parked in an area which gets the sun too. What do you suggest that I do now?
Liz

Hi Liz

You may not be able to see it but the stain has spread and is still there. Inexpensive ultra-violet penlights are available from hardware and electronic stores at around $20. Milk is similar to blood so this little CSI tool will show up the full extent of old milk stains. However if you do not want to go to this expense and you think you know how far the milk could have spread you can start by going straight for the remedy.

You will need:
A cake of very hard, plain bathroom soap.
A bowl of very cold water - For best results use refrigerated water.
Two clean cloths.

Method
Dip a corner of the bar of soap in the cold water, shake off the excess water and scribble the soap like a crayon over a section of the stained area before working the soap into the area with a cloth wrung out in cold water. Using another cloth dipped in cold water and wrung out well clean off the soap then blot dry with clean paper towels.

Repeat over the rest of the stained area.

If this doesn't remove the smell, I do suggest the ultra-violet penlight to track down the full extent of the stain. You will find that it is a worthwhile investment for this and future spills around the house and car.

If the milk has seeped into areas you cannot reach and the smell won't go I suggest hanging a piece of barbecue charcoal in a muslin cloth in the car. The charcoal will to some extent absorb the odour from the remaining stain. Wash the bag and replace with a fresh piece after one week.

Regards
Annie

Thank you for sending in your question Liz, you are now in the draw for 'Annies Stains First Aid Kit'.

Hi Annie,
Can you please tell me a good way to clean my oven with a natural based cleaner? I hate the store bought ones full of chemicals and the awful smell that lingers after cleaning.

Thanks and kind regards
Kerri
Patumahoe School

Hi Kerri

Using my favourite cleaning combination, liberally sprinkle Bicarbonate of Soda onto one side of the oven and spray liberally with white vinegar. Whilst the mixture on the oven wall is still fizzing, scrub with a stiff brush. Repeat on each wall and tray of the oven for a natural toxic-free clean.

As the oven should be switched off while you are cleaning it, plug in a desk lamp and shine it into the oven; then to further improve visibility place a mirror on the floor of the oven so you can see the interior roof:

White vinegar does not have a strong smell so this should not be a problem, but to improve the general aroma of your kitchen and to discourage flies fill a one litre spray bottle with water and add either 1 teaspoon of pure lavender or lemon oil, shake well then spray your kitchen and any other room in need of a freshen up.

OR

Simply use an oil burner or light lavender incense stick which can be bought for as little as 99c per pack of 20 sticks.

Happy toxic-free cleaning. You are now in the draw for the First Aid of Cleaning Kit.

Annie

Hi Annie

What is a good natural product or mix to keep stainless steel pots and sinks looking good?
Margaret
Patumahoe School

Hi Margaret
Once a week sprinkle with bicarbonate of soda and spray with white vinegar and whilst fizzing rub with a bunched up pantyhose or netting material with a similar gentle abrasive feel. Rinse off and rub dry with a dry pair of panty hose.

You are now in the draw for the First Aid of Cleaning Kit

Happy Polishing
Annie

Hi Annie

Have you put out a pamphlet or book using home products for stain removal and cleaning?
Regards
Dulcie
Blaketown School

Hi Dulcie
Not as yet but here is a live link to all my previous articles and answers on TSTNZ: www.tstnz.com/house_garden.html

Initially I focused on stains that are occupational hazards for teachers so not all my solutions are completely natural however you will find them in the average cleaning or DIY cupboard in a home.

Dulcie if the answer for your specific problem is not there please send me an email

Annie

Write to ann@tstnz.com 

Annie answers:
Count the number of cauliflower flowerets you are about to cook and pop the same number of small pieces of apple peel into the cooking pot. You can also remove the smell from surfaces and from the kitchen by boiling just the apple peel in water which will help clear the air and then use the liquid as a spray and wipe.

Jan wants to know what is the best natural product with which to polish cane furniture?

Rub with banana skins as this will give a beautiful bluish brown sheen however do wipe clean with a clean dry cloth to avoid attracting insects.
Caution, never leave banana skin lying on any surface as it will leave some rather horrible stains especially in the bottom of students' bags.
 

Speaking from the experience of living in Christchurch here are some great protective tips for your. T.V., kitchen and house ornaments.

1) When storing items in your kitchen cupboards place the packets and un-breakables on the higher shelves, moving the glass jars and other breakables to the lower shelves.

2) An easy way to keep kitchen cupboard doors closed is to pop a wooden spoon through looped door handles of kitchen cupboards or use an elastic band on button-catch cupboards. If leaving the house for a while wedge a small wad of paper in each cupboard or drawer door as you close it.

3) For ornaments there is GOOD NEWS if you live in an earthquake prone area because there is a new product available in hardware stores called seismic wax which is rather like wall-tac on steroids. This means you can anchor and enjoy your ornaments once more; however do make sure they are on a stable surface as it is not going to be much use if the cupboard or table falls over.

4) The TV. An easy economical way to secure your flat screen TV is to purchase a luggage strap. Using the hole provided in the back of the stand as a guide mark a drill spot in the surface of the table or shelf it sits on. Next drill the hole, then make a corresponding hole in the strap in two places that line up when you put a large headed screw and washer through the top of the TV , strap, table, and finally through the strap under the table. To secure use a screw washer underneath the table and tighten firmly. 

Please note nothing is fool-proof as we never know where a quake will come from or as 22nd February showed that irrespective of it's magnitude what damage any single earthquake can cause. 
 

.
Postquake update to Annie's War on Stains 

To all of you waiting on answers from me, my apologies, especially to the lady looking for answers on a white woollen baby's christening robe or shawl, the solutions to which I had researched and had almost finished typing up for you at 9 minutes to 1pm on February 22nd2011.

As you may already know our office is in the central CBD of Christchurch this means that I am now limited to a laptop at home that has none of my previous records or emails on it so if you would like to help me out by resending your questions to my new email address enquiries@tstnz.com I will be able to finish answering them. This includes the lady who asked me about the baby shawl as I cannot remember your name or email address.

Competition: This means that if you resend your questions and any new ones you will all be assured of being included in the Draw for Annie's Stains and Cleaning First Aid Kit. 

Hope it never happens but here are some tips for when there is no power or water and chaos greets you at the door:

Bearing in mind that there will probably be no power or water immediately after a traumatic event such as an earthquake here is a list of the most basic items you will need before you can start to clear up the chaos in your most important room, the kitchen. 

1. Dry rags and old towels that you may never want to use again.
2. Large stiff broom to sweep a space
3. For every helper a strong pair of protective gloves that broken glass can't penetrate easily and make sure that they have decent footwear.
4. Plastic gloves for dealing with icky stuff later on.
5. Hand sanitizer
6. Brush and large shovel plus small brush and shovel.
7. Scrubbing brush.
8. Paper towels. 
9. Receptacles to ditch the rubbish into.
10. Boxes so you can throw in and sort later what may be still usable as this enables you to clear the broken stuff completely out of your cupboards.
11. If it rains or you are near a river collect some water add some bleach and cleaner so you can scrub and you will need to scrub as the floor will have all manner of stuff stuck to it. 
12. Finally spray the floor with water with a few drops of lavender oil in it and using the rags and towels finish drying the floor off so you won't need rinsing water.

Hopefully you will never have to use the above tips but just in case store everything in one spot right now! 

Remember take care of each other before you take care of things. 

Annie.

Any questions should be headed Attention Annie and emailed to enquiries@tstnz.com  

.
Dear Annie,
I spattered rhubarb juice onto a white cotton t-shirt, tried to rinse it in cold water then applied handsoap. The splashes have turned blue (good pH indicator I'm thinking!) and I'm not sure of next step to try. Advice would be appreciated!
Cheers
Claudine

Hi Claudine

Most plant stains will fade when exposed to UV light so the best next step is to rub the stain with white vinegar then lay or hang out in a very sunny spot until dry (The vinegar aids the effects of UV light) and then wash as normal.
If this does not work then apply glycerine with your fingers (generally available chemists or from the bath or baking section of the supermarket) and leave for 20 minutes, then remove residue with a white cloth dipped in white vinegar and again hang out in a sunny spot until dry (The vinegar aids the effects of UV light) then wash as normal.
Let me know what works best for you.
Annie

1. A rag bag filled with clean rags, minus any scratch making zips or buttons plus a separate bags of clean, old panty-hose, socks and pillow cases.
2. Always in your bowl of fruit an apple, lemon and banana.
3. Plain black T-bags.
4. Plain wholemeal bread.
5. Decent inside and outside brush, dishpan and brush, plus a scrubbing brush with a decent handle on it, old toothbrushes, nylon stiff bristled dish washing brush with a scraper edge and a good long handled bottle brush.
6. 3 different sized buckets with thick handles that don't dig into your hands when the bucket is full.
7. A roll of plain white paper towels - patterns can transfer more colour to the stain you are trying to remove.
8. Glass or china, not metal or plastic, mixing bowl.
9. Wooden spoon dedicated to solely mixing up your cleaning formulas.
10. 3 or 4 spray bottles with preferably both a spray and shot facility. Remove the original labels and re-label when you fill with new formulas.
11. Dedicated funnel that fits into all your spray bottles.
12. Dedicated heat proof, microwaveable jug in case you need to heat or melt cleaning formula ingredients.
13. Cake of bathroom soap plus dish washing detergent and any sort of talcum powder.

Happy Cleaning Cupboard organising.

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Shopping list for a First Aid on Stains Kit

Advantages of a “First Aid on Stains Kit”

1. You can diagnose and treat the stain right away with the correct product.
2. Using the incorrect sort of stain remover can be ineffective and often makes matters worse.
3. Using your own cleaning recipes works out a good deal more economical than purchasing diluted sprays.
4. 90% of the ingredients on this shopping are absolutely natural. Therefore if you do have allergies to cleaning products and you make your own, you will know exactly which substance is causing the reaction. It’s often hard to tell what’s causing the problem with commercially produced (often overseas) cleaning products.
5. You can avoid petroleum based products and be environmentally friendly.

Each week during 2011 I’ll be showing you recipes on how and when to use each of the following ingredients so the first task is to go shopping for them.

To help you budget for this I’ll start with recipes and stain solutions using the cheapest and most likely ingredients you will need that you are more than likely to have already stored in your cupboard. This means you will be able to shop for a couple of the other ingredients on the list each week over the next month or so.


Numbers 1 and 2 stain removing products

• White Vinegar
• Baking Soda
• Buy the larger packs or even in bulk as you will use these two ingredients together again and again.

Purchase the following from your local hardware warehouse.

• CLR
• Methylated Spirits
• White Spirit

For the following try your local supermarket first in the pharmaceutical aisle then go to your chemist for just about all of the following if they haven’t got it they can order it for you.

• Talcum Powder
• Tea Tree Oil or Rosemary Oil
• Natural Beeswax
• Eucalyptus Oil
• Peroxide
• Ultra Violet Light pen torch.
• Glycerine
• Lavender Oil
• Lemon Oil
• Oil of Cloves
• Sweet Almond Oil
• Cinnamon Oil

Purchase from a health store:

• Unprocessed Wheat Bran

Remove the hardwater/limestone scale deposits from the insides and element of the electric jug by using the following ingredients:

• 2 heaped tablesps (or 4 level ones) of Bicarbonate Soda (Baking Soda)
• 4 tablesps white vinegar or lemon juice (note: other vinegars will do but may flavour the next few boils)
• A handful of any type of uncooked rice

Method:
Sprinkle the Bicarbonate of Soda all around the inside of the jug. Add the vinegar or lemon juice and the rice. The mixture will start fizzing immediately so put the lid on and shake the jug to further loosen the scale deposits by the abrasive action of the rice. Rinse out well with water and if necessary repeat whole procedure again.

White Vinegar

Vinegar means sour wine and this liquid is produced from oxidation by acetic acid bacteria in wine, cider, beer, fermented fruit juice or nearly any other liquid containing alcohol. You can use any of these liquids but white vinegar leaves no residue or colour and doesn't even need to be rinsed off as it evaporates completely after a day or so of treating the stain.

Uses: Note to effectively remove stains from any of the following you may need to use white vinegar in conjunction with other ingredients such as bicarbonate of soda.

1) All lime based stains such as chalk and concrete marks, electric jug and plumbing pipes scaling.
2) Absorbs nasty smells in enclosed areas such as freezers, cars, bags, microwaves
3) Boiled dry saucepans
4) Urine stains and odours
5) Cigarette stains on walls and ceilings
6) Red wine stains on just about anything
7) Food stains
8) Permanent press in the wrong place and iron marks.
9) Non-chemical surface cleaner for kitchen tables and benches
10) Glass and windscreens
11) Barbecues
12) Zippers and fabric fasteners that have gone green
13) To expand and bring to life shrunken silk garments
14) Keeping the head on the beer in your glass
15) New towels and fabric that never dries fully.
16) White marks that won't wash off black fabrics and clothing

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The Easy to Hang Rag/Sock/Knicker Bag as a Chrissy Present

Over the next few weeks I am going to write up a recipe of essential equipment and simple solutions so you can build a comprehensive DIY stain removal and cleaning kit but as it is the season of gift making here's a cheap and simple to make but OH! so useful Gift for you and your students to make
The Rag Bag or Sock/Stocking/Knicker Storage Bag
Hangs in any cupboard or wardrobe
You will need

1. An old shirt with buttons preferably short-sleeved but it doesn't matter.
2. Scissors
3. Needle and thread
4. Artist Marker Pens or Fabric Paint and Brush.
   Visit www.zigzag.co.nz to purchase these online.
5. STENCIL LETTERS of the Alphabet that spell RAG-BAG or a person's name plus any other STENCILS such as daisies, butterflies, etcetera.
6. Optional fancy buttons plus any other washable decorations
7. Coat Hanger
    
1. If short-sleeved sew up the arm-holes. If long-sleeved cut off the arms completely or trim to until short-sleeved and sew up the arm-holes
2. Sew together the bottom ends of the shirt so a bag is formed once the shirt-buttons are done up.
3. If you want to decorate by exchanging the original buttons for something fancier sew them on now.
4. Stencil paint on the words RAG BAG or JANE'S KNICKERS or JOHN's SOCKS or whatever seems most useful or generic such as just SOCKS.
5. Add any other decorations or paint on a sock or aerosol can or pair of knickers to depict the bag's usage.
6. Put the finished shirt onto a clothes hanger and do up the buttons

Now you have a storage bag that can be hung up in the wardrobe, on the back of any door or on a hook in the cleaning cupboard. For ease of installing you may wish to add an instant stick on hook to the final gift parcel.

This is really useful gift for those in small flats or have very little storage space. Could even be an alternative to LOCKERS and may rid of the mess in the CLASS CLOAKROOM.

How to Keep your Barbie Clean and Safe to Eat from:

The following cleaning recipe will make your barbie really clean, season it, make it non-stick and a much more rust resistant.

You will need

• White sugar
• White vinegar
• Vegetable oil of your choice
• Barbecue scraper
• A large handful of paper towels.
• A pair of oven mitts

1. In order to keep your hands safe it's best to wear the oven mitts throughout the procedure
2. Get the barbie really hot before sprinkling it with liberally with the sugar and cook it til the sugar turns black.
3. Spray white vinegar all over the barbie top then use the scraper to lift of the charred sugar which will also lift food particles from past barbecued meals.
4. Dribble the vege oil so it just covers the barbecue top completely then heat the barbecue right up until there is a blue fume coming off it from the oil.
5. Turn off the barbie and definitely put the oven mitts on if you haven't already done so. Whilst the barbie is still hot rub with a handful of paper towels

Now your barbie is really safe to put you food directly on to with no need for extra layers of barbecue foil or aluminium foil.

It is always best to do this before and after a large family meal or party otherwise repeat after every third or fourth meal.