Dirty Talk

To keep a handle on candle wax, when it comes to lighting candles for the dinner table, I place four or five votives in a small dish, and pour a little bit of water into the dish. The water chills the dripped wax, and all you have to do is scoop it out and drain out the water.

To Lorimay, who has grease stains on glass: Have you tried the K&A standard of 1 part vinegar, 1 part warm water, and a few squirts of liquid soap? The vinegar and soap are both great grease fighters. I have just used this on a very old mucky sash window I picked up at a flea market (read: picture frame) and it turned out very well. Mix the ingredients in a spray bottle and use crumpled newspaper to wipe. This will take a little bit of elbow grease, but it works like a charm.

There is a product on the market in the States that is amazing for removing stickers. It is called UNDU, and it comes in a bottle with a small scraper attached. To use it, simply use the scraper to lift a corner of the sticker, squeeze a few drops out, and use the scraper to keep lifting the sticker. Any glue residue can be wiped up with another drop or two and a paper towel. I have used this on new purchases and it is also safe for scrapbooking -- it dries and won't damage your paper. The same company also makes a candle wax remover, several bottles of which have been donated to my local church altar guild.

The microwave ovens at my workplace are badly abused. I am usually the one to take responsibility for cleaning them. During my lunch break, I place a bowl of water in and nuke it on high for 10 minutes. The steam softens up the gunk and it wipes away easily.

Not a tip, a question. How do you clean the dust and dirt from fabric items that can't go into a washing machine? I have a couple of items like a few hats, a pair of small stuffed animals, and some fabric covered boxes that are gathering dirt and have no idea how to clean them. Thanks.