Here is where the readers of TNH have compiled some of their best hints, tips and answers to Frequently Asked Questions, or FAQs. If you have a question to ask, or a tip or hint in a topic not covered here, start a new page.
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Our dogs have their own room with a linoleum floor. I've noticed the tiniest ants in their food dishes. Obviously I need an idea that's safe around dogs. Any thoughts?
It has been very humid and rainy here for about 2 weeks now with another week to come. My cellar has started to have a very strong musty smell. I searched for a source, but I can't find one, I think it's just the humidity. The smell is coming upstairs, and permeating everthing downstairs. Help! Does anyone have any ideas? Do dehumidifiers work? Is there anthing I can do to combat this while I wait for things to dry up weather wise? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Answers to common questions on laundry.
How do I get gasoline smells out of my clothing? I was pumping gas yesterday and afterwards my clothes and shoes smelled like pure gasoline. I let them soak in the washer over night, but the smell is still there. Any suggestions?
From TNH Reader BrAnDiLeE1026: I work at the local hockey games in town, and for work i have to wear a hockey jersey. Well over the months my jersey got a buildup of hairspray and I cannot get it out! I was wondering if there is anything i can do at home to get it out besides just washing it which did not work. Thank you!
My son got paint (latex, I believe) on his brand new swim trunks. Any suggestions on getting it out without harming the fabric? They are 100% polyester.
From TNH Reader Kimberleyn2:
How do I get oil from an oil lamp out of furniture?
I know this doesn't belong here... but I have a huge problem!! WE just moved into another house. The people that lived here before us had left old coffee cans full of cooking oil and fat on the back porch. The oils and fats spilled EVERYWHERE. I CAN NOT get it to come up. Any advice would be GREATLY APPRECIATED!!!
From TNH Reader squiggyoh:
How can I remove mold on a wallpaper surface?
From TNH Reader DWBrentsmom:
I have a couch and loveseat that has been stored in a building for a few years and they smell musky and just plain stink! How can I clean them to make them smell fresh and clean?
can someone please tell me how to get a musty smell out of my couch.
From TNH Reader ok1:
how do I clean plastelina (like play dough) from a painted wood surface?
I am going to clean the rugs in my house with a 'Rug Doctor'. The machine is great but the cleaners are so expensive! Are there any recipes for cleaners I can use in it? I'm guessing maybe something with vinegar or ammonia. Thanks!
From TNH Reader Anna Daley:
I have a pair of white dress shoes, and the first time I wore them, they became "scuffed-up". I've tried white shoe polish, but it didn't help. How can I get rid of these scuff marks? Thanks.
I am having a problem. We just moved into a house where all the counter tops in the kitchen are stainless steel. I can get them shiny for the most part. I have rust spots all over though, like where something wet was set on there or the kids spilled something and didn't clean it up or mention it! How do I get rid of those spots?
How do I get the soap scum and water stains off of our shower bathtub walls? I've tried everything any suggestions?
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To ask a question, start a new page. (Be sure you're logged in first.)
To ask a question, start a new page. (Be sure you're logged in first.)
Questions and answers on crafts.
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Does anyone know a way to get rid of dew worms? They are so bad in my lawn that it's hard to walk on, and mow...any suggestions would be most appreciated.
Every night a racoon gets into my garbage cans and strews garbage all over my yard and my neighbor's, too. The cans have lids that fit very tightly. Sometimes I can hardly open them, but the little critters seem to have no problem! Is there a natural or at least fairly harmless way to keep them away?
Questions on home decorating challenges
From TNH Reader Tetley_girl:
can anyone tell me how to make a slip cover for a couch? It looks so easy when i see it on TV.
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hi all, can anyone tell me if they use a breadmaker and which one is best I had one (A cheapy) and it was ok, it broke and now that i bake alot I'm looking for a better model. Anyone got any guidance for me. peace, Elli
I'm still just a teenager, not a homemaker....But I love baking for my friends to let them know they're thought of.
What I'd like help with is the presentation of these gifts, as tupperware or a plate from the kitchen has the fuss of having it returned after, and look fairly plain anyway....any better suggestions?