Category Archives: Reader questions

16
Jun

Removing ball point pen ink?

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Annette from New Plymouth has a question about an all-too common problem. “Have you any ideas what takes ball point pen off wall paper (small child drawing!)”. Steph from Tauranga suggested, “To get ball point pen off walls, spray hair spray onto it then wipe off – works every time!” KS from Morrinsville wrote, “Try […]

16
Jun

Cleaning a toothbrush?

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Wendy from Kapiti has this question about cleaning/ sterilising a toothbrush. “I have tried before the boiling water/soda and (I think) vinegar soaks but always seem to still end up with that strong “toothpasty” smell so it never quite feels as fresh as new. Any ideas guys? Thank-you.” I have found that if you fill […]

16
Jun

Cleaning an iron?

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RJ from Auckland asks, “Can anybody help me clean the underside of my iron? It has black sticky residue on it which stains any clothes I might want to iron. I have tried baking soda, and ceramic cleaner (the iron is ceramic after all) but nothing will get it off as yet.” My mother would […]

16
Jun

After school care in Mt Wellington, Auckland?

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BM from Mt Wellington, Auckland asks, ” I currently live in Mt Wellington, solo dad with my two boys Xander and Max. Xander is autistic but attends Bailey Rd school like any other six year old. I work full time and struggle to find any after school provider to look after him while I work […]

14
Jun

Reconditioning towels?

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Graeme from Christchurch has a question. “I have bought some new towels that only smear the water and not absorb it. I did hear a long time ago you could put something in the wash water to get rid of the dressing on the towels from the manufacturing, but cant remember what it was. I […]

14
Jun

Smell nice washing

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Chris from Tirau asks, “What can I do to make my washing smell nice without spending a fortune on conditioner.” Rosemary from Christchurch writes, “When my son came back from flatting he asked me what washing powder I used to get my washing to smell nice. I discovered that he had been overloading the washing […]

14
Jun

Pearson’s Sandsoap

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Dot asks: “Does anyone know where (or if) ‘Pearson’s Sandsoap’ is available? I have the remains of my last bar and it beats all the fancy new bottled cleaners.” Oily Rag Ed': J Pearson, a relative of the inventor, has sent us this fabulous reply. “In answer to Dot- Pearson’s sandsoap has not been available […]