Questions and Answers from the Readers
- , by Trudy Chuoke Trudy Chuoke
A couple of times a year, I like to share some of the many questions readers and customers ask me each week. Hopefully, these questions are among those that cross your mind during your DIY projects at home.
Question: I have a new acrylic bubble tub. The installer warned me not to use a caustic cleaner and to use only 409. I was wondering if you have a suggestion for a safe cleaner?
Answer: I would use Gel Gloss. Gel Gloss is made for man-made materials such as acrylic, fiberglass, and cultured marble. It removes soap scum and hard water safely and leaves a protected finish on the surface. It comes in paste and aerosol forms. They also make Gel Gloss Fast and Easy. It polishes, protects, and shines counters, sinks, and spas. Spray it on and let it penetrate for 5 minutes. Wipe off excess and buff with a clean, dry cloth.
Question: The other day, I was putting up my husband's T-shirts and noticed some small holes. Well, I thought it was from the washing machine, but now I’m wondering if we might have moths in the closet. I guess I need to remove all our clothes and spray for moths, or do you have any ideas?
Answer: Terro makes a Clothes Moth Trap, which is what you need. It’s so simple. Remove the trap and place the lure inside. Then fold the trap into shape. Place it on a shelf. Check it at the end of the week, and if you have caught moths, then that’s the problem. It’s good for 90 days. Then just replace it. If you don’t trap any moths, then check the washing machine and see if there is anything sharp on the drum.
Question: I put Quick Shine on my bathroom floor, and it looks dirty. How do I remove Quick Shine?
Answer: Quick Shine makes a concentrated floor cleaner that will remove Quick Shine Floor Finish. Mix the formula with hot water, mop it onto the floor, and let it work. Then, using a mop with a scrubby brush side, scrub the floor. Then rinse and mop with clear water.
Question: I have a concrete pad with some metal straps, bolts, and nuts that are completely rusted together. I am trying to remove them, but the rust has them fused together. I have tried WD-40, but it didn’t faze the rust. I need to remove this so I can place a spa on top of the concrete pad. Is my only answer to use an oscillating saw?
Answer: PB Blaster is the best product for loosening rusted nuts and bolts. Spray Blaster on the nut and bolt. Then, in a few minutes, spray it again. Then hit it with a hammer. Put a wrench on it and see if you can turn the nut. If you can get it to move just a fraction, you can remove it. I have used this product so many times at my home, and it always works for me.
Question: My front door is stained a dark mahogany color. The top of the door looks great, but about halfway down, the color is fading. My husband wants to call someone to completely refinish the door, but I think you mentioned something that would make it look better without stripping and refinishing. Because the quotes we have been given are astronomical.
Answer: As long as the varnish is not peeling on the door, you can certainly restore the color to the wood on the door without stripping. Use a product called Restore A Finish. It comes in several colors, and one will blend in with the color of your door. Use a soft T-shirt rag to wipe on Restore A Finish. Go in the direction of the grain of the wood, wiping down the door like you were dusting. Put on one coat and allow it to dry overnight. The next day, see if the finish looks consistent in color. If the bottom part of the door that has faded still looks a little light, apply another coat and allow it to dry overnight. When you think the color looks good, apply a protective coating of SunShield. It’s a wax with a UV protectant. So it will keep those sun rays from damaging the door. This is a great project, and you will save yourself a lot of money.