HELOISE Leftover bleach in rental steam machine discolored carpet

Dear Heloise: I rented one of those commercial steam cleaners for my carpet. I started using it, only to see in the first two strokes that there was bleach left from the previous user! I now have a nearly 4-foot-by-6-foot section of discolored carpet in my front room. Can this be dyed or anything to make it look decent again? A Reader, Via E-mail
Oh no, who would have thought? I would first suggest that you return the machine to the store and ask to speak to the manager. Store officials should be made aware of the situation. See if they are willing to help you get your rug repaired.
You can also call a carpet restoration company, which might be able to re-dye the carpet. It might be expensive, so be sure to get a written estimate first.
Also, your homeowners insurance might help, so check with your agent.
Good luck! This will sure make us think twice before using one of those machines. Heloise
Dear Heloise: I have a black, plastic mailbox. After a couple of seasons, it began to fade in spots and look shabby. I tried black liquid shoe polish on it, using the applicator included, and was amazed at what a good job it did and how long it lasted (about a year!). On the flag, I used red outdoor craft paint suitable for plastic. That also lasted a long time. Kathryn, Middletown, N.Y.
Dear Heloise: After living in my house for more than 36 years and raising four children, I've come to a conclusion while sorting and packing all this stuff:
If you have small children now, purchase large, see-through plastic crates, write each child's name on one and place them somewhere easily accessible. All those "firsts" that we parents keep can then be put in the child's crate. I wish they'd been available years ago -- maybe I wouldn't be finding "treasures" all over the house belonging to my now-adult children. Carol from South Carolina
Dear Heloise: I just wanted to pass along a travel tip. I always carry a night light with me for my children when we travel, but worried about the bulb breaking in the suitcase. A night-light bulb fits perfectly into an empty film canister. It protects the bulb even in checked bags. Sharon from Dallas
A good safety hint. You might need to try a couple of different film canisters to find one that will fit. They now have flat (no light bulb) night lights that last a long time and do a good job -- I carry one. Heloise
Dear Heloise: With summer here and small hands wanting to do crafts, I have found an overlooked helper -- the plastic containers that presweetened drink mixes come in. They are bottom-heavy and have shallow tops that are great for water paints. They don't tip over, and the tops are great for rinsing brushes. They also make great containers for beads. You can use the top to hold the beads and return them to the container when done. Mary, Via E-mail
XSend a great hint to: Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, Fax: (210) HELOISE or E-mail: Heloise@Heloise.com.
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