HELOISE Yellowed stain on floor is probably there to stay

Dear Heloise: In one of our bathrooms, I have noticed a yellowed area on the floor beneath the rugs. I am guessing that we must have put the rugs down before the floor was completely dry after having been cleaned.
Have you any ideas on how the yellowed area can be returned to its original color so that it will match the rest of the floor? Debbie Lackey, via e-mail
Sorry to say, probably not.
Those area rugs most likely have a rubber backing that has a chemical in it to keep it from becoming brittle, and that is what causes a reaction with the flooring -- hence the yellowed area. Unfortunately, vinyl flooring and throw rugs with rubber or latex backing don't get along!
I rechecked with our friends at the Carpet and Rug Institute, and there is still not much you can do to reverse this. The only sure prevention is to use throw rugs with a backing made of jute or other nonrubber material. NOTE: There are some throw rugs that are manufactured with a nonstaining rubber backing -- before buying, make sure this is printed on the rug's label or tag.
FYI: This type of yellow stain can also be caused by anything plastic, like a flowerpot placed directly on a vinyl floor for a long period of time.
Read all manufacturer suggestions and cautions when you have new flooring put in, no matter what type! If the flooring was there when you moved in, check with a flooring store for some basic information on care. Arm yourself with the best defense: knowledge. Heloise
Dear Heloise: I've seen many travel tips through the years, but I don't think I've ever seen the one that I'm glad I learned and always use:
Credit cards are a traveler's best friend these days, but some credit-card companies protect themselves from unauthorized charges by rejecting a charge that doesn't fit your charging profile. When traveling to a place you've never been before, call your credit-card company and give the dates you'll be making unusual charges. This is especially important when traveling overseas, but even places like Alaska and Canada can be far enough from home to alert your credit-card company. A quick call will avoid the disappointment and/or embarrassment of having a charge denied. Phyl Sundstrom, Newcastle, Wyo.
We called two major credit-card companies, and they confirmed this invaluable safety net. I'm glad you brought this up -- credit-card fraud is, unfortunately, very real, and we need to do everything we can to protect ourselves. Heloise
Dear Heloise: I thought that using some of that canned air you often use in the office to clean computers would work great to clean dust and dirt off baskets -- much like a light, small-scale pressure washer. I suggested this to a friend who is cleaning out 25 years of stuff and preparing her home for sale -- she loved it! Lisa Lanser, Fairfax, Va
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