HELOISE Tips remove crayon marks from vinyl wallpaper
Dear Heloise: We have vinyl wallpaper in our home, and our son has "autographed" some areas with crayon and ballpoint ink. Also, in the kitchen there are some grease marks. Can you offer me suggestions for removing any of these? Lettie D., Gretna, La.
I sure can, and you are not alone!
For crayon marks, apply a prewash spray or dry-cleaning solvent with a clean, white cloth or sponge. Caution: First test on a hidden area to make sure neither of these leaves a stain on your wallpaper. The cleaning process might have to be repeated several times to remove the crayon marks.
Ballpoint-ink stains can usually be removed with denatured alcohol -- test on a small area first. Use a clean cloth or sponge to dab the spot. Let the alcohol sit for about 10 seconds and then wipe off. You might need to repeat a couple of times to completely remove the ink stain.
And for those greasy stains, first try cleaning the areas with a cloth dampened with a solution of water and a drop of mild dishwashing detergent. If this doesn't work, try a paste of baking soda and water -- mix and apply it to the stained areas. Let this sit till dry and then brush it off with a soft brush or cloth.
These should help you clean and keep your vinyl wallpaper stain-free. And if you like cleaning with baking soda, like I do, order my six-page baking-soda pamphlet, Heloise's Baking Soda Hints and Recipes. Just send your request, along with $4 and a self-addressed, stamped (60 cents), long envelope, to: Heloise/Baking Soda, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5001. Hint: To help neutralize a stinky diaper pail, sprinkle some baking soda before and after adding each diaper. Heloise
Dear Heloise: When my husband and I travel, I always pack a binder clip or two. Sometimes the drapes in a motel or hotel don't shut tightly to block out the light, so I use the clips to close the gap. These work well and take up very little space in the suitcase. Jean Hale, Lake Worth, Fla.
Dear Heloise: My son recently joined the Navy. I have so many family members and friends who ask for his address that I printed business cards for him. When someone asks, I give the person his "card." No more finding pens, paper, address books, etc., when they ask. Karen Stubblefield, via e-mail
Dear Heloise: I read your hint from a reader concerning unplugging/turning off garage-door openers when going away. I would like to add that what I do is also fasten a C-clamp in the track right above one of the door's track wheels. This prevents the door from even being pried open. R. Mark Osborne, Enola, Pa.
XSend a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, or you can fax it to (210) HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can't answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.
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