Monday, February 21, 2011
Dear Heloise: Any hints for how to remove scratches from cultured marble vanity tops in bathrooms?
Wayne S., via e-mail
Wayne, cultured marble is very easy to care for because it’s not really marble, it’s a man-made polymer product. However, just like real marble, it can get scratches and minor damage. A small surface scratch usually can be fixed using a very mild abrasive, like white (nongel) toothpaste. For deeper scratches, sand lightly with a super-fine-grade sandpaper and then buff with paste, car wax or fiberglass cleaner. Remember, never use abrasive cleaners, because they can dull and wear away the finish.
Heloise
Dear Readers: Here are some other foods you can cut with a pizza cutter:
quesadillas
brownies
homemade noodles or dumplings
sandwiches
Heloise
Dear Readers: Cigar boxes come in all shapes, sizes and materials. They can be used as a catchall on top of a dresser or to tote art supplies such as charcoal pencils, acrylic/oil/watercolor paints and brushes. Also use the boxes to store sewing-machine bobbins and thread, or as a jewelry box to hold costume/everyday pieces of jewelry. Another idea: Give to a child to contain a rock, baseball-card, shell or other collection.
Did you know that you can go to cigar shops and certain liquor stores and buy their empty cigar boxes for a small charge? Some are even offered for free. Or pick some up at flea markets and garage sales for fun use.
Heloise
Dear Heloise: During the winter when we have snow and ice, I sand our wooden stairs and ramp, rather than salt them, in order to protect the wood. I normally buy sand at the DIY (do it yourself) store, but the smallest bag is generally 50 pounds!
I looked for smaller bags of sand and found them at a pet store — in the reptile section. The bags were still large enough for our needs and were not difficult to lift.
Laurie in New Jersey
A good point for ease of use, even though it’s a little pricey. But play sand, which is used in children’s sandboxes, comes in 37-pound bags at a much cheaper price. It’s up to you to consider price versus weight.
Heloise
Dear Heloise: A simple and effective way to avoid slips in the shower is to stand on a washcloth. Your weight on it keeps it stable so you will not slip.
Steve V., Columbus, Ohio
SOUND OFF
Dear Heloise: I would like the various food corporations to state the name of their product on both side panels of their boxes, in print large enough to read at a glance when it is stored in the customer’s home. This would be especially practical for those of us who own an RV, as the cupboard storage space is limited.
Betty B., Niland, Calif.
King Features Syndicate