Cleaning up around home a snap with these easy tips

Last week was filled with phone calls from the community requesting information on various topics. In this week's article, I thought I would share with you, the reading audience, a few of those requests.

Jackie called and said her family had acquired handmade wooden bowls while on a trip to Hawaii in the late 1970s and wanted information on how to preserve them.

I told her to restore the patina on the bowls, first wash them in mild dishwashing detergent and warm water. Rinse and dry them thoroughly. Then coat the surface with mineral oil. Let the oil remain on the bowls overnight. In the morning, wipe off the excess with a paper towel. This process should be done several times a year. Note: Never put the wooden bowls or utensils in a dishwasher or soak them in water.

Liz called and said her three boys are very active in sports and because of that their clothes hamper always smells.

I told Liz to get several sheets of her favorite fabric softener and drop them in the bottom of the hamper. These should be changed weekly. Or she could sprinkle some baking soda in the bottom of the hamper, which will also help absorb the odors as well.

Cindy called and said her daughter had got some lipstick on one of her T-shirts.

I told Cindy to place the T-shirt with the stain side down on top of a paper towel. Pour rubbing alcohol onto a clean white cloth, then dab and blot the back of the affected area until the stain comes through the material. Blot until the lipstick is gone.

Jim called and wanted to know if I had any ideas on how to make a cheap gutter scoop to clean out his rain gutters.

I told Jim that an empty motor oil container works well. Simply cut the bottom portion off of the rectangle motor oil container. It's just the right width to fit into the gutter and the spout gives you a handy grip.

If you would like to share a cleaning idea or concept with the reading audience, call Ed at NWES (255-2266), e-mail them to madan@surf1.ws or send them to the Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St., Sandpoint, ID 83864; Attn: What Would Ed Do?

For more information on Ed, go online to www.nwees.com.

Copy written by Edmond E. Madan, certified forensic, fire, flood, mold, inspection and remediation contractor. Ed is the CEO of Northwest Executive and Environmental Services, LLC.