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Contact:
McGraw Media Enterprises, Inc.
Phone: 315.423.0555
E-Mail: mrsfixit@mrsfixit.com
Sample
1:
Ask
Mrs. FIXIT!
Family
heirlooms hold a treasured spot in my home, but like
any old family member there could be a sagging seat
in the bunch! Peter M. of Syracuse, New York is dealing
with just that problem, he writes:
Dear
Mrs. FIXIT: I have a caned
chair that my grandmother gave me. I love the chair,
but am afraid to use is because the seat is sagging.
Is there any way to fix it without having it re-caned?
-Peter M.
Dear
Peter: Caning is beautiful, but not if you
can't use that chair. If you don't want to go to the
expense of re-caning it, there is a way you may be able
to revive it. Flip the chair upside down over a sink
so that all of the caned area is over the basin. If
the chair won't fit on the sink, rest it over any large
basin. Spread a hand towel over the bottom part of
the caned seat. Very carefully pour boiling water on
the towel and let it seep into the caning. Leave the
wet towel on the chair for at least five minutes so
the water has a chance to seep into the reeds. When
the five minutes are up, take the towel off and wipe
away any excess water. Let the chair air dry for about
forty-eight hours. This process will 'shrink' the cane
so you can use the chair again! "It's just that simple!"
It seems like the carpets in my house are a magnet for stains, no matter
how hard I try to keep them clean stains just seem to
appear, Colleen R. of Rochester, New York feels my pain,
she writes:
Dear
Mrs. FIXIT: What is the best
way to remove carpet stains? I just had my carpets
professionally cleaned a few months ago, but between
the dogs and the kids stains are always popping up.
What is the best way to get rid of those small stains?
- Colleen R.
Dear
Colleen: Armed with a few basic
stains removal tricks, some of the most common stains
shouldn't cause you problems anymore! The first thing
to remember is act quickly. Blot, don't wipe. If there
are solids, scrape them away with a spoon. Also, work
from the outside in so you don't spread the stain.
For older spots and stains, mix together two tablespoons
of dish detergent and three tablespoons of white vinegar
in a quart of warm water. Use this solution to gently
blot away the stain. For fresh spills, use white shaving
cream. Quickly blot up as much as possible and spray
a little shaving cream on the spot. Work the shaving
cream into the stain with a damp white cloth and then
blot it up with another white cloth. If you don't have
shaving cream, try powdered laundry detergent, warm
water and a soft brush. Just repeat the process until
the spot disappears. "It's just that simple!"
Mrs.
FIXIT's Quick Tips
Rice is Nice
TIP 1: To clean silk flowers, pour a cup
of raw rice into a large plastic bag. Place the
flowers bloom side down in the bag and seal it off.
Shake vigorously; the rice will knock dust and dirt
off of the flowers.
TIP
2: A couple of tablespoons of rice will help
scrub those hard to clean thermoses. Pour some
water over the rice and shake it up. Then, just
rinse away.
TIP
3: If you've ever had to ice an injury, you
know that the ice melts and drips all over. Save
yourself the mess by filling a plastic freezer
bag with ice and putting it in the freezer for
a few hours. The rice retains the cold and easily
conforms to sore knees and elbows.
TIP
4: The same idea applies when you need dry
heat. Fill a sock with uncooked rice, tie off
the end and microwave it for 30 seconds. Just
make sure that you test the sock so it isn't too
hot!
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Mrs.
FIXIT's Quick Tips
Laundry Helpers
TIP
1: Socks have a life of their own in the washer;
they seem to just disappear. Try connecting them
with a diaper pin. It is an easy way to keep the
pairs together.
TIP
2: Pre-treat ring around the collar stains
on dress shirts with shampoo. It's the oils in
your hair and skin that cause that stain, so the
shampoo will break it up.
TIP
3: A great substitute fabric softener is a
half a cup of baking soda added to the wash cycle.
Your clothes will come out soft and fresh. As
an added bonus, baking soda is milder than fabric
softeners so it won't irritate sensitive skin.
TIP
4: Leaving your clothes in the dryer after
the cycle has finished leads to wrinkles. To smooth
them out, throw damp white bath towel in there
and turn it back on for about 20 minutes.
TIP
5: Finally, when you're folding laundry, an
easy way to keep sheet sets together is to slip
the fitted and flat sheets inside a pillowcase.
This way, the set will all be there and ready
to go when you need it.
Try
it, I'm Mrs. FIXIT and it's just that simple!
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If
you have a question to ask or a tip to share, send it
to Mrs. FIXIT at McGraw Media Enterprises, Inc., 333
East Onondaga Street, Syracuse, New York 13202 or e-mail
me through my website at www.mrsfixit.com
'It's just that simple!'
Sample
2:
Ask Mrs. FIXIT!
After
the winter blahs have passed you want a fresh new start.
Erica K. of Las Vega, Nevada wants to start with her
curtains, I have a few tips to make that job quick and
easy.
Dear
Mrs. FIXIT: Do you have any
easy ways to clean and freshen my draperies without
it being a huge production? - Erica K.
Dear
Erica: Spring cleaning: it
can sound overwhelming, but as far as the curtains and
draperies go, it doesn't have to be that bad. I have
some easy tips. The biggest problem with curtains is
dust. Use the soft brush attachment on your vacuum
and work from top to bottom to carefully remove the
dust. If you feel like your curtains need some freshening,
take them down from the window. Toss them in the dryer
with a dryer sheet, and a tennis ball. Then turn it
on air for twenty minutes. It will dust and freshen
in one quick step. When you pull the curtains out of
the dryer, hang them immediately. This way you won't
have to worry about pressing them either. If you don't
feel like ironing new cotton curtains, hang them up
and spritz them with some water. The weight from the
water will smooth the fabric as it dries. Now, if you're
just looking for an update for your curtains this spring,
try changing the tiebacks. Forget the matching fabric,
and try some cording, tassels or some nice ribbon.
To update plain cotton curtains, attach some ribbon
near the hem with some iron fusible tape. Try it, I'm
Mrs. FIXIT and it's just that simple!
Haley
V. of Denver, Colorado is getting ready to take on a
painting project; here are some easy pointers to get
her started.
Dear
Mrs. FIXIT: I am trying to
re-paint my bedroom, but there are so many colors and
types of paints on the market, how can I know what is
best for my project? -Haley V.
Dear
Haley: Painting a room can
be a big project if you don't know where to begin. I
have some advice. Choose a color; they're only limited
by your imagination. A good paint store can match just
about any shade. A rule of thumb, light colors will
make a room appear bigger and cooler, where dark colors
will bring the walls in and give it a cozy feeling.
If you're not sure what paint type you need, flat paints
give a smooth, uniform finish to a wall. It is best
for ceilings; living rooms, halls and bedrooms, and
it can be washed gently. An eggshell finish looks like
a flat paint straight on, but has a texture if you look
at it from an angle. It is more washable than flat
paint and stands up well in a child's room. Finally,
try a semi-gloss paint in bathrooms, kitchens and on
cabinets and woodwork. This paint is very durable and
will stand up to repeated washings and some mild scrubbing.
To estimate how much paint you need, multiply the number
of feet around a room by the ceiling height, then subtract
the square footage of windows and doors. A gallon of
paint will cover one coat on about 450 square feet.
Remember,
you'll want two coats for the best coverage. Try it,
I'm Mrs. FIXIT and it's just that simple!
Mrs.
FIXIT's Quick Tips:
THE SHAKE DOWN ON SALT
TIP
1: To keep your kitchen drain running smoothly,
pour a strong saltwater solution down it every
dew weeks.
TIP
2: Put a pinch of salt in the filter with
your coffee before you brew it. It will enhance
the flavor of your coffee and remove any bitterness
in the process.
TIP
3: Clean discolored glassware by soaking it
in a solution of one part salt to eight parts
of white vinegar.
TIP
4: When arranging artificial flowers, fill
the bottom of the vase with salt. It will act
as a base for the stems and hold them in place.
If you use kosher salt, the crystals will add
a nice decorative touch as well.
TIP
5: Prevent colors from bleeding in the laundry
by adding a quarter of a cup of salt along with
your detergent.
TIP
6: Salt can also help nylon stockings last
longer. Mix together two cups of salt and a gallon
of warm water. Let the nylons soak for a few hours.
Then rinse them several times in cold water.
I'm
Mrs. FIXIT and it's just that simple!
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Mrs.
FIXIT's Quick Tips:
Alternatives to Household Chemicals
Here
are some alternatives to regular household cleansers
- check them out!
TIP
1: For all-purpose cleaning around the house,
try some lemon juice. You can use it full strength
or diluted with some water, depending on the job.
TIP
2: Plain chlorine bleach will clean your toilet
as well as any fancy cleanser. Pour half a cup
of bleach into the water and let it sit for half
an hour. Then just scrub away the stains.
TIP
3: For an easy glass cleaner, pour a quarter
cup of vinegar or rubbing alcohol into a quart
of water. Pour it into a spray bottle and go to
work. You'll get a quick and easy clean with no
streaks.
TIP
4: Wood furniture and floors are easy to clean
naturally too. Make a batch of tea and let it
cool. Then use the tea and a cloth or mop to clean
your wood.
Try
it, I'm Mrs. FIXIT and it's just that simple!
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For
more great tips, or if you have a question or a tip
that you want to share, please visit my website at www.mrsfixit.com!
You can also write me at Mrs. FIXIT, McGraw Media Enterprises,
Inc., 333 East Onondaga Street, Syracuse, New York 13202.
It's just that simple!
Contact:
McGraw Media Enterprises, Inc.
Phone: 315.423.0555
E-Mail: mrsfixit@mrsfixit.com
Sample
3:
Ask Mrs. FIXIT!
Audrey J. of Sacramento, California is wants to know the essentials for
a great paint job; I have some tips that might cover
that!
Dear
Mrs. FIXIT: I'm getting ready
to paint my son's room. What tools should I have to
be sure that the job gets done right and I don't have
to keep looking for things?
-Audrey J.
Dear
Audrey: I'm sure you know that you need paint
and brushes and rollers, but what else will help your
project? I have the perfect painter's toolbox! Get
a drop cloth for the floor and some paper edging or
painter's masking tape to protect your woodwork. These
special types of tape don't stick as much as the regular
versions, so you won't damage the areas you're taping.
Although you can use a trim brush to cut in around
corners and woodwork, there are some great tools that
will make the job easier. A wheeled edger will rest
on the ceiling or woodwork and make a perfect line every
time. To get into those tight corners try a pointed
roller. Good lighting is important for a great paint
job. Keep a clamp-on light with your painting tools.
This will ensure you see well while you're working.
You should also wear a mask to protect yourself from
the fumes. There are lots of choices on the market
from very simple white masks to full respirators. Some
aluminum foil will line your paint pan and make cleanup
easier. A paper plate under the Mrs. FIXIT/easy home
repair can will catch drips, and a string across the
top is a great place to dab off your brush, the excess
will drip back in the can. It's just that simple!
Houseplants need love just like anyone else, with a little t-l-c they'll
thrive, Ann M. from San Antonio, Texas is looking for
some plant care advice, maybe it could help you too!
Dear
Mrs. FIXIT: I love my plants,
but it seems that no matter what I do they always wilt
and droop - can you help me? -Ann M.
Dear
Ann: Not only do your houseplants
add a nice touch to your home, but they're good for
your health too. I have a few easy ways to keep them
healthy and looking great.
Use a little milk on a soft cloth to wipe down the leaves
of your plants every so often it will keep them nice
and shiny. To keep bugs off of your plants, put a drop
of dishwashing soap in a spray bottle full of water
and shake it around. Spray the soapy mixture onto the
plants. This will keep those pests away. Cats and dogs
chew leaves and dig up soil. To keep them at bay, bury
some cinnamon sticks just under the soil. Citrus fruit
rinds will work too! To water a hard to reach plant
without taking it down, use an ice cube. Just set it
on the soil and while it melts it will water the plant.
Now when you repot your plants in bigger containers,
make sure that those containers are clean. To be certain,
clean them with a solution of equal parts of bleach
and warm water. This will kill off any mold and bacteria.
It's just that simple!
Mrs.
FIXIT's Quick Tips
Sandpaper Alternatives…
TIP
1: Emery boards are a great substitute, so
keep a bunch of them in your toolbox. They're
inexpensive, and they have two different grades
of paper on them. Plus, they're small and stiff,
so they reach easily into tight spots that you
otherwise couldn't reach.
TIP
2: If you need to sand some rounded surfaces,
try plumber's emery cloth. This cloth is nice
and flexible so you can use an easy back and forth
motion to sand down the areas. Pick it up at any
hardware or home improvement store.
TIP
3: Check your kitchen sink. Sponges with scrubbers
on the top are a perfect alternative. A white
scrubber has about the same abrasion as 600-grit
sandpaper. The green scrubbers are comparable
to a 220-grit paper. An added bonus, the sponges
are easy to hold onto and they're flexible enough
to get odd shaped areas.
TIP
4: Metal screening, like the kind you use
for windows is a great alternative for sanding
spackle smooth on drywall. Just wrap it around
a small wood block and go to work!
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Mrs.
FIXIT's Quick Tips:
Using Toothpaste
Sure
your toothpaste can give you pearly whites, but
did you know it has lots of other uses too? I
have a few ideas for you.
IDEA
1: If the chrome faucets in the bathroom need
a quick shine, try a little toothpaste on a soft
cloth. It will give you a fast and easy clean
up, and the faucets will look great.
IDEA
2: If you need to fill a nail hole in your
wall and you're out of spackle, don't worry. Fill
the hole with toothpaste; it will harden like
spackle, and once it's dry you can touch it up
with a little paint.
IDEA 3: White rings on wood furniture are
caused by moisture trapped in the surface of the
wood. A mild abrasive, like the grit in toothpaste,
will buff them out in no time. Just work the paste
into the ring with a dry cloth and then, wipe
it up with a slightly damp one. The ring will
disappear.
IDEA
4: Small children love to color, especially
on places like walls and woodwork. If your budding
Picasso has done this in your home, don't worry.
A damp cloth and a little toothpaste will erase
those drawings in no time flat.
Just
some really easy ways that toothpaste can help
around your house.
Try it, I'm Mrs. FIXIT and it's just that simple!
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If
you have a question to ask or a tip to share, send it
to Mrs. FIXIT at McGraw Media Enterprises, Inc., 333
East Onondaga Street, Syracuse, New York 13202 or e-mail
me through my website at www.mrsfixit.com
'It's just that simple!'
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