Solution for removing wax from fabric safely

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 20/10/2012 (4786 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

QUESTION — One of my daughter’s winter gloves has melted wax on it. It is made with nylon fabric and has faux fur trim on the edge. I don’t want to wash it in the machine. How can I remove the wax? Celeste (Arborg, MB)
ANSWER: Soak the glove in a pot of boiling water. Make sure the faux trim does not get wet. A good way to ensure no heat touches the fur is to position a plastic bag over the fur and secure with a rubber band. Boil the glove for at least five minutes. The wax will soften and release from the fabric. Air-dry.

QUESTION: My mother-in-law recently passed away in a nursing home. Her clothing, mostly stretchy things, has iron-on name tags in the back. I would like to know if there is any way to remove these tags without damaging the fabric. Thanks for any input you are able to give. Sandi, Winnipeg
ANSWER: Sorry for your loss, Sandi. Regarding the clothes, begin by lifting a corner of the label and heating it with a hair dryer. This works well to loosen glue, making it easier to peel labels. Other products to use are: citrus oil, rubbing alcohol, Goo Gone or if you are desperate, WD-40. Spray onto the label, leave for 15 minutes and peel. Soak fabrics in dish soap to wash away the odour. Test all solutions on an inconspicuous area first.

QUESTION: I like to use butter when I make grilled-cheese sandwiches but I store my butter in the fridge. When it comes time to make the sandwiches, the butter is too hard. Any substitutes other than margarine would be greatly appreciated. Wayne (Russell, Man.)
ANSWER: Spread bread with mayonnaise instead of butter. It’s so much easier and the flavour is delicious. You will notice that each sandwich comes out nice and crisp.

Baked Christmas gift idea:
Dear Reena,
This recipe was given to me by my aunt whose great-grandmother passed it down in their family in Austria! Takes a long time, but they are delicious! Loraine, Winnipeg

Cinnamon buns
Combine 1 tsp. sugar and half-cup lukewarm water; allow to stand until yeast is fluffy. Scald 11/2 cups milk and then allow it to become lukewarm. Then add milk to yeast mixture and mix well. Add two to 21/2 cups flour to make a batter that is quite thick. Cover with a damp cloth and set in a warm place until the mix is light and full of bubbles. Let the foundation sponge rise until light and bubbly. Beat until smooth. Cream a half-cup of butter and half-cup sugar and three eggs together. Add to sponge and beat well. Add one cup of flour and 11/2 tsp. salt. Mix well. Add additional flour to make soft dough. Add 1-2 cups washed plumped raisins (optional). Knead until smooth. Round up dough, place in ungreased bowl and cover well. Let rise until double. Knead and let rise again. Punch down and cut into four sections. Roll out and spread with butter. Add cinnamon and brown sugar, mixed together (I use a lot of both). Roll up and let rise again. Bake in greased large bun pan at 350 degrees. For faster rising, add 2 tsp. sugar and 2 tsp. yeast. Do not skip any of the risings.

Pumpkin spa tips of the week:
❚ A great way to use up leftover pumpkin is to make a gentle scrub that will exfoliate your skin. Pumpkin face mask recipe: In a bowl, mix together one quarter cup pumpkin purée, one quarter cup coconut milk and half-tsp. ground cinnamon (not cinnamon essential oil). Apply to skin and leave on for 10 minutes, being careful to avoid eyes. Rinse with water and pat dry.
❚ Pumpkin hand moisturizer: In a bowl, blend half-cup canned pumpkin puree, 2 tbsp. honey and 2 tbsp. margarine. For smooth skin, cover hands with mixture and rinse with water after 20 mins. Pat dry,

I enjoy your questions and tips, keep them coming! Missed a column? Can’t remember a solution? Need a speaker for an upcoming event? Check out my brand-new blog/website: reena.ca