Cleaning fireplace glass a tricky business

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 01/05/2013 (4567 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Dear Reena,
I used the manufacturer’s recommended solution for cleaning the glass on my gas fireplace and the black/brown remains on a significant part of the glass.
Also, I cleaned the dust and some rust off the black insert, but there is still white residue on it and some of the residue has formed small balls of residue. Can you help me to clean both parts of this fireplace? It is about 12 years old and was rented, so probably was not cleaned annually. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, Patricia

Dear Patricia,
To clean the glass, you should typically use only manufacturer-recommended products. Anything else can damage the glass and leave permanent marks. If the manufacturer’s product is not sufficient then contact the manufacturer about the best possible advice on how to clean the fireplace. If you want to tackle this challenge yourself, clean the glass using a damp cloth and cold ashes, wipe in a circular direction until the glass is clean.
 
Dear Reena,
Please give me an easy recipe for bath salts. Laura

Absolutely, Laura!
Combine one cup of each: Table salt, Epsom salt and baking soda. For bubbles, add one-quarter cup shampoo.

Dear Reena,
Just heard of your books this morning on TV and found you at your website. Can you suggest any natural remedies for getting rid of tiny baby spiders that seem to be in my kitchen on top of my cupboards and love to come out in the morning when I turn on the light? I am sure Raid would work but I want something not so toxic, please help! Thanks Carol.

Carol,
I have had a few inquiries lately about the beloved arachnid, and although they definitely have their place in our ecosystem, the kitchen is not one of them. Set out bowls of cloves and broken chestnuts around the kitchen— they don’t like the smell. Secondly, if you have wooden windowsills you can clean them with Pledge (spiders don’t like that smell either).

Update from Carol:
I tried the cloves but did not have whole ones so I used the powdered stuff that I had in the spice rack and it worked! Thank you so much, I’m definitely getting your books! P.S. Added bonus, the cupboards smell great!

Hello Reena,
I look forward to your column in the newspaper each week. Your solutions are great! Here is my question; how do I get freezer smell out of ice cube trays?  Best wishes and thank you, Liz

Hi Liz,
When making ice cubes, let’s begin with the water supply. If you have hard water, with lots of minerals in it, you’re best off to use distilled water. Whether starting with tap water or distilled water, boil the water to get some of the air out. If you’re pouring the water into plastic trays, let the water cool somewhat before making ice cubes. Chances are that the odour is coming from food that has gotten into the insulation system of your freezer.
Put one tbsp. vanilla extract on a small plate and set it in the freezer, repeat three times. Or purchase activated charcoal from a pet store. Place in freezer to remove smell. Lastly, clean the ice cube trays periodically with a mixture of baking soda and water.

Feedback from Caring Reader
Dear Reena,
My best solution for removal of chewing gum (I hate it on my shoes) is to use lighter fluid. It works amazingly well. Pour on and work in with finger or toothbrush and it will literally roll off. It is also excellent for removal of store stickers and glue residue. I have never had it ruin anything. Gail

Fabulous Tips of the Week:
•When buying a skillet, even if it has non-stick coating, make sure it has a thick bottom. The thicker the bottom, the more control you will have over the pan. A thin pan can’t handle high heat and can get hot spots or warp, making it easier for food burn.
•Throw out non-stick pans or baking sheets if the coating begins to come off. Also, cooking with lemon-based foods in non-stick ware may reduce durability and the coating is more likely to peel.
•You don’t need to buy “a set” of pots, just make sure that you have the essentials. Collect a two-quart saucepan, a four-quart saucepan, eight-quart stockpot and perhaps a non-stick fry pan (that way you can reduce fat quantity).

I enjoy your questions and tips, keep them coming! Missed a column? Can’t remember a solution? Need a speaker for an upcoming event? Interested in grocery coupons? Check out my brand new blog and website at www.reena.ca. You can contact me by email at householdsolutions@mts.net.