Keep teddy clean

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 15/10/2013 (4478 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Hi Reena,

My mom reads your article and would like to know how to clean a white teddy bear. Could you please send any tips on this? Thanks kindly.

Laurie

Dear Laurie,

Vacuuming teddy bears is the least risky way to clean them. However, wiping with a damp white cloth is one of the simplest and most effective ways to clean your teddy bears. For stubborn dirt, grime and odours you will have to resort to a stronger cleaning technique. Check the care label on your bear. To dry your teddy bear, never use the machine dryer. A better way to dry the teddy bear is with a hair dryer.

If your teddy bear is an antique, avoid washing or cleaning the bear yourself. There are special establishments that specialize in restoring teddy bears. Another option is to place your teddy bears in a garbage bag with a half cup of baking soda. Shake to freshen. This will remove dust and stale odours, but it will not remove stains. To remove stains, use the wet cloth technique stated above.

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Dear Reena,

Can you please give me an idea of what I can use to give my concrete countertop a natural shine? It used to have somewhat of a shine but now it’s dull. Greetings.

Alex

Dear Alex,

An easy and inexpensive suggestion for you is to rub melted beeswax over the surface of the counter with a chamois cloth. Let it dry and then wipe.

Extra Tidbit: Beeswax is also great for rubbing over the threads of screws to lubricate them and make them drive in better.

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Feedback from Fabulous Readers:

Re: Cleaning Cast Iron Frying Pans

My very old cast iron frying pan had years of encrusted food, oil, etc. on both the inside and outside surfaces. When we purchased a new self-cleaning range, a friend suggested I put the pan in the oven when it was in the self-cleaning mode. It worked like a charm!

Of course, I had to “cure” the pan again before using it. Really like your columns!

Jan

Re: Cleaning Cast Iron Frying Pans

I enjoyed the article about old iron pans. I have my mother-in-law’s cast iron pan, and there are some things I can make with only that pan. When it comes to cleaning the pan, if necessary, I use detergent and a scouring pad to clean, and then wipe it dry with paper towel. A drop of vegetable oil on the paper towel would be good too. Thanks.

Bill

Re: Smelly Dog

Thank you for your informative response. Our dog is doing well and is not suffering from a medical condition, nor is the smell linked to his diet. We did not visit the vet, but after talking to an expert, he told us that the smell is very likely from perspiration. We believe this to be true, because since the weather has now cooled off, our dog is not as smelly anymore. We actually don’t even notice it anymore. We do believe the smell was because of sweat and perspiration, since we especially noticed it in August when it was 30C.

Ryan

Re: Peeling Eggs

I have an easier way of peeling eggs. I cook as many eggs as I need, drain the water, shake the pot to break the egg shells, take a look to see if I shook it enough, pour on cold water and lift out the eggs with very little peeling left to do. Thank you.

Gwendolyn

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• As everyone knows, razor blades are made of stainless steel and hair is only protein, so how could hair dull your blades? It doesn’t. what dulls the blade is the soap or shaving cream you use. So store your razor in a cup or other container with about a half inch of cheap rubbing alcohol in the bottom replenish as it evaporates. Our razor blades now last us for YEARS!!