Be careful when cleaning glue from tile

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 25/02/2014 (4221 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Dear Reena,
How can I remove glue from ceramic tiles around the toilet base? A new toilet with a smaller base was installed on ceramic tiles leaving glue marks around the base.
Thank you,

Pierrette

Dear Pierrette,
The success of your efforts depends on the type of glue used on the surface. If the glue is soft, soak the area with water and scrape with a plastic putty knife. If the glue is hard, apply glue solvent compatible with ceramic tile or acetone to the area (test on an inconspicuous area first). Gently scrape. Worst case scenario: carefully sand the area or use a chisel and hammer to remove glue.

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Dear Reena,
I have an oak table that has an iodine stain on it. Can you tell me if it is possible to remove it and how?
Thanks,

Gloria

Dear Gloria,
Iodine itself is difficult to remove once it penetrates surfaces such as wood. Try one of the following: household ammonia, oxalic acid or sodium thio-sulphate (a product used to clean aquariums). Other than that, you will need to sand and re-stain.

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Hi Reena,
I always read your column and I’ve been procrastinating about asking you a few questions: In our main bathroom our vanity is oak or oak veneer, I’m not sure. As there is no handle to open the doors, I noticed that the wood along the bottom where hands touch is grungy looking. I’d like to know what I can safely use to clean that area. I’ve tried some gentle rubbing with dish soap but no luck and I don’t know what’s safe to use. Also, how do I get our 15-year-old bathtub to look shiny again? And here’s a strange one: if you’re wearing a pendant that can’t be removed from the chain and the chain is too long for some tops, is there a way to make it shorter somehow at the back of the neck so that it stays put? Probably the silliest question you ever received.
Thanks,

Rachel

Three great questions Rachel!
You are right; dish soap and water are the recommended cleaners for oak and oak veneer. When cleaning with dish soap and water, don’t be too gentle. In other words, use a non-scratching scrubby pad and a little elbow grease. The next step is to wipe oak with lemon or olive oil. Remove the excess with a soft cloth.

To rejuvenate your bathtub, purchase a product called Gel-Gloss and apply to the bathtub. If you are interested in making your own cleaner, mix together half-cup baking soda with castile soap until it is the same consistency as frosting. Smear onto bathtub and scrub. Real castile soap is available at health food stores or on-line, often sold as Dr. Bronner’s Soap. Whichever solution you use, please make sure that the bathtub is not slippery before you step in.

Here is the solution to temporarily shorten a necklace so that you can adjust its length to match your outfit. Gather the necklace chain to the length you like, secure an earring into the links and fasten the earring with the clasp. Or clasp the necklace at the length that you want and tie a small bow right above the clasp to prevent the clasp from moving on the chain

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.