Petrol can solve this sticky problem

Gwen Bissker

HOW can I remove stick-on lining paper from a built-in cupboard? It is very much the worse for wear, but it still sticks like crazy! – TG, Uitenhage.

You will have to use petrol. Simply dampen a cloth in petrol and wipe it over the lining paper. Leave for a few minutes and the paper should come off without a problem.

Work with doors and windows open, and when you're finished, don't keep any surplus petrol in the house.

A lovely alternative for the shelves is non-stick, perfumed lining paper, which comes in various patterns and perfumes. You should be able to find it in lifestyle gift shops.

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I read the item in your column about the bait smell in the freezer. Something that definitely works, even for sour milk that spilt in the boot of my car, is formalin, obtainable from a pharmacy.

Spray in the freezer, and leave it in the sun for two days. Wash out with Jik and leave the chest open for about three days. This will eliminate the smell. Just be careful and wear a mask when spraying with the formalin, because of the fumes. – A le R, by e-mail.

Thank you for this new method of dealing with a difficult problem.

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I pulled out a light-coloured jersey that had been stored since last winter, and found it had mildew stains on it. I'm nervous about treating these marks on wool, and would appreciate your advice. – M W, Port Elizabeth.

Bleach is the usual treatment for mildew stains, but chlorine bleach must never be used on wool. Instead, you can use 20-volume hydrogen peroxide, from the pharmacy – 120ml to two litres of water, plus one teaspoon of ammonia or vinegar. Soak the garment in this for about 10 minutes and then rinse thoroughly to remove all traces of bleach.

Remember that woollen garments should not be stored unless they are spotlessly clean, as moths go straight for soiled places. Also, ensure they are quite dry, as well as the cupboards you keep them in.

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We are becoming increasingly concerned about a nasty smell in our bathroom. We're not sure where it comes from. The toilet is kept very clean, and we also use drain-cleaners regularly, but the smell keeps recurring. How can we eliminate this problem? – H R, Port Elizabeth.

I spoke to a plumber. He said if everything was kept clean, especially the drains, it was quite possible that the smell was coming from the toilet's outlet pipe. Check whether you have a concertina-type outlet pipe with a collar connected to the toilet. If this collar section is not properly sealed, it could be the source of the smell.

The plumber said the connection could be sealed with beeswax. It would be best to get a plumber to do the job. Ask him to use white beeswax, so that it blends in with the ceramics.

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I have some natural sponges that I enjoy using, but they tend to get slimy. How should I clean them? – G H, Port Elizabeth.

Make a strong solution of vinegar and water and give the sponges a 24-hour soak. Rinse thoroughly in cold water and allow to dry naturally.