LITTLE ROCK — DEAR HELOISE: Any hints for how to remove scratches from cultured marble vanity tops in bathrooms?
- Wayne S., via e-mail
DEAR READER: Cultured marble is very easy to care for because it’s not really marble, it’s a man-made polymer product. However, just like real marble, it can get scratches and minor damage. A small surface scratch usually can be fixed using a very mild abrasive, like white (non gel) toothpaste. For deeper scratches, sand lightly with a superfine-grade sandpaper and then buff with paste, car wax or fiberglass cleaner. Remember, never use abrasive cleaners, because they can dull and wear away the finish.
DEAR HELOISE: During the winter when we have snow and ice, I sand our wooden stairs and ramp, rather than salt them, in order to protect the wood. I normally buy sand at the do-it-yourself store, but the smallest bag is generally 50 pounds!
I looked for smaller bags of sand and found them at a pet store - in the reptile section. The bags were still large enough for our needs and were not difficult to lift.
- Laurie in New Jersey
DEAR READER: A good point for ease of use, even though it’s a little pricey. But play sand, which is used in children’s sandboxes, comes in 37-pound bags at a much cheaper price. It’s up to you to consider price versus weight.
DEAR HELOISE: I would like the various food corporations to state the name of their product on both side panels of their boxes, in print large enough to read at a glance when it is stored in the customer’s home. This would be especially practical for those of us who own an RV, as the cupboard storage space is limited.
- Betty B., Niland, Calif. Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or e-mail
ActiveStyle, Pages 26 on 02/21/2011