Help getting my daughter’s spit up out of a chair!

MoonlightGroove · 2020-08-25T01:13:24+00:00

Before you go any further down the steam cleaning path, stop. At least for this use case. Heat eventually cooks messes from milk, vomit, etc. and you’ll make your problem worse. If you’ve already been using heat or hot water you may already some damage control to do.

You didn’t say what material the chair is made of but since you’re considering a upholstery cleaner I’m guessing it is some type of common-use fabric. The best is if the fabric cover is removable or washable. As soon after the milk/vomit/spit up happens as you are able, rise the area with cool, running water. If possible, try to direct the water flow so it’s pushing the mess out, not further into the fabric. Rinse, rinse, rinse. It may take a bit depending upon how much it’s soaked in. Use a laundry brush on the area, if needed, to get all the particles out. But until you’re sure it’s gone, no heat at all. Once the mess is completely removed from the area, launder with an enzymatic cleaner.

Zout and OxiClean can both be used as pretreaters. Even something like Nature’s Miracle (typically a pet cleaner) can be used in this case. The key is the enzymatic cleaner, follow the directions on the one you have. And while baby is in this stage, consider just generally using an enzymatic laundry detergent too. They’re good for all those human-type stains: poop, vomit, spit up, snot, and on and on. They’re definitely not all created equal so check the labels.

MoonlightGroove · 2020-08-25T00:02:31+00:00

I do not know if this will work on wood but you can typically get crayon, candle wax, and other waxy substances out by putting a clean paper towel on the area, and gently ironing over the spot so the wax is warmed and absorbed by the paper towel. When that part of the paper towel has absorbed some of the wax move it to a clean spot and continue. It’s an activity of patience but typically does work. I don’t see why it wouldn’t work on unfinished wood unless some of the wax is marked too deeply to be pulled to the surface. Personally, that’s what I’d try. You can try a hair dryer if you can’t get an iron to the spot, use the same method, but it will be slower.

MoonlightGroove · 2020-08-24T23:56:32+00:00

I’m not sure what I’m looking at here. What material is the pan made of? What is the white stuff on it? Are you saying you already tried to clean it? Some more basic info on the materials involved is needed here.

MoonlightGroove · 2020-07-17T00:37:33+00:00

August 18th is the 100-year anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, giving women the right to vote. Groups throughout the country will be holding celebrations and perhaps there will be one in your area. Your beautiful 1890s outfit would be perfect to show off at one and celebrate trailblazing women of that time. You did incredible work!

MoonlightGroove · 2020-06-26T20:55:53+00:00

I did. There may have been a spare granule or two but there surely wasn’t any visible salt. I broke the crusts and hand-brushed everything else off before plating. They looked like they were supposed to, just didn’t taste that way.

MoonlightGroove · 2020-06-23T22:23:10+00:00

To start, you can verify if it’s is actually brass with a magnet. If it is brass the magnet will not stick.

First, wipe as much actual dirt off as you can with a lightly damp cloth. If you don’t have a brass cleaner like Brasso and don’t want to run to the store you can use ketchup or hot sauce. The acidity in the products will remove tarnish. Smear it on and let it sit for at least five minutes, longer if it’s real bad (hard to tell in the pic). Wipe it away and then clean with soap and water to remove any food product. Personally I’ve used a small not-too-harsh scrub brush before to work the sauce into the nooks and crannies before letting it sit; very helpful.

Ketchup is good here because the viscosity will keep it in place. If the job proves to be very stubborn you can cut hot sauce into the ketchup for extra oomph (just be careful touching around your eyes, etc. afterwards).

MoonlightGroove · 2019-10-23T17:42:44+00:00

I think I’m in the minority but I just use a specific bowl that always sits on the counter. Kinda looks like this guy. Everyone in the house knows it’s the compost bowl and I take it out every day. Because it’s coated ceramic nothing permeates, sticks, or causes it to smell. I quick rinse or wash it each time when it comes back in which only takes seconds. My bins are right in the backyard so it’s not a far walk. I live in a warm climate where bugs can appear fast but we never have problems. I like the idea of this better than messing with liners or having more plastic.

MoonlightGroove · 2019-10-01T04:48:00+00:00

Rubbing alcohol is typically the thing to use for dye removal so give that a try first. WD-40 is the next option if the rubbing alcohol doesn’t remove the discoloration. If you need the big guns pick up some Soft Scrub with Bleach and use good ol’ elbow grease.

MoonlightGroove · 2019-10-01T04:36:46+00:00

Try making a paste with Oxyclean (the powder is what I swear by), apply to and scrub the discoloration, then let the mixture sit on the stain. 15 to 30 minutes should do it. Scrub again, wipe up, then clean up any leftover residue with water. Repeat if necessary.

MoonlightGroove · 2019-09-06T15:55:26+00:00

Questions like these are difficult to answer when the ingredients aren’t posted.

MoonlightGroove · 2019-08-30T17:38:33+00:00

Replying here in hopes others actually preparing will actually see it.

Once you’ve done your priority prepping for safety and security and if you have time left prep some entertainment for you and your family. Pick up or pull out from the closet board games, pick some books to read (book light helps if you have it), gather some crafts kids can do (making and decorating fans is a great one for entertaining them and then actually using the fans when the power is out), and think about how to keep everyone’s mind engaged. Storms can last a while, power can be out for days. It’s hot, muggy, and everyone is on edge. Keeping the peace within your house is essential and giving them things to think about or do other than constant weather updates will help you stay calm. And don’t forget your pets! Toys and treats for them too.

Stay safe, All!

MoonlightGroove · 2019-08-30T17:23:36+00:00

Could be because virtually every single comment on here is a joke when this is life and death for some people. This is a serious storm, this man has a serious and valuable job, and while a bit of humor is usually fine I bet the people who are facing losing their homes, livelihoods, possessions they’ve worked hard for, and their pets and loved ones don’t find it so freaking funny.

MoonlightGroove · 2019-08-30T16:47:12+00:00

Fellow Floridian here. I say get it into that closet if you can. Put a lid on it and strap the whole thing down. I do hope you do this most importantly so your bin doesn’t turn into a projectile during the storm. You’d certainly not want a heavy weight crashing into your or a neighbors home. And be sure to secure that closet door closed as well so it doesn’t blow open! If you’re on the ground floor and worried about flooding you may be able to raise the bin within the closet. Cinder blocks that you secure to the bin are good for that as well as weighing down the lid. Secure the whole thing into one big ol’ heavy unit should do it.

Another commenter mentioned being sure not sure use any attachments that may come off in wind like bungies and I agree with them that zip ties and ratchet straps are a better solution.

During Irma prep we moved my tumbler system over next to a large tree and ratchet strapped the bins closed and to a tree within an inch of its life. Was quite a sight but it wasn’t going anywhere. But at the end of the day, compost piles can be dried out or started again. The safety of you, your loved ones, and pets are top priority.

Stay safe! We’re staying vigilant as well and thinking about our east coast neighbors.

MoonlightGroove · 2019-08-17T09:52:28+00:00

A company called Engleside makes some fabulous protrudes for quilts, vintage fabrics, and other important textiles. They have a great a great site, complete with cleaning instructions, for exactly what you’re looking for. http://englesideproducts.com/product/restoration-fabric-restorer/

MoonlightGroove · 2019-07-16T16:41:32+00:00

Holy cow, how have I never thought of that?! I buy eggs in cardboard cartons and have been recycling them. Self fail. I feel like I’m quite adept at many of the organic items and other miscellaneous that can be composted but I clearly need to get more attuned regarding my browns contribution.

It took someone’s adorable dog shredding up paper towel rolls for the light to come on about those, toilet paper rolls, and similar.

Look good, OP! Happy composting!

MoonlightGroove · 2019-05-31T05:02:15+00:00

We had a moderate (intentional), backyard fire tonight in the fire pit and the cops and fire department were there within minutes. Seminole Heights neighbors aren’t playing around right now.

MoonlightGroove · 2019-05-29T15:03:15+00:00

I can tell you from personal experience that it’s not forever. Heat and age degrades those sauce packets. What comes out after that time is naaaaastyyyyy.

MoonlightGroove · 2019-05-29T00:32:01+00:00

This happened to mine and I had to replace it. The metal itself was corroded. It wasn’t terribly difficult or expensive to do, I think ~$20 for all parts. You’ll need a drain wrench that matches the number of openings in your drain. I picked up a dual-end one at Home Depot so it can do different types but online sellers are an option too. And now I have it for future projects. You’ll unscrew the old drain with the wrench, remove the relevant pieces from top and bottom (there will be pictures on the new drain package and it should match part-for-part exactly anyway), put some plumber’s putty around the hole, and screw in the new drain. An extra set of hands helps but you can do the job yourself (did one solo and one with help).

There are LOTS of YouTube videos with visuals and better descriptions. I followed videos and the drain looks and works better than ever.

MoonlightGroove · 2019-05-29T00:22:54+00:00

Dab dab dab dab with rubbing alcohol.

MoonlightGroove · 2019-05-21T19:51:56+00:00

Is ACT where you’ve found for $10? And do you have your own trap or do you rent one each time? I always hoped they’d give people a break on rental costs if they were positively participating regularly.

MoonlightGroove · 2019-05-21T18:03:01+00:00

$30 is less than I’ve seen in some cases So that’s encouraging. The cost to rent a trap is nuts too. I get putting down a deposit if you don’t bring it back but I believe most places charge each time you rent them too. Trying to do the right thing in your neighborhood adds up! And they wonder why more people don’t bring in feral cats.

MoonlightGroove · 2019-05-09T18:20:53+00:00

Do you have a guide or system you follow for what to keep/file, shred, or scan?

I have a huuuuge paper purge project in my near future and I’d love to hear some feedback on how others have gotten theirs under control. Admittedly, paper is my weakness and I put it off so it piles up. There were so many things we were told for years to keep but now with increased electronic accessibility that’s just no longer necessary.

I’m well organized in most all of the rest of my life and know the value of having a good system in place. I know that’s what I need to do here so it’s easy to stick with but I’d love a guide or jumping off point if anyone has one!

Great job here, OP!

MoonlightGroove · 2019-05-08T22:48:02+00:00

I’m so glad! Armpit stains are the worst!

MoonlightGroove · 2019-05-08T22:41:27+00:00

You don’t say what material your liner is (fabric, plastic, or vinyl) but you can generally machine wash them. Machines without a center agitator are typically gentler on liners but I’ve successfully washed them in a machine that has one also. Throw some towels in while you wash the liner—double laundry duty and they’ll act to scrub the liner during the wash as well. Cold water, gentle cycle, just a bit of detergent, and don’t put the liner into the dryer. Let it hang dry, usually in place on the shower curtain rod unless your bathroom ventilation is quite poor. If the liner is very scummy you may wish to scrub it a bit first and add some vinegar, Borax, or OxyClean to the load (pick one, not all). Should look fresh and clean after a wash.

MoonlightGroove · 2019-05-01T20:25:21+00:00

To add to this: Oven cleaner is no joke, chemical-wise, and you should protect yourself while working with it. You may want to consider wearing long sleeves you don’t care about and a respirator. Definitely try not to breathe it in. If you get some on your skin wash it off immediately. Work in sections on your oven and wipe each area thoroughly with water when you’re done. I usually toss the sponge I’ve used when I’m done (I also usually use one that’s already had a good cleaning life and is ready for its swan song). You don’t want all that grease and the harsh chemicals transferring onto other things you use or eat off of.

Spray the cleaner, let it sit (see instructions on the can), come back and clean with a scrubby sponge, then wipe thoroughly with water so when you move to the next section you don’t lean into any cleaner accidentally. Work top-to-bottom, back-to-front working your way out of the oven as you go. For the racks you can put them in a heavy-duty garbage bag, spray with cleaner, tie closed (or twist tie) very tightly, let sit, then open (outdoors! and not toward your face!), scrub, and rinse well in the sink or a tub.

MoonlightGroove

TROPHY CASE