H Mag - The Handy Mag for Home, Hardware and Home DIY Jun. 2014 | Page 39

Q & A’s 1. How do I remove bubblegum from clothing or upholstery? A. There are several ways to remove bubblegum from fabrics. Depending on the fabric you can rub with ice, submerge item in boiling water and pick out, use ubbing alcohol or even hot vinegar. For some small clothing items you can even insert the item in a sealed plastic bag and put it into the freezer for a couple hours. Take the item out after freezing - similar to using ice, you basically freeze the bubble gum . 2. We had just redecorated one of our rooms, plastered and painted and then we discovered a water mark in the corner of the room, it’s started about half way down and kind of grew downwards and outwards. What can be the problem? A. This could be a big problem. It’s difficult to say exactly what it might be, as it could be dampness inside the wall or even a leaking pipe within the wall. It could be just moisture trapped inside after a heavy rainfall. For this type of problem it’s best you consult with a professional or even approach your insurance company if your house is insured. You poilicy may cover this sort of problem. 3. I’ve noticed cracks appearing along and up and down the outside front wall of my house. Is this something I should be worried about? The may require some heavy repairing. You may need to seek professional advice from a structural Engineer. Have a look at the article on “DIY Home Inspector Checklist” in this issue of H-Mag. Do you have a DIY question? Send your questions to [email protected]