Question - I have a few black marks and dirt on a big table umbrella. How can I clean it? Timothy Bassett, Marblehead, Mass.
Answer - Those black marks are probably mildew. Wash the umbrella on both sides, if necessary, with a solution of 1 part liquid chlorine bleach and 3 parts water. If dirt remains, make a strong solution of Spic and Span or other heavy-duty detergent and water, and scrub the canvas, and rinse. When using bleach, wear skin and eye proteciton, and try that solution on an obscure area to make sure it doesn't fade the fabric. If it does, reduce the ratio to 1 part bleach and 5 to 10 parts water.
Question - I am buying a house in Chicago. I was told that the chimney above the roof has a built-in decorative bulge, where the brick bulges out in the middle, then tapers back to normal size at the top. Water has collected on top of the bulge, deteriorating the mortar prematurely. A man suggested that extending the bulge to the top of the chimney and putting on a concrete cap would cure the problem. Would this work? H.G., Hopkinton, Mass.
Answer - It certainly would. That bulge, while it may be attractive (and it is strictly decorative), is not practical, because of the very problem you mentioned. The suggestion to eliminate the bulge at the top and cap it with concrete is good; it is standard practice for a chimney and the only thing that will work in preventing mortar deterioration. Architects should apply engineering principles and common sense to their cutesy-poo designs.
Question - What's a safe paint I can use for an old wood trunk that I am fixing up for my grandson as a toy chest? Of course, it will have a safety lid, but what kind of paint can I use, one that is not only safe but washable? How can I get Magic Marker off a kitchen table with a light wood finish? Marion T. Lent, Newton, Mass.
Answer - Latex paint or enamel is a safe paint to use, especially when it dries or cures. Use a latex enamel undercoater, then finish with two coats of a latex semigloss enamel. Two coats will be needed. This will also be quite washable. You could use an eggshell finish paint instead of the enamel, but it is not as washable.
For the Magic Marker, try rubbing alcohol.
Question - The previous owner of my house used some nice tile on Blueboard on the bathroom about 4 feet up. It looks good, and I plan to keep it. But above the tile and on the ceiling he applied some kind of plastic tile that looks like Styrofoam. You can only imagine what shape it's in now. How can I get it off so I can paint or paper the wall? Dave Prosser, Newton, Mass.
Answer - You will have to experiment: If it is as soft as Styrofoam, it should scrape off with a wide putty knife or other kind of scraper. If it does, you can remvoe the glue residue under it with chemical paint remover. After using the paint remover, rinse with paint thinner to neutralize the remover. Then, when everything is nice and clean and dry, paint or paper. If you paper, I would suggest a Wall-Tex type paper, which is vinyl-coated cloth, and is quite water resistant.
Question - The carpet in one of my rooms has a strip of darkened, dirty-looking carpet along the wall, fairly narrow, and I am not sure just what it is. I was told that I had not vacuumed close enough to the wall, but other places that are not frequently vacuumed, as in a closet, are not dark. What is it and what can I do about it? Mike Dunn, East Boston, Mass.
Answer - How do you like that: Someone questioning your housekeepng habits? Tch. It's not a lack of vacuuming that is creating that dark line but moisture.
So, try this: Make a solution of 1 part bleach and 3 parts water. Apply this to the strip; if it lightens up immediately, you have killed the mildew. Try this solution first on an obscure area of the rug, to make sure it does not bleach out the color.