Ask Me Anything: Formica Restore, Silverfish Relief, Party Pressure
Recently, I reached into the pile known as my mail and pulled out a great question. I have the answer, but somehow, I have misplaced the letter. So Dear Reader, while I don’t know your name, you know who you are, and that’s what matters.
Dear Mary: How can I restore the finish to an original, classic mid-century modern Formica top table that has some noticeable dull spots? Reader Unknown
Dear Reader: Don Aslett, America’s #1 Cleaning Expert says to brighten dull or scratched laminate, rub it down with Jubilee Kitchen Wax (a venerable product, still available online) or a good paste car wax such as Meguiar’s Gold Class Carnauba. Just follow the instructions on the label.
By the way, Jubilee Kitchen Wax is for use on almost anything: cars, boats, bikes, countertops, skis, your glasses, but don’t apply it to floors. It’s too slick. As I recall, you are very fond of your table, so if you don’t already have one of the recommended products, get one. Don’t cut corners when something like this is a precious possession.
Dear Mary: I have a silverfish problem in my home. Nothing I have tried works to get rid of them. Please help. Helene
Dear Helene: Silverfish are such a pesky problem. They’re nocturnal, so you won’t see them much during the day. And silverfish are so hardy they can go without food for up to a year. When they do eat, they find cardboard and wallpaper to be quite tasty.
An excellent pesticide for silverfish is food-grade diatomaceous earth, available at garden centers or hardware stores. Make certain you purchase food-grade diatomaceous earth, NOT the variety used in swimming pools, which has been chemically altered and will not work as a pesticide.
When silverfish and other crawling insects come in contact with the powdery substance, they dehydrate. Even silverfish cannot live without water.
Apply the diatomaceous earth along baseboards and beneath and behind appliances. Diatomaceous earth is non-toxic to humans and pets, which makes it an excellent pesticide for indoor use.
Another option is to trap silverfish in small glass containers or baby food jars: Wrap the outside of the glass with masking tape and set the container upright in areas where you have seen them. Silverfish will climb up the taped surface, fall in and become trapped in the glass container because they cannot climb smooth surfaces. The trick is finding a way to attract them to the container.
Dear Mary: I have several friends who sell doTerra, Avon, Mary Kay, Norwex, Tupperware, etc. How can I say “No” to the party invitations and expensive products that I’d never consider buying in a store, without seeming like a cheapskate? Feeling Pressured
Dear Feeling Pressured: You’ve just articulated one of my biggest gripes about multi-level businesses. Distributors are encouraged to turn their friends and family members into their downline distributors and loyal customers. I think the best thing is to be completely honest with a response like, “I’m sorry, but the funds I have allotted for household items [makeup, candles, clothes, toys, essential oils, decorations, cookie dough, jewelry] have been spoken for. Maybe next time!”
Resources
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I miss buying Jubilee at my grocery store. It’s a wonderful product.
I don’t “do” parties…my response is, “Thanks for the invitation but I just don’t need anything. I’m at that stage of life where I have everything I need.”
I don’t add “sorry” or “maybe next time” because that leaves a door open I want closed.
I agree. I only want to have to say no once, not multiple times.