The wither report

Q. I usually buy cut gerberas and put them in vases. But I notice that they wither easily, usually lasting just two or three days. Unlike other cut flowers, these don’t last. How can I make them last longer? They are a bit expensive compared to other flowers and it’s such a waste to see them wilt so soon.- Marissa Licaros

A. Marissa, when you take them home, pour some warm water into your vase. Cut the stems at a diagonal angle and tear off any loose leaves that may fall below the water level when the flowers are placed inside the vase. Add some bleach (a teaspoon only!) or 7-Up to the water to allow the flowers to last a little bit longer than normal. Some people drop in a copper penny to add more life to the blooming flowers! Good luck!

* * * How Do I Clean My Sofa Without Ruining It?

Q. How can I clean my sofa, which is upholstered with fabric? Is there a way of cleaning it without ruining the fabric? - Charlene Lim

A. You can purchase any of the commercial sofa-cleaning solutions – sprays, foaming cleansers, etc. – on the market that are specifically for cleaning upholstery like cotton chintz, cotton twill, cotton duck and polyester blends. Many solutions also provide a finishing coat that protects the upholstery for a longer period of time before the next cleaning is required. Always remember to test the cleaning agent in an inconspicuous area of the sofa (i.e., the underside or backside) before proceeding to clean the more obvious areas. Keep an electric fan or blow dryer handy if you want to dry up a spot quickly that’s been soaked down with cleanser and water.

* * * When Charcoal Won’t Work – Getting Rid Of Odors

Q. How do you get rid of the foul smell in an old refrigerator? It’s strong that foods taste a bit funny once kept in the ref for a few days. I’ve tried the charcoal thing and it doesn’t work. Thank you. - Charmaine Tang Lam, Citisec

A. Perhaps it’s time to get a new refrigerator! Yours sounds like it could take a rest, especially since you claim that foods stored in your ref for a few days taste funny. That’s the first and foremost sign by your tongue! It’s not matter of smell anymore, but health and food sanitation. Please be conscious and get a new, working refrigerator that will keep your food chilled and safe to eat!

* * * How Do I Preserve My Wedding Gown?

Q. Hi, Molly! I just want to ask how I can preserve my wedding gown, especially the beads, pearls and the rhinestones? After three years, the rhinestones of my gown are already tarnished. Also, how can I remove the makeup stains around the neckline without having it dry-cleaned? For your info, I haven’t dry-cleaned my wedding gown ever since because I know it costs a lot. I just kept it inside a big box together with all my other wedding stuff like my veil, cord, heart-shaped pillows for the rings, coins, etc., which were all tightly sealed. Please help me with my gown. I don’t want to spend too much. Thank you very much and I hope you can help me with this problem. More power to you! - Jacquelyn So Lee

A. Without having it professionally dry-cleaned, you are running the risk of shortening your wedding gown’s life. But actually, dear reader, when are ever going to wear it again? Unless you are aiming to preserve it for your daughter’s own wedding and hoping that she’ll want to squeeze into your tiny 24-inch waist, here are a few tips: Keep it tightly sealed inside a plastic or vinyl garment bag that has been stuffed with that crispy, blue tissue paper that is specially-treated for storing clothing. Spot cleaning is iffy if the area you are mopping up is quite visible (say, the front neckline!). Try the toothbrush-and-cleanser routine in an inconspicuous area of the gown before working on the front lapel. Do the same for the armpit area, waistline and hemline, as these are the most likely places to get stained easily. Good luck!

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