Clever Clarissa’s Household Tips & Advice

Copper is sold lacquered and unlacquered. Clean decorative, lacquered copper with a dry cloth; use a damp cloth if the item is dirty. If the lacquer finish breaks down, remove it with acetone or a lacquer thinner. If the copper is unlacquered, as is copper cookware, ketchup (yes!) applied with a cotton cosmetic pad will […]

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Hand-wash your glasses in the sink using warm soapy water (when washing fine crystal, line the sink with a towel and avoid very hot water that could cause cracking). Rinse in warm water to which you have added a few drops of vinegar and air dry.

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That old stand-by, vinegar, works well; apply with a soft cloth, rub and wipe off. Petroleum jelly will keep the leather supple, but it does require polishing.

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There are a variety of vinegars on the market – from plain distilled white vinegar to vinegars made from fruit, herbs, cider, malt and wine. All of them are somewhat corrosive, with a level of acidity between 4% and 6%; this is why they are sold in glass or plastic containers with cork or other […]

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You have the choice of using nail polish remover, lighter fluid, lemon extract, salad oil or hot vinegar. Saturate, let set a while (if needed) and then gently scrape with a razor blade or a knife.

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