Can't Stand Garbage-Can Odor? To make your trash can smell sweeter, put a fabric softener sheet on the bottom (it can be a used one). Then place the bag on top.

Clean It Up

Before starting any paint job, all surfaces to be painted should be clean and in condition to accept paint. So what do you use to clean and prep the surfaces you want to paint? I recommend TSP, long the cleaning solution of choice when it comes to paint preparation. Don't be fooled by the lack of suds -- TSP is a powerful cleaner and no rinsing is required.

Before painting, give glossy surfaces "tooth" by lightly sanding them with fine sandpaper or a coat of de-glossing agent, often called liquid sandpaper. Sandpaper roughs up the surface and allows the new paint to get a better hold; while liquid sandpaper softens the old paint, allowing the new paint to bond better.

- Stephen Corwin

-- Anonymous, September 20, 2001

Answers

Spiffing Up Silk Flowers If bouquets look dull, they simply may need to be cleaned on a regular basis. Get rid of dust by turning a hair dryer on cold air and blowing over the flowers. It will make a difference.

-- Anonymous, September 21, 2001