Ask
Hana Haatainen Caye
Ivy writes: I have a cleaning question for
you. We have a tub with sliding glass doors,
sealed in with silicone or some similar substance. Unfortunately it has mold in it now
and I can’t get it out. I’ve tried vinegar, tea
tree essential oil, baking soda and more. Is
there any hope to get rid of it, or would the
silicone need to be redone?
GG: That’s a tough one, Ivy, in that you’ve
already tried what I would recommend.
Normally, I would suggest filling a spray bottle with vinegar, adding a few tablespoons
of baking soda and spraying it on the moldy
surfaces. After letting it set for about an hour,
scrub the area with an old toothbrush.
However, as is the case with commercial,
bleach-based solutions, there is the issue of
hidden mold lurking where you cannot see
it – underneath the silicone. Your best option
would be to remove the old, treat the area
with the vinegar mixture, and then reseal.
Sorry I can’t give you more encouraging news
than that, but mold can be a serious issue
and I’m sure you want your family to be safe.
Good luck!
Sue writes: I get so confused about all the
“green” jargon out there. My 12-year-old
throws around words she hears at school
and I nod, pretending to know what she’s
talking about, but the truth is, I’m not
always sure. Can you explain what the word
“sustainable” means? My daughter keeps
pushing my husband and me to “adopt a
more sustainable way of life.”
GG: I’m with you on this one, Sue! I even get
confused sometimes. The thing is, sustainability can mean different things to different people. Some will say, “We have to shop
locally to maintain our sustainability.” Others claim, “Zero waste is the only thing that
will ensure a sustainable future.” Perhaps my
favorite definition is “Meeting current needs
without compromising the ability of future
generations to meet their own needs.” In other words, as a parent, you take care of your
family’s actual needs while keeping in mind
the needs of your grandchildren. For me, that
translates into eliminating as many disposable products and replacing them with reusable. From diapers to napkins to paper towels
to paper/plastic dinnerware, I’m thinking of
future generations by not depleting natural
resources or adding to the growing landfill
problem. Does that make sense?
It takes a little more effort, but after awhile, it
all becomes second nature. I hope I cleared
up a bit of the confusion for you and you’re
able to meet your daughter’s sustainability
expectations.
Hana Haatainen Caye, is a wife, mother, grandmother, and author of the book Vinegar Fridays, who
shares her passion for common sense greener and healthier living.
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