Removing beet stains; securing chimney cap
Q. How can I get a beet juice stain off my plastic counter top? Dishwasher liquid helps some, but not enough. How about a blackberry jam stain? Fantastik did little.
FRUSTRATED
A. It's funny, but I remember years ago someone had a beet stain (they are the worst), and I found something that removed it. Of course, I forgot the magic material, but I stored it in my fabulous electronic file. So I did a search and came up with Lava soap (very harsh), mechanic's hand soap (cuts grease like crazy), or baking soda and salt.
Q. I had three trees taken down, costing me $2,300, but they left the stumps above ground. How can I get rid of them?
ANGRY
A. You could've paid more to include the stumps. Now you can hire a stump grinder, a man with a horrendous machine that will grind the stump to bits deeply into the ground. Or, do it yourself by treating the stump with fertilizer and water; it will rot out in maybe 15 years. Here is a better idea: Cut the stump so it is level, then install a half-barrel on the stump, and fill it with flowers.
Q. My stainless steel chimney cap apparently blew right off the chimney. How could that happen, and how can I put it back safely? I need it to keep critters out. Also, how can I keep birds from nesting in my gutters?
REGINA FRAWLEY, Brookline
A. Have the chimney sweep who put it in place do it again, this time so it will not blow away or succumb to the ministrations of a determined squirrel. It was probably installed with bolts or heavy screws driven into the concrete cap, the one that slants down at the chimney top. It too is called a chimney cap. It might have failed when the bolts loosened. The reinstallation may require setting the bolts in fresh mortar.
As for the nests in the gutters, you could try a gutter guard, but that might not deter a nesting bird. It seems to me that a heavy rainstorm would force out a bird, and soak the nest, but the only other thing I can think of is to keep taking down the nest, after the chicks have flown the nest. Setting fake owls or rubber snakes on the roof will work for some, not for others.
Q. I had my slab house treated for termites 20 years ago, with yearly checkups, and I have had no problems. Now, I am getting letters from the company to do it all over again. Part of the letter said the chemicals that were used lose their potency over time. What should I do?
KAY
A. Nothing. Sit back and relax. If there is no house wood or wood steps in contact with the ground, chances are you will be OK in years to come. If you get symptoms, or think you have symptoms, that is the time to call.
Peter Hotton is available 1-6 p.m. Tuesdays to answer questions on house repair. Call 617-929-2930. Hotton's e-mail is photton@globe.com.
