DEAR SUN SPOTS: Regarding the Sun Spots on Dec. 21 about Beyond Shoe Repair closing its Lewiston store, it is in Wilton now and is open on Fridays from 9 a.m to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by appointment. You can contact the business at 645-2262 or at beyondshoerepair@gmail.com. Good Luck!

— No name, no town

DEAR SUN SPOTS: For the person who is looking for shower tile repair (Sun Spots, Dec. 21), Floor Systems on Route 196 at 89 Lisbon St. in Lisbon can help you. The phone number is 353-6690.

— No name, no town

ANSWER: Thank you, readers, for sharing this valuable information so promptly! This is how Sun Spots works!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Thank you for being there for us. I would like to know of any businesses in the L-A area that replace fringe on Oriental-style carpets.

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Also, does anyone know of a secret formula or product that removes the dark grime that clings to the underside of the toilet bowl?

— No name, Greene

ANSWER: For the first part of your question about carpets, Moderne Rug Cleaning at 645 Main St. in Gorham can help you. Their contact info is: 854-5311 and info@modernerugcleaning.com. Another business that can repair your carpet is Araby Rugs at 305 U.S. Route 1 in Falmouth. You can reach them at 781-3686 or arabyrug@gmail.com. Both of these businesses were highly recommended to me by local people. I know they are not in the L-A area so readers, please chime in if you have a local carpet repair shop you can recommend and we’ll add them to the list!

For that toilet bowl, donning some rubber gloves and protective eyewear then getting down to business with the good old elbow grease does the trick! I have often used a pumice stone if stubborn stains have been in residence for a while.

If the staining is caused by hard water, your best bet is to use a product called “Iron Out.” You can find it at the hardware store, the grocery store with other cleaning products and big-box stores. Follow the directions on the bottle carefully. This stuff really works miracles.

If that black gunk is mold, a paste of baking soda and white vinegar, or baking soda and dish soap can do the trick. White vinegar can also be paired with borax. For this method, flush the toilet. Sprinkle borax onto the black places. Pour white vinegar into a spray bottle, spray the vinegar onto the spots then let the vinegar and borax sit for several hours. Use a toilet brush to scrub away the black spots then flush again. If the stains are really bad, you may have to repeat the process.

My mom, who is the “Queen of Clean,” swears by a product called “Awesome” that she purchases at The Dollar Store. She has waxed poetic over the years regarding this citrus liquid cleaner and says it cleans “everything.” Believe me, if she’s satisfied with it, it must be good!

As a last resort, you could try diluted bleach. Just be extra careful not to mix it with any other products. And remember whenever you’re working with mold, it is recommended that you wear a dust mask to protect your respiratory system.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.


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