Can latex paint be cleaned off bluestone?
Q.My ceiling fan has worked well for 16 years, but now it is wobbling and noisy. Is there a way that I can fix it?KAREN
A.Try this: Tighten all screws and connections you see, then try oiling any parts, although the fan may have sealed lubrication. Sometimes turning the blades upside down will work. Short of success, call an electrician.
Q.Is there any way to repair a crack in a mirror that is attached to a bureau?
GUEST, in Hotton’s chat room
A.I have seen ways to fix auto glass cracks, but I don’t think it will work with a mirror. The proper fix is to replace the mirror in its frame. Or, leave the mirror cracked, if it is a small one. Incidentally, if the original mirror is not beveled (it probably is), specify beveled mirror when you buy a new one. Beveled mirrors are quite expensive, but their elegance is worth the extra cost.
Q.Is there a way to tell if a dishwasher can be put in a small kitchen? It would have to be small, and does it have to be away from stove or refrigerator?CORY, in Hotton’s chat room
A.A dishwasher has to be next to a sink, where it can be connected to water supply and drain. Go to an appliance store and ask if there are any sizes smaller than standard. If you describe the kitchen thoroughly, the salesman can help more than the Handyman.
Nature’s Miracle
Robert of Northampton called to tell the Handyman how to get blood out of a rug. The Handyman had mentioned several ways, but Robert’s offering was Nature’s Miracle, sold in pet stores.
Q.The hydraulic door closer on my storm-screen door closes slowly to about 4 inches, then slams. I have tried to adjust it without success. Is there a way to keep it from slamming?ANNOYED
A.Such closers often work for years, and since yours works well enough, it might be a good idea to leave it alone and get used to the slam. You can have the store replace it, but that has its risks, too. When the storm insert is put in the door, the slam will be reduced or eliminated.
Globe Handyman on Call Peter Hotton also appears in the Sunday Real Estate section.He is available 1-6 p.m. Tuesdays to answer questions on house repair. Call 617-929-2930. Hotton (photton@globe.com) also chats online about house matters 2-3 p.m. Thursdays.Go to www.boston.com.
