Q: Years ago, I could find Absorbine Jr. at any drugstore. Nowadays, it’s impossible to find the original. I don’t want the patches and I’m not interested in Absorbine Plus. The original worked beautifully on my sore back after a day of gardening. If it’s still available locally, I sure would like it if you could find it for me. Thank you. — Harold Johnson, Atlanta
A: Harold, Absorbine Jr. liniment is still around to help with those aches and pains. Locally, you can find it at Miller’s Rexall, 87 Broad St., Atlanta, 404-523-8481. A 4-ounce bottle with the no-mess applicator costs $10.99.
Q: I have used powdered Spic and Span for years for washing woodwork. Its grittiness helps it clean better than liquid cleaners. For several months, I have been unable to find it, and it is even difficult to find the liquid form of Spic and Span. I called customer service and was told that it is still made. Do you know where I can find the powdered form in Roswell or Alpharetta? — Mildred House, email
A: Mildred, your woodwork is going to be look fantastic in no time because I found all of the powdered Spic and Span you can use. Simply visit or call Howard Brothers True Value Hardware, 3616 Buford Highway, Duluth, 770-476-3006, and have someone there order powdered Spic and Span from True Value’s Atlanta warehouse. The stores order on Wednesdays, and merchandise arrives the following Friday. You can pick up your cleanser at any convenient True Value location. The SKU number is 846834, and a 27-ounce box costs $6.99. You pay no shipping charges when the item is shipped to the store.
Q: I cannot find the round prepackaged packets of tea to use with my sun tea jar. Although I still find the container available in many stores, I have not been able to find the tea. Is it still available somewhere? — Helen Smith, Kennesaw
A: Rather than going through numerous small tea bags for your large sun tea jug, you can brew a gallon of iced tea with a single tea bag. Lipton gallon tea bags are available at Walmart, 3826 Cobb Parkway, Acworth, 770-966-1226. A box of 24 costs $5.98.
Q: I have a composite wood deck and have used DuckBack 4200 clear brand composite wood sealer. The company no longer makes this particular sealer and could not offer me an alternative. I have looked online and in independent hardware stores, and thought I found some on Amazon. After placing my order, I was informed that there was only one unit left. I have that one on order, but I need to find an alternative. My deck will need resealing in two years, and I want to have a product on hand when the time comes. Thank you. — Diane Dane, McDonough
A: While composite decking is touted as needing less maintenance than wood, it still requires washing and sealing because the surface is susceptible to mildew, mold, and fading due to sun exposure. Wash Safe composite deck seal bills itself as offering six years of protection, but a representative for the company said that it’s prudent to assess your composite decking at least every four years to ensure that it stays in the best possible condition. You can order a gallon of the sealer, which covers approximately 200 to 300 square feet, through www.wash-safe.com. Each gallon of Wash Safe composite deck seal costs $42.
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