Bank, credit firm gift cards may charge fee

Mon, January 19, 2009

Q My daughter received a gift card, and the back of the card states that $2.50 will be deducted from the gift card on the 15th of each month. Is this legal in Minnesota? I thought the Legislature had banned such a practice.

A You're right. In 2007 the Legislature passed a law that says a gift card's value won't expire or dwindle from fees if not used right away (Minn.325G.53).

However, there's an exception: bank cards or cards issued by credit card companies. Check carefully, as that may be the case with your daughter's card. It may look like a card from a retailer, but in small print the card will say it's a bank card with fees and expiration date.

Scent of spoiled milk

Q We have tried everything to get the smell of spoiled milk out of the carpet in our car. Even vinegar solution isn't working. What can we do?

A Chances are the milk seeped into the carpet backing, where it has soured, causing the odor in your car. You'll probably need to have the car professionally cleaned to get rid of the odor at this point.

If you want to try again before turning it over to the professionals, clean the spill area with a mild detergent (such as Dreft) diluted in warm water. Blot with terry toweling and dab with water to rinse. Then clean with a solution of one tablespoon ammonia in a half cup of water. Again blot with terry toweling and dab with water to rinse. Dry with a hair dryer.

You can then treat the area with a no-fragrance odor eliminator such as Atmosklear. Just be sure the product contains no fragrance, or you'll just trade one obnoxious odor for another.

Source: http://www.startribune.com/