Category: Guest Columnists

By Reena Nerbas Toilet Bowl Stains Dear Reena, How do I remove stains out of toilet bowls? Bells Dear Bells, Make your toilet bowl sparkle by pouring a little shampoo or dish soap onto a pumice stone and gently, rubbing the inside of the toilet bowl to remove stains. Or clean the toilet with a…

By Reena Nerbas Stuck Lids on Nail Polish Dear Reena, I have many bottles of nail polish that I am unable to open. I have tried running them under hot water, and using pliers, but still I’m unable to twist the top off or pry them open. It is very frustrating. Any suggestions would be…

By Reena Nerbas Old Christmas Cards and Magazines Dear Reena, I have hundreds of Christmas cards that I will be throwing away. Is there any organization that does anything with them? I also have several magazines that I used to donate to doctor’s offices so that people could cut out recipes. Where should I take…

By Reena Nerbas Sprouting Potatoes Dear Reena, Every time I store potatoes at my house, within days they start to grow eyes. How can I prevent this? I keep them in my pantry, in a wooden potato box that has onions on the bottom. I’ve tried keeping an apple with the potatoes, but to no…

By Reena Nerbas Grimy Shower Head Dear Reena, I recently moved into a 30-year-old apartment, and the place is filthy. What is the best way to clean a grimy shower head? Lynette Dear Lynette, Step 1: Scrub the holes with a wet kitchen scrubber. Step 2: Pour a solution of half cup white vinegar and…

By Reena Nerbas Cheesecake Dear Reena, I am having a dinner party, and would like to make cheesecake for dessert. Can you tell me if I can quadruple my cheesecake recipe and bake the cake in a large rectangle pan? Cherise Dear Cherise, Quadrupling the recipe is risky, chances are the cheesecake will brown on…

By Reena Nerbas Extra Buttons Dear Reena, Many of the jackets and suits that I buy are sold with an extra button. Apart from storing the button in the jacket pocket, do you have any suggestions as to how to organize apparel buttons without losing them? Mandy Dear Mandy, One option is to sew the…

By Reena Nerbas Thermos in the Dishwasher Dear Reena, I recently purchased a stainless-steel thermos with foil wrapped around the exterior. Although the instructions say, “dishwasher safe” the foil peeled after four washes. Now, the foil is half gone and looks unappealing (pardon the pun). Should I toss the thermos or is there a remedy…

By Reena Nerbas Rusty Cutlery Dear Reena, I have a lot of rust stains on my stainless-steel cutlery, is there a way of removing them? Linda Dear Linda, In commercial settings; it is very common to toss cutlery into a sink of plain old white vinegar, let soak and polish with a cloth. Or cut…

By Reena Nerbas Homemade Mayonnaise Dear Reena, I am looking for a recipe for homemade mayonnaise. No one I know has a good recipe for this. Kim Dear Kim, Homemade Mayonnaise: Place 3 egg yolks in a mixing bowl. Add 2 tbsp. (30 mL) white vinegar, 2 tbsp. (30 mL) water and 2 tbsp. (30…

By Reena Nerbas Rejuvenate Markers Dear Reena, Do you have any tips for how to rejuvenate Sharpie markers? Radah Dear Radah, Soak the tip of the marker in rubbing alcohol until you see the ink start to bleed out. Remove the marker from the alcohol, and let it sit for one hour with the cap…

By Reena Nerbas Odor in Sheets Hi Reena, Despite regularly washing my sheets, they have an odor that will not wash out. I’ve tried bleach and borax, (not at the same time), but nothing removes the smell. I can’t afford new sheets, so I’m wondering if you have a solution for me. Thanks! Duncan Dear…

By Reena Nerbas Glue on Glass Door of Wood Stove Dear Reena, Can you please tell me what to use to remove the glue, off the glass, that was used to adhere the seal on the wood stove glass door? Thanks, Chris Dear Chris, Apply one of the following to the glass: cooking spray, Goo…