Category: Solutions & Substitutions

By Reena Nerbas Steam Marks Cabinets Dear Reena, My electric kettle didn’t shut off and the steam caused a white film on the door of my cabinets. I tried wiping it off, adding oil conditioner and scrubbing it lightly. Nothing worked, maybe it discolored the urethane. Any suggestions? Thanks, Mark Dear Mark, Using a hot…

By Reena Nerbas Scuff Marks on Suede Shoes Dear Reena, I have a pair of navy suede shoes that have a lot of light scuff marks on them. I wiped them with a damp cloth, but I think I made them worse. Thank you, Gwen Dear Gwen, Sprinkle the suede fabric with baking soda and…

By Reena Nerbas Shrinking Pie Crusts Dear Reena, Can you tell me how to bake a single pie crust so that it doesn’t shrink down in the pie plate while baking? I make lemon pies, but my crusts disappear down the sides of the pan. Bernice Dear Bernice, Some people freeze pie crusts before putting them…

By Reena Nerbas Discolouration Left on Walls by Pictures Dear Reena, I love your natural, non-chemical solutions. Is there anything that will remove the dark discoloration on the paint behind pictures hung on the wall? And is there a way to prevent this discoloration from happening? Thanks. Vera Dear Vera, I contacted my favorite paint…

By Reena Nerbas Thawing Frozen Meat Safely Dear Reena, I was a guest at a friend’s home recently; and I was scandalized because she defrosted her raw and pre-cooked meats in the kitchen sink while she was gone to work for the day. I was afraid to eat it; as I understand any kind of…

By Reena Nerbas Spreadable Butter Dear Reena, Years ago, your column featured a suggestion for making spreadable butter. What were the measurements and ingredients? Thanks, Helen Dear Helen, Soften a pound of butter overnight in a large, mixer bowl. The next day start blending your butter until it is creamy. Into a large measuring cup…

By Reena Nerbas Dear Reena, I read your column in our paper and quite enjoy it. I bought an artificial plant, with grass-like plumes a few months ago. This plant has a very strange and disgusting odor. I didn’t notice it at first but some days it is quite un-bearable. Is there anything I can…