Category: Solutions & Substitutions

By Reena Nerbas Oil Spill on iPhone Dear Reena, I left my iPhone on the kitchen counter and spilled a bottle of olive oil nearby. The phone was drenched with oil. The phone still works except for the sound; the speakers are very quiet. Any advice? Len Dear Len, I am not a technology expert;…

By Reena Nerbas Fitted Sheets Hello Reena, There’s a large, ongoing conversation about how to manage fitted bed sheets that are too large for “regular” sized mattresses. We’ve tried the elastic tricks which are cumbersome and don’t work. Is there an easy way to sew a permanent and viable solution? Thanks for any help you…

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…