Category: Solutions & Substitutions

Solutions & Substitutions by Reena: Homemade Air Freshner Banishes Odour of Curry

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…

March 2, 2018
Solutions & Substitutions by Reena: Tips About Cheese

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…

February 23, 2018
Solutions & Substitutions by Reena: Care for your Bumbershoot

By Reena Nerbas Cleaning Crystal Chandelier Dear Reena, I lost the recipe and method you recommend for cleaning a crystal chandelier. Thank you for your anticipated response. Loretta Dear Loretta, Here is a solution to clean a chandelier without scrubbing or polishing each piece. Begin by covering the floor with newspaper or hang an open…

February 16, 2018
Solutions & Substitutions by Reena: Garden Vegetables

By Reena Nerbas Dusty Keyboard Dear Reena, I would like to clean the keyboard on my computer, however I am looking for a solution that avoids any sort of liquid cleaner. I do not want to risk damaging my fairly, new computer. Any ideas of how to remove the dust? Thanks, Edgar Dear Edgar, Use…

February 9, 2018
Solutions & Substitutions by Reena: Clip It!

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…

February 2, 2018
Solutions & Substitutions by Reena: Getting Rid of Unwanted Odors

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…

January 26, 2018
Solutions & Substitutions by Reena: The Apple Edition

By Reena Nerbas Soggy Apple Pie Crust Dear Reena, Whenever I bake apple pie, the crust ends up with a soggy texture. What can I do to prevent a soggy crust? Mavis Dear Mavis, Before you bake your next hot, apple pie, cook the apples slowly first over low heat for 15 minutes. Add sugar…

January 19, 2018
Solutions & Substitutions by Reena: Storing Christmas Decorations

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…

January 12, 2018
Solutions & Substitutions by Reena: Homemade Stain Removers

By Reena Nerbas Homemade Stain Removers Dear Reena, My goal for the New Year is to purchase less store-bought products and make my own stain removers. Can you give me a few hints as to which everyday products clean different kinds of stains? Mel Dear Mel, Whether you are dealing with; protein, tannin, dye, oil…

December 29, 2017
Solutions & Substitutions by Reena: Storing Your Photos

By Reena Nerbas Storing Photo Collection Dear Reena, I am retired and plan to downsize soon. I have about 60 large and small photo albums. I wondered if there are any ideas out there to conglomerate them, as I will need a special room just for these albums if I don’t. I thought maybe just…

December 22, 2017
Solutions & Substitutions by Reena: Christmas Fruit Cake

By Reena Nerbas Rice in Salt Shaker Dear Reena, I have often noticed that restaurants have grains of rice in salt shakers. Is this for good luck or a joke that someone plays on the waitress? Bethany Dear Bethany, While some people consider the following a myth, here is the reason why many people add…

December 15, 2017
Solutions & Substitutions by Reena: Christmas Tree Sap and Saving the Needles

By Reena Nerbas Cleaning Microfibre Chairs Dear Reena, I own two old microfiber chairs that have multiple stains that range from: pets and milk to dirt and soup. The chairs look like they are ready to hit the garbage, should I take the plunge and toss them out? Bryson Dear Bryson, Close the lid on…

December 8, 2017
Solutions & Substitutions by Reena: Tips that Work from Readers

By Reena Nerbas Household Hints from Contributors A great substitute for a saucepan lid, place a metal colander over the pot upside down like a dome. The holes allow air to escape, without the water boiling over. Submitted by: Nancy Nobody likes dripping wet, cooked pasta noodles. Dry the pasta by placing it in a…

December 1, 2017
Solutions & Substitutions by Reena: Mason Jar Gifts

By Reena Nerbas Men’s Eyebrows Dear Reena, Is it normal for guys to shape their eyebrows? Or should they just let them grow into a mess of hairy, cactuses on their face? Kierra Dear Kierra, Untrimmed eyebrows on a guy can be a distraction, which is easily rectified (if the guy is willing, or sleeping…

November 24, 2017
Solutions & Substitutions by Reena: Safe Use of Wood-burning Fireplace

By Reena Nerbas Removing Creases from Vinyl Tablecloth Dear Reena, I have two flannel-backed vinyl tablecloths. They were obviously wrapped in tight plastic packaging for a long time, because they have a lot of deep creases. What methods would you recommend I use to remove the creases without melting the vinyl? Thank you, Joan Dear…

November 17, 2017