Category: Solutions & Substitutions

By Reena Nerbas Burnt Popcorn Smell in Microwave Dear Reena, I am hoping that you might have a solution for getting rid of burnt popcorn smell in a microwave. I have tried lemon juice, vinegar, baking soda, and even microwaving meat with a barbeque sauce on it, hoping to get rid of the smell. If I leave…

By Reena Nerbas Restoring Old Tile Dear Reena, We live in a 1930’s heritage home and there is natural tile in front of the fireplace, unfortunately the tile has been scraped by the bottom of a chair. We have tried to fix it but with no luck at all. Would you have a suggestion for…

By Reena Nerbas Glue on Jeans Dear Reena, How can I remove sticker glue left on new jeans? Jean Hi Jean, The easiest solution is to scrub the residue with an old toothbrush and rubbing alcohol. Cleaning Tile and Grout Dear Reena, A friend has purchased a home with tile and grout everywhere and says…

By Reena Nerbas Pen Refills Dear Reena, I have pens that use refills; the last two worked for a while and then stopped working. The store clerk suggested warming them; they worked briefly and then stopped. Is there anything else that I can do? Refills aren’t cheap! Love your column, it is definitely a must…

By Reena Nerbas Removing Band-aids Without Tears Dear Reena, I have a three year old boy who constantly falls and scrapes his knees. He loves to wear animated bandages and immediately stops crying when I put them on him. But when it’s time for the bandage to be taken off, the crying starts all over…

By Reena Nerbas Front Load Washer Discolouration Dear Reena, I am wondering if you have any tips for removing discolouration on the rubber liner just inside the door of a front loading washing machine. I inherited my parent’s washer, and it came with this discolouration and I would like to clean it up if I can. Laurie…

By Reena Nerbas Carpet Bubble Dear Reena, How do I get rid of a bubble under the carpet in my living room?  Many thanks, Jeannette Dear Jeannette, Here is a popular fix for a carpet bubble. Use a pointed screwdriver to make a small hole in the carpet. Purchase Bubble Glue or Carpet Seam Sealer (strong…

By Reena Nerbas Creating Smooth Curtain Rod Dear Reena, I own a wooden curtain rod on which the wooden curtain rings stick and “shudder” when pulling the curtains open and closed (I’ve actually pulled the curtains off the end rings with the yanking they require). How can I best get these non-compliant rings to move…

By Reena Nerbas Pickle Juice on Teak Table Dear Reena, Sunday night a jar of pickles spilt onto the dining room table, which is solid teak (very old reclaimed wood if that makes a difference). The pickle juice sat there for a few hours before being discovered. I tried putting baking soda directly on the…