Author: Gateway Gazette Contributor

  • Solutions & Substitutions by Reena: Swimsuit Mildew Smell

    Solutions & Substitutions by Reena: Swimsuit Mildew Smell

    By Reena Nerbas Mildew Smell on Swimsuit Dear Reena, I read your column on a regular basis and love your solutions. Now I need some help, I packed a wet bathing suit coming home from a Hawaiian vacation a couple of winters ago, and even though I unpacked it and washed it right away, it has…

  • Solutions & Substitutions By Reena: Removing Iron-On Clothing Labels

    Solutions & Substitutions By Reena: Removing Iron-On Clothing Labels

    By Reena Nerbas Used Razor Dear Reena, I shave my legs three times a week with a pull type razor. How long should I use it before tossing it into the garbage? Jessica Dear Jessica, If you ask ten different people, you will receive ten different answers. Some people recommend that disposable razors are fine…

  • Solutions & Substitutions by Reena: Laundry Detergent

    Solutions & Substitutions by Reena: Laundry Detergent

    By Reena Nerbas Sparkling Stainless Steel Dear Reena, How can I brighten stainless steel cutlery to bring back the sparkle? Thanks, Sharon Dear Sharon, 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 a potato in half…

  • Solutions & Substitutions by Reena: In the Laundry Room

    By Reena Nerbas Laundry Stain Remover Dear Reena, I need a laundry stain remover solution using vinegar, water and baking soda. Thanks, Lynne Dear Lynne, Here is a spot remover that you can use to pre-treat stains as well as several other machine washable, colorfast fabrics. Into a spray bottle combine: Two third cups ammonia…

  • Solutions & Substitutions by Reena: Apple Pie

    By Reena Nerbas Damage to Marble Countertop Dear Reena, My daughter left her straightener on our new bathroom counter in the basement. It is marble; it has discolored the counter – is there any way to remove the “stain”? Thanks for your time, Brenda Dear Brenda, Are you sure that you are dealing with real marble or…

  • Solutions & Substitutions by Reena: Cooking Ribs in the Slow Cocker

    Solutions & Substitutions by Reena: Cooking Ribs in the Slow Cocker

    By Reena Nerbas Lumpy Brown Sugar Dear Reena, I enjoy a bowl of oat cereal for breakfast and like to sprinkle it with brown sugar. My problem is the sugar is always lumpy and no amount of shaking makes the sugar finer for sprinkling. Thanks. Gordo Dear Gordo, Brown sugar hardens when moisture inside the…

  • Solutions & Substitutions by Reena: Avocado

    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…

  • Solutions & Substitutions by Reena: Tasty Turkey Tips

    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…

  • Solutions & Substitutions by Reena: Decorating the Office for Christmas

    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…

  • Solutions & Substitutions by Reena: Homemade Air Fresheners

    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…

  • Faith Forum ~ The Gift of the Lamb

    Faith Forum ~ The Gift of the Lamb

    By Gloria Wessner.                   Who knew… That we all have such a devastating and eternally destructive problem in our lives. Who knew… That there wasn’t one thing we could do to help ourselves with that problem. Who knew… That humankind was so destitute and in need of…

  • Solutions & Substitutions by Reena: Homemade Hand-Wipes

    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…

  • Solutions & Substitutions by Reena: Hanging Pictures on Paneled Walls

    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…

  • Solutions & Substitutions by Reena: Nail Polish Mishaps

    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…

  • Solutions & Substitutions by Reena: Grilling the Perfect Steak

    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…