By Reena Nerbas
Reviving Cutlery
Dear Reena,
Is it possible to renew the look of my cutlery? Either the dishwasher, or our water which has a high rust content, or both, have it looking pretty bad. Donna
Dear Donna,
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 and sprinkle it with powdered laundry detergent, rub onto spots, rinse and dry. Doing this gets rid of water and rust spots. Bar Keepers Friend is another effective option. To make your own silver or stainless steel cleaner: Place crumpled aluminum foil in a pan or plastic bucket. Dissolve one quarter cup washing soda in enough hot water to cover the cutlery. Place cutlery on foil and let stand for 5 mins. until the stains are gone. Rinse and polish dry.
Mouldy Smell in Clothes
Dear Reena
How can I get a strong moldy smell out of clothing? Marilyn
Dear Marilyn,
Soak washable clothes in either white vinegar (the smell of vinegar will evaporate), or 1 cup washing soda and 10 cups water or 1 cup borax and 10 cups water. Leave for 30 minutes and wash as usual. Make sure that you pour the entire contents of whichever product you choose into the washing machine. Doing so will not only freshen fabrics; but will also clean out the hoses in your washing machine.
Potato Water
Dear Reena,
A year or two ago you published a cinnamon bun recipe in the paper. It calls for 2 cups of potato water – what is that? Water potatoes have soaked in? Water potatoes have been cooked in? Thanks for your help! Evelyn
Dear Evelyn,
Yes, I was referring to the water in which potatoes are cooked. The water with added starch makes excellent bread dough. When making potato water, wash and peel 3 potatoes. Cut potatoes and add to a half pot of water. Boil for about 20 mins. (or until potatoes are soft). Drain the potato water into a measuring cup. Cool before using in dough recipe. Cooked potatoes or leftover mashed potatoes can also be used in potato bread recipes.
Foot Odour
Dear Reena,
Is there anything that I can wipe on my feet to get rid or foot odor? Thanks, Darcy
Dear Darcy,
Pour vodka on a cloth and wipe your feet. Vodka is an amazing odor killer for fabrics as well as skin.
Take the Sting Out of Bandage Removal
I hold a warm blow dryer on the corner of the bandage. As the glue softens, the bandage peels off without pain. Submitted By: Marilyn
Wiping the area with Witch Hazel, olive oil, baby oil or Tea Tree Oil immediately releases bandages from the surface. Submitted By: Connor
Use a Q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol to release bandage glue. Works like a charm! Submitted By: Jenn
Note: Every user assumes all risks of injury or damage resulting from the implementation of any suggestions in this column. Test all products on an inconspicuous area first.
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