By Reena Nerbas
Faded Granite Sink
Dear Reena,
We have a seven year old Sil Granite sink. Its color has really faded. Before it was a very matt black now it is a very faded black with white smears streaks. We used a color enhancer product provided when I bought the sink. I have used two bottles of that which has not helped. Any chance you have a gem of an idea to get the smears off and somewhat of the color back? Damien
Dear Damien,
Your best bet is to wipe the sink with cooking or olive oil after use; this will remove all of the stains, repel water from sitting on the sink and forming white stains and brighten the sink.
Meat Rub
Dear Reena,
I would like to prepare my own rub for meat. Can you give me an easy recipe that I can use on pork? Heidi
Dear Heidi,
Here is an easy recipe which is perfect for about 6 pounds of meat. Into a bowl combine one quarter cup sugar, 4 tbsp. black pepper, one tbsp. salt, one quarter cup paprika, 2 tsp. dry mustard and 2 tsp. cayenne pepper. Rub half of the mixture onto meat 12 hours prior to cooking. Rub the other half on right before cooking.
Cleaning a Popcorn Ceiling
Dear Reena,
I so enjoy reading your column. We have a water stain on our popcorn ceiling and were told to try Kilz overhead stain sealer. Now we have a yellow discoloration on top of the stain! Any suggestions? Wendy
Dear Wendy,
Kilz is a popular brand name but there are many products under this name; from Flat Wall and Ceiling Paint to Color Changing Ceiling Paint to Paint with Stain Blocking. You may need to prime the area before painting the ceiling but your best bet is to explain your situation to your paint specialist and seek advice. Or contact the Kilz website and query which product is best for your situation.
Cleaning Microwave
Dear Reena,
How do I go about fixing my yellowed microwave door, help? Jen
Dear Jen,
This may be a permanent condition but don’t give up without a fight! Spread toothpaste onto the yellowed area. Dampen the brush with water and scrub with an old toothbrush. Rinse with water and wipe.
Painting Glass
Dear Reena,
I have always read your column with interest and have used many of your helpful hints. I hope you can help me with this problem. I presently have a set of lamps given to me by my late parents. They have a glass base and I wonder if they can be painted as we have changed our decor/colors. If so, what type of paint might be used? Thank-you! O.
Dear O,
Yes, you can absolutely paint the glass base! Begin by unplugging the lamp and cleaning the base well with plain old dish soap and water. Dry and cover any electrical wires. Spray on heatproof paint in the color of your choice.
Deep Frying Turkey
Dear Reena,
Why do people deep fry turkeys instead of baking them. I was given a deep fryer specifically for this purpose but I haven’t used it. Is it worth the effort? Nana
Dear Nana,
I have a friend that heads down to the U.S. every November for American Thanksgiving just because her dad deep fries the turkey. She says it is the best way to prepare turkey and nothing beats the flavor. Deep frying turkey is a Cajun tradition that produces juicy meat and crispy skin; many people agree it is out of this world.
Fabulous Tips of the Week!
- Why throw out empty toilet paper rolls when you can use them to store messy electrical cords. Wind the cord and place it inside the tube. Some people even decorate the tube with wall or shelf paper.
- Never let your toilet paper run away from the roll again. Either squeeze the roll in half before placing it on the toilet paper holder (great if you own an RV). Or position the roll so that the paper hangs under the roll instead of overtop.
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.
I enjoy your questions and tips, keep them coming. Need a Presenter on the topic: Effective Speaking or The Power of Words? Check out: Reena.ca