By Reena Nerbas
Musty Books
Dear Reena,
I picked up a few old books at a garage sale; the books carry a musty odor that I am unable to destroy. What can I do to take away the stink? Leighton
Dear Leighton,
Place the books inside of a sealable plastic bag. Pour one eighth cup baking soda inside the bag and shake. Seal the bag and place it in the freezer for one week. Shake out baking soda, grab a cup of coffee and enjoy your fresh smelling books.
Tea Tree Oil
Dear Reena,
What is tea tree oil and what is it used for? Daniel
Dear Daniel,
Tea tree oil is extracted from the Melaleuca tree in Australia. Tea tree oil has many uses as it is a disinfectant, deodorizer and plant spray: Into a spray bottle combine 8 drops of tea tree oil and 32 ounces of water. Mix well and mist plants. Tea tree oil is safe for counters and can be used as an All-Purpose Cleaner: Add 10-15 drops tea tree oil to 2 tablespoons of vinegar with 1 tsp. of borax. Put solution in a 12 ounce spray bottle, then fill bottle with water. Shake until borax dissolves. Tea tree is also great for killing lice as well as Athletes Foot. Purchase tea tree oil at most grocery stores as well as health food stores.
Egg Rolls
Dear Reena,
I make homemade egg rolls and as they fry they fall apart and the filling escapes into the cooking oil. How can I prevent egg rolls from opening during cooking? How does one reheat egg rolls so that they remain crispy and not soggy? Ruth
Dear Ruth,
Begin by brushing the egg roll wrapper with a bit of egg white (I call this kitchen glue). Close the wrapper and press. When oil is hot, use tongs to carefully hold the seam of the egg roll into the oil to seal it. After a few seconds drop the egg roll in the oil, the seam should remain closed. To reheat egg rolls bake in the oven at 350 degrees for 5 mins. Broil for one minute or until wrappers are crispy.
Feedback from Fabulous Reader
Re: Dirt Under Fingernails
Dear Reena,
Yes, dirt does get under fingernails when in the garden even when wearing gloves. To aid cleaning of fingernails – carry along the last “bit of a soap bar” and scratch your nails over the bar – filling under the nails with soap. After gardening, when you clean up, soap is the last part of the “dirt under your nails” comes out easy and prevents staining. Velma
Tips for Keeping Your Fridge Clean
I line the glass shelves in my fridge with Glad Press’n Seal wrap. When the wrap is dirty (or when my Mother-In Law is visiting), I throw the wrap away and re-line the shelves. Submitted By: Karrie
I use placemats to line fridge shelves; I change the color depending on the season. Submitted By: Mandy
For a higher efficiency refrigerator, vacuum the dust and dirt off of the coils behind your appliance regularly.
I place all my food in labelled baskets to keep my fridge items as organized as possible. Submitted By: Crazy Mama
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