By Reena Nerbas
Squirrels Under the Hood
Dear Reena,
I have squirrels in my carport that are eating the car’s wiring. Can you suggest a remedy (that’s safe for the squirrels)? The one suggestion I’ve gotten is to spray the motor with diluted hot sauce. Monica
Dear Monica,
Many people have spent thousands of dollars on vehicle wire repair only to have squirrels picnic in their vehicle once again. The most effective repellent for squirrels is not 100% full-proof but definitely worth a shot. If you choose this option; spray the perimeter of the vehicle with a substance such as bitter apple spray which is found in most pet stores or vet offices. Sprays are one option but need to be re-applied regularly. Take caution not to spray the solution directly on your vehicle. Other options include: pepper spray or Febreeze. If you are desperate and don’t want the hassle of having to remind yourself to spray; make a frame of wood and chicken wire to cover the motor compartment of your vehicle whenever not in use.
Mothballs
Dear Reena,
I would like to know how to get mothball odor out of clothing. Marilyn
Dear Marilyn,
This solution is fast, easy and best of all cheap. Soak the clothes in 50/50 white vinegar and water. Leave for one hour and wash as usual. Hang outside to dry, the smell of vinegar and mothballs will disappear right before her nose.
Heat Stains
Dear Reena,
How can I remove the brown heat stains from the glass and metal on my toaster oven? It still works very well but looks terrible. Thanks, Carol
Dear Carol,
Unplug the toaster oven and pour household ammonia onto stained areas. Let ammonia sit for 10 mins. Using water and dish soap, wet an abrasive green pad. Scrub all marked areas. Rinse off all ammonia with water, your toaster will look brand new.
Liquid Hand Soap
Dear Reena,
Can you please supply me with an easy recipe for liquid hand soap? Thanks Linda
Dear Linda,
Here is a recipe that uses easy to find products. Grate one bar of Ivory Bar Soap. Boil 8 cups of water. Stir in grated soap on medium heat until it melts. Add one tbsp. glycerin (found in pharmacies). Remove from heat. Place the lid on the pot. Stir the soap every few hours for about 12 hours. Store soap in a good quality soap dispenser.
Best Pizza Tips of the Week
Homemade pizza is easy to throw together on a Friday night using leftovers from the week. But delicious Restaurant Style Homemade Pizza is an art. Begin by making pizza dough the night before baking. Place greased dough inside a plastic bag and store in the fridge overnight to allow the yeast to activate the entire batch. Dough left to rise overnight becomes pliable and easy to work with. Remove dough from fridge and leave on the counter for a few hours before pressing onto pan.
Press pizza dough with hands instead of using a rolling pin. The bubbles take a beating when squished by a rolling pin which may result in a tougher crust.
Make your own pizza sauce, its easy! Into a bowl combine: One 15 ounce can crushed tomatoes, one 6 ounce can tomato paste, 2 tbsp. olive oil, 2 tbsp. fresh basil (or 2 tsp. dry), one and a half tsp. dried oregano, 2 tsp. sugar, 1 tsp. crushed garlic and 1 tsp. salt. Stir and sauce pizza. Store extra sauce in fridge or freezer.
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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