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
Dear Laurie,
While wearing gloves combine 1 gallon warm water with 1 cup liquid bleach. Apply to the seal; wait 5 minutes. Scrub with an old toothbrush. Rinse with water.
Removing Mactac in Cupboards and Drawers
Hi Reena,
I am wondering whether you might have a solution for my problem. When we moved into our current place, we didn’t like the way the kitchen cupboards looked and so we applied Mactac in the drawers and on the shelves. Now the time has come to remove the Mactac and I am dreading what may be left on the shelves and in the drawers. Do you have a suggestion as to how to remove glue off of painted wood? It’s been almost 16 years and it may be stuck on there forever! Leonore
Dear Leonore,
Use a green scrubby cloth and the product Goo Gone to remove adhesive on cupboards. Goo Gone is sold in department and hardware stores and carries a citrus fragrance. Scrub and leave to dry; repeat the process and the adhesive should become a distant memory.
Keeping Fried Foods Crispy
Dear Reena,
What is the best way to keep fried foods crispy for a long time? Jameson
Dear Jameson,
After frying foods place them on a cooling rack. This method prevents food from resting on a surface and becoming soggy because the oil has a chance to drip out, and as air circulates under the food it remains crisp. If your goal is to transport fried food, cool the food on a rack. Place into brown paper bags and reheat on a baking sheet lined with a wire rack before serving. Extra Tip: This method works for homemade waffles as well to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Feedback from Experienced Reader:
Dear Reena,
I have worked at a high-end hotel for years. In order to properly clean mirrors we use the following technique: Use a good quality damp micro fiber cloth. Dry with a micro fiber drying cloth (no commercial cleaners needed). Priscilla
Tip for Picture Hanging on Paneling:
- Hanging items on paneling where there is a stud behind is easy because a screw, nail or hanger can be secured. In between the studs, where the wall is hollow is a bigger problem. The paneling may be as thin as 1/8 of an inch, which doesn’t give you a secure mount for anything with weight. Using sticky tape hangers is not a good solution since the tape eventually fails and the object falls to the floor. Also removing the remaining tape off of the paneling will remove the panel finish, even with just a wet rag. Years ago, I discovered that you can use S-shaped curtain hooks to hang things that have significant weight without making large holes in the paneling that you would get with store bought hollow wall anchors. They also come in different sizes. Use a sharp pointy tool like an ice pick and make a very small hole in the paneling. Slide the pointy end (the narrow side) of the S-hook into the hole and push it down till it locks in at the top. You now have an inch or two of support behind the wall. The open side of the S-hook where you hang your item/picture can be bent with two pliers and trimmed off with wire cutters to suit your needs. Try to anticipate your need and complete the bending before you mount the hook; this makes the job easier. The S-hooks are strong making them impossible to fall. If you decide to remove the S-hook you only have a tiny hole in your paneling which is barely noticeable. Submitted By: Michael
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.
Reena Nerbas is a popular motivational presenter for large and small groups; check out her website: reena.ca. Ask a question or share a tip at reena.ca