Boil water and vinegar to clean your microwave

Question: I use my microwave about three or four times per day, it is three years old and smells like food. What is the best way to freshen it, so that it doesn’t look and smell disgusting? Samson Answer: Pour 1/4-cup of . . .

Posted: 2021-02-27

Throwaway furniture lives again

'Upcycling' transforms yard-sale pieces into showpieces for your home

Yard-sale season has arrived and with it a treasure trove of potential.Buying used furniture is a great way to add character to your home, but searching through stained coffee tables and outdated dressers can have you rushing to the nearest . . .

Posted: 2013-08-17

Keep the deer at bay with spray

Walking quietly toward the edge of our yard, the mother and baby were cute — until they started chomping away on our hardy hibiscus shrubs that were so healthy and lush.And that’s how we were introduced to deer at our . . .

Posted: 2016-10-22

SOLUTIONS: Bring dishes back to their original colour

QUESTION: We live in the country and have hard, rusty water. My Corelle dishes are turning a yellowish, brown colour because I have washed them in bleach. Does this come off somehow and what can I do to get them . . .

Posted: 2012-02-04

Seed to Plant: Tips to success

Time spent choosing seeds for the right location is the initial step in creating a beautiful garden. Your decisions are made and your intention may be the next step of starting them early. Your adventure into growing indoors begins with . . .

Posted: 2016-02-26

ASK THE INSPECTOR: When insulating garage, consider moisture

QUESTION: Last fall, we had a garage built in anticipation of moving permanently to Sandy Hook. I'm pleased to say that after four months of decluttering and five different contractors doing upgrades, we sold our home in Winnipeg and completed . . .

Posted: 2011-10-29

How to make sure your sump pump is working properly

Question: I read your recent article on covering a sump pump opening with interest. My sump pump opening has a bolted down cover, as you describe, about eight inches below floor level. When I go away for the winter I . . .

Posted: 2017-02-25

Grow your garden game with roses

Pruning, planting, and shopping for beautiful varieties to grow

With the late arrival of milder spring temperatures, gardeners are ready and eager to tackle a multitude of gardening tasks on their to-do lists. Simultaneously, many of us are visiting garden centres and shopping for plants. It may seem as . . .

Posted: 2022-05-07

Countertop repair proving to be a problem

QUESTION: I would like to change my bathroom countertop and paint the cabinets. What can I do, or should I "bite the bullet" and buy a new counter? Thank you, Sharon, WinnipegANSWER: Before purchasing a new countertop there are a . . .

Posted: 2012-12-29

Go wild for ORCHIDS

Grow the ultimate indoor plant for dazzling blooms

Orchids are bona fide blooming houseplants with spectacular long-lasting flowers. But their obvious beauty is only one reason that orchids have gone mainstream. There are so many different types of orchids to choose from, many of which are more . . .

Posted: 2022-10-22