SOLUTIONS: Olive oil, cold cream good for dry leather

QUESTION: I am wondering if you would mind clarifying something in your books. The leather in my parents' sofa is starting to dry out. As such, they want to treat it with a moisturizer. One of your books suggests using . . .

Posted: 2009-08-16

Five projects to storm-proof your home

If there’s one thing homeowners know all too well, it’s that storms can be destructive. Everything from rain and hail to strong winds can damage a house during a storm, especially if you’re not prepared. Fortunately, there are several things . . .

Posted: 2019-03-30

Send fruit flies packing

Question: How can I get rid of fruit flies? They come out every fall and stay until winter, even though I don’t leave any food on my counters. Lynda Answer: After years of setting out fruit fly traps, this week I . . .

Posted: 2020-10-24

Keeping fake plants looking real

Question: I live in a high-rise condominium, and we have artificial plants in our front lobby that get dusty, and look awful! Can you suggest something that will remove the dust and yet not destroy the "plants"? Thank you so . . .

Posted: 2018-04-28

GARDENING: Prepare now for spring

Planting in fall will reward you when bulbs bloom

FALL is for planting! The ground is still warm and the air is cool. Planting trees, shrubs, and evergreens is always the first that comes to mind when I think about fall, but don't forget about one of the largest . . .

Posted: 2010-09-25

Up to code at last

100-year-old home had problem hidden in its walls

It all happened so innocently. The long-time owners of a classic, two-storey Fort Rouge-area home, Linda and her husband, Gaspar, were removing some tile from their basement ceiling. What they saw running along the underside of the main floor reminded them . . .

Posted: 2011-03-19

Follow these tips for a successful renovation

The beginning of a new year is often a time to reflect on the past and look at things from a fresh perspective. Many take this time to set out their "New Year’s resolutions", the steps they plan to take . . .

Posted: 2021-01-09

Remove ticks with liquid hand soap and a cotton ball

QUESTION: What is the easiest way to remove ticks from skin? Helen, WinnipegANSWER: To remove ticks apply a glob of liquid hand soap to a cotton ball. Cover the tick for 20 seconds and apparently the tick sticks to the . . .

Posted: 2015-07-11

Fishing for a cure for night crawlers?

While there's no specific treatment, Sevin and lots of watering works

QUESTION -- With spring just ahead I would like a solution for how to control night crawlers? They are ruining my lawn and I want to get rid of them. Garry, Holland, Man. ANSWER -- At this point there is no . . .

Posted: 2009-02-21

Leather flooring: If the shoe fits...

It makes for great footwear and soft, natural-feeling furniture -- but who ever thought of using leather to cover floors? One innovative company is using leather to create sumptuous floor surfaces that caress the feet and are much more comfortable than . . .

Posted: 2009-10-31