Question: We recently moved into a home with an attached garage. The floor in the garage has old oil stains. How can we remove them? Russ
Answer: Pour powdered heavy-duty detergent or baking soda onto the concrete; add enough water to make a paste. Scrub with a stiff brush, rinse with water. Dawn dish soap is another great option.
Question: What is a safe and effective way to clean a computer keyboard? Jan
Answer: Use a piece of Silly Putty to clean the keyboard of your computer. While the computer is turned off, press Silly Putty onto the keys — the dust and grime sticks to the putty and lifts it out. Mini vacuum cleaners manufactured specifically for computers are also available where computers are sold.
Question: How can I cut Nanaimo bars and avoid cracking them? I want them to look professionally cut. Sahil
Answer: After preparing these chocolate delights, refrigerate them for one hour until the top chocolate layer is firm. Put two sharp knives into a measuring cup filled with very hot water. Take the squares out of the fridge. Take one knife out of the water, dry it, and make one or two cuts, place the knife back into the hot water. Take turns using both sharp knives.
Question: While standing at the bus stop, I was splashed with mud. My white t-shirt now has little black marks on the front. Any suggestions? Homer
Answer: Use shaving cream to zap that mess. Spray it onto the spots, rub it in with your fingers. Rinse and repeat until the stains are gone.
Question: Is it normal for women to lose eyebrows and eyelashes as they age? Vanessa
Answer: Yes, it is perfectly normal, as women age, they lose elasticity which causes hair to become brittle and fall out. Men’s eyebrows, on the other hand continue to grow thicker as they age.
Friendly Manitoba tips!
Re: Cleaning golf clubs
I use a drywall mesh sanding sheet to lightly buff the club grip to remove the collection of hand residue (sweat, suntan lotion etc.) and then clean with warm water and/or small amount of soap. — Bill
Re: Clean glass doors on fireplace
I learned this advice from my landlord, who previously learned it from the firm that sold her a fireplace insert. This is a non-chemical, environmentally friendly solution to clean glass doors on a fireplace. Crumple up one sheet of old newspaper. Wet with water. Scrunch it around in the cold ashes of the fireplace or stove. Clean the inside glass by rubbing the ash-laden newsprint onto the glass. Repeat if necessary. For final cleanup of the glass, wet a paper towel with water and wipe the glass. When there is no brownish-colour residue on the towel, the glass is clean. Sit back and enjoy the view. — Hilda
Helpful hints!
I am a professional housekeeper and vacuum my carpet using a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, which removes 99 per cent dust, or a central vacuum system that’s vented to the outside. — Albert
When storing wine glasses in the cupboard, they will fit better if you turn every second glass upside down. — Kiley
Rub coconut oil onto leather to polish it and make it waterproof. — Alexander
I bought a little cutlery basket. I store cheese strings and cheese slices in the basket. Helps keep the fridge organized. — Kiley
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.
Have a great suggestion or tip? Please send an email. Reena Nerbas is a popular motivational presenter for large and small groups; check out her website: reena.ca.
info@reena.ca
