QUESTION: What can I use to clean my kitchen cabinet doors without damaging the finish? I have maple-finished cabinets from Kitchen Craft. I stir-fry often and I don't know what to use to clean the grease off the cabinet doors. Jessica (Russell, MB)
ANSWER: To remove grease from cupboards, you will want to clean the cabinets with products that cut grease but don't create any additional buildup to make them feel gummy. Mild dish soap and water or mild laundry soap also works on an ongoing basis as does baking soda and water. Once a month wash cupboards with Murphy's Oil or Cabinet Magic. Once every six months, apply a thin coat of car wax, let dry and buff.
QUESTION: Do you have any ideas of how I can keep the cheese in my fridge from going mouldy? Clara, Winnipeg
ANSWER: Cheese is expensive and therefore waste is not an option. Here are three suggestions for storing cheese. Bronze option: Wrap cheese in a paper towel dampened with vinegar and place into a sealed plastic bag or plastic container, refrigerate. Silver option: Wrap cheese tightly with plastic wrap and then again with foil, refrigerate. Gold option: Grate the cheese and put it into a plastic bag with 1 tablespoon of flour. Shake, seal and freeze.
QUESTION: My question is a little out of the ordinary; I can never get my chocolate chip cookies to flatten out so they are crispy on the edges and chewy on the inside. They do not spread out while they are baking. Is it the recipe or me? Take Care. Amanda, Winnipeg
ANSWER: Believe it or not you are not the first person to ask me this question and the answer is quite simple. If you want chocolate chip cookies that are crispy on the outside and chewy in the middle, simply add another egg to your recipe and be sure not to over-bake. Or cut down on the flour called for in the recipe.
QUESTION: Very interested in tips or guidance on household cleaning. In particular, we need direction on safely cleaning tile, tile grout, and silicone sealant without damaging an acrylic tub. Max, (Gillam, MB)
ANSWER: To answer your question, here is a wonderful recipe that is great for cleaning tile and grout. Mix into a spray bottle and use it frequently for removing soap scum, cleaning kitchens and tile counters. Combine one-quarter cup baking soda (or washing soda), one-half cup vinegar and 2 quarts of water. Some people like to add 2 tbsp. ammonia to the recipe (this is optional). No rinsing required. You can also clean grout with a dry white eraser or dampened pumice stone.
QUESTION: How can I clean my oven exterior? There are brown stains on my white stove vents and near the knobs. Do you have any suggestions for removing these stains? Thank you. Judy, Winnipeg
ANSWER: These stains are often permanent and depending on the age and make of the appliance you may want to look at replacing any removable parts. Try scrubbing the areas with the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser or a paste of borax and water.
Fabulous Tips of the Week:
For a temporary fix of a drafty window, purchase plastic sheeting that goes over the outside of the windows.
If you own a naturally filled duvet such as feather, silk or cotton and you find that it makes you feel too hot, you may want to consider purchasing a polyester blend duvet instead. Also, avoid taking a hot bath or having a hot drink before you go to bed and wear breathable cotton bedclothes rather than polyester or nylon. Lastly, if you do find your feather duvet is causing you to sweat, place a blanket between the sheet and the duvet. Although it sounds strange to add yet another layer, you will find yourself more comfortable with an additional barrier between you and the duvet.
Reena Nerbas is a Manitoba-based professional speaker and author of the national bestselling series, Household Solutions 1 with Substitutions, Household Solutions 2 with Kitchen Secrets and Household Solutions 3 with Green Alternatives.
www.householdsolutions.org
