Supplied / MCT
If your faux leather is very dirty, handwash with warm water and dish soap, and then hang to dry.
Question: What is the best way to clean fake leather? The label says that my jacket should not be dry cleaned.
— Robert
Answer: Refer to the label for care instructions. Spot clean faux leather with baby wipes or a damp cloth. If the jacket is extremely dirty, hand wash in warm water and dish soap. In the past, I washed faux leather in the washing machine using warm water; the result was good. However, this is a risk and typically not recommended by the manufacturer. Hang to dry.
Question: What is the difference between instant and active yeast?
— Bentlee
Answer: The biggest difference is that you can add instant yeast directly to dry ingredients. Active yeast needs activation with the help of warm water. I personally prefer active yeast because you are able to observe whether it foams within 10 minutes, which lets you know if it is alive and doing its job.
Question: Is there something I can use to replace toxic fabric softener? I use dryer sheets that are non-perfumed and they help with static cling, but they don’t really help as a fabric softener. I don’t like to use commercial softeners as they smell horrible. Since I stopped using them, my towels are very rough.
Also, do spices have an expiry limit?
— Gordon
Answer: Make your own fabric softener by combining one part vinegar, one part baking soda and two parts water and 10 drops of your favourite essential oil (lavender is nice) into a bucket. Mix before each use, and add 1/4 cup to each load of laundry.
Spices do not spoil but they lose strength over time. Store spices and herbs in airtight containers, in a cool, dry place. Whole spices can last four years and ground spices one to three (depending on the herb). Many may not agree with me on this, but the rule I go by is smell. Herbs lose flavour and fragrance faster than spices. Dried herbs that have lost colour and flavour are too old to use. For ground spices, shake them in a container and observe fragrance, if the fragrance is gone, start with new spices.
Feedback
Re: Cleaning paintbrushes
As a painter/handyman, I have left many brushes too long before cleaning. I just read your advice and I want to tell you what works better than anything: I use paint remover. Makes sense doesn’t it? Some call it paint stripper. It’s fast, clean and thorough. Nothing works better.
— Monty
Tips of the Week
Cotton sheets (especially high thread count Egyptian, Sateen, etc.) come out of my dryer very creased. By accident, I discovered that if I make the bed with a damp fitted sheet, and leave open to dry, the creases disappear! Then I can put the damp top sheet over the dry fitted sheet and tuck the sides in tightly (like in hotels). Putting the damp pillowcases on the pillows and hanging them from a pant hanger with strong clips until dry works great too!
— Maurice
Here is a festive way to repurpose outdoor tomato cages into Christmas trees. Wrap garland and lights around tomato cages and place a bow on top.
— Barbara Anne
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.
