Clean stainless steel safely with olive oil and lemons

Question: What is the best method for cleaning a stainless-steel kitchen faucet? Simone

Answer: Either wipe the faucet with a small amount of olive oil or cut a lemon in half and wipe fixtures to remove hard water and rust marks. This helps to avoid using harsh chemicals and as a bonus, it smells fresh.

Question: The last few times that I’ve made butter tarts, the brown sugar has settled on the bottom of the shell. Can you tell me why this happens? Guy

Answer: Here are a few possible reasons why the brown sugar is settling on the bottom of the shell. The shells are not chilled prior to adding the filling. The high humidity in the air may affect the outcome of the butter tarts.

The sugar is not incorporated well before the shells are baked. Consider chilling the filled tarts before baking. Extra tip: Ever run out of brown sugar when you need it? Mix 30 milliliters (two tablespoons) of molasses for every cup of white granulated sugar. Voila!

Question: When purchasing eggs for a baking recipe, does it matter what size eggs I use? Thanks, Samara

Answer: Great question! Most recipes are calibrated with large size eggs, so if you use small or medium eggs, you will need to add an extra one or 1.5 eggs. Extra hint: Eggs for baking should be at room temperature, so that the egg disperses better, making the batter lighter. Bring eggs to room temperature quickly by soaking them in a bowl of warm water for five minutes.

Question: My glass cups look awful — they are etched to the point that I am embarrassed to put them on the table for company. I have switched detergents, but that didn’t make a difference. We live in the country and use hard water because there is no other water source. Any ideas? Jeremy

Answer: Begin by reducing the temperature of your hot water tank. Chances are if you lower the temperature, the etching will not occur as much. Another option is to switch to coloured plastic cups, or good quality clear plastic, instead of glass.

Pure genius

I have a solution for toilets that do not flush properly. Just squirt some Dawn dish soap into the toilet bowl and add some hot water and then it will flush right away. — Laura

Here is a tip for making boiled eggs easier to peel. After boiling eggs, empty all of the hot water and fill the pan with cold water. Add two bowls of ice and let the eggs sit in the ice water for 10 minutes. — Thomas

If you want to keep all your bed sheet sets together, just fold the sheets and put the sheets inside one of the pillowcases. That way you will always have your sets in order. — Laura

I find that slicing cheese is easier when I use a pizza cutter. — Della

Note: Every user assumes all risks of injury or damage resulting from the implementation of any suggestions in this column.

Reena Nerbas is a popular motivational presenter for large and small groups; check out her website: reena.ca.

Have a great suggestion or tip? Please send an email to info@reena.ca