Question: On impulse I purchased a huge jar of coconut oil. I used it in my ginger cookie recipe and it was very difficult to mix with the dry ingredients. The cookies turned out well. Are there any hints to follow when using coconut oil as a shortening? Thanks, Pat
Answer: When substituting coconut oil for butter in recipes, the main issue is butter is made up of butterfat, milk proteins and water. Conversely coconut oil has much less water. In order for coconut oil to replicate the consistency of butter add a half-teaspoon of water for every half-cup of coconut oil in recipes.
Although the jar of coconut oil you purchased likely cost you a pretty penny, coconut oil is a household superstar and offers oodles of uses.
Keep insects away by smearing coconut oil onto skin. Add coconut oil when making popcorn, homemade pie crusts, cookies or brownies for a delicious flavor. Condition hair, moisturize lips, remove make-up, soften and condition leather and season cast iron frying pans with coconut oil.
Question: I want to know if there is an easier way to maintain a 100-year-old wooden floor. It has been oiled yearly with linseed oil and mopped with Murphy’s Oil Soap every couple of weeks and swept in between. The trouble is it is a large area (1,800 square feet) and is in a rural general store/coffee shop setting so it is constantly walked on with dirty and muddy boots. Cleaning is a big job to try to keep it in good shape. Over the years, the oil and dirt have accumulated around the edges. Basically I’m exhausted trying to keep it up. What, if anything, can make it easier to care for? Thanks, Maxine
Answer: Be cautious and use minimal water on the floor, the mop should be damp and not wet; 50/50 water and vinegar is also an option. Murphy’s Oil tends to leave an oily residue and is therefore not always suitable for beautiful old wooden floors. Bona is a popular product sold in large hardware stores and leaves no residual oil on the floor. Mist the floor and apply the product with a microfibre mop. If this is unsuccessful, perhaps it is time for a coating of urethane.
Question: Why do I constantly have ants coming into my home? None of my neighbours have this issue. I am very frustrated. Thanks, Shauna
Answer: Ants come into homes because they are looking for shelter and food. Caulk and seal any openings around doors and windows, even if you can’t see openings, old frames may have areas that need to be sealed. Get rid of food sources — always put dishes in the dishwasher right after use. Wipe counters and floors being careful to remove any potential food sources. Here is a solution that I received from a person who had hundreds of ants in their home. He mixed this recipe and said it was the most effective solution he ever tried. In a spray bottle mix: 1/4 cup maple syrup, 2 tablespoons water, 1 tbsp. sugar, 1 tsp. dishwasher detergent and 1 tsp. Comet powder. Spray wherever ants collect (keep away from children and pets).
Feedback from reader
Re: Cleaning ceiling fan blades
Dear Reena,
A few weeks ago someone wrote in asking how to dust a ceiling fan. I have a ceiling fan in my bedroom and I dust it regularly with my Swiffer extendable that has a 360-degree disposable duster on the head. Standing on my bedroom floor I am able to dust my ceiling fan with no problem. The handle can be made long or short — where the duster attaches to the head it is flexible. My Swiffer extendable is useful for dusting my paintings and pictures on my walls, also for dusting the top of my kitchen cupboards. I really appreciate my extendable because I do not need to climb on a ladder. I can stand on the floor to dust high objects.
— Lynne, Winnipeg
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.
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