QUESTION – I dropped my cellphone in the toilet, and it is no longer working. Any solutions to fix this mess? Randy
ANSWER – Turn off your phone. If the battery is removable, take it out and dry the inside with a soft towel. Place the phone in a bowl of dry rice and leave for at least 24 hours. The rice is great for absorbing moisture. If the phone does not work, consult a professional.
QUESTION – How can I tell if my fridge is cold enough, according to the recommended temperature? Jaylen
ANSWER – Place a glass of water on a shelf in the fridge for at least 8 hours. Use a thermometer to test the temperature. The ideal temperature for a fridge is 4 C or lower. The freezer should be at -18 C or lower.
QUESTION – Do you have any easy solutions for removing fingerprints from stainless-steel appliances? Kate
ANSWER – Remove fingerprints on stainless steel appliances using a damp, soft cloth. Next, using a soft cloth, wipe the appliances with a small amount of coconut oil. Remove excess and polish.
Sweet Feedback
- I have read your column on keeping brown sugar soft, as well as other people’s solutions. So here is the best solution to keeping brown sugar soft. Marshmallows! That’s right, Marshmallows! Take two normal-sized marshmallows and put them in your bag of brown sugar and seal the bag as you normally would. Your brown sugar will stay soft for quite a while, guaranteed. With the old bag I just finished, I put marshmallows in it for at least three months and the brown sugar was still soft right to the bottom of the bag, without changing them. I have been using this method for over two years, and it works like a charm. Also, the best way to soften brown sugar if it is rock hard is to break off a sizeable chunk you need, place it in a bowl and put it in the microwave for about a minute or so. It will end up nice and soft. Philippe
- Cloth face masks should be washed, often, using hot water. I recommend once a day and if you are not able to wash your mask daily, it is better to purchase disposable masks. Robyn
Household Hints of the Week
- For crunchier coleslaw, cut a cabbage in half and soak it in salted water for an hour. Drain well and use.
- I just discovered a method for freezing peaches, and it is a wonderful time- and mess-saver. This works the same way as freezing whole tomatoes and it is so easy! Just freeze the whole peach, with skin and all, and when it is time to use it, run it under hot water and the skin will slip off. You are left with a beautiful ripe peach with no discolouration. I’m doing my whole 25 pounds this way. Val
- Ready for a little homemade fun? Make your own Silly Putty with this recipe. Combine one part white Elmer’s glue with one part cornstarch in a bowl and mix well. Let dry until the putty is workable. You might need to add a bit more glue or cornstarch. (This may not work well on a humid day.) Store in an airtight container.
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 to: info@reena.ca. Reena Nerbas is a popular motivational presenter for large and small groups; check out her website: reena.ca.
