Question: Does it matter if you tear lettuce versus cutting it with a knife? Carrie
Answer: Many cooks believe that when lettuce touches metal, it will react and prematurely turn brown. While this isn’t completely a myth, it really doesn’t make a difference whether you tear or cut lettuce, it turns brown at almost the same rate, give or take a day. The exception to this is when people use a knife that isn’t clean, causing bacteria to form on lettuce and making it brown quickly. Knife cut lettuce also creates uniform pieces which are easier to eat.
Question: I am a big fan of yours and enjoy reading your column. I also had the pleasure of hearing your presentation at my Selkirk Garden Club several years ago. I have two questions today. 1) Any idea how to remove ballpoint ink marks from vinyl? 2) I have an old white Tupperware bowl set that has become stained on the inside over the years. Any idea how to get rid of the stains? Thanks, and keep those tips coming! Terry
Answer: Thank-you! Ink stains on vinyl are sometimes difficult to remove because the vinyl absorbs the ink and actually dyes the fabric. Try spraying the area with hairspray, leave it for one minute and then wipe the area with a wet green scrubby pad. Over the years, readers have had great results getting rid of ink stains by using one of the following: non-bleach and non-gel toothpaste, shaving cream, Goof Off, Goo Gone, Sunlight bar soap, mosquito repellent containing DEET, saddle soap, Windex, Calvin Klein Obsession or Axe Body Spray.
Stains on Tupperware can be removed by dropping one tablespoon of sugar into the container. Follow that with 1/2 teaspoon of dish soap. Drop a handful of ice cubes into the container and let them melt. Pour in a cup of cold water and let it sit for 15 minutes. The container can now be wiped clean.
Question: How often should I sharpen my hockey skates if I use them twice a week for two hours each time? Thanks, Chris
Answer: The general rule is to sharpen skates after about 25 hours of skating. But if you walk on hard surfaces, or skate on rough ice, blades will dull faster. Sharpening skates too often can reduce the life of the blades. If you find that they no longer grip the ice, and you slip, or can’t properly turn, or you observe nicks in the blades, then it’s time.
Great tips
- Before you put up a new plastic shower liner, soak it in a tub of warm water mixed with a cup of salt for a half hour, don’t rinse before hanging. The salt acts as a drying agent, preventing the humid conditions that breed mould and mildew. — Samantha
- I push a fabric softener onto my hairbrush, this stops my hair from flying around due to static and makes the brush super easy to clean. When the brush is full of hair, I lift the fabric softener up from the bristles and toss it into the garbage. Clean brush and no static on my hair. — Shyla
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. Reena Nerbas is a popular motivational presenter for large and small groups — check out her website at reena.ca.
info@reena.ca.
