Question: I just bought new golf clubs and want to keep them clean. What products can I safely use on them? — Ben
Answer: Neglecting to clean golf clubs can impact your overall performance. Dirt that becomes temporarily trapped in the grooves of the clubs impacts the spin of the shot, so it is important to clean clubs regularly.
Use water and a brisk brush to remove all dirt from grooves. Be sure the brush doesn’t damage the clubs. Wipe and dry with a rag. If the clubs are very dirty, dish soap may be necessary, rinse and dry well.
Question: How do I get rid of ants in my peonies flowers? I want to bring them inside. — Kalen
Answer: Fill a bucket with water then submerse flower heads in the water for about one minute before bringing the beautiful and fragrant flowers inside.
Question: I was wondering if you know how to tell if my fine porcelain dishes, from China contain lead. Thanks so much. — Debbie
Answer: Home lead test kits can tell you if the dishes have leachable lead. These tests are most useful in detecting high levels of lead. Home hardware stores carry tests, or you can also purchase them on-line.
Question: Help! Our house seems to have issues with silverfish. I often see them crawling on the carpet in the basement and even in our upstairs tiled shower. Any suggestions? Stan
Answer: Be sure to remove old stacks of newspapers, magazines, papers, books and fabrics plus food spills and food stored for long periods of time. Often reducing available water and lowering the home’s relative humidity with dehumidifiers and fans is helpful. Repair leaking plumbing and eliminate moisture around laundry areas. Once the cause is remedied, there are many products on the market from baits to sprays that will get rid of silverfish, aerosols including Raid and Air Devil work well for hard-to-reach places. As with all insecticides, read the directions and warnings very carefully.
A simple silverfish trap can be made by taking canning jars, scrubbing them clean and then covering the outside with masking tape to make them easy to climb. These traps are then placed in areas of infestation. The bugs will climb up and fall into the jars and then will not be able to climb the walls to escape. Moist cotton or starchy foods work as bait. Also, leave cloves where they like to go, they don’t like the smell. The next step is to use diatomaceous earth (dust) used as filter media in swimming pools. If you know someone with a pool, ask to borrow a cup, or visit a nearby garden store. If the problem persisits call an exterminator.
Homemade ice cream cake
This project contains items that you can always keep on hand. Purchase four litres of your favourite ice cream — vanilla, Oreo, strawberry etc. Place the ice cream box (or bucket) on the counter one hour before use, to soften it a bit.
Into a pot, melt and combine 2/3 cups butter or margarine and three cups graham cracker crumbs (three cups crumbed digestives or Oreos or any cookie). Line a baking pan with parchment paper. Press crumbs into 9-by-13-inch pan or a spring form pan. Pour softened ice cream over crust and spread evenly. Freeze and drizzle with caramel or chocolate syrup.
Here are a few variations on this easy recipe:
• Add 1/2 cup peanuts or peanut butter to ice cream before spreading it into the pan.
• Break up pieces of store-bought cookies or chocolate bars and add to ice cream.
• Add M&Ms, gummy worms or Reese’s Pieces to ice cream.
Freeze for at least four hours. Remove from freezer; loosen sides with a knife (heat knife with hot water). Cut and serve.
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: reena.ca.
info@reena.ca.
