Question: Do you think it’s safe to pour coffee grounds into the kitchen sink? Wyatt
Answer: Some professionals say it is OK to dump coffee grounds down the drain if you run enough water to flush them completely out of the plumbing system. However, it takes a lot of water in most houses to rinse them down that far. Chances are you will eventually need to call in a professional plumber to unclog your pipes. A better idea is to add coffee grounds to your potting soil, compost or garden, as plants love coffee grounds.
Question: I heard if you eat a potato sprout, it is poisonous. Is this true or an old wives’ tale? O.J.
Answer: It is true that potato sprouts are poisonous, but a person would need to eat many sprouts to be negatively affected by them. Cut sprouts off before cooking.
Spud advice
• Freeze potatoes. Cut them to the preferred size. Blanch and drain. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and freeze potatoes in a single layer. Store in an airtight container for up to six months.
• Freeze leftover mashed potatoes or add them to soups or stews.
Question: I inherited a leather couch. Unfortunately, the owners had a few cats. How can I cover up the scratches? Leonard
Answer: Scratches become less noticeable if shoe polish is colour-matched and applied to leather. However, be aware that shoe polish might transfer to fabrics if guests sit on the area that repair. Your best bet is to purchase a leather touch-up kit. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using the kit to achieve the best results.
Question: What should I use to remove the backing of carpet that is stuck on my tile floor? Brent
Answer: Pour hot water onto the foam. Let the water soak for 10 minutes. Scrape with a long-handled ice scraper and remove all the foam.
Question: I recently learned it’s is important to clean a toilet tank. What is the easiest process? Rhonda
Answer: It’s one of those “crappy” jobs that helps maintain the unit. Turn the water off at the base. Flush the toilet to empty the tank. Wipe the inside with a clean rag.
Feedback from Manitobans
Regarding cinnamon buns: I am not a baker, but my goal is to seek out shortcuts to make it look like I put a lot of effort into my cooking and baking. To make cinnamon buns, I buy biscuit dough and unroll it. Then I spread it with butter and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. Roll it up like a jelly roll. Cut it into two-inch slices, and bake. Camilla
Top tips
• Any cloth material that has chewing gum stuck to it can be placed in the freezer. After about an hour, the gum should break off easily.
• If you run out of sour cream, blend cottage cheese as a substitute.
• To speed up the drying process of a damp load of laundry, add a large, dry bath towel to the dryer.
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.
