Dairy Farmers of Canada
Dividing a slab of cheese into small portions, then tightly wrapping the pieces in plastic, will prolong its life.
Question: How can I prevent cheese from getting mouldy before it’s even half-used? I already keep grated cheese in the freezer. — Anonymous
Answer: For storing cheese, I like to buy 350- to 400-gram slabs of old or mild, especially when it is on sale. I cut the slab into eight pieces and tightly wrap each piece with plastic wrap. The cheese keeps well and does not get mouldy since I only open one piece at a time. You can also store cheese in Ziploc freezer bags, as it stays fresh longer.
Question: I offered to iron two large pieces of a glitter fabric for a backdrop for a concert, but the wrinkles are in firmly.
This is what I have tried: I used a steam iron, first on the backside then on the front. I sprayed it with plain water, then steamed it. I sprayed it with water and vinegar, then steamed it. I washed it in the washing machine and put it in the dryer whilst damp. A very slight improvement, but it’s still not a usable fabric at this time. Thanks. — Janet
Answer: Your best bet is to soak the fabric in the bathtub for several hours with a half-cup of fabric softener. Swish the fabric in the water to help work out wrinkles. Dry the fabric and steam.
Question: What can I use to prevent my little area rug from curling at the edges? — Waylon
Answer: Sew a strip of carpet webbing two inches wide, tightly on the underside of a rug and close to the edge, to prevent it from curling up.
Question: I have a lidded garbage can next to my bed, full of my daughter’s diapers. I can’t seem to get rid of the odour. I’ve tried replacing the bag, but it’s still there. Any suggestions on how to remove it? — Meg
Answer: Unfortunately, the odour will linger as long as diapers are kept inside, but you can reduce the smell.
Clean the garbage can with either bleach and water or vinegar and water; if possible, use a bathtub faucet to rinse (pressure washer or hose is best for large receptacles). Dry well.
Pour either fresh coffee grounds, kitty litter or baking soda and essential oils onto the bottom of the can (making sure that your daughter does not have access to the contents); discard the contents after one week.
Some people lay a cardboard car freshener on the floor of the can; this is only effective if the can is clean. Dollar stores also sell scented garbage-can liners.
Here are instructions to make your own diaper pail/trash "Smelly Cupcakes." Fill a muffin pan with cupcake liners. Combine one box of baking soda, a quarter-cup of vanilla and enough water to make a thick paste. Scoop the baking soda paste into the cupcake liners; fill each liner three-quarters full. Leave to dry 12 hours, remove the paper muffin liners. Place one Smelly Cupcake into the garbage can or diaper pail.
If you are putting Smelly Cupcakes into a cloth diaper bag, leave them in the bag and add it to your laundry.
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.
Reena Nerbas is a popular motivational presenter for large and small groups. Ask a question or share a tip at reena.ca.
