QUESTION -- Can you please tell me how I can prevent mould from forming in my hummingbird feeder? Orve, Winnipeg
ANSWER -- The easiest solution for resisting mould in feeders is to move the feeder into the shade. When it comes to hummingbird feeders, the rule of thumb is to change the solution every three days. However, if mould readily accumulates in the feeder, the feeder needs daily cleaning and changing. Boil and cool the water before adding sugar. Keep in mind that the stronger the sugar content in the feeder, the faster the mould forms. Clean the feeder with either vinegar and water or bleach and water. Rinse well.
QUESTION -- I would like to make newspaper logs for an outdoor fireplace. Is it safe for people and the environment to burn newspaper? I appreciate your response. Evelyn, Winnipeg
ANSWER -- According to the EPA, burning newspaper is safe. In fact the EPA recommends, "Start fires only with newspaper, dry kindling and all natural or organic fire starters. Never start a fire with gasoline, kerosene, or charcoal starter."
QUESTION -- My friend had her car for three days and then she spilt a whole quart of milk in the back seat. The smell is AWFUL. Any ideas? Lori (Giroux, MB)
ANSWER -- The first solution is to use heavy-duty laundry detergent (bleach free) and water to blot the entire area that smells. Leave the windows open so that the surface fibers dry. Next slice up apples thinly and lay them all over the entire surface of the milk mess. Leave for a few days, this has had great results! The smell will need time to evaporate. Another option is to blot the area with hydrogen peroxide and ammonia but remember to test this on the upholstery first! Worst case scenario, bring the car to an automotive centre, they will zap the smell with an ozone machine.
QUESTION -- What is the best way to store photo albums so that they do not warp over time? Brent (Brandon, MB)
ANSWER -- You want to get the most out of your photo albums and all of the hard work that you put into making them a lasting memory. Store your albums where you spend most of your time, not in attics or in the basement (where water damage is always a threat). Position albums up and down, vertically, your photos will become warped if stored on their sides.
Handy Hints of the Week
Create your own finger paint by combining together yogurt with food colouring or powdered drink mix. The texture is perfect, and clean-up is lickity split. Submitted By: Merle
Cheese graters can be a hassle to clean. Rub the grater with the pulp side of a lemon and watch the cheese residue come out. Submitted by Max.
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