Don Riddle / The Associated Press Files
Fresh mushrooms can be stored in the fridge in a brown paper bag or on a plate covered in a damp cloth.
Question: What is the best way to clean mushrooms? I buy them in bulk and soak them in hot water to get rid of all the dirt, but they still look dirty.
— Keith
Answer: When purchasing mushrooms, begin by buying them through a reliable source, picking wild mushrooms can be dangerous. Store mushrooms in the fridge in either a brown paper bag or on a plate covered with a damp cloth or paper towel. Unless you are dealing with dried mushrooms, it is never advisable to soak them in water because they are very porous, much like sponges. All that is required for fresh mushrooms (which, by the way, are grown in a sterile environment) is to either: wipe them with a damp cloth or brush them with a toothbrush or mushroom brush. Avoid peeling mushrooms, doing this removes much of the flavour.
Question: What solvent removes superglue? — Patricia
Answer: Although superglue instantly bonds to surfaces, it has one weakness: acetone. On a variety of surfaces, superglue can be removed using an old toothbrush soaked with acetone.
Acetone is the key ingredient is many nail polishes and may be purchased on its own at hardware stores. The bad news is superglue is very difficult and sometimes impossible to remove, depending on what it encounters.
Question: How does one get the smell of smoke out of a mattress and wooden bed frame?
— Judy
Answer: Time is the best solution for this challenge; the smell will likely take a few weeks and eventually taper off. Keeping the windows open as much as possible is brilliant. Some people shared success by sprinkling the mattress with a healthy amount of either baking soda or fresh coffee grounds. Leave for five hours and vacuum. Or spray the mattress with plain, old vodka. Clean the wooden bed frame with Murphy’s Oil Soap and rinse with water.
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.
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