Matthew Mead / Associated Press files
Want soft, scoopable ice cream? Put your ice cream carton inside a freezer bag.
QUESTION: The ice cream carton in my freezer crystallizes after a few months of storage and ends up in the garbage. Is there anything that I can do to prevent this?
— Patty
Answer: Yes, place the carton inside a sealable freezer bag. Doing this prevents freezer burn and keeps the ice cream soft and easier to scoop.
Question: Last summer I left a placemat outside on my patio table; the hot sun baked the placemat onto the table. Once the placemat was removed, I was left with a residue outline of the placemat. No matter which product I used to try to remove the residue, it has not worked. Is there a safe way to remove the residue without damaging the table? I would appreciate any advice that you may have.
— Marsha
Answer: Without knowing the material makeup of the table, it is difficult to recommend a solution. Assuming the table is wood, spray the table with WD-40. Leave for 10 minutes and wipe. If the stain remains, chances are that the light of the sun bleached the table. If this is the case, lightly sand and re-finish the wood.
Question: I have a clogged toilet. I tried a plunger and an auger but the toilet is still clogged. Other than calling a professional, what else would you suggest that I try?
— Jillian
Answer: Whenever a toilet begins to run over, the first thing you will want to do is open the tank lid and close the tank flapper. Next pour a few cups of hot water along with one quarter cup dish soap into the toilet bowl to break up the clog. Leave for at least 15 minutes and flush once again. If the clog remains, call a plumber.
Update: This trick worked like magic, thanks so much.
— Jillian
Question: My daughter has a lollipop stuck in her hair! My husband is threatening to cut her hair. Help! Is cutting her beautiful hair the only solution?
— Rosebud
Answer: No need for scissors! A sucker/lollipop is made up of mainly sugar. Soak her hair in water, the candy will dissolve and fall out of her hair. Shampoo her hair as usual.
Handy Hacks of the Week:
• Safely pack a razor in a suitcase by clipping a binder clip onto the razor end. (Submitted by Tara.)
• I fastened a basketball hoop to the wall in my daughter’s bedroom overtop of her garbage can and laundry basket. Doing this helps the room stay clean, because cleaning up is a game. (Submitted by Lex.)
• I always use chopsticks to eat chips and Cheezies, my fingers never turn orange and this gives me great practice for when I actually eat Chinese food. (Submitted by Sam.)
• Lay a wooden spoon across the opening of a pot of water to help prevent the water from boiling over. Or smear cooking oil on the inside rim of the pot. (Submitted by Jackson.)
• I have a small sink in my bathroom and so when I went to wash my floor, I found it difficult to fill the bucket because, as soon as I poured water into the bucket, I couldn’t take it out of the sink without spilling the water. I have now realized that if I place a dust pan under the water and a bucket on the floor directly under the counter. I can fill the dust pan using the faucet and then the water flows directly into the bucket, it works kind of like a funnel. Problem solved! (Submitted by Guy.)
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; check out her website: reena.ca. Ask a question or share a tip at reena.ca.
