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 of the dirt, but they still look dirty.
Joy (Emerson)
ANSWER: When purchasing mushrooms, begin by buying them through a reliable source as 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, as doing this takes much of the flavour away from them.
QUESTION: I know bats are beneficial to our environment, however, we do have a problem with them roosting on our home for a few hours every night. They are staining our stucco with their droppings. I hose off the droppings and have tried scrubbing the stains but nothing seems to work. If you have any suggestions on how to keep them from roosting, that would be my first request. And how can I remove the stains that they leave behind? Thank you for your help!
Sincerely, Amy (Kasota, Minn.)
ANSWER: The easiest way to prevent bats from roosting on your home is to light it up. Bats prefer dark and quiet environments. Therefore, if you can shine a spotlight on several areas of your home, this will help discourage them.
Secondly, screen the areas where the bats tend to roost to encourage them to find another location to live, such as a bat house. Put jars of Vicks VapoRub where the bats like to hang out, as they hate the smell. Lastly, if you don't mind bats living nearby, consider investing in a bat house. This will be a good compromise for both of you.
If you choose to invest in a bat house, place it in a high area that has the most sunlight. Although bats do not enjoy light, they do like warmth, and once the climate of the bat house is toasty and comfy, the bats will be able to call it home.
Cleaning bat droppings is not risk-free and may contaminate other areas of your home and yourself. It is not clear what kind of surfaces you are attempting to clean. Stucco, siding, brick? One option is muriatic acid, a dangerous and powerful cleaner for concrete surfaces, use with caution according to the directions on the container. However because muriatic acid is so strong, you may want to begin with something a little less dangerous, such as phosphoric acid masonry cleaner or TSP. Warning: It is important never to mix TSP with any acid! Test on an inconspicuous area first. WD-40 is an option for siding and smoother surfaces.
QUESTION: I am desperate! I have fancy quilts made by my mother. She kept them in a plastic bag with mothballs and yes. you guessed it, I can't get the smell out. I need your help! Cecile (Elkhorn)
ANSWER: Put the quilts inside of a large plastic bag. In with the quilts, place a box of fabric softener sheets such as Bounce. Leave for a few weeks and remove the quilts from the bag. Other options to place inside the garbage bag are: activated charcoal, a bottle of essential oils or coffee grounds. Be sure to confine any of these items into containers that will not spill onto the quilts.
Reena Nerbas' website is www.householdsolutions.org . You can contact her at Box 429, Blumenort, Man., ROA 0C0.
