The Canadian Press
Most mushrooms can be cleaned simply by soaking them in a bowl of water and swishing them around. However, Morel mushrooms needs brushing to remove dirt from the many crevices.
QUESTION: How do you wash store-bought mushrooms? They always come with dirt on them. — Manfred
Answer: The technique for cleaning mushrooms was once a long and tedious process. Each mushroom was carefully brushed with the help of a mushroom brush. An easier way is to wash them; mushrooms absorb very little water because they are already mainly water. Just before use, drop the mushrooms into a bowl of water and swish to remove dirt. Dry on a clean towel. The exception is Morel mushrooms, which have many crevices and need brushing to remove the dirt.
Question: Without spending a ton of money, can you supply me with an easy foot scrub recipe for my aching, dry and cracked feet? — Lorna
Answer: Here is an easy foot scrub with a product that most people have on hand, baking soda. Put three parts baking soda with one past water into a basin. Scrub those tired feet and rinse with water. Another scrub option: combine sugar with enough coconut oil to make a paste. Scrub, rinse, dry and moisturize.
Question: What is the proper way to clean my laptop keyboard? I have owned the same computer for four years and have yet to clean it. — Patrice
Answer: Turn the computer off. Use a hair dryer on a cool setting to blow away dirt, hair and debris from the keyboard. Next, using a cloth dampened with a drop of dish soap and a little water wipe the keyboard to clean fingermarks and any sticky components on the computer. Detail the keyboard using a cotton swab to reach into the tight spaces beside each key.
Question: We have red ants in our kitchen. We sprayed ant killer, but after one week the ants returned. My home is fully carpeted in every room. We have toddlers in the home so I need a safe solution.
Answer: There are some ants that don’t only visit your home foraging for food, but instead they establish a colony inside. These ants may infest food products. Spraying a residual repellent insecticide to control foraging workers may provide only short-term control. Non-repellent insecticides sprayed inside would be a better choice than repellent insecticides, because the ants don’t know it is there, these non-repellents unknowingly are tracked back to the nest by the workers. However, it is important to note that you have toddlers at your home, therefore any solutions regarding poison or borax and icing sugar are out of the question. Keep bay leaves in your cupboards to repel ants. Sprinkle cinnamon in cracks wherever ants may be entering your home. One other option is to combine peppermint oil with rubbing alcohol and spray wherever you notice ants.
Fabulous window cleaning tipsof the week!
• Dry windows outside in one direction then inside in the other direction. If you see a streak, you will know which side is the offender.
• To clean window sills, pour diluted rubbing alcohol on a cloth and rub the entire surface. Then dust the sill with a clean cloth.
• Never wash windows in direct sunlight, since it causes heavy streaking. Cloudy days or night time are usually best. Also, you might want to buy an extension for your squeegee if you have tall windows.
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
