Question: How long does tea stay fresh before it goes bad? Should I refrigerate tea? — Aaron
Answer: Although tea will gradually lose flavour over time, if properly stored, away from air, light and moisture, it will not go bad and has a very long shelf life. Refrigerating tea is not recommended because the cool environment will add moisture to tea bags, and if stored in the fridge, the tea bags are more likely to pick up flavours from other foods.
Question: Regarding your answer to the person questioning how to calm their grey hair. Your answer was to use penetrating oil. Do you mean an oil that penetrates, or do you mean penetrating oil? To me, a semi-minded mechanic who has worked with rusted parts, we use penetrating oil to free rusted parts. I surely don’t think that is the oil that you meant. — Alan
Answer: Thank you for your question. You are right, I am referring to penetrating hair care products specifically designed for hair such as Agran Oil of Morocco.
Question: My pale blue towels seem to have taken on a yellowish tone in the centre area. How can I get them back to one uniform pale blue colour? Thanks again for the great advice you continue to give. — Minnie
Answer: The towel situation does not sound good. Without seeing the fabric, my guess is that either due to bleach products or a manufacturer’s defect, the dye has permanently disappeared. Your best bet is to re-dye the towels using Rit dye; however, Rit dye does not always pick up bleached areas.
Feedback
Burnt cookies: I solved my burnt cookie problem years ago. First choice was the air insulated cookie sheets. If that’s an expensive option that you don’t want, then use the cookie sheets with a lip all around and turn them upside down. Now you have a cookie sheet that lets air all around your cookies (best for shortbread). Just gently remove from oven, as they can be slippery. — Linda
Keep fleece blankets soft: Often, we are in a hurry to dry fleece blankets especially when they are the baby’s favourite blankets. Fabric softener should never be used on fleece. The fabric softener has the opposite effect on the fibres, making them harder rather than softer. Also, heat from the dryer destroys fibres. If you don’t have a clothesline to hang them outside. Put the blanket on the towel rack, or over the shower curtain in the bathroom to dry. I have even tented the blankets over the back of a couple chairs over a floor register. Movement of the air will dry them quicker. — Karen
Household tips
A great trick for cleaning that tight space between the stove and counter is to use one of those little plastic bread bag tabs. The tab is strong enough to pull out grime and won’t scratch surfaces the way a knife will. — Sandra
I love my bananas, but not overripe ones. Well, I came across a tip and it really works. When you buy somewhat green bananas from the store, separate the bunch and a few days later they will be yellow and kind of ripe, but firm inside. — Anders
For all those with white plastic outdoor furniture at the cottage or in your backyard, it usually goes black or gets black spots if left out, over the years. To clean, mix a solution of straight bleach or half water and half bleach, wet a paper towel with the solution, place on the black mould spots, then cover with plastic wrap and leave for a few hours. Voila, like new bright white plastic tables and chairs. Wear rubber gloves. — Arthur
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.
householdsolutions@mymts.net
