Question: It is time for spring cleaning and we have a paved driveway that we would like to clean. We used baking soda and Dawn dish soap already; it still needs more work. Do you have anything else to suggest? Thanks! Anne
Answer: Did you use baking soda in the following way? Sprinkle the driveway with a box of baking soda. Using a stiff brush dampened with water; scrub the area until the stains are gone. If the stains remain, scrub the driveway with one of the following: laundry detergent and water or TSP (trisodium phosphate) and water or washing soda and water. Rinse. As a last resort, combat tough stains with muriatic acid and a pressure washer. Apply the acid following the manufacturer’s directions, and let it soak for several seconds. Keep in mind that muriatic acid is a dangerous product; if you use it, wear rubber or latex gloves, safety goggles and protective clothing, and never wash it down storm drains. Test all solutions on an inconspicuous area first.
Question: What is the best way to cook vermicelli bean thread starch noodles? I find that they always stick together into one big clump. Thanks, Garth
Answer: In a heatproof bowl soak noodles in hot water for 10 minutes before cooking. If your plan is to use the noodles for soups or deep frying, pre-soaking is not necessary. Cook noodles in boiling water for 1-3 minutes; overcooking will cause them to stick together.
Question: I have such a mess of cords behind my TV from the Xbox, Wii, DVD, Blu-ray, PVR, etc. Any ideas of how to identify each cord so that I never again need to guess which cord belongs to each device? Shianne
Answer: Use a permanent marker to label bread clips with the unit name. Secure clips around each cord so that you never again need to guess which unit belongs with each cord.
Doll feedback
Dear Reena,
I am very offended by the person who wrote about her $100 American Girl doll. First of all, what kind of a person spends that much money on a doll? Secondly, she said if removal of the pen ink is not successful she is sending the doll to a doll hospital. Children are starving all over the world, perhaps she might want to rethink how she spends her money. Before splurging on pets and toys, people might want to consider feeding a few humans. Sincerely, Tori
Cool life hacks:
When preparing for a fancy dinner party, put grapes in the freezer. As you serve your guests glasses of wine, add a few frozen grapes for decoration and class.
— Mina
I live in an area where recycling is not available. Whenever I receive flyers, I line the inside of my garbage bags with them. Even if someone throws out liquid, the flyers absorb the spill and the bag never leaks.
— Mary
I have a trick that keeps my feet dry: I waterproof canvas shoes to prevent water from soaking my socks. Rub shoes with the side of a candle until the exterior is covered with wax. Melt with a hair dryer. Water can no longer soak through the fabric and shoes last much longer.
— Eleanor
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.
I enjoy your questions and tips, keep them coming. Need a presenter on the topic: Effective Speaking or The Power of Words? Check out: Reena.ca
