QUESTION: What is the easiest way to remove ticks from skin? Helen, Winnipeg
ANSWER: To remove ticks apply a glob of liquid hand soap to a cotton ball. Cover the tick for 20 seconds and apparently the tick sticks to the cotton ball. If however you do have to remove the tick, turn it counterclockwise.
QUESTION: Any suggestions for getting rid of woodpeckers? They are very noisy and wake us up early in the morning. Thanks, Jan, Brandon
ANSWER: The sooner you can act the better before woodpeckers make your home, their home. Their mission? To find food. Begin by having your roof inspected for infestations of bugs. Next close any holes on the roof. Place aluminum flashing over the areas where the woodpeckers are pecking. Woodpeckers won't like the new sound or the shiny metal. If this is not an option hang something shiny in the area such as aluminum pie plates, old compact disks or Mylar balloons or tape.
QUESTION: I am making a large batch of egg salad. What is the easiest way to remove the peel from hard boiled eggs? Sam, Winnipeg
ANSWER: After eggs are boiled set them into a bowl of cold water and remove the peel while the eggs are submersed.
QUESTION: Is there a quick and easy way to clean hard water deposits on a double stainless steel sink? I guess I have been so busy I didn't realize until now how bad it looks. If I can get it cleaned up, in the future I will have to make a habit of wiping it dry each night to prevent this from reoccurring. Thanks so much for your help. Melvin, Winnipeg
ANSWER: Thoroughly clean the sink using an abrasive pad, dish soap and water. Wipe the inside with olive oil to leave your sink looking like new.
QUESTION: I wonder if I can use Resolve in my dishwasher to combat glasses from getting foggy. I use it in the clothes washer to keep the drains clean. Nancy, Gladstone
ANSWER: I have never used Resolve in the dishwasher to reduce etching. Typically etching or fogginess occurs from too much detergent, lack of rinse aid, an overloaded dishwasher, water temperature too hot, lack of water softener on hard water systems or when the detergent is not compatible with the machine.
To remove mild etching, head to the nearest pharmacy and ask for citric acid. Put cups into the dishwasher and add citric acid to the soap dispenser. Run the cycle as usual and if the etching stays it is likely permanent. You can also soak cups in vinegar and rub them with fine steel wool. Don't get too excited if at first the glasses look brand new because the etching may return when the glasses dry. From people with etching challenges, I have heard positive results regarding phosphate-free Palmolive Gel Dishwasher Detergent (lemon splash scent). However, you may need to experiment with a few different brands. Norwex sells a green ball that sits on the top rack of dishwashers, which is made to reduce etching on dishes.
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
