QUESTION: We live in the country and have hard, rusty water. My Corelle dishes are turning a yellowish, brown colour because I have washed them in bleach. Does this come off somehow and what can I do to get them white again? The finish may be coming off the cups on the outside. Thanks. Faye, Winnipeg
ANSWER: In my second book, I talk about a recipe that I created called, "Corellabunga." This will bring your dishes back to their original colour. In a large pot, combine three cups (750 ml) vinegar, four cups (one litre) water and 2 tbsp. (30 ml) citric acid; bring to a boil. Set one Corelle dish in the boiling mixture for five minutes (the water must cover the dish). Once dry, your dishes will look brand new.
QUESTION: I am hoping that you have a solution on how we can discourage cats from using our flower beds and gardens as a litter box. We have tried many kinds of what we thought would be the answer such as Critter Rider, black pepper mixed with cayenne pepper, and once it rains it is of no use. It is so disgusting when you have to clean up on a daily basis. I have heard of mothballs but I cannot tolerate the odour.
I firmly feel that a bylaw for cats should be the same as it is for dogs. I would appreciate any help or advice you can give me. Thank you. Marie, Winnipeg
ANSWER: Just like children, what works for one will not necessarily work for all. Continue experimenting with a variety of deterrents until you find the most effective solution for your visitors.
The No. 1 tip is to make your yard unattractive to cats by making digging difficult and uncomfortable. Bury chicken wire under the soil or topsoil with pine cones, flat rock or mulch. Position rose bush branches along the ground where cats like to step. If you do not have rose bushes ask your local garden centre; they may be willing to donate thorny branches.
Alternatively, lay down or bury mats that have upward facing points; cats don't like prickles. As well, make your yard unattractive to cats by planting a patch of catnip away from your yard or plant "rue" -- cats detest the smell.
Keep cats out of the garden by sprinkling coffee grounds or onions on the soil. Pet and garden stores sell a variety of products e.g. predator urine and cat repellents or you can make your own. Cat repellent: Combine and sprinkle: two parts cayenne pepper, three parts dry mustard and five parts flour. The drawback is like you said that you will need to reapply the mixture after rain. You can also purchase a motion sensor sprinkler system because most cats detest water.
QUESTION: Can you help me with wax that fell on my industrial-type rug and on a microfibre chair? Thank you so much. Jocelyne, Winnipeg
ANSWER: Use a dull knife to scrape off as much of the wax as possible. Next take a folded paper towel and place it over the stain. Press with a warm clothing iron. Move the paper towel, and watch the colour transfer from the chair and rug onto the paper towel. Observe the stain and if any wax remains. Repeat procedure.
Feedback from Manitoban Who Cares:
Dear Reena,
I read and enjoy your column in the Winnipeg Free Press and here's my response to a recent item regarding getting your money's worth from toilet paper brands as well as a couple of my own household tips.
-- Toilet paper: Since there are no "substitutions," only solutions on this front, a rough price guide is that if the toilet paper is a "double" / 280 sheet roll don't pay more than 50 cents a roll. Manufacturers whittle away the roll size while still referring to it as a "double" roll, and the thickness of double-ply varies (with some on recycled paper being the thinner). Winnipeggers' favourite membership warehouse (Costco) has around 36 wider and larger rolls (460 sheets approx) for under $20.
-- Cooking measuring tip: Instead of using one-quarter and one-half-cup and tablespoons, just use the one-quarter-cup measure. Four tablespoons equals one-quarter-cup and it's easy to eyeball one, two or three tablespoons, or just double for the half-cup. Save on the washing up.
-- Vegetable bags (like the ones in the supermarket) are a much cheaper option than commercial sealable bags and they fit snugger around your food. You can buy rolls of them at grocery discounts e.g. Sobeys Cash and Carry by Arlington Street Bridge.
Submitted by: Rowena, Winnipeg
Super Storage Tips of the Week:
-- Here is a timesaving tip for bacon. After bringing bacon home from the store, broil or fry it as usual. Make sure that the bacon is not overcooked. Freeze or refrigerate. When ready to use pull it out and quickly reheat.
-- Store unwashed zucchini inside a plastic bag, poking a few holes into the bag first. Store inside the crisper. Or slice and blanch zucchini for two minutes. Put into freezer bags or plastic containers and into the freezer. To thaw, remove zucchini from freezer, drain and use.
-- Keep basil perky for at least one week by treating them similar to freshly cut flowers. Trim the ends. In a glass or vase of water, stand basil and cover with a loose piece of plastic wrap. Leave on your countertop.
Reena Nerbas is the author of the national bestselling Household Solutions series. Her website is www.householdsolutions.org You can contact her at Box 429, Blumenort, Man., ROA 0C0.
