QUESTION: Do you have any ideas for a homemade product that will clean hardwood floors and making them shiny? Also, do you have a recipe for something to wash porcelain ceramic tile that doesn't leave a dull streaky finish? Love your ideas. Betty, Winnipeg
ANSWER: To clean both hardwood floors and ceramic tile combine: One tablespoon vinegar with one gallon of water. Wipe and dry. Do not over-wet floor. Rinsing is not required because vinegar does not contain waxes or other agents that buildup on floors or leave streaks. Optional: Add one teaspoon cooking oil for cleaning hardwood floors. To clean the grout on ceramic tile, make a paste of liquid laundry detergent and water. Apply to grout and scrub with an abrasive cloth.
If ceramic tile has a stain on it, make the same paste of liquid laundry detergent and water. Apply to stain and cover with plastic wrap. Tape down the edges of the plastic wrap so that no air gets inside. Leave 12 hours and wipe. If stain still remains, make a paste of baking soda and three per cent hydrogen peroxide. Cover the stain with solution and taped down plastic wrap. Leave 12 hours and wipe.
QUESTION: I am looking for a recipe for homemade mayonnaise. No one I know has a good recipe for this. Dona, Winnipeg
ANSWER: This recipe was given to me by Janet Stewart of CBC News. Homemade Mayonnaise: Place three egg yolks in a mixing bowl. Add 2 tbsp. (30 millitre) white vinegar, 2 tbsp. (30 ml) water and 2 tbsp. (30 ml) lemon juice.
Heat the contents in a double boiler until 150F (66C) as this reduces the risk of food poisoning. Stir constantly. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature. Add 2 tsp. (10 ml) dry mustard, half tsp. (2 ml) salt, half tsp. (2 ml) pepper. Add any of the following: fresh garlic, Dijon mustard or curry powder. Mix. Very slowly add 1 cup (250 ml) extra virgin olive oil. Add more oil as needed until you reach the proper consistency.
Note: This isn't a low-fat product, so use sparingly if cutting calories. However this recipe does call for heart healthy oil. Store homemade mayonnaise sealed in the refrigerator for up to three days. If homemade mayonnaise does not bond, add 1/4 tsp. commercial mayonnaise.
Warning: Pregnant women are advised not to eat homemade mayonnaise due to the raw eggs in the recipe. Taken from Household Solutions 3 with Green Alternatives
QUESTION: I have been trying to rid my home of the smell of burnt toast to no avail. I've had the windows and doors open, fans on and have been lighting candles (plain and vanilla scented) with the hope of reducing the smell. Any suggestions? Also, are there safe ways of removing ladybugs that have taken to living indoors? I love your column and helpful hints, especially as they often use non-toxic products such as vinegar and baking soda, my favourite products! Thank you. Debbie, Winnipeg
ANSWER: To get rid of the smell of burnt toast, cut several onions, place them in a shallow bowl with a bit of water. Leave them near the worst smelling area. Ironically, onions are wonderful odour absorbers. You can also set out an open container of coffee grounds, another easy trick.
Although wonderful to have as outdoor pets, ladybug infestations in the home are about as fun indoors as ant infestations. You will not win this battle if you don't find the area where they are coming from and block it. When we had this challenge, we caulked around all of our windows and the ladybugs left us alone. Inside your vacuum, pour a few drops of rubbing alcohol and vacuum every ladybug that you see. Empty the bag often.
QUESTION: We have a play rug that our grandchildren enjoy. The back consists of a yellow paint-like substance that is crumbling and not useful anymore. How can I remove or restore this rug. Candice, Landmark
ANSWER: Head over to your local home hardware store and purchase indoor/outdoor carpet glue. Pull off as much of the disintegrating backing as possible. Apply the specialized glue to the back of the carpet and adhere a new piece of rubber backing slip onto the glue. If you cannot find rubber backing, choose a different durable fabric.
QUESTION: We can't find a solution to this problem left by recent guests -- nail polish splattered on sheets and quilts of their bed. Unfortunately, we didn't discover the problem until days after they had left, and we have no idea as to how long before their departure the spill happened. Any ideas to help reduce or eliminate this problem would be greatly appreciated. Your weekly column is a must read in our house. Thank you. Donna, Winnipeg
ANSWER: The problem with nail polish is that it is basically paint and once it dries, it is very difficult to remove. Your best bet is to spray the area with window cleaner, scrub and rinse until stain is gone. Goo Gone has also had good results. Worst case scenario, in a ventilated area, soak the area with paint thinner. Remember to test everything on an inconspicuous area first.
Fabulous Tip of the Week:
-- Green chilies stay fresher longer when the stems are removed. Store chilies in an airtight container.
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.
