QUESTION: Here is my solution for soap scraps and bars; you can purchase a soap saver bag at Wal-Mart. Hang one in the shower for every member in your family. When the bar gets worn, keep it handy for sink, shower and tub cleaning. For these jobs I use a Sunlight soap bar.
Can you give me a carpet cleaning solution for my steam cleaner? Thanks a bucket, Ellen, Selkirk
ANSWER: Thanks for the great soap sliver tip Ellen! In terms of your steam cleaner, fill your machine with 50/50 white vinegar and warm water. Clean according to manufacturer's directions. This will not only successfully clean the carpet but will also clean the machine in the process, because the acetic acid in vinegar dissolves stains and neutralizes odours.
QUESTION: I bought my son a sterling silver necklace on a trip to the States. Over time the necklace discoloured. I brought it into a jewelry store for cleaning but the discolouration remains. Is this a permanent stain? Frances, Teulon
ANSWER: Absolutely not! Make a paste of either baking soda and water or washing soda and water. Dip a sponge into the mixture and clean the necklace. Rinse with water and dry with a soft cloth.
By the way, use this same technique to clean the exterior of a stainless steel kettle, all stains will disappear and the kettle will look great.
Update from Frances: I used washing soda and water on a sponge and the necklace looks brand new, once again. Thanks.
QUESTION: I attended one of your all-day Home Sweet Home Workshops last year and after hearing your presentation on cooking and baking I decided to work up the nerve to send you this question. Can you please provide me with some tips for grilling great steak for an upcoming winter barbecue party? Thanks, Timothy, Winnipeg
ANSWER: There is nothing quite like barbecuing in the winter! Into a large Ziploc bag combine one-half teaspoon salt, one teaspoon pepper, a chopped garlic clove, two tablespoons of soya sauce, Worcestershire and olive oil. Close bag and press the seasoning onto meat. Repeat for each steak. Oil the grate and them preheat the grill to the highest temperature. Lay each steak on the grill for one minute to sear. Turn over and grill for another minute. Reduce heat and rotate 45 degrees and grill for half the remaining cooking time. Turn again.
Ask guests how they would like their steaks. Use your hand as a guide to tell you when the meat is ready, feel the fleshy part of your palm below the thumb; that's rare. For medium, touch your ring finger. For well-done, touch your pinky.
QUESTION: I can't tell you how nervous I am about moving because I recently bought brand new dining room chairs and I am afraid they will become damaged during the move. We can't afford to hire a moving company and we are not experienced movers. Is there a risk-free way to pack my chairs? Koia, Winkler
ANSWER: To pack chairs for moving: Remove legs (if possible). Place wing nuts or screws in a resealable plastic bag, label and tape bag to the underside of the furniture. Tuck chair cushions and pillows inside plastic bags and use them as pads or fillers in the trailer. Leave slipcovers on. Wrap arms of chairs with bubble wrap. Pad all furniture with blankets or bubble wrap. Secure padding to the furniture with tape and rope. Cover with a plastic chair cover or large sheet of plastic. Happy Moving!
Don't Flush These Fine Tips:
-- Here's how to make your toilet tanks smell fresh all of the time. Pour one-half cup of one of the following into the tank weekly: Vinegar, baking soda or lemon juice. As well, pour a few drops of your favourite essential oil into the tank.
-- Do not pour boiling water into the toilet to kill foul odours. Doing this will likely crack the toilet or melt the wax ring that is in place to form a tight seal between the bowl and flange.
-- If you have thoroughly cleaned the toilet, the toilet bowl and the floor surrounding the toilet and the toilet continues to emit a foul odour replace the wax ring that seals the toilet to the sewer pipe because chances are the seal has a leak and needs repair.
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.
