QUESTION: Love reading all your articles in the Free Press.
Can you tell me if there is something non-toxic that I can use as a fabric softener? I have tried non-perfume dryer sheets -- they help with static cling, but they don't really help as a fabric softener. I don't like to use commercial brands or any of those kinds of liquid products as they have a horrible smell. Since I stopped using them, my towels are very rough. Also, do spices have an expiry limit?
Thanks again. Val, Winnipeg
ANSWER: Make your own fabric softener by combining one part vinegar, one part baking soda, two parts water and 10 drops of your favourite essential oil (lavender is nice) into a bucket. Mix before each use, and add one-quarter cup to each load of laundry.
Switching over to spices, they do not spoil but they do lose strength over time. Store spices and herbs in airtight containers in a cool dry place. Whole spices can last four years, ground spices one to three years (depending on the herb).
Many may not agree with me on this, but the rule I go by is smell. Herbs lose flavour and fragrance faster than spices. Dried herbs that have lost colour and flavour are too old to use. For ground spices, shake them in a container and observe fragrance. If the fragrance is gone, start with new spices.
QUESTION: We recently renovated our bathroom and bought an acrylic tub, but we are having trouble cleaning it. I can't get the "ring around the tub" off the tub when I clean and scrub it with a sponge. With my old tub I would have used a scratch pad and problem solved, but apparently you cannot use such a product on acrylic or it will damage the finish.
I have a toddler and so try not to use any strong store-bought cleaners if I can avoid it (I usually use things like vinegar, baking soda, etc.) Any tips that you have for us would be greatly appreciated. I really enjoy all your clever and helpful tips! Thanks! Lisa, Winnipeg
ANSWER: In my opinion, you're making cleaning life an extra challenge for yourself by limiting yourself to using a plain old sponge to cut through built-up grime. While I agree that you would never use something as abrasive as steel wool, there are many alternative scrub pads that do not scratch surfaces.
Nylon pads are available at most dollar stores and so are plastic scrub pads. These should be perfectly safe to use. In terms of the cleaner, make yourself an inexpensive cleaner by combining 50/50 borax and baking soda and then wet your plastic or nylon pad and scrub. If you don't want to use anything abrasive, and for an extra-fresh bathroom cleaner (which is perfect for the bathtub, shower, sink and toilet), combine three cups white vinegar with 10 drops tea tree oil (sold at most grocery stores in the pharmacy department). Spray and wipe.
Both vinegar and tea tree oil are loaded with cleaning power that will leave your bathroom fresh. Avoid using soap to clean your bathroom, because you will be left with soap scum that will build up over time. Happy Cleaning!
QUESTION: We purchased a residence in which the previous owner had mirrors glued to the walls in the bedroom and hallway. We removed the mirrors and are left with sticky patches where strips of adhesive once were. How do we get rid of those gluey patches? We are going to paint the walls. Thank you and best wishes. Lena, Winnipeg
ANSWER: Here are a few options: Sand the areas and repaint. Purchase an adhesive remover and apply to wall. Or apply WD-40, leave for 10 minutes and wipe. If you choose to use WD-40, remember to ventilate and note that the colour may be removed in the process since WD-40 is a solvent. However, this will not matter since you are planning to repaint. Lastly, you can use a heat gun to remove glue on walls. It's a good idea to clean your walls with T.S.P. before painting so that the walls are free of grimy build-up.
Fabulous Tip of the Week
Super Soft Sugar Baby Lotion: Combine 2 tbsp. cooking oil with 1 tbsp. (15 mL) salt and 1 tbsp. (15 mL) sugar. Spread on hands and leave for five minutes; rinse with lukewarm water. Taken from: Household Solutions with Green Alternatives
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.
