QUESTION: During this time of canning and preserving, how does one manage all the fruit flies? Can't seem to find the answer in my Household Solutions book, so it must have been in one of your columns once upon a time. Thanks. Glynis, Winnipeg
ANSWER: You need a big plastic juice-pouring jug with a removable lid. Inside of the juice jug, place a bowl of wine (red or white). Put banana peels inside the jug around the bowl. Both banana and wine smells are wonderful for attracting flies. Put the lid onto the juice jug and tape the opening of the jug so there is only a small hole (this way the flies can't easily escape). You will need to replace the banana peels every day so the house doesn't smell foul.
At this time of the year when fruit flies are a nuisance, refrigerate as much fruit as possible to keep flies to a minimum. Bananas are normally stored at room temperature but you may want to experiment by keeping them in plastic containers in the cupboard for a day or so. Some people store bananas in the fridge to guard against fruit flies, the peel becomes dark but the banana will remain intact for several days.
QUESTION: My son threw an apple core into his backpack with his mohair/acrylic toque and left it for a few days. The result is a stain in his toque that won't come out. I have washed it several times and used a stain remover, to no avail. I wonder if you have a solution for this? Bonnie, Winnipeg
ANSWER: Soak the toque in 3per cent hydrogen peroxide and sprinkle the stain with a liberal amount of salt. Place the toque outside on the grass for several hours. Next soak the toque in washing soda and hot water for 30 minutes or until all yellow is gone. Rewash the toque as normal.
Comment from Manitoban Who Cares:
Re: The question on Sept. 3rd. about hairspray on the wall. I remember a few years ago someone phoned Shell Busey about that very problem. His response was, "How do you get hairspray out of your hair?" Shampoo of course! It works for me every time. I don't know if the brand of shampoo makes a difference, but this is one easy option to try. Keep up the good work. Brenda, Winnipeg
Re: Uses for soap slivers:
I like your idea about putting soap slivers into knee-high stockings and then using them in the bath/shower. In the days before dish soap, my mom had a little metal doo-dad (with wire netting) that we filled with soap slivers. We swished it into dish water to wash dishes. What I currently do with soap slivers is, add them to the new bar of soap when the bar is wet, they will stick together. Gradually the slivers are used up. As long as you don't care about how it looks (I don't) this has always worked for me. Arline, Winnipeg
Re: Uses for soap slivers:
Make your own liquid hand soap because buying it in the store is costly. Into a microwavable bowl, grate 140 grams of soap slivers (or one bar of soap) with a hand grater or food processor. Mix soap with 3 cups water. Microwave on HIGH for four to seven minutes or until the mixture comes to a boil and the soap dissolves. Don't worry if the mixture looks thin, it will thicken as it cools. Pour into dispenser. RT Aster (St. Adolphe, MB)
Update from Reader:
Re: A precious etched vase
Well, I finally remembered to ask my mother-in-law for a denture tablet. I'm pleased to say it worked on my etched vase so now there are just a few visible etch marks, however, the shininess covers them very satisfactorily. Much appreciation for your help. Cheers, Suzette
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.
