QUESTION: I enjoyed your presentation at a Lunch and Learn session in our office but since then I have a new challenge in my home. My teenager wrote on my brand new white board with permanent marker. Is the board garbage, or is there a way to remove the marker? Thomas, Winnipeg
ANSWER: You will be amazed at how easy it is to remove permanent marker from a white board with this handy little secret! Using a dry-erase marker, scribble over every permanent mark on the board. Wipe. All of the permanent marker and your frustration will quickly disappear.
QUESTION: In a recent article you suggested placing milk cartons between tomato plants with holes around the sides and pouring water into them to slowly water the plants. I tried this and the water leaked out. When you say place cartons between plants do you mean dig them into the earth? Jim, Winnipeg
ANSWER: When watering tomato plants, there are many effective techniques that work, from just spraying with a garden hose to using a soaker hose or placing individual milk jugs by each plant. If you are using the water hose, it's time consuming and may cause disease problems by splashing soil onto the leaves. Soaker hoses are much more efficient giving less evaporation and more even distribution of water. A simple way to water is to cut 3 X's in the bottom of the milk jugs and bury them a few inches in the soil near plants or between two plants. Fill the jugs with water and they will soak slowly into the soil right where needed. It's important to provide an even supply of moisture to the plant so once you start watering, continue on a routine schedule.
QUESTION: While making cooked pudding I put two pots together because I didn't have a double boiler. After cooking the pudding I was unable to separate the two pots. I have tried heating both pots, soaking both pots in cool and warm water and dribbling oil between the pots. Nothing has worked. Any suggestions? Lorrie, Swan River
ANSWER: Immerse the outside pot in HOT water then pour very COLD water inside the inner pot. Cold contracts and heat expands so hopefully there will be enough room to break the vacuum seal.
QUESTION: I enjoy reading your column in the Winnipeg Free Press and now I need your help. There are water stains in front of my fireplace mantle. I have tried many products but cannot erase them. Also what cheap solution can I use to clean my stainless steel appliances? Inka, Winnipeg
ANSWER: Without knowing what your mantle is made of, it is hard to offer a solution. Assuming the mantle is brick, you will need to purchase an acid-based brick cleaner from a hardware store or masonry dealer. Follow the label directions. To prevent future watermarks, consider sealing the area.
Instead of purchasing expensive stainless steel cleaners, make your own. Into a squeeze bottle combine 50/50 baby oil and rubbing alcohol. Pour onto a soft cloth and wipe onto stainless steel then wipe off with a soft, dry cloth. So simple and easy to make. Be sure to test the solution on a small inconspicuous area first.
