QUESTION: Can you please tell me how many times I can reuse a tea bag? Lacey, Winnipeg
ANSWER: It depends on the tea and the strength you desire. Green tea bags, for example white and green tea bags, can be used three to four times. Most people agree a tea bag may be reused all day, but should be tossed at the end of the day so bacteria does not grow on the bag. Others argue the bag can be used the next day as well, as long as the bag sits in water in the fridge overnight.
Extra tip: To reduce puffy, swollen eyes, freeze wet tea bags for five minutes, then place cold tea bags on closed eyes.
QUESTION: How do we sanitize and clean our photographs? Hope you can help. (Ritchot, Man.)
ANSWER: Dampen a quality microfibre cloth with full-strength rubbing alcohol. Wipe the front and back of the photo with long strokes. Use a dry cloth to dab photograph. Lay flat to dry.
QUESTION: We brought silk quilts and bedding back from a visit to a silk factory on our China trip. I would like to refresh the bedding but it does not recommend dry cleaning or washing. For the quilts and mattress covers it recommends only laying them outside on a bright, sunny day. Any recommendations, please? Thank you, Ann
ANSWER: Since the products are silk and you are not sure if the silk is washable, your safest bet is to bring the items to a dry cleaner.
QUESTION: Spring is just around the corner and I am planning to give my windows a good cleaning. What technique do you recommend as the best? Elda (Teulon, Man.)
ANSWER: Purchase a quality squeegee, a wet mop and a window scraper. Amazing window cleaner recipe: In a gallon-size container mix one cup rubbing alcohol and one tablespoon cheap shampoo. Fill to the top with water. Spray windows and scrub with a wet window mop. Use a scraper to remove any dried-on bugs and leaves. Avoid cleaning windows when the sun shines directly on them. The sun will dry the windows too fast, which will result in streaks. Clean the water off of the glass with a squeegee. Wipe the edges of the squeegee after removing water. Dry windows with either a quality microfibre cloth or crumble up newspaper and rub the windows until they're dry. For extra shine, put cornstarch in a bucket with water. Wipe windows and dry with a microfibre cloth or newspaper.
Innovative Manitoban shares
Dear Reena,
I am not the world's most creative person, but I was proud of myself when I came up with a plan for an old tire that was lying in my yard. I began by purchasing a piece of wood, which was the size of the tire. I drilled four holes through the wood and the tire and hung it with heavy-duty chain. I hung the chains over a thick branch and bolted the chain together. Next, I cut little holes to make cupholders. My wife sealed and painted the wood. When the weather is nice, we sit under the tree because this has become our favourite outside table. Submitted by: Henry (Selkirk, Man.)
I enjoy your questions and tips, keep them coming. Missed a column? Can't remember a solution? Need a motivational speaker for an upcoming event? Check out my website Reena.ca.
