QUESTION: I bought a new dishwasher on the weekend. The salesman said, "Don't buy the commercial monthly cleaning stuff, buy Tang instead." Is he right, or a nut? Gary, (Steinbach)
ANSWER: Nope, he's not a nut. The citric acid in Tang makes an excellent cleaner for dishwashers and costs only pennies compared to commercial brands!
QUESTION: How do you remove the taste of onions and garlic from frying pans and cutting boards? I find my grilled sandwiches taste like onions, even though I haven't used onion in the recipe... the taste of onions remains in the frying pan even after washing the frying pan. I think I've tried everything. D, (Winnipeg)
ANSWER: To rid your life of a smelly cutting board, clean it with a damp cloth and a combination of baking soda and three per cent hydrogen peroxide. Peroxide is not only safer but also more effective than chlorine bleach to sanitize wood. Bleach, even at full strength, is not always effective at sanitizing wooden cutting boards, because the disinfectant quality of bleach can be neutralized by the organic composition of wood. Chlorine bleach solution is short-lived, especially when diluted and if used should be prepared fresh for each use.
Another option is to spread baking soda over the cutting board and then spray with white vinegar. Let it foam and bubble for five to 10 minutes, then rinse with a cloth dipped in clean, cold water. Wipe and allow it to dry in an upright position. All cutting boards, and other food surfaces, should be kept dry when not in use; resident bacteria survive no more than a few hours without moisture. Do not soak wooden cutting boards, and do not put them in the dishwasher. If the cutting board is plastic, toss it in the dishwasher and run the cycle.
Extra tip: If you use only one cutting board at home, brand a small "V" on one side and an "M" on the other (V for veggies and M for meat). Prepare raw vegetables first, and then flip cutting board over to prepare meats. Sanitize both sides; you should never put yourself in danger of cross-contamination.
In order to rid your cooking pan of onion and garlic odour, line the bottom of the pan with aluminum foil. Pour running water over the foil. The metal is an excellent odour absorber and should quickly zap foul smells.
QUESTION: Can you please tell me how to fix a small scratch on my new marble table? Nell, (Neepawa)
ANSWER: If the scratch is slight, you can fix it yourself by using a course-grit sandpaper or 0000 steel wool. If the scratch is deep, however, or if you're uneasy about repairing it yourself and possibly damaging the marble, consult a professional.
QUESTION: I have a limestone patio that has become stained with green algae. Do you have any suggestions on how to keep the algae/slimy green stuff from sticking to the limestone? Susan, (Winnipeg)
ANSWER: Let's begin with cleaning limestone and then move onto protecting it. Do not use products that contain lemon juice, vinegar or other acids on marble, limestone or travertine. As well, avoid using products that contain abrasive cleaners, cleansers (dry or soft) or any ammonia-based cleaners. These products will dull its lustre. Careful pressure washing is one option in cleaning algae on limestone or flush with clear water and use a mild bleach solution, scrub with good old-fashioned elbow grease and a green sponge. However, if you have a large area and would like to clean more efficiently, mix a product called MB-9 with water in a proportion of 1:1 in a power washer, spray and rinse.
To prevent reoccurring algae growth on limestone, seal the stone so that moisture cannot penetrate it. By stopping water absorption, you will stop the continual presence of water, therefore breaking the cycle of growth. In other words, you will stop water absorption by using the appropriate sealer.
Fabulous tips of the Week:
* Tackle roof repairs on a warm day when shingles are soft and pliable. You'll be less likely to crack the shingles as you walk on them or fold them back and the roofing cement will stick better.
* Baking soda makes an inexpensive control for powdery mildew on plants. The baking soda fungicide is effective as a preventative measure, offering only minimal benefits after your plants have become infected. Weekly spraying of susceptible plants during humid or damp weather can greatly reduce the incidence of powdery mildew in your garden. Combine 1 tbsp. baking soda, half tsp. dish soap and 1 gallon water. Do not store unused mixture. While this recipe has been known to be effective, it can burn the leaves of some plants. It is recommended that you water your infected plants well a couple of days before applying this mixture, and don't apply it in full sun. Try on a small area first, to test the plant's response before spraying the entire plant.
* Whip up an effective insect and animal repellent for the flowers and vegetables in your garden. In a blender, purée 4 onions, 2 cloves garlic, 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper, and 1 quart water. Set the mixture aside. Next, dilute 2 tbsp. soap flakes in 2 gallons water. Pour in the contents of your blender, shake or stir well, and you have a potent, environment-friendly solution to spray on your plants.
I enjoy your questions and tips, keep them coming!
Check out my web site! www.householdsolutions.org
Reena Nerbas is the author of the national best sellers, "Household Solutions 1 with Substitutions", "Household Solutions 2 with Kitchen Secrets" and the soon to be released book "Household Solutions 3 with Green Alternatives" available on-line and in stores across Canada.
