QUESTION: The inside of my teapot is quite brown. I have tried various solutions to get it white to no avail. Is there something that will help me get this clean? Stan, Portage la Prairie
ANSWER: All you need to do (I did this today) is pour white vinegar into the teapot about one-quarter full. Fill the rest with water. Boil for five minutes. Let sit and pour down the drain. Works great!
QUESTION: What is the best toilet paper to buy to get the greatest bang for my money? My husband uses so much toilet paper; what a waste! Erma, Emerson
ANSWER: While soft toilet paper is most comfortable to use, the drawback is that it is often hard on the environment. Generic brands and some recycled toilet papers cost less because, like many no-name items, less is spent on advertising and products are sometimes made with factory scraps.
Do your research and check the package to see how much toilet paper is included on each role. Don't be fooled into thinking that just because something is generic, it is the better buy. Look for coupons and read the label to see the length of toilet paper on every roll, because the last thing you want to do is flush your hard-earned money down the toilet.
QUESTION: I am looking to purchase a real Christmas tree once again this year. Last year the needles kept getting stuck in my carpet. What is your solution for this problem? Tom, Winnipeg
ANSWER: You always want to protect your carpet as much as possible, not only from falling needles but also tree sap, soil and water. Either purchase or make a tree skirt. Or buy a Christmas tablecloth and lay it under and over the tree stand. Substitute tree skirts with one of the following: Scrap carpet, a large piece of fabric, garbage bags or old drapery. Choosing any style of tree skirt protects the carpet while hiding the tree stand.
Here is an idea for the whole family: Make or purchase a solid coloured, fabric tree skirt. Using fabric paint, have all family members press handprints onto the skirt. Use a squeeze bottle of paint to write names and dates under each hand.
QUESTION: I have lots of beeswax candles and I love the smell of them. What is the best way to use them so that they smell up the entire house? Cornie, Winnipeg
ANSWER: Beeswax candles are not overpowering like many of the highly over-fragranced candles on the market today. Position a few beeswax candles in rooms throughout your home and once lit, enjoy the warm honey fragrance.
Beeswax candles set away from drafts are smokeless, drip less and burn about five times loner than paraffin candles. They are considered hypoallergenic and recommended for people suffering from asthma and chemical sensitivity. Note: Never leave a lit candle unattended. Protect surfaces by setting candles in proper holders.
Wonderful Feedback from Caring Manitoban:
Dear Reena,
With regards to refreshing black clothes: No one knows why this works but it really does. Brew a pot of coffee. Add to a black load with detergent and proceed as usual. Everything will turn out clean and darkened. Thelma, Winnipeg
Fabulous Rescue Tips of the Week:
-- Remove the taste of slightly burnt milk by adding a pinch of salt or sugar to the pot.
-- Next time you burn soup, spaghetti sauce or beans, add a spoonful of peanut butter to the pot to take away the burnt taste.
-- To fix salty ham, soak slices in milk for 15 to 20 minutes.
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.
