QUESTION: I hope you can help me with a sticky problem. My hair got dripped on by a big old fir tree and now it is standing straight up at the back. The pitch just won't wash out with shampoo. I hesitate to try coal oil, which I think is an old remedy. It would probably be effective but burn my scalp in the process. Help, help!
-- Anne, Winnipeg
ANSWER: Mayonnaise is your best bet. Rub it into your hair, wait about 20 minutes and rinse. Not only will this help with the sticky mess but it will condition your hair at the same time.
QUESTION: I have a wooden curtain rod on which the wooden curtain rings stick and "shudder" when pulling the curtains open or closed (I've actually pulled the curtains off the end rings by the yanking they require). How can I best get these non-compliant rings to move smoothly over the curtain rod? Is WD-40 an option or will it become sticky over time?
Margaux, Benito
ANSWER: Rub a bit of furniture polish on clothing rods so that hangers slide easily. Candle or paraffin wax will have the same effect but are more difficult to apply. Although I don't think that WD-40 will become gummy, it will smell for a while, and you don't want that odour on your clothes.
QUESTION: I listened to you on the radio and recall you giving a tip on how to clean BBQ grease stains from a wooden deck. Can you send me an environmentally friendly way to do this?
Greg, (Selkirk)
ANSWER: In terms of grease stains on a deck, if the deck is not sealed the grease may be impossible to remove (unless the deck is sanded down and refinished). If the deck is sealed, your best bet is to clean the area with one of the following: TSP (trisodium phosphate), washing soda or a commercial deck cleaner (powder is more effective than liquid). Or on a sunny day, make a paste of baking soda and rubbing alcohol (test on an inconspicuous area). Apply to the grease stain. Cover with a black piece of sheet metal. Leave in direct sun for 90 minutes. Lift the metal and remove the dried paste; wash with vinegar and water. Wash again with detergent and water; rinse. If the stain remains, sand and re-stain. Taken from Household Solutions 2 with Kitchen Secrets.
QUESTION: In one of your books I came across the recipe for your 'Super Smelly Jelly' and was wondering if this would work well as an air freshener in my living room and bedroom? Currently, I purchase air fresheners and as you know, they are incredibly expensive and last only 30 days. I know things must stop smelling nice eventually but I have six mobile air fresheners in our place so it is an expense and I want to explore a better cost-effective solution that will provide the same results. What are your thoughts on this?
Barbara, Winnipeg
ANSWER: The 'Super Smelly Jelly' recipe is great for small areas such as bathrooms, lockers and cupboards. The most effective way to keep your air smelling fresh is to purchase an air purifier. Research Consumer Reports before making a selection. You may be happiest with an air purifier that does not have a filter but instead a carbonized screen. Setting out rose bowls filled with vinegar and floating candles is a tricky yet effective way of absorbing odours. As well, a bowl of unused charcoal briquettes also absorbs odours. Or use cat litter to absorb smells, put it in a decorative vase or a candleholder. One of my absolute favourite solutions is to find a small piece of corrugated cardboard (you can just rip it off of a box). Sprinkle the cardboard with your favourite essential oil, i.e. cinnamon or tea tree oil or lavender. Leave it in a room; it smells great and if you do choose cinnamon, people will think that you just baked!
You might also check out purchasing a diffuser that you can plug into the wall and add some really nice-smelling essential oils. Essential oils are very therapeutic and make great homemade spritzers. You can make up several different scents to keep on hand for different areas of your home. Just use one part oil to at least four parts water.
Fabulous Tips of the Week:
Devilled Egg Delight! Put cooked egg yolks in a sealed zip lock bag. Mash until smooth. Cut off the corner tip of the bag and squeeze mixture into cut egg white halves. Discard bag when finished.
If you can't eat grapes fast enough after purchasing them, freeze them. First wash and air-dry (not you, the grapes); lay them neatly on a cookie sheet (not touching each other). Place the tray in the freezer. When the grapes are frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. Store in the freezer and just take out what you need. Eat them as is or add them to things such as yogurt, smoothies and ice cream.
I enjoy your questions and tips, keep them coming!
Reena Nerbas is the author of the national bestsellers, Household Solutions 1 with Substitutions, Household Solutions 2 with Kitchen Secrets and the BRAND-NEW Household Solutions 3 with Green Alternatives available online and in stores across Canada.
Check out my website! www.householdsolutions.org
