QUESTION: The zippers on my convertible boat top are very hard to zip. Is there something to put on them to make them easier to close? I have used soap but it just washes off. Thanks, Merv, Winnipeg
ANSWER: Let me give you a few options to loosen the zipper: Use a solid, waxy substance such as candle wax made for snow skis, or a crayon. Using a toothpick, work the lubricant into the teeth of the zipper, and then slide the zipper up and down. In my opinion the most effective option is to spray the zipper with WD-40, wipe off excess and ZIP!
ZIPPER TRIVIA: Whitcomb L. Judson, a Chicago mechanical engineer, invented the zipper. It came about because a friend with a stiff back could not do up his shoes. Judson designed a slide fastener that could be opened or closed with one hand. In 1893 he patented a device called the "clasp locker," which was the forerunner of the modern zipper. It had only two problems: it didn't work and no one wanted to buy it. Judson displayed it at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. Although around 20 million people went to the fair, he sold only 20 of the hook less fasteners. The U.S. Postal Service bought them to put on their mailbags. Instead of giving up, Judson founded the Universal Fastener Company to manufacture his new device. When a customer ordered a huge quantity of them for the rubber galoshes he was manufacturing, he liked the "z-z-zip" sound they made and coined the name zipper.
QUESTION: We are in desperate need of your help. Last week I fried cod fillets on the stove. Since then the odour of fish seems to permeate our house especially when you enter the house from outside. I have tried washing the floors and counters with vinegar and water. As well as leaving the doors and windows open for long periods of time. I have even purchased some sort of sponge container from our local Wal-Mart that is supposed to clean smells. Nothing seems to help. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I have cooked fish before but never had this result. Thank you for your column and look forward to your insight. Linda, Winnipeg
ANSWER: Overpower the fish scent by bringing a pot of water to a boil, and squeeze in the juice and rinds from three lemons. Boil for 30 minutes, or until your fish smell is completely gone. You can also toss cloves, cinnamon, or nutmeg into your brew and boil those as well.
QUESTION: In which book is the solution you mentioned about getting rid of aphids with bananas? I have a huge linden tree in my backyard and it seems every summer everything is black because of them. Also, in which book would I find the solution for cleaning the interior of the shower? No matter which product I buy it doesn't seem to really clean. Thank you for your assistance. Always read your column. Margaret, Winnipeg
ANSWER: You can refer to Household Solutions 2 for your aphid challenge. Bananas are great for small inside plants but for a big beautiful linden you will need a larger quantity. In a 1 gallon milk jug, combine 2 tbsp. dish soap, 1 tbsp. rubbing alcohol, dash of Tabasco sauce, 1 tbsp. canola oil and enough water to fill the jug. Pour mixture into spray bottle and apply as needed (double recipe as needed). Another option is to steep cigarette tobacco in water. Leave for two days and spray the tree.
Household Solutions 3 with Green Alternatives has an entire section devoted to cleaning shower interiors. One of my favourite options is to pour 1 tbsp. baking soda, 1 tsp. dish soap and enough water to fill an 18 oz. spray bottle. Spray, leave for 20 minutes and wipe.
QUESTION: What kind of flower is Dianthus, I have seen it listed as a perennial and as a hardy annual? Megan, (Emerson, MB)
ANSWER: Dave, the Dianthus commonly called 'Sweet William' is an annual as are some others that are called 'Dianthus'. However, many varieties of Dianthus are perennials. So you need to identify exactly which Dianthus you are wanting to plant.
Feedback from readers:
Hello Reena,
In your Winnipeg Free Press column you mentioned that Tang (orange crystals) is okay to use as a cleaner for dishwashers. I would like more information about how to use it. Should it be dissolved or just sprinkled directly into the washer? Thank-you for your interesting and helpful information. Donna, Winnipeg
Donna,
You are not the only person requesting clarification on the subject of using Tang in dishwashers. Since orange crystals contain high amounts of citric acid it makes a great cleaner for the interior of commercial dishwashers. Once a month fill the detergent dispenser of the dishwasher with 2-3 tbsp. Tang. The dishwasher may be either full of dishes or empty. Run the dishwasher as normal. The purpose of using Tang in the dishwasher is two-fold, first it cleans out the hoses behind the dishwasher and secondly it cleans the interior of the dishwasher. Please note that this process will not zap rust stains in dishwashers.
Fabulous Tips of the Week:
* To protect your plants from cutworms, cut out the bottom of a margarine container and press it into the dirt around your plants.
* Plant mint between cabbages to discourage pests.
* Place large rocks next to garden pepper plants, the sun will warm the rocks and attract heat toward the plants.
I enjoy your questions and tips, keep them coming! Check out my web site! www.householdsolutions.org
