Question: My wife and I are trying to eat healthier, because of a recommendation from my doctor to change our diet. Can you please tell me what soy sauce is made with? Thank you.
— Vincent
Answer: Soy sauce is predominantly made from fermented soybeans (wheat, salt and water). While that may sound like a "green light" for healthy eating, be warned, because the sodium content in soy sauce is very high. Choosing low-sodium soy sauce is an option, however. Leaving it out completely, if you struggle with issues such as high blood pressure, is an even better option.
Question: I absolutely love doing laundry! Can you please give me a great recipe for homemade laundry detergent that I can make, using common ingredients? A woman in my neighbourhood sells homemade laundry detergent, but I would rather make it myself. Thanks.
— Erin
Answer: I admire your excitement for laundry! Grate one bar of Fels-Naptha bar soap (found in grocery and health-food stores or online). Dissolve the soap in a stainless-steel pot, along with one gallon of water. Pour three gallons of water into a five-gallon bucket. Stir in half a cup of borax and one cup washing soda. Add 20 drops of your favourite essential oil (optional). Cover and leave for two days. Stir clumps before each use. Use one cup per load.
Question: I have a plastic kitchen garbage can. Every few days, I replace the plastic grocery bag with a new one. But, without fail, the bag falls into the trash. Is there a way that I can prevent the bag from falling inside? Thanks.
— Early
Answer: Please consider sticking plastic hooks to two opposite sides of your garbage can. Hook the handles of the shopping bag to each side, and the bag will no longer fall inside the receptacle.
Question: I have lots of scratches on the rim and all over my stainless-steel kitchen sink. It is a brushed stainless look. Is there some way that I can safely get rid of the scratches? Thanks for any help, and for all the good tips I get from reading your column. Keep up the good work!
— Sarah
Answer: There are multiple products available at hardware stores designed to remove scratches on stainless steel — including all appliances, even the kitchen sink! Or buff out scratches yourself. Use a sand pad for intense scratches or a scuff pad — No. 1 for heavier scratches or No. 000 for finer scratches. Spray the stainless steel with 50-50 white vinegar and water mix. Buff out scratches with the pad. Make sure to use long, even strokes and pull the pad along the grain. Using short strokes will result in a patchy finish. Polish with a soft cloth.
Note: Every user assumes all risks of injury or damage resulting from the implementation of any suggestions in this column. Test all products on an inconspicuous area first.
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