QUESTION: I am having guests over for a fancy lunch. I am planning on making sandwiches and want to perk up plain mayonnaise so the sandwiches taste better than the usual. Any suggestions? Peter (Dominion City)
ANSWER: Mayonnaise provides a unique flavour to sandwiches that some people love while others avoid. Be bold with mayonnaise by adding one of the following to one cup regular mayonnaise: one tbsp. Dijon mustard, one teaspoon dill, one tablespoon honey, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic or one teaspoon sun-dried tomato salad dressing.
QUESTION: We have just removed our wall-to-wall carpet to uncover our original 1940s oak hardwood floors. The hardwood is in reasonably good shape but there are several dark spots, probably watermarks that will need to be sanded and coloured up. There are also places where the golden-orangey wood colour is uneven. Can you recommend any commercial products or home solutions to try to bring back the colour without going through the expense of having the floors totally refinished? I remember the Aerowax paste and the buffer machine we used in the old days that did a good job of bringing back a shine, but I think I need to add back some colour, especially if we sand off the water stains. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Shelley (Winnipeg)
ANSWER: When it comes to hardwood floors, it is a good idea to purchase products recommended by the manufacturer, such as: Torley's, Columbia or Cedar Squeaky for regular cleaning or commercial hardwood-restoring products. If your hardwood floors contain surface scratches or fading, a coat of polyurethane may be exactly what it needs to restore the original lustre and beauty of the wood. On the other hand, if your floors contain deep scratches and stains where the finish has worn off, you can purchase Aerowax as it is still available on-line, or reconsider refinishing. If you would rather make your own polish: Combine four cups of white vinegar and one tbsp. of cooking oil in a spray bottle. Spray a small area and buff it with a soft cloth. Colour restoration is a good reason to refinish the floor because the options described will not rejuvenate the colour.
QUESTION: I enjoy your columns and hope you can help me.How do you remove hairspray from bathroom counters and toilet tops? I have tried hot water but don't think it is hot enough. Carole (Winnipeg)
ANSWER: Here are a few options: Wipe the areas with rubbing alcohol. Be sure to test rubbing alcohol on an inconspicuous area so you are certain it will not remove any paint. Your next step is to clean the counter and toilet with shampoo diluted in warm water. Another wonderful option, apply shaving cream to the affected areas. Leave for five minutes and scrub with an abrasive pad.
Fantastic household tips of the week
Leftover popcorn? Make rice cereal cake as usual, but instead of adding cereal, substitute popped popcorn for the same amount of cereal. Press into pan, cool and serve. Submitted by Bonnie.
Here is a quick method to de-seed a pomegranate. Use a sharp knife and cut pomegranate in half horizontally. Hold one half of the pomegranate and gently pull the sides to loosen the membrane. Turn pomegranate upside down and hold over a bowl, hit the peel with a wooden spoon until all the seeds fall out. Repeat with other half.
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