Question: How can I get rid of Asian beetles in my home?
— Vanessa
Answer: Those unwanted creatures are waking up from their winter hibernation and stinking up homes across Manitoba. Get rid of them as soon as you see them because they quickly multiply. Refrain from squishing them, because when you squish them, they emit an odour that doesn’t smell great and, secondly, some say the odour attracts a bunch of their pals to the area. That is why a person often sees several over the course of a few days in the same area after squishing one. Instead, pick them up and flush them or vacuum them. Seal doors and windows around your home and quickly close the door as you enter and exit. Make sacks of bay leaves and/or cloves and leave them around the house to repel them with the scent.
Question: What is the difference between using butter and shortening when baking pie crusts? Which is better?
— Summer
Answer: Many bakers opt to use a combination of butter and shortening or lard when baking pie crusts to reap the benefits of each. Here are a few differences between the two, the decision is a personal preference. Butter is approximately 80 per cent fat and 20 per cent water, while shortening and lard are 100 per cent fat. Butter has a richer flavour and, when chilled before use, encompasses pieces of butter that gradually melt and separate within the layers, leaving you with a flaky, melt-in-your-mouth crust. The result of a shortening is a lighter, more tender crust.
Question: I need an easy way to get bugs off the front of the car.
— Arnie
Answer: Fill a spray bottle with one tablespoon liquid fabric softener and two-cups water. Spray the area and leave for one minute. Wipe with a soft, non-scratching cloth. Another popular technique is to spray the area with water and wipe with a liquid fabric softener sheet, but be cautious as the fabric softener sheet may scratch the paint over time.
Question: How can we clean the rust markings off a cement driveway that our snow shovel left?
— Warren
Answer: Remove rust stains on your driveway with the following technique: using a garden hose, spray the area with water and scrub with a wire brush, such as a barbecue brush. The stains should quickly disappear.
Question: I have a HE washing machine and just recently washed a load of clothing, and it all came out with an odour. Not sure what the odour is, but I have tried baking soda, vinegar and ammonia with no luck. Not sure what to do next! The vinegar I used was not distilled vinegar and I wonder if this made a difference. Thanks for your help!
— Susie
Answer: If only a few items carried an odour after washing, I would assume that the challenge was in the manufacturing of the textiles. When the entire load is affected, it may very well be that the machine needs cleaning. As grime and dirt sit in the machine and accumulates, the machine is prevented from working to its full capacity. Depending on how often the machine is used, the products that you use in the machine and the age of the appliance, it may be time to clean the components of the machine. Another factor to consider is how long the clothes sat in the machine; if they were left too long, soak the clothing in fill strength vinegar and rewash the fabrics using borax or washing soda.
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.
I enjoy your questions and tips, keep them coming. Need a presenter on the topic: Effective Speaking or The Power of Words? Check out reena.ca.
