QUESTION: With Easter on the way, I need to know how to make great hard-boiled eggs. I tend to overcook them until they break.
Miles, MacGregor
ANSWER: Place eggs in a pot and fill with enough cold water to cover the eggs. Bring to a boil for about 12 minutes. Remove eggs (with a slotted spoon) from the pot and submerge them in a bowl of ice water. Leave for five minutes. Crack each egg and peel underneath cold water.
QUESTION: What is the best silver cleaner? When I used Silvo, I also used an aluminum sheet in the bottom of a pan and placed the silver on it. Is there any better way to get the job done quickly?
Fran, Winnipeg
ANSWER: To make silver cleaner: Place crumpled aluminum foil in a pan or plastic bucket. Dissolve one-quarter cup washing soda in enough hot water to cover the silver. Place silver on foil and let stand for five minutes until the tarnish is gone. Remove silver, rinse and polish dry.
QUESTION: My husband purchased two pairs of golf shoes and has worn one pair. Unfortunately, the pair coloured his golf socks blue. My first thought is that the sweat from his feet may have had a chemical reaction with the shoes. He would like to wear the other pair of shoes as an alternate with another pair. Is there something that we can wipe the inside of the new golf shoe with to hopefully prevent his socks from turning blue? Thanks. Darcie, Winnipeg
ANSWER: It sounds like you are absolutely right! The dye used in manufacturing the shoes bleeds when feet sweat. Depending on the textile content of the shoes, soak them in 50/50 water and vinegar for a few hours. Add a small amount of heavy-duty laundry detergent to the solution. Rinse well until the water is clear. Then air dry. It would be a good idea to carry an extra pair of socks or wear dark socks whenever he hits the greens. Another option is to wipe the inside of the shoes with Mr. Clean Magic Eraser or baby wipes.
QUESTION: I would like to wash my walls, but have since never been able to find or make my own cleaner without ending up with streaky walls. I would greatly appreciate your feedback.
Michelle, Winnipeg
ANSWER: The trick isn't so much what you use, but really how you use it. Cheap shampoo, water, sponge mop and a bucket are all you need for this project. The old painter's secret to washing walls is... wash them from the bottom up, not from the top down. Rinse with water and dry.
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