Barbara Damrosch / The Associated Press files
Getting rid of glue streaks on woodstove glass could be as easy as a No. 2 pencil.
QUESTION: We have a streak across our woodstove glass caused by gasket glue. We have tried glass cleaner, solvents and a razor blade and nothing will remove it. It takes away from the ambience of the fire and we would love to find a solution.
— Judy
Answer: Have you tried using a pencil? Some people had great success by rubbing the lead of a pencil onto the glue of the room temperature glass. The lead does not hurt the glass but removes the glue. Next, when the glue is gone, crumple up a sheet of wet newspaper. Dip the newspaper into the ashes of the stove. Wipe the window with the newspaper. The caked-on residue quickly disappears.
Question: I have cotton tea towels that have developed an oily or greasy film so they are no longer absorbent. I use Tide or Gain laundry soap and do not use a softener sheet in the dryer. How can I restore them to normal?
— Darleen
Answer: The quality of dish and tea towels often depends on where they were manufactured. Here is a process that should get those towels back to their original condition. Rejuvenate old towels by boiling them for 10 minutes in 50/50 vinegar and water. Instead of tossing them into the dryer. Hang them outside to dry for the next few uses.
Question: I have a big stain of dried molasses on my carpet and I was wondering if you had any advice as to how I could clean it up. Many thanks.
— Amy
Answer: Without knowing the fibre content of your carpet it is difficult to advise you. However, if the carpet is washable, pour hot water over the stain to loosen the molasses. Blot, and scrape the molasses to lift. Clean area with dish soap and water. If the molasses does not budge, spray the area with WD-40, leave for 15 minutes and wipe (test all solutions on an inconspicuous area first).
Feedback from friendly Manitoban
Re: Where is the best place to keep store-bought bread?
Hi Reena. This week, you had a letter about thawing store-bought bread. My solution works well for thawing everything. A few years ago, I decided to freeze all my bread products so they would stay freshly baked in flavour and texture. I needed a way to thaw things so they wouldn’t become soggy on the bottom. The trick is to expose all the items to room air (i.e. to get air circulating around the product while it is thawing.) I use a cooling rack (used for cooling cookies, etc.) and put it under everything I thaw. It works like a charm. No more soggy bottoms!
— Barb
Chin up tulips, Spring is here!
To prevent tulips from drooping, consider these fine tips:
• Select tulips that are tightly closed. They should display green buds with a slight bit of colour.
• Choose a vase large enough so that tulips have room to live. Use fresh lukewarm water. Recut stems on a diagonal after purchase; this will help the flowers drink as they become accustomed to their new home.
• Instead of tearing the plastic packaging off with excitement; leave it on for a few hours until the tulips have settled to the temperature of the water.
Tulip Trivia: Tulips continue to grow an inch or more after being cut.
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.
Reena Nerbas is a popular motivational presenter for large and small groups; check out her website: reena.ca. Ask a question or share a tip at reena.ca
