QUESTION: I recently bought an LCD TV. The dealer stressed that the screen was not glass and could easily be damaged by using common glass cleaners, for example those that contain ammonia. From what I’ve read, the damage may not appear immediately, but after regular cleaning with the wrong products it may become cloudy or have some other visible problems. Another issue is the apparent dust-magnet properties of the LCD screen. Some of the commercial products claim to have anti-static properties, and I’d sure like to know what substance they use and how we can be sure it won’t affect the screen. Can you shed some light on this and recommend something to clean the TV screen? Thanks in advance. —Bonnie
Answer: When in doubt, always refer to your manufacturer’s manual first, if you do not have a manual call the company who manufactured the screen and ask them to email you their recommendations. Getting recommendations in writing is always a good idea.
If you would like to make your own homemade cleaner, mix one-part water and one part 90 per cent isopropyl alcohol, wipe with a very soft cloth. Do not use paper towels or anything more abrasive than a cotton T-shirt. Windex or anything that contains ammonia is not recommended as it can etch the screen surface and can cause the plastic to become cloudy. There are commercial cleaning solutions available, but some of them are quite expensive and contain nothing other than isopropyl alcohol and water.
To repel dust, gently wipe the screen with a dry fabric softener sheet. In every case always test on a small inconspicuous area first.
Question: I was steaming vegetables and forgot about them. The water went dry and burned my pot. Any solution? — Derrick
Answer: Soak the pot with dishwasher detergent and hot water for a couple of hours, scrub with a steel wool pad. Or, and this is what I like to do, pour baking soda, dish soap and enough water to cover the bottom. Boil the contents for five minutes. Let sit just until cool enough to handle and scrub with an S.O.S pad. Some people use oven cleaner for this purpose and leave it overnight, but I prefer baking soda.
Tips for the New Year
You can make the best ribs in a slow cooker if you remove them from the slow cooker 30 minutes before serving and place them onto a baking sheet. Broil until browned, this way they are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. — Karen
To temporarily camouflage tiny nicks or chips in flooring melt a matching crayon. Drip the wax onto the area. Use a plastic scraper or ruler to level off the top so the wax is even with the floor. — Fraser
I have tried all kinds of coffeemakers and am finally satisfied with a good strong cup of coffee made with a French press/Bodem. Put coffee (I use President’s Choice dark roast) into the French press, pour in water that has just been boiled. Let sit for a few minutes. Press the top down, pour into mug. One cup of this coffee, and I’m fine for the rest of the day. Nothing fancy. — Henry
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.
Have a great suggestion or tip? Please send an email at: info@reena.ca. Reena Nerbas is a popular motivational presenter for large and small groups; check out her website: reena.ca.
