Question: Do you have a solution on how to remove grease that seems to be baked onto the bottom of my old cast iron frying pan? I have tried some commercial cleaners, but they didn't work. Maybe you have a remedy that will work. You have such interesting hints in your articles, I try not to miss any of them, but I haven't been able to find anything pertaining to this problem. Thank-you so much, Carol, Winnipeg
Answer: Begin by washing the pan with dish soap and water, next take a little vegetable oil on a paper towel and wipe around the inside and outside. Put the pan in the oven on about 225 for a few hours. Enjoy your pans and do not worry, even though they may not look clean, they are clean. If you are not happy with the appearance, consider trying oven cleaner on your pans (make sure to use in a ventilated area).
Question: This summer our dog has been very smelly. He is a beautiful long-haired golden retriever, 2.5-years-old. He really enjoys the outdoors, walking, swimming, running, fetching. He is very friendly and into everything. We have bathed him numerous times throughout the summer, using dog shampoos, but still he smells. Is there a product or solution you would recommend, to eliminate this awful odor? We use the following shampoo brands: WAHL and Hartz. Sincerely, Ryan, Sanford
Answer: It is obvious by your attention to detail you are doing your very best to care for your dog. It is important to note like humans; body smell can permeate from our insides not necessarily from the outside. People who eat lots of garlic for example eventually begin to smell like garlic. Since shampoos aren't remedying the smell you may need to consider the next step. With that said, it sounds as though your golden retriever needs a trip to the vet to investigate what is going on inside his body and to determine the cause of the odor. His odor may be linked to his diet or a medical condition and will be worth checking out.
Question: I need your help. I have yellow spots on my linoleum in our bathroom. It is caused from using lemon scented Mr. Clean. I have tried everything to remove the stains but nothing works. I can't afford new lino. Please tell me how to remove these stains. Thank- you. Jackie, Winnipeg
Answer: Unfortunately the yellow stains may be permanent. With so many vinyl and linoleum products on the market, it seems what works on one does not necessarily work on another. If your floor is more than 50 years old it is most likely linoleum, in this case the linseed that makes up linoleum has discolored. In order to bring back the color the floor would need to be stripped and refinished. Doing this may or may not remove yellowing.
Or perhaps, the floor is actually vinyl. Many people have found pouring three per cent hydrogen peroxide onto the floor every day for three days is helpful. Other people have had great success by combining one quarter cup OxiClean with one gallon hot water and pouring the solution onto the area. Another solution is bleach but most experience this application removes the floors finish and shine. Lastly, mineral spirits is another treatment people have told me worked for them.
Question: My neighbor brought me eggplants from her garden. How do I prepare them? Should I cook them? Colton, Brandon
Answer: Yes, you definitely need to cook them. Here is one idea for preparing eggplant: Peel the skin off and slice the eggplant into one quarter inch pieces. Dip the pieces into beaten eggs and then coat them with breadcrumbs. Fry the pieces in vegetable oil until golden brown on both sides. Dab off the excess oil. Lay the slices in a pan and cover with spaghetti sauce and mozzarella cheese. Bake in the oven at 350 degrees for 30 mins. Another option is to put the fried eggplant inside sandwiches or add pieces to soups or stews.
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.
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