Question: How can I get rid of the discolouration on my cutlery? — Ivy
Answer: In commercial kitchens it is very common to toss cutlery into a sink of plain old white vinegar, let it soak and polish with a cloth.
Or cut a potato in half and sprinkle it with powdered laundry detergent, rub onto spots, rinse and dry. Doing this gets rid of water and rust spots.
Bar Keepers Friend is another effective option. To make your own silver or stainless-steel cleaner, place crumpled aluminum foil in a pan or plastic bucket, dissolve one quarter cup washing soda in enough hot water to cover the cutlery. Place cutlery on foil and let stand until the stains are gone. Rinse and polish dry.
Question: I am a senior citizen wearing two hearing aids. The hearing aids are behind the ear type and the parts inserting into the ear get unsightly with ear wax staining.
Can you help me with a remedy to clean these ear cups, which will separate from the hearing aid itself? I have tried soaking them in hydrogen peroxide without success. I would be indebted to you for the rest of my life. — Hans
Answer: Regular maintenance of your hearing aids is very important. Failure to keep them clean is not only unsightly, but can also cause unpleasant feedback and reduce sound clarity.
Since hearing aid devices are very expensive and a medical device, it is best to have them professionally cleaned regularly.
Question: I love chewing gum, but within minutes after popping a piece into my mouth it loses its flavour. Do you have any tips for bringing the flavour back? Thanks. — Amber
Answer: As you chew, the saliva in your mouth causes the flavour in gum to dissolve. Since the sweetness has been swallowed, the easiest way to heighten the flavour is to either dip the chewed gum into a small spoonfull of granulated sugar and begin chewing it again or add a hard candy to your mouth while you chew the gum.
Life Hacks
â I use Mechanics Orange Pumice Waterless Hand Cleaner to get sticky adhesive off smooth surfaces. Recently I used it to clean my microwave turntable. Worked like a charm. — Jan
â Don’t throw away extra hotdog buns, day-old bread or bread ends. Instead, collect them in an open ice cream bucket. Once dry, tear them into pieces and make vegetable lasagna. Layer frozen vegetables and bread pieces into a greased casserole pan. Sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Beat six eggs or more and pour over mixture. Let sit for 30 minutes. Bake for 20 minutes. Cheese and meat may be added if desired. — Antonio
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.
