QUESTION: What can I do for a kitchen sink that keeps plugging up? I use the plunger to unplug it, but my husband does not want me using Drano. What natural products can I use?
— Dale
Answer: If possible, remove the trap and clean it well with vinegar, water and dish soap. Also, clean the drain: pour one cup vinegar into the drain, chase with one cup baking soda. Plug the drain and fill the sink with hot water. Leave overnight and drain in the morning. Snaking the drain is another step in keeping it clear and odour-free. Note: do not leave water in the sink if small children are in the house.
Feedback
In your column, someone asked how to clean smooth-top stoves. Bar Keepers Friend was recommended to us many years ago.
Works great, but still needs a little elbow grease. It is non abrasive, and won’t scratch the surface.
— Don
In our house, we went from the old-style ring burners to an induction stove. My wife did not want a glass-top stove because of the cleaning issue, but the ring-top stoves had already gone down in the market (i.e. they did not offer many features).
Thus, we discovered induction stoves. They clean easily and we rarely have boil-overs or burned food at the bottom of the pot because of the instant control of cooking temperatures.
— Rob
I just read your column about cleaning a smooth-top stove. When I first purchased my stove top, I, too, tried many different cleaners and methods. Now I use a wet Norwex EnviroCloth (on a cold surface) for cleaning, followed with a Norwex Polishing Cloth — no chemicals needed, just water. Even after frying a pound of bacon with all the greasy splatters, cleanup is a breeze. For any tough spots, I use the Norwex Cleaning Paste, as this is environmentally friendly.
— Delores
Helpful tips
I have changed the way I eat breakfast oatmeal in the morning. Instead of sprinkling the surface with sugar, I now add a dollop of butter onto the surface, it tastes so good.
— Peter
When oven spills occur, quickly pour a generous amount of salt onto the area. Wait about an hour and wipe up. The salt will absorb the spill and make cleanup a snap.
— Lynda
To prevent broom handles or metal vacuum wands from marking walls, put old socks over the ends.
— Kathy
I use the powdered laundry detergent that is sold in plastic pails. It is such a struggle to get the lid off with each use, so now I just rest the lid on top of the pail. This allows moisture in, causing a problem with clumping. I decided to toss in a couple of packages of the silica gel that comes with new shoes. It keeps the laundry detergent dry and works amazingly well.
— Kendrick
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: reena.ca. Reena Nerbas is a popular motivational presenter for large and small groups; check out her website: reena.ca.
