Question: I have an original Fisher-Price penguin pull toy from the early '70s. Any recommendations for cleaning the plastic? Marion, Winnipeg
Answer: I think I know exactly which toy you are referring to. According to the Fisher Price website; "Regularly clean toys with dish soap and water (avoid anti-bacterial soaps). After cleaning, sanitize toys: dilute one tablespoon of bleach in one gallon (four litres) water." Wash and dry toys. Use a non-scratching, abrasive pad to erase marks.
Question: I am an amazing cook and all around fantastic housekeeper. My family and friends are always begging me to open my own restaurant. I love to cook and am an expert in international cuisine. I just have one question: I made cookie-cutter pancakes for my family on New Year's Day and I could not release the batter from the cookie cutter. Do you know any solutions for this? Roseanne, Emerson
Answer: Cooking is an art and it sounds like your family reaps the benefits of your gifts. Here are a few ideas for well-shaped individual pancakes: spray the cookie cutter with cooking spray before use. Make sure your frying pan is flat and the batter is thin enough to pour. Fill a squeeze bottle with the batter and squeeze the batter inside the cookie cutter to reach every corner. Alternatively, pour the batter inside the pan a little larger than the cutter. After the pancake is cooked, cut shapes using the cookie cutter. Or forget the cookie cutter and use the squeeze bottle to write names or draw pictures in the frying pan. When the batter bubbles, flip the pancake.
Question: I have a mat at my front door which has been there for about 18 years. I put a foam underlay under the carpet to prevent slipping. It has now welded itself to my oak hardwood floors. What is the best way to remove it without damaging the hardwood? Tom, Winnipeg
Answer: Rent a wallpaper steamer to soften the glue, or use a hair dryer to heat the underlay, and as the heat softens the glue, scrape with a plastic putty knife. Or spray the underlay with Resolve Carpet Cleaner and scrape with a plastic putty knife. Or wet the area with 50/50 vinegar and water. Leave for 30 minutes then scrape with a plastic putty knife.
Question: I was a guest in a friend's home recently and I was scandalized because she defrosted her raw and pre-cooked meats in the kitchen sink while she was at work for the day. I was afraid to eat it, as I understand any kind of raw and pre-cooked meat should be thawed in the fridge. Anonymous
Answer: You are right. It is recommended that meat, poultry and fish are defrosted in the fridge or microwave and not in the kitchen sink or on the counter. One exception is to submerge frozen packaged meat in cold ice water to defrost. As soon as the ice melts, the water should be replaced with fresh ice water.
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