Wet iPhone? No problem, just rice it

Question: I dropped my iPhone in the water. Is there anything I can do to fix it or is it garbage? — Karla

Answer:

Step 1: Turn the phone off immediately.

Step 2: Dry the phone with a soft towel (not a hair dryer).

Step 3: Fill a sealable plastic bag with dry uncooked rice. Place the phone inside the bag and remove as much of the air as possible. Close the bag and leave for 24 to 36 hours. The rice will absorb the damaging moisture. Check the liquid conductor light on the side of the phone; if the phone was damaged by water, the light will shine red (instead of the normal white or silver colour). If the light is red, take the phone to a specialist for repair.

Question: How can I remove watermarks off wood? The table is antique, so I am aware nothing will work if the mark has penetrated into the finish. In that event I’ll just sew a cloth cover for the table. Thank you. — Joan

Answer: You are right. Since the table is an antique, the water may have stripped the finish off the wood. If this is the case, you will need to refinish the surface of the table. But first, place a tea towel onto the area and press the mark with a warm iron. Observe whether the stain is gone. Next, smear mayonnaise over the spot, leave for one hour and wipe. If the stain remains, sand and refinish the table.

Question: Why are English cucumbers shrink-wrapped?

Answer: If you were to compare the appearance of a shrink-wrapped English cucumber over two weeks versus a non-wrapped English cucumber, you would notice that the shrink-wrapped cucumber lasts about three times longer. Shrink-wrapping reduces dehydration and damage to cucumbers during transport and reduces the amount of moisture lost from the cucumber.

Tips for opening annoying packaging:

❚ English cucumbers: To quickly remove the plastic wrap, cut the cucumber in half so it is easier to work with. Score the plastic along the seam, being careful not to cut through the cucumber. Remove plastic and cut off both ends of the cucumber, because the ends are a little bitter. If you are cutting plastic off of several cucumbers, consider using an electric knife to cut the plastic off. Take extra care not to cut yourself when using an electric knife because the cucumber may roll while you are working with it.

❚ Shrink wrapping: Items such as batteries are imprisoned inside thick plastic shrink wrap, making the package difficult to open. Run a can opener along the edge of the package to open it, just as you would if you were opening a can. Or cut the package edge with tin snips. If the package comes with a hole at the top, grab the hole with both hands and pull.

❚ Stitched rice bag: The stiches often break as you open the bag. Turn the bag so that the smooth stiches are facing you and the looped stiches are on the back. With the bag facing you, untangle any strings sticking out on the right side. Gently pull the string; it should unravel and free all the stiches. If you pull the wrong string, the stitches become tangled and won’t open.

❚ Flour and sugar bags: No matter how careful you are, some of the contents spill as you open flour and sugar bags. Drop the bag onto the counter so most of the contents fall to the bottom of the bag. Place the bag in your dry kitchen sink. Instead of tearing the bag, use scissors, thereby reducing spillage.

Tips of the Week:

Save Pringles lids; the diameter is the same as many drinking glasses. If you aren’t able to finish a glass of liquid, such as milk, close the cup with a Pringles lid. This prevents the drink from spilling while it’s being stored in the fridge.

— Jordan

Ran out of eggs? Substitute half a banana for one egg in recipes.

— Kristi

Save your old glass Parmesan cheese shaker because it may come in handy. Fill it with flour and sprinkle onto surfaces that require flour. Also makes a great dispenser for people who like to keep a sugar/cinnamon mixture on hand.

— Blaine

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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