Dean Fosdick / Associated Press
Home canning is labour intensive, but practitioners contend it generally results in foods more appetizing and less expensive than store bought. It also keeps produce from the vegetable garden and orchard from spoiling.
Question: During this time of canning and preserving, how does one manage all the fruit flies?
— John
Answer: You need a big plastic juice jug with a removable lid. Inside the juice jug, place a bowl of wine (red or white) or vinegar. Put banana peels inside the jug around the bowl. Both banana and wine smells are wonderful for attracting flies. Put the lid onto the juice jug and tape the opening of the jug so there is only a small hole (this way, the flies can’t easily escape). You will need to replace the banana peels every day so the house doesn’t pick up a foul odour.
At this time of the year when fruit flies are a nuisance, be sure also to refrigerate as much fruit as possible to keep flies to a minimum.
Bananas are normally stored at room temperature, but you may want to experiment by keeping them in plastic containers in the cupboard for a day or so. Some people store bananas in the fridge to guard against fruit flies; the peel becomes dark, but the banana will remain intact for several days.
Question: Funny how we all at one time or another see an item we can use in your weekly column. I have checked for a while now and have not found a solution to the question of what to do with our bath soap pieces as they wear down to a size you can no longer use. We have tried putting the pieces in a mesh bag, but find this very awkward to use in the shower, and messy to store after using. Would it be possible to somehow melt down the pieces, and reform them so they more closely resemble the original product? Do you have other suggestions?
— Phil
Answer: Drop the soap slivers into a plastic squeeze bottle and add water until it’s full. Keep the bottle beside the sink for washing hands and dishes. You can also pile wet soap slivers one on top of the other. Stick a pop-bottle cap onto the top soap sliver (to make the squished together bar easier to hold). Allow the soap to dry and use in the bathtub.
You can also make your own liquid hand soap because buying it in the store is rather costly.
Into a microwaveable bowl, grate 140 grams of soap slivers (about one bar of soap) with a hand grater or food processor. Mix soap with three cups water. Microwave on high for four to seven minutes or until the mixture comes to a boil and the soap dissolves.
Don’t worry if the mixture looks thin, it will thicken as it cools. Pour into dispenser.
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 at reena.ca. Ask a question or share a tip at reena.ca.
