QUESTION: We have a seven-year-old Sil Granite sink. Its colour has really faded. Before, it was a very matte black, but now it is a very faded black with white smear streaks. We used a colour-enhancer product provided when I bought the sink. I have used two bottles of that, but it has not helped. Any chance you have a gem of an idea to get the smears off and some of the colour back? Damien, Winnipeg
ANSWER: Your best bet is to wipe the sink with cooking or olive oil after use. This will remove all the stains, repel water from sitting on the sink and forming white stains, and brighten the sink.
QUESTION: I would like to prepare my own rub for meat. Can you give me an easy recipe that I can use on pork? Heidi (Carman)
ANSWER: Here is an easy recipe which is perfect for about six pounds of meat. Into a bowl combine one quarter cup sugar, 4 tbsp. black pepper, one tbsp. salt, one quarter cup paprika, 2 tsp. dry mustard and 2 tsp. cayenne pepper. Rub half of the mixture onto meat 12 hours prior to cooking. Rub the other half on right before cooking.
QUESTION: I so enjoy reading your column. We have a water stain on our popcorn ceiling and were told to try Kilz overhead stain sealer. Now we have a yellow discolouration on top of the stain! Any suggestions? Wendy, Winnipeg
ANSWER: Kilz is a popular brand name but there are many products under this name, from Flat Wall and Ceiling Paint to Color Changing Ceiling Paint to Paint with Stain Blocking. You may need to prime the area before painting the ceiling, but your best bet is to explain your situation to your paint specialist and seek advice. Or contact the Kilz website and query which product is best for your situation.
QUESTION: How do I go about fixing my yellowed microwave door? Jen, Winnipeg
ANSWER: This may be a permanent condition but don't give up without a fight! Spread toothpaste onto the yellowed area. Dampen the brush with water and scrub with an old toothbrush. Rinse with water and wipe.
QUESTION: I have always read your column with interest and have used many of your helpful hints. I hope you can help me with this problem. I have a set of lamps given to me by my late parents. They have a glass base, and I wonder if they can be painted as we have changed our decor/colours. If so, what type of paint might be used? Thank-you! O, Winnipeg
ANSWER: Yes, you can absolutely paint the glass base! Begin by unplugging the lamp and cleaning the base well with plain old dish soap and water. Dry and cover any electrical wires. Spray on heatproof paint in the colour of your choice.
QUESTION: Why do people deep-fry turkeys instead of baking them? I was given a deep fryer specifically for this purpose but I haven't used it. Is it worth the effort? Nana (Richer)
ANSWER: I have a friend who heads down to the U.S. every November for American Thanksgiving just because her dad deep-fries the turkey. She says it's the best way to prepare turkey, and nothing beats the flavor. Deep-frying turkey is a Cajun tradition that produces juicy meat and crispy skin. Many people agree it is out of this world.
Fabulous Tip of the Week
* Never let your toilet paper run away from the roll again. Either squeeze the roll in half before placing it on the toilet-paper holder (great if you own an RV), or position the roll so that the paper hangs under the roll instead of overtop.
I enjoy your questions and tips, keep them coming. Missed a column? Can't remember a solution? Need a speaker for an upcoming event? Check out my brand new videos/blog/website: reena.ca!
