Question: is it possible to make homemade ice cream without an ice-cream maker? — Zachary
Answer: In a bowl, combine two cups heavy whipping cream, two cups half-and-half cream, one cup sugar and two teaspoons vanilla extract. Stir well. Pour contents into a 9x13 pan and place in freezer for 30 minutes. Beat the mixture again every 30 minutes and return to the freezer. Repeat five times.
Cover and store in the freezer for up to three months. Add chocolate, strawberry or caramel syrup, candy pieces or mint extract and green food colouring.
Question: I have an enamel pot that has a dirty interior from the cooking elements. I used vinegar, baking soda, a dryer sheet and cola; nothing worked. Any idea on how to clean the inside and make it white again? — Rose
Answer: When all else fails, fill the pot with one inch of three per cent hydrogen peroxide and ¼ cup baking soda. Bring to a boil for five minutes. Wait until it’s cool to the touch and then scrub with an abrasive non-scratching pad.
Or try my favourite concoction, Corellabunga: in the pot, combine three cups vinegar, four cups water and two tablespoons of citric acid, bring to a boil. Pour out and rinse.
Question: I recently bought a used car (newer model, low mileage). After an enjoyable summer of driving, I’m noticing a strong cigarette smell in the vehicle.
I don’t smoke, but suspect the previous owner did. I don’t want to just mask the smell. I would like to remove it entirely. What can you suggest? — John
Answer: Begin by vacuuming and cleaning the interior of the vehicle, including all vinyl, leather, carpet and upholstery. You may want to take this project on yourself or hire a professional.
After the interior is clean, place an open bag of activated charcoal or kitty litter in the vehicle for several weeks.
Instead of car fresheners, it is effective to store an open bar of soap in the car. Fragrances of soap are mild (depending on the soap) and if the fresh soap smell fades, grate the side of the soap with your keys. The soap will once again freshen the air inside your vehicle. I keep a bar of soap inside my vehicle and it smells great!
You may want to consider renting an ozone machine. This little machine is not recommended for regular use, but it is great for enclosed areas that have had smoke or flood damage, or just smell.
These machines can be rented at tool rental retailers. Read all manufacturers’ instructions before use.
Question: I would like to make my own laundry stain remover. Do you have a recipe that had successful results? I live in the country, so the ingredients would need to be accessible, nothing unusual. — Sabrina
Answer: This recipe is easy to use and requires products that are quite easy to find, but it is only to be used by people who do not mind using ammonia (which is a personal choice).
Into a spray bottle, pour: 2/3 cup of Dawn dish soap, 2/3 cup household ammonia, 1/3 cup baking soda and two cups of water. Do not combine this recipe with any bleach products.
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: reena.ca. Ask a question or share a tip at reena.ca
