Renovation & Design
Renovation & Design
SOLUTIONS: Ring in 2013 with helpful tips for the home
Life just got easier!
To save real snowflakes, wait until the temperature is -10 C or colder outside. Collect snowflakes on microscope slides (do not use your fingers). Cover the snowflakes on the slide with a drop of super glue (not gel). Put a cover slip over glue, don't press. Store slides in the freezer for two weeks without touching it. This allows the glue to completely harden before you remove the slide from the freezer. Examine slides with a microscope and take notice of how no two snowflakes are alike.
Save all of the cookie crumbs in the bottom of cookie boxes. Use your food processor to grind them into fine crumbs. Perfect for all kinds of cake and cookie recipes.
Pigeon problems? Screen the birds out of wall recesses and window ledges with fine-mesh chicken wire sold at hardware and garden shops. Also, sheets of plastic with plastic spikes at narrow intervals are available in hardware shops for use on flat roofs or window ledges. It is impossible for pigeons to perch on them or find a comfortable foothold.
Discourage mice from visiting areas around the home, car or barn by shaving several bars of Irish Spring soap and sprinkling them wherever mice tend to gather. Tip: Discourage rats and mice with the help of a weasel. They'll soon be gone.
Transfer your jelly to a small plastic squeeze bottle, no more mess, sticky jars or knives! This also works well for homemade salad dressing!
Concrete that has black colouration from weather is usually mouldy. Spray bleach water on the concrete with one part bleach to three parts water. Brush in and let set. Then wash off.
Wax paper taped inside slatted closet doors will help to keep out moths and dust.
The best way to hammer a small nail into the wall is to use a small comb to hold the nail.
For all of the little wastebaskets around the house use this housecleaner's trick. Keep folded garbage bags underneath the liner being used. That way you don't have to track down another liner after you empty the basket.
Next time you make Fajitas; add cooked pork, peppers, onions and seasoning to your baking pan. Next cook powdered onion soup and water on the stove. Thicken soup with cornstarch (the way that you would gravy). Add this to the Fajita pan for great flavor and texture. Bake to heat.
Store birdseed in a 20-gallon garbage can, this is inexpensive, holds more than a 50-pound bag of seed, fairly easy to carry because of the handles, comes with a lid, easy to access food for quick filling of bird feeders. Less mess, and less time.
For painting crafts, use an empty egg carton to place puddles of paint colours in, when finished dispose of carton, no mess to clean!
Make ripe tomatoes firm again. Dip tomatoes in cold water, add some salt and leave overnight.
Make leafy vegetables crunchy again. Cut the stem off and separate the stalks. Add three-quarter cup granulated sugar to a vessel filled with cold water. Place vegetables inside. Soak for four to five hours. Drain well and refrigerate.
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 Twitter and my website at reena.ca
Renovation & Design
Prevent winter roof expeditions in the future
QUESTION: I have lived in a 1950s bungalow since 2001. Over the last couple of winters there have been problems with my plumbing stack filling up with snow and freezing up. The roof is a hip roof and the stack is located on the east side.
This wasn't an issue the first five years in the house, but the last two winters I have had to climb up and clear the stack just about every time it snows, as the toilet barely flushes.
I put in a low-flow toilet on the main level sometime during this time frame, but I'm not sure if the timing directly coincides with the freezing problem. Any insight would be appreciated.
Gord Koshelanyk
ANSWER: With the recent winter weather, resulting in frequent small snowfalls, this issue may become a concern not only for you but other homeowners as well.
A slight amount of snow covering a plumbing-stack opening on a roof may not cause much concern, but it appears you have a more serious issue with it blocking proper venting.
There may be a couple of approaches to resolving this, so that you don't have to risk climbing on your roof in nasty weather just to ensure proper plumbing drainage.
Most older plumbing stacks in homes of your age were constructed of cast iron surrounded with a lead flashing installed on the roof. While this arrangement provided adequate protection from leakage, most of these older vents protruded just above or flush with the roofing, providing little protection from snow and ice.
Surprisingly, these older vents did not often freeze over because of good conduction of heat through the cast iron, combined with frequent hot-water and warm-air generation through the plumbing drains. Many older attics also were poorly insulated and air sealed at the ceilings, further warming the portion of the stack in the attic.
The common practice for older homes over the last few decades has been to dramatically increase the attic insulation to prevent heat loss and cool the attic to prevent premature wear to roofing. Because a substantial portion of your cast-iron stack may be wide open inside the attic, it could be subject to major heat loss as well, since the attic becomes colder after insulation upgrades.
As this occurs, warm vapour from waste water entering the plumbing drains will cool and condense as it enters the attic portion of the stack. If the stack is cold enough, this condensation may freeze inside this pipe, typically near the top. This can reduce the inside diameter of the stack significantly and may prevent proper venting of plumbing fixtures.
As this opening gets smaller, it's also more susceptible to being covered with snow. This can be followed by repeated melting and freezing cycles, eventually icing over the top of the vent above the roof. As more snow falls and outside temperatures drop, this may create a thick layer of ice/snow that will completely block proper air intrusion and vapour escape from this important vent.
While you're right to climb up on the roof to remove the mini quinsy that can form over top of the vent, prevention may be the key to stopping this in the future without risking life and limb. There are two areas that need your attention to make this problem disappear.
First, insulating the exposed iron piping in the attic will help to keep it warmer as it exits through the ceiling. This may be done several ways, but wrapping it with flexible pipe-wrap insulation is often the simplest. Make sure you apply a sufficient thickness, even if it requires several layers, to prevent heat loss. Many types of this pre-made insulation material come with an integral air/vapour barrier which should be installed to prevent condensation and frost.
Insulating the attic portion of the main stack inside the attic will often warm the pipe enough to prevent blockage with ice and snow. If not, hiring an experienced roofer to replace the existing flashing will put an end to your woes. This repair should be done by completely removing the existing flashing and the collar that connects the flashing to the cast-iron stack.
Quite often, the opening of this collar has a much smaller opening at the top than the inside dimension of the stack. Replacing this with a flexible neoprene connecter/flashing will serve two purposes: it may increase the diameter of the opening above the roof and it will allow the installation of a short vent extension.
Installation of a short section of ABS plastic drain piping above the roof should prevent blockage caused by snow build-up on the roof. Combined with the increased inside pipe diameter and warming of the old stack, it should eliminate future winter blockage. This minor upgrade can help prevent debris and leaves from entering the top of the vent and should ensure the top remains above roof accumulations of snow.
Care must be taken not to extend this pipe too high, though, as too much exposure to frigid weather can cool the new vent extension above the roof, simply transferring the condensation-related blockage higher up.
I suspect that reduced water entering your drains from your new toilet may be partly responsible for the vent blockage from interior frost build-up, but that's not the underlying cause of your recent problems. Excess cooling of the old stack in the attic and snow blockage of the flush-mounted vent flashing on the roof are the main culprits. Remediation of these two areas of concern should certainly prevent the need for winter roof expeditions in the future.
Ari Marantz is the owner of Trained Eye Home Inspection Ltd. and the President of the Canadian Association of Home & Property Inspectors - Manitoba (www.cahpi.mb.ca). Questions can be e-mailed to the address below. Ari can be reached at (204) 291-5358 or check out his website at www.trainedeye.ca.
trainedeye@iname.com
Renovation & Design
Countertop repair proving to be a problem
QUESTION: I would like to change my bathroom countertop and paint the cabinets. What can I do, or should I "bite the bullet" and buy a new counter? Thank you, Sharon, Winnipeg
ANSWER: Before purchasing a new countertop there are a number of products available for restoring drab-looking counters. You can try a commercial laminate or fibreglass cleaner, such as 3M Marine Fiberglas Cleaner and Wax, 3M Marine Fiberglas Restorer and Wax, Gel-Gloss or carnauba wax (car wax). Remember to test everything on an inconspicuous area first. You may want to look into purchasing spray-on counter restorer.
If your counter is damaged by dents and scratches, filler can be used. One of the fillers that currently exist on the market is "Seamfil" by Kampel Enterprises.
If all else fails, it's possible to resurface your counter inexpensively with a piece of wood and a thin sheet of laminate counter available at large hardware stores for about $35 per sheet. For an even less-expensive solution, paint both the cabinets as well as the counter -- just make sure to check with your local paint store about the best paints to use for these projects.
QUESTION: I have two questions: Is it safe to dump coffee grounds down the kitchen sink? Secondly, do you have a solution that can be applied to a window to make it look frosted? Diane, Inglis
ANSWER: Some professionals say it is okay to dump coffee grounds down the drain if you run enough water to flush them completely out of the plumbing system. However, it takes a lot of water in most houses to rinse them that far. Chances are you will eventually need to call in a professional plumber to unclog your pipes.
A better idea is to add coffee grounds to your potting soil or garden -- plants love coffee grounds. For now, dump grounds into a container outside. When spring arrives, add the thawed coffee grounds to soil around trees or in the garden.
To frost your windows, begin by giving them a thorough cleaning. Next, dissolve four heaping tablespoons of Epsom salts into one cup of beer. Leave for 25 minutes. Using a paintbrush, apply the solution in a circular motion.
To remove frosting, wash the windows with vinegar and water and a good-quality microfibre cloth. There are also frosting sprays available in stores.
For a longer-term frosted look, purchase clear self-adhesive shelf paper or frosted window film.
QUESTION: I fried a sausage in my frying pan with grape seed oil. Now I have residue in my pan and cannot get it out -- the bottom and sides have a yellowish film. Can you please help me? Thanks, Iona, Winnipeg
ANSWER: Unfortunately I have no idea whether you are tackling cast-iron, non-stick, aluminum, porcelain or some other frying-pan makeup, but here are a few options for cleaning stainless-steel frying pans.
Begin with the easiest solution, which is to sprinkle the pan with baking soda and enough water to cover the bottom of the pan. Boil the solution for five minutes. Turn the element off, leave to cool and scrub. Borax or dishwasher detergent and water can be used in the same way.
If you are desperate, try either water and ammonia or oven cleaner. Be careful not to combine one cleaner with another and ventilate well by cleaning the pan outdoors.
QUESTION: I have a laundry problem. A lip repair (like Lypsol) went through the washer and dryer and has left greasy stains on the front of my good sweatshirt in several places. Any ideas how this can be handled, or is this now a permanent stain? Also, when grease stains appear on pillow cases (after guests) how can I get them out? Marilyn, Winnipeg
ANSWER: You are not alone -- I've received many letters from people in the same predicaments. Here are two options for both challenges: Soak fabrics in hot water and Oxy Clean, or soak the fabric separately in a half-cup of Arm and Hammer washing soda and enough hot water to cover the clothes for 30 minutes. Wash as usual. Air dry. Repeat until stains are gone.
If all else fails, you can zap stains using RIT dye remover according to the directions on the box. Note: Fabric color will be significantly lightened.
Feedback from Manitoban who cares
It just 'floors' me that your article about considering new flooring (porcelain or ceramic) didn't mention how these materials conduct sound. We are presently in litigation because the noise conducted in a wood-frame older condo has ruined our quiet enjoyment. It amazes me how often people choose these lovely materials and don't give a thought to what may happen downstairs.
Perhaps you could add a sentence or two about what may happen to the unlucky ones below (maybe in granny's bedroom if you live in a house) if these floors are not properly installed with sound conduction in mind.
Thanks, love your articles. Judi
Fabulous tips of the week
-- Ever been frustrated by the puddle of water that collects on the floor after a shower? Sew a piece of Velcro to the shower curtain, adhere the other section of Velcro to the wall. During showers, attach the curtain to the wall to close all gaps.
-- If your key gets frozen in the lock of your car and you don't have lock de-icer, use hand sanitizer in its place. The alcohol in hand sanitizer is the main ingredient in lock de-icer, so they will both work.
-- Want your sled to go faster downhill? Just spray the bottom with non-stick cooking spray. This method will also lubricate an inner tube, shovel or lawnmower blade.
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 blog/website: reena.ca
Renovation & Design
SOLUTIONS: Smooth limestone cleaning rough challenge
QUESTION: I am wondering if you can advise me as to how to clean the smooth limestone face of our gas fireplace. It has never been cleaned and needs some freshening up. I had bought a product that claims to do so, but I find it too harsh and my test spot felt roughened! Is there a "home remedy" to do this job? I would love to have the fireplace spiffed up for Christmas! Please help!
Thank you, Lynda, Selkirk
ANSWER: Since the surface is smooth, your best bet is to test and find out what works best on your specific limestone. One option: try sanding any stained areas with 50-grit sandpaper. However, a belt sander is a little easier and will save time. If the stone were rough, you could clean it with a nylon bristle brush. Avoid using water if possible but, if you feel that it's necessary, protect the surrounding area and clean with 50/50 bleach and water.
Another (less-risky) option is to use an art gum eraser to clean the soot. Although elbow grease is required, no chemicals are needed. The eraser will crumble with the roughness of the stone, but the stone looks great afterwards. Eraser bits left in the stone can be brushed off with an old toothbrush or nail brush. Put newspaper down before beginning.
QUESTION: We just moved into a new home and the plumber used clear silicone on the pop-up drains in the sinks of our vanities. It squished out around the drain and we can't get the residual silicone off the porcelain around the drain. What can I use? Thanks, Grant, Deloraine
ANSWER: There are a variety of products available for removing unwanted silicone; in fact your local hardware store will carry silicone removal spray mixtures that soften silicone making it easy to rub off with a rubber glove. You can also use a product called Goof Off or WD-40 and wipe unwanted silicone with a butter knife or green abrasive pad (not an S.O.S pad) being careful not to scrape the sink.
QUESTION: I have heard a lot about the great taste of Turducken. What exactly is it? A bird of some kind? Brent, Winnipeg
ANSWER: The easiest way to describe Turducken although there are variations, is a deboned turkey which has been stuffed with a deboned duck which is stuffed with a deboned chicken. The cavity of the chicken is filled with stuffing or sausage or bread crumbs. You can cook Turducken by roasting, grilling, braising or barbecuing. The meat should be thawed out 3-4 days ahead of time. Cook on a low temperature so that the meat cooks through without burning the outside. Some people special order Turducken especially at Thanksgiving and Christmas.
QUESTION: I bought jeans a couple of months ago and even after many washings the dye still comes off when I touch and/or rub them onto my hands. Do you know how I can stop this from happening outside of never wearing them? Fern, Winnipeg
ANSWER: While this could be the result of defective dye it most likely isn't and will cure itself over time as you get rid of the excess dye. Here are a few hints to help speed up the process of making your jeans colourfast. Soak the jeans for a few hours in plain old straight white vinegar. Next wash them in the hottest water possible (you can use cold water but the colour-setting process will take longer).
Advice needed
Hi Reena, While in Jeres, Spain, I purchased a bottle of sherry vinegar at the Tio Pepe shop on a vineyard tour and it was wonderful in my homemade salad dressing. I don't expect to necessarily find the exact same flavor in Canada, but so far I've been unable to find sherry vinegar at all in any store. Do you or any of your readers know of a source?
Feedback
For the writer who couldn't find Arm and Hammer So Clean Washing Soda, I've seen it at the large Bison location of Superstore; the Kenaston location is smaller and doesn't appear to carry it. Thanks! Gail, Winnipeg
Sweet leftovers
-- Crush candy canes and add pieces to ice cream, cookies or sprinkle onto cupcake icing.
-- Candy canes make great stir sticks for hot chocolate, tea, hot milk or coffee, punch or Ginger Ale.
-- Peppermint Bark. You can use brown or white chocolate, or candy melts. Spread the melted chocolate onto waxed paper in a thin layer and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top. When hard, break into pieces. Yum!
-- A candy cane makes an interesting back scratcher.
-- Attach thank-you notes to candy canes, hand them out to people who gave you a Christmas gift or hosted you as a dinner/party guest.
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 blog/website: reena.ca!
