Fixing stains, spills that may drive you bananas
Speaking of the fruit, ideas abound for use in recipes and skin care — or just as is
Q I have had my fabric sofa set for more than 25 years and never cleaned it. It is hardly ever used and still looks new ... well, it did until my son spilled tea on it. Any suggestions as to how to clean the upholstery?
A Begin by vacuuming the couch to freshen the upholstery. Next, in a two-cup (500 mL) measure, pour one cup (250 mL) lemon juice and add one tablespoon
(15 mL) baking soda. The mixture will bubble. Remove the foam from the measuring cup and spread it onto the couch. Wipe the entire couch including the stain. Scrub the couch until all traces of foam have disappeared. Make sure that you do not use the liquid, only the foam. This is an effective way to clean and freshen furniture and get rid of stains without soaking; test on an inconspicuous area first.
Q The anti-slip strips in my bathtub have become discoloured. Can you suggest a way to clean them without harming the tub? Appreciate your column.
A Several people got great results by scrubbing areas with a green scrubby pad — a wash cloth won’t do it — and either toilet bowl cleaner or equal parts: borax, dish soap and three per cent hydrogen peroxide. Scrub and rinse.
Q I have salt stains on my leather boots. Any suggestions for getting the salt stains off?
A As in many cases, vinegar is the answer that you are searching for and this challenge is no exception. Using a good quality microfibre cloth, wipe the boots with plain old vinegar. Not only will this remove the salt stains, but it will condition the leather at the same time.
Q I love the taste of restaurant Caesar Salad! When I make it at home, I never know how much salad dressing to add to the lettuce. If I add too much, the croutons become soggy. If I add too little, it lacks flavour. Any suggestions?
A While there is no set standard measurement of dressing-to-lettuce ratio, the general guideline is 1/2 cup (125 mL) dressing for a single size head of Romaine lettuce. Each leaf should have some dressing but too much dressing will leave you with soggy croutons and lots of fat. As for croutons, make sure that you add them just before serving. Another chef ’s trick is to serve Caesar salad in a wooden bowl: Remove the skin from a clove of garlic and rub the clove along the inside of the bowl — this adds flavour to the salad.
GO BANANAS FOR THESE TIPS
Substitute half a banana for each egg called for in a recipe.
Speed up the process of ripening bananas to use in baking by baking them for 15 minutes at 350 F (175 C).
Slow down bananas from turning brown. Wrap the stems with plastic wrap and secure with an elastic band.
Banana peels contain vitamin C and vitamin E and they also contain potassium, zinc, iron, and manganese. Rub the peel on your skin twice a day to dry out pores and reduce acne.
Cut bananas peels into small pieces and bury them in garden soil to add nutrients to plants.
Bananas are a healthy snack because they are a good source of potassium, high in fibre and low in fat. They help replenish energy and are a great diet food because they make you feel full.
Black bananas take a tantalizing dessert like banana cream pie from a treat to a travesty; and I have been the baker of the latter. I learned — the hard way — to begin with newly ripe bananas. Toss banana pieces in a bit of lemon juice. Completely cover bananas with cream, and slice bananas just before serving. Lastly, instead of cutting bananas into individual slices, consider slicing each banana lengthwise once down the middle before placing them into the pie crust, less oxidizing equals less chance of black bananas.
Pull bananas apart after bringing them home from the store; they don’t ripen as quickly.
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, to ask a question or share a tip.