Try this lumpy brown sugar fix
There are a few easy tricks to replenish moisture and make it ideal for sprinkling
Q I enjoy a bowl of oat cereal for breakfast and like to sprinkle it with brown sugar. My problem is the sugar is always lumpy and no amount of shaking makes the sugar finer for sprinkling.
A Brown sugar hardens when moisture inside the container evaporates. All you need to do is replenish the moisture with one of these easy solutions. Place a cut up apple or slice of bread into an airtight container with the sugar, softening will take about a day. Or drape a damp towel over the unlidded bowl and leave overnight. Or put the sugar into the microwave with a separate bowl of water. Turn the microwave on and check every 30 seconds to observe if the sugar is soft. A long-term fix is to purchase a piece of food-safe clay — these are available at most grocery stores. Soak the clay in water for a few hours and then store it inside the brown sugar container to keep it moist.
Q I’m sure that I read something in a past column of yours regarding painting basement floors. Ours is cement and the finish used was recommended by our local building supply dealer — and applied according to directions. It does not seem to be working, and the paint is coming off in patches. I believe the problem is dampness coming from underneath. Any help you could give me would be appreciated.
A This is a common problem in basements that were not sealed before painting. Consider sanding off the peeling paint and then applying a sealing product such as Aqua Seal before applying the proper paint. Following that, talk to your local hardware store about the best epoxy paint to use on the floor.
Q I sprayed my copper tea set and my silver-plated set with hairspray a few years ago to avoid cleaning frequently. I used silver cleaner but it did not work on the copper or on the silver-plated articles and now they are looking worse. Do you have suggestions on how to restore these items?
A Before cleaning the copper and silver, wipe the metal with rubbing alcohol to remove the hairspray (test on an inconspicuous area first). The best way to clean copper is to either spray and polish the copper with WD-40 or to combine 1/2 cup (125 mL) vinegar with 1 tbsp (15 mL) salt and 1 tbsp (15 mL) flour. Apply to metal and leave for 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water and polish (always test first). In terms of the silver cleaner, place crumpled aluminum foil in a plastic bucket. Dissolve 1/4 cup (60 mL) washing soda in 4 quarts (1 L) of hot water. Place silver on foil and let stand for a few seconds, until the tarnish is gone. Remove the silver, rinse and dry. Also, corrosion caused by food can be repaired my mixing 1 tbsp (15 mL) hot vinegar, 2 cups (500 mL) water and 2 tsp (10 mL) salt. Soak for five minutes and polish.
Q I read your column every week, however I don’t recall seeing a solution for removing quite a buildup of moss in our driveway, I am elderly and, therefore, I am afraid of slipping on it. I once read about either vinegar or bleach and boiling water but would like to hear a more accurate solution if that is possible.
A You don’t need bleach or boiling water. All you need is household superstar vinegar.
Put pickling vinegar into a spray bottle and spray the moss; the acid in vinegar is strong enough to kill weeds. Be aware that vinegar will kill anything green, so keep it away from your green grassy lawn.