KEY INFORMATION THAT’S WORTH ITS SALT
Q Can you please tell me the difference between sea and kosher salt? Several recipes call for kosher salt, but I never have any on hand.
A The greatest difference is that kosher salt has larger crystals that take longer to dissolve. However, there is not much difference between kosher salt and rough sea salt, except that sea salt undergoes the least amount of processing. Substituting one for the other is no problem; the only difference is the measurement. Use 1 1/4 tsp (6 mL) kosher salt for every teaspoon (5 mL) of sea salt. Kosher salt is great for seasoning meat. Sea salt is very versatile, and often the most expensive of the three types of salt. Another common salt is table salt, which is finely and evenly shaped; it may contain anti-clumping agents such as calcium silicate. As the name implies, it is commonly placed on tables, as a seasoning for meals.
Q I have several gold picture frames in my living room that I would like to change to silver. They are not a solid gold colour and I would like the same effect in silver. Any help you can offer would be very much appreciated.
A The easiest and fastest options for painting frames is to spray paint them with a hammer finish. Read product labels to learn which paint works best for the frame material. It is important to hold the spray can 12 inches
(30.5 cm) away from the frame while spraying, wisp the paint back and forth as you paint. Holding the paint too close will result in an uneven, drippy finish.
Q We recently moved into a new home. When I unpacked my silk flower collection, I was horrified to see that they are completely squished and wrinkled. How can I remove the wrinkles?
A Soak the flowers upside down in a bucket of warm sudsy water for 15 minutes. Allow them to dry and reshape them when damp. Other options are to let the steam from a hot shower draw out the wrinkles or use a heat gun. However, a heat gun is less effective and more time consuming.
Q How can I get rid of the gross stink of dead mice in a vehicle? A mechanic was asked to locate any nests or dead mice, and he said he couldn’t find any. I’ve tried baking soda and charcoal briquettes.
A If you are dealing with a dead animal, the smell will return, even if you manage to zap it temporarily. The good news is that the smell does dissipate over time (as long as the animal is absent). If you absolutely don’t see anything, take the car to an automotive centre, they will kill the smell with an ozone machine.
Q We have tried to clean stains from our ivory-coloured carpet. It’s left grey stains. They were feces and urine stains from a senior who was ill. Is there anything we can do other than replacing the bedroom carpet?
A You may want to test a small area of carpet before applying the following recipe. However, I have had great results with this formula for removing stains, as well as odours.
Step 1: Mix together 1/2 tsp
(2.5 mL) of clear dish soap and 1 cup (250 mL) of warm water. Blot (do not scrub) onto the stain and leave for five minutes. Pat area dry using a white towel.
Step 2: Mix together 1/2 cup
(125 mL) 3% hydrogen peroxide and 2 tbsp (30 mL) of household ammonia. Dip a white towel in solution and blot onto the stain. Cover the stain with clear plastic wrap and weigh down with heavy books. Make sure the books are not touching the carpet because if the book gets wet, the dye from the paper can seep onto the carpet. Leave for 12 hours.
Step 3: Blot dry.
Step 4: Blot with warm water and dry, two to three times.
Step 5: Air dry.
Step 6: When dry, blot with white vinegar and leave it on. The area should be a little wetter than damp — which means you may need to double the recipe if the stain is large. Disclaimer: 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.