Spring cleaning is on the way
Get your car and refrigerator shining again as warmer weather gradually comes back
Q Do you have any experience or a solution to restore the finish of clear glass? I have some fine scuffing/scratches on my car windshield and would like to safely polish it. Any help bringing back its clarity would be much appreciated.
A Your best bet for this conundrum is to purchase a glass scratch repair kit. Results are good for minor scratches and restoration. For deep scratches that appear beyond the surface, enlist a professional with expertise in windshield repair.
Q Our fridge is spotty and the freezer drawer looks like it has streaks of water on it. What can be done to restore the stainless steel? The fridge is five years old.
A Wipe the fridge with vinegar and dish soap. Rinse with water and dry with a soft cloth. Polish with a small amount of mineral oil.
Q Can you give me advice for making tasty biscuits that don’t fall apart?
A Tip No. 1 is to use cold butter. Tip No. 2: Do not overwork your dough. You want the dough to be handled as little as possible so that the butter stays cold. Tip No. 3 is to add a cold egg and cold milk. This method will keep the dough cold and prevent the butter from melting. After baking, brush the tops of each biscuit with butter.
Q I dropped a piece of fish that had been cooked in grapeseed oil on my pants. How can I get the oil stain out?
A If you can get a hold of one of the following, you will have a great chance of removing that mark.
Onto the stain sprinkle either: cornstarch, baby powder or baking soda until all the grease is absorbed. Dawn dish soap is also effective, but test on an inconspicuous area first. Wash the pants as usual and air dry because the heat of the dryer will set the stain if it remains. Repeat if necessary.
FEEDBACK FROM CONTRIBUTORS
Re: Egg Salad
For easy mixing, storage and no cleanup use medium size sealing plastic bags. Simply put all ingredients for sandwich fillings in bag and manipulate to desired consistency with your hands. For devilled eggs, cut hard boiled eggs in half-lengthwise, remove yolks, put into bag along with all other ingredients, seal bag, and then smush to combine with hands until smooth and creamy. Cut a small portion of one bottom corner and pipe filling into egg whites. Add parsley or finely chopped chives on top for colour.
Re: How to Keep Brown Sugar Soft
To keep brown sugar soft, put some in a 1-cup (250-ml) jar in the fridge. Store the remainder in the freezer. (Brown sugar does not freeze solid.) Then transfer from freezer to fridge when needed.
HINTS FOR THE KITCHEN
I wrap individual chops/ chicken breasts, etc. in plastic wrap, then wrap them in aluminum foil, then place them in a sealable bag. I have had great success with meat lasting a year in the freezer without a speck of freezer burn.
I have heard it said that “natural” peanut butter is better for you than many of the popular branded peanut butter options.
Therefore, I decided to purchase natural peanut butter, made only from peanuts, but what I didn’t like is that the oil kept separating and sitting on the top of the jar. It looked disgusting, and kind of grossed me out. Now I store my peanut butter upside down, and it no longer separates!
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