Fixes for stinky sheets (vinegar) and shoes (newspaper)

Dear Reena: Although I regularly wash my sheets, they have an odour that will not wash out. I’ve tried bleach and borax (not at the same time), but nothing removes the smell. I can’t afford new sheets,. Do you have a solution for me?

Duncan This is a common occurrence, and often cleaning results depend on the chemicals used to manufacture the textile. Soak the sheets in 1 Tbsp dish soap and enough hot water to cover the sheets. Add at least 4 cups of white vinegar to the water. Leave for one hour and launder as normal.

Dear Reena: I have four sons and an endless amount of laundry. The biggest challenge that I have right now is foot odour in my house. Since six people live in our home, and three of them play sports, I am drowning in the smell of foot odour. Do you have any advice for reducing the smell of feet in my home?

Kelly The easiest remedy for foot odour is to stuff all footwear with crumpled newspaper whenever they are not in use (or store some shoes outside). Another option is to purchase a few pairs of knee-high nylons from a dollar store.

Stuff the nylons with either fresh coffee grounds or baking soda sprinkled with essential oils. Close each nylon sock with an elastic band and place one inside of unoccupied footwear.

Or you could place a fabric-softener sheet inside each shoe.

Dear Reena: I spent a lot of money on steak to serve at my dinner party last week. I was horrified when, after I plated the meat, each guest had a puddle of blood on their plate. I checked the temperature and it was medium according to the thermometer. Is this normal?

Emily I experienced this dilemma several times before I found a trick that made a big difference. It’s always a great idea to let the meat rest for several minutes before plating the food. As the proteins harden, they draw to the centre of the meat. When meat has a chance to rest, the juices will reabsorb into the meat.

Feedback from readers

Re: Cream cheese Dear Reena: To add to your advice regarding cream cheese, the best-before date applies to pre-opening, not after. To keep a tub fresh, replace the foil cover after each dip with a knife, and make sure nothing but cheese is on the knife. Mould spores are in the air all the time. Both tub and brick cream cheeses freeze well. They may appear watery upon thawing, but just put them into a bowl and stir until smooth. I have been freezing and baking with all fat levels for years.

Jane

• Whenever I drop cookie batter from a spoon onto a baking sheet, I always wet the spoon first. That way, the batter does not stick to the spoon. Justin • Thread a needle in a hurry by dipping the end of the thread into clear nail polish. As the polish hardens, the needle is easy to thread. Andreas • When lips are chapped, dip a toothbrush in petroleum jelly and brush lips to remove dead skin. I keep a separate toothbrush for this purpose. K.

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. Ask a question or share a tip at reena.ca