THE SMELL OF SUCCESS
Battling a stinky sink is usually a simple fix of baking soda, vinegar
Q I am battling a bad odour in my kitchen sink. What can I do to get rid of the smell before my kids come home?
A This problem is annoying, especially when family is on the way. The sink dilemma may involve the drain and vent. Begin by pouring vinegar into the drain hole; scrub with an old toothbrush.
Also, the trap under the basin may not be holding enough water, thus allowing sewer fumes into the room. Make sure that the trap holds water; it could be that the overflow on the basin needs cleaning. If possible, remove the trap and clean it well with vinegar, water and dish soap.
Clean the drain: Pour 250 ml (1 cup) vinegar into drain, chase with 250 ml (1 cup) baking soda. Plug the drain and fill the sink with hot water. Leave overnight and in the morning let drain. It takes a couple of treatments to effectively remedy the odour. Do this once a month to keep the sink smelling fresh.
If you are only noticing the smell during winter months, chances are that the stack on top of your house is frozen over. If this is the case, you may want to pour boiling water into the stack to get rid of ice blocks.
In the bathroom, drain slowdowns and blockages start at the pop-up assembly, not at the trap or in the other drain lines.
The culprits are the pivot rod and the stopper, which collect bits of hair and “stuff ” over time. This mass grows large until it eventually slows down sink drainage or causes a full-blown blockage.
Either remove the stopper or hire a professional to do the task. Clean out all the mess on the stoppers and the metal rod. While holding a sponge over the hole where the pivot rod was removed, flush the drain with hot water.
Q Any ideas for patching a cultured marble bathtub? There is a crack in the middle of my cultured marble bathtub and it began leaking. Any ideas will be very much appreciated.
A It is possible to repair scratches, chips and minor blemishes on cultured marble. A certified repair person can re-buff the surface with a special mixed gelcoat compound.
Cracks and broken pieces are virtually impossible to repair.
It is not possible to apply a completely new clear finish to a cultured marble product once it has left the factory.
However, if you are at the point where you do not want to contact a professional and you are ready to replace the bathtub, then you have nothing to lose by opting to caulk the crack using coloured 100 per cent silicone caulk, which will closely match the cultured marble.
FEEDBACK FROM A FINE CONTRIBUTOR
Re: Devilled Eggs
To peel hard-boiled eggs more easily, peel while still warm and under water. Crack the egg thoroughly and you will often find an air bubble, under the skin at the top; this is a good place to begin peeling.
To have smooth yolks, always mash when warm.
Start with a fork and end with the back of a soup spoon, gently crushing the yolk into the bottom of the bowl to rid the mixture of all lumps.
I was considered the Devilled Egg Queen at work for almost 20 years, and they even had a
contest when I retired to see who could replace me at lunches and special events.
P.S. I used your tip about raw walnuts on my beautiful (to me) mirror/coat hanger in my front entranceway. Hubby had put some scratches on it with his keys.
It worked fabulously. Thanks, Carol.
PRACTICAL TIPS FOR POTS AND PANS
■When buying a skillet, even if it has non-stick coating, make sure it has a thick bottom. The thicker the bottom, the more control you will have over the pan. A thin pan can’t handle high heat and can get hot spots or warp, making it easier for food burn.
■Throw out non-stick pans or baking sheets if the coating begins to come off. Also, cooking with lemon-based foods in nonstick ware may reduce durability and the coating is more likely to peel.
■You don’t need to buy “a set” of pots. Collect a 2-quart saucepan, a 4-quart saucepan, 8-quart stockpot and perhaps a non-stick fry pan (that way you can reduce fat quantity).
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