SOLVING THE PAIN OF CLEAN INNER WINDOW PANES
Also: Glass tables can break in the cold, so store them in warmer part of the house
Q I have a screen door and between the panes I cannot get anything but liquid as it so narrow. I cannot remove the inner pane. What can I pour in there that would clean the inside glass? It looks terrible.
A Drape a soft, high-quality microfibre cloth over a fly swatter and use an elastic band to secure the cloth onto the fly swatter. Soak the cloth with plain old water. Wipe the window with the fly swatter. Next, fasten a dry microfibre cloth onto the fly swatter. Dry the window in the same manner. The fly swatter is narrow and will hopefully reach between the screen and the window. If the window is extremely dirty, soak the cloth in ammonia instead of water to clean. If you absolutely cannot use anything other than a liquid spray between the screen and the window, a commercial or homemade window solution is your best option.
Q Regarding leather, there is a hole in my leather seat in my Kia due to an acid leak from a battery. Please advise what to do and where to purchase a leather patch (cream/beigecoloured leather).
A I am sorry to hear that! Leather patches are available at most department and home hardware stores, furniture retailers, car dealerships and online. Please follow the instructions included with the kit. For a more professional repair, take your vehicle to a restoration specialist. Q I have had a bistro table by my door all summer and found it very handy for putting parcels on so I can open my door easier. Now that winter is here, I am worried it might break if it gets too cold. The glass is a wavy kind of pebble finish on the underside.
A Glass tables are unstable and even tempered glass tables sometimes break for no apparent reason. I know because this happened to my glass table. When you add the additional element of cold temperature, this adds additional stress onto the surface of the glass. If you love your table, reduce the risk of breakage by moving it to a warmer area of the house.
FEEDBACK FROM WISE CONTRIBUTOR
Re: Storing asparagus
When bringing fresh asparagus home, cut off the end by about a half-inch and place ends down in a high glass and place in the fridge. Asparagus will last longer than a week and stay crispy.
Submitted by: Peggy
FILL YOUR HOME WITH THE AROMA OF CHESTNUTS
Preheat your oven to 425 F.
■
Score each chestnut around the shell. Be very careful as they are slippery. Put the chestnuts in a pot of water to simmer. When the water begins to simmer, remove the chestnuts and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes (or until they begin to peel). Remove them from the oven, drop them into a bowl and cover the bowl with a tea towel. Leave for 15 minutes. Some chestnuts will be easier to peel than others; throw away any gooey nuts. Remove the outer shell and the tough brown skin. The house should now smell delightful and the chestnuts are ready to eat.
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. 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.