Put your bunching problems to bed
Poorly fitting sheets can be a headache, but simple fixes will make you sleep tight
Q There’s a large, ongoing conversation about how to manage fitted sheets that are too large for “regular” sized mattresses. We’ve tried the elastic tricks, which are cumbersome and don’t work. Is there an easy way to sew a permanent and viable solution? Thanks for any help you can give.
A The easiest remedy is to turn the bedsheet inside out and position it onto the mattress.
Pin the excess of each corner. Remove the sheet and sew a dart along each excess seam. Another option is to purchase bedsheet, garters to hold the sheet in place. The downside to garters are that they are fiddly to attach.
Q Four years ago, I had my kitchen renovated (I’m an old widower living alone and I needed to prepare the kitchen for the day I sell). Lately, I’ve noticed that sliding my kitchen chair in and out of position at the table has resulted in scratches from abrasion. The flooring is a nice chocolate brown and looks a lot like ceramic tile, but the scratches reveal the next layer is white! Is there anything that can be done to mask these scratches or do you think this tile can be lifted out and replaced? I watched them install it, and it seems the different “planks” were interlocked. I could use your help with this! A If you have access to a matching tile, you may choose to hire a professional to break the tile using a cold chisel and replace it with a new tile. Or you may wish to tackle the project, if you are confident in your DIY skills. Or, a much simpler remedy, is to make a paste using the grout that was originally used between the tiles, and some water. Sprinkle about one tablespoon of grout onto the scratches. Add a little water to make a paste. Dampen a sponge,
and wipe the grout paste off the tile. The grout will fill the cracks, and no longer be noticeable.
Q I make my own fresh buns every Sunday, and then I put them in the freezer. To thaw them, I take them out of the freezer and place them in the oven at 350 F for 8 minutes. Sometimes they become hard and overbaked, but it seems that many experts advise this as the best way to thaw buns. Do you agree with the experts? A Actually, I am with you on this one: The risk of overbaking the buns is too risky! When I remove frozen buns from the freezer, I take them out of the sealable bag. I then gently wrap them with a tea towel and place them on the counter at room temperature. The towel absorbs the moisture and the results are fresh-tasting, soft buns.
Re: Prevent crumbs from falling between fridge and counter
In your previous column, a reader asked about preventing crumbs from falling between the fridge and counter and you recommended clear vinyl tubing. My genius Asperger husband suggests “foam backer rod,” which is designed for space filling. It may not look as nice, but is a better support, so one could use the vinyl or anything else on top of the foam backer rod.
Re: Changing the furnace filter
As a service tech for a natural gas utility, I advise furnace filters should be changed once a month if there are smokers or pets in the house. There is a lot less stress on the furnace heat exchanger, as a clean filter prevents overheating. Filters also need to be changed in the summer if you have central air. 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. Ask a question or share a tip at reena.ca