MAKE IRON LOOK NEW AGAIN
Tips and tricks for solving even the most confounding household conundrums
Q I have been working on a small sewing project; little did I know that I have scorched the sole plate of my iron as I applied fused interfacing to the fabric I was working with. Can you tell me how I can remove these scorch marks to get my iron back to looking like new?
A Into a bowl, mix together 1 tbsp toothpaste, 1 tsp baking soda and 1 tsp vinegar. Dip a non-scratching abrasive cloth in the solution. Scrub the metal plate until the scorch marks disappear. Your iron will look brand new.
Q How do you get brown sugar to stay soft: mine is hard as a rock? Thank you.
A Brown sugar hardens when moisture inside the container evaporates; all you need to do is replenish the moisture with one of these easy solutions. Place a cut-up apple or slice of bread into an airtight container with the sugar, softening will take about a day. Or drape a damp towel over the un-lidded bowl and leave overnight. Or put the sugar into the microwave with a separate bowl of water. Turn the microwave on and check every 30 seconds to observe if the sugar is soft. A long-term fix is to purchase a piece of food safe clay; these are available at most grocery stores. Soak the clay in water for a few hours and then store it inside the brown sugar container to keep it moist.
Q I want to know if there is an easier way to maintain a 100-year-old wood floor. It has been oiled yearly with linseed oil and mopped with Murphy’s Oil Soap every couple of weeks and swept in between. The trouble is it is a large area (1,800 sq. ft) and is in a rural general store/coffee shop setting so it is constantly walked on with dirty and mud dy boots. Cleaning is a big job to try to keep it in good shape. Over the years the oil and dirt have accumulated around the edges. Basically, I’m exhausted trying to keep it up. What, if anything, can make it easier to care for?
A Be cautious and use minimal water on the floor, the mop should be damp and not wet; 50/50 water and vinegar is also an option. Murphy’s Oil tends to leave an oily residue and is therefore not always suitable for beautiful old wooden floors. Bona is a popular product sold in large home hardware stores. Bona leaves no residual oil on the floor — mist the floor and apply the product with a microfibre mop. If this is unsuccessful perhaps it is time for a coating of urethane.
Q Is there any way to prevent mites from invading my poinsettia so it will stay healthy longer?
A You can either purchase plant soap at your local garden store, or you can make your own mite deterrent.
Combine four tablespoons mild dish soap in one gallon of water.
Pour into a spray bottle and spray the poinsettia.
DON’T WORRY, BE HAPPY
Next time you make fajitas; add
■ cooked pork, peppers, onions and seasoning to your baking pan. Next cook powdered onion soup and water on the stove.
Thicken soup with cornstarch (the way that you would gravy). Add this to the fajita pan for great flavour and texture. Bake to heat.
Wax paper taped inside slatted
■ closet doors will help to keep out moths and dust.
Save all the cookie crumbs in
■ the bottom of cookie boxes. Use your food processor to grind them into fine crumbs. Perfect for all kinds of cake and cookie recipes.
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