Reena Nerbas
Dear Reena: How do I get rid of a bubble under the carpet in my living room?
Jeannette
Here is a popular fix for a carpet bubble: Use a pointed screwdriver to make a small hole in the carpet. Buy Bubble Glue or Carpet Seam Sealer (strong adhesive). Squeeze the carpet glue into the hole, moving the glue around underneath the carpet and being sure not to spill any product on the carpet. Push the carpet bubble down and set heavy books on the area for several hours. If you cannot find these products, ask your hardware store for a strong carpet adhesive. Some people have great results filling a large syringe with carpet adhesive and squeezing it directly under the carpet.
Dear Reena: Can you suggest how I can safely remove some burned-on oven-mitt-fabric fibres from the top element of my new black stove without damaging or scraping the black ceramic top. Don’t ask what happened.
Frustrated cook
Wet the area with dish soap and water to dampen. Scrape the area gently with a metal putty knife or razor blade (available where appliances are sold). Wipe to clean. Your stove should look as good as new.
Dear Reena: What is the best way to store broccoli?
Menno
Refrigerate fresh broccoli in a plastic bag and use within three days of purchase, since the vitamin content decreases the longer it is stored. Or stand broccoli in a jar with water to keep it fresh longer. Kitchen Secret: Take the rubber band off vegetables before storing — they will last twice as long.
Reader feedback Re: stuck jar lid What works to loosen lids is to wrap an elastic band around the lid. Or tap the bottom of the jar with the heel of your palm to break the seal. Sherri
Tips of the week:
• I was horrified to discover that my child splashed red nail polish on our brand new carpet. Even though the stain was dry, I discovered that Mr. Clean Magic Eraser removed the nail polish.
Vanessa
• Make your own laundry detergent: grate one-eighth bar Sunlight laundry soap and combine with one-quarter cup borax. Toss clothes and mixture into the washing machine. Clothes always come out clean; I have been doing this for years.
Edna
• Use S.O.S pads and water to remove nail polish from carpet (some elbow grease required).
Joel
• I clean wet nail polish with the help of a white rag and shaving cream or rubbing alcohol.
Sam
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.