Dear Reena: There is a hazy film that covers the windows of my car. I have washed them with window cleaners but the film always comes back. What can I use to end this?
Jeannine
Dear Jeannine: Many car experts use rubbing alcohol to shine car windows. However, it is possible that the car windows are permanently etched from the heat of the sun. If after cleaning the film returns, contact a professional; the windows may need replacing.
Dear Reena: Once brown sugar hardens, is there any way to restore it back to granular form again? I would hate to replace it.
Sue
Dear Sue: To soften brown sugar, put it in a microwavable container and place it in the microwave with a small bowl full of water beside it. Microwave for about one minute. If it is still hard, microwave for 30 seconds longer. Repeat until the sugar is soft, being careful not to burn it. To prevent future hardening, the most common solutions are storing pieces of bread, marshmallows or apple slices with brown sugar. But the best gadget for softening is a little piece of moistened clay. These can be purchased at most stores where household items are sold.
Dear Reena: Just reading about the benefits of honey over sugar. Is there any way to use honey instead of sugar in a cookie recipe?
Jeb
Dear Jeb: Foods made with honey result in a moister end product, therefore deduct about three tablespoons of liquid from any recipe. One cup of honey equals one cup of brown or white granulated sugar.
Dear Reena: Do you have a recipe for homemade ‘laundry fabric softener’?
Linda
Dear Linda: Here is an easy recipe using products that you likely already have on hand. Into an empty squeeze bottle combine half a cup of your favourite hair conditioner with one cup of white vinegar and one cup of hot water. Gently stir. Add one quarter cup ‘homemade liquid fabric softener’ per wash load.
Dear Reena: I am inquiring about how to remove grease on the vinyl floor around my stove.
Jean
Dear Jean: Into an empty ice cream bucket pour one tablespoon of household ammonia and one teaspoon of dish soap (not dishwasher detergent).
Fill bucket with hot water. Scrub floor with an abrasive, non-scratching pad. Rinse with plain water.
Note: Never mix ammonia with any products containing bleach.
Feedback from Reader:
Re: Removing wax from winter gloves
To remove wax from fabric, I’ve had success using an iron set low to barely melt the wax. Sandwich the waxy fabric in paper towel and dab with the tip of the iron. The melted wax will be absorbed by the paper towel. Change paper towel often and work slowly.
Kilgore
Check Reena’s website. reena.ca, to send tips and questions or to find mislaid solutions.
