Dear Reena: I recently boiled a stainless-steel pot completely dry. When I took it off the hot element, I put the pot on a dishcloth that must have had a lot of synthetics in it, most of which melted and adhered to the bottom of the pot.
Is there a way I can remove this hard, black material?
Also, my white lampshades have little brown spots left behind by insects. Is there a way to remove them without damaging the taut fabric of the lampshade?
Evelyn
Purchase a bottle of Goo Gone and apply a thick layer to the steel pot. Using a听razor blade, gently scrape the melted cloth off the pot. Without much effort, the pot should be good as new.
To clean the lampshade, use a soft toothbrush and wipe the brown spots with a mixture of dish soap and baking soda or non-bleach, non-gel toothpaste. Rinse with plain vinegar.
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Dear Reena: Do you have any ideas for a good substitute for sour cream?
Ida
Combine four drops of lemon juice with one cup whipped cream. Let sit for 30 minutes.
Or use plain or vanilla yogurt, depending on what you are making.
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Dear Reena: I have an Under Armour athletic garment that has a bad body odour smell in the armpits. I wash it after every use, but I can鈥檛 get the smell out. Any suggestions?
Chloe
Soak the garment in a 50/50 solution of听white vinegar and water for a few hours听before tossing the entire contents into the washing machine. Wash with hot听water and machine dry so that the fabric dries quickly. I also contacted the听Under Armour Company and they recommend soaking the gear thoroughly for 30 to 60 minutes in a solution of 1/2听cup听of baking soda mixed with two litres of听water.
Reader feedback
Re: Dishwasher woes
鈥� I just read your advice regarding Albert鈥檚 dishwasher not working properly. Albert鈥檚 dishwasher will work better and last longer if he scrapes the food off his dishes first. I rinse mine well, and there鈥檚 no problem.
After 30 years, I just got a new one. Works great. I am horrified at what some people put in their dishwasher. They are dishwashers, not garburators. Anon
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鈥� The best way to remove tape and grease residue from items is to put paint thinner on a cloth and rub till it鈥檚 gone. It won鈥檛 harm the item. Lily
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Homemade Chocolate Pudding
Makes: Four servings
In a double boiler, stir together 1/2 cup sugar, 3 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/4 cup cornstarch and a pinch of salt. Set the temperature to medium heat and stir in 2 3/4 cups milk. Stir constantly and bring to a boil until mixture is thick enough to adhere to the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and add 2 Tbsp butter and 1 1/2 tsp vanilla. Serve warm. Refrigerate to store.
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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.