Dear Reena: Do you have any tips for controlling fruit flies?
Glynis
Dear Glynis: You need a big plastic juice jug with a removable lid. Inside the juice jug, place a bowl of wine (red or white). Put banana peels inside the jug around the bowl. Both banana and wine smells are wonderful for attracting flies. Put the lid onto the juice jug and tape the opening of the jug so that there is only a small hole (this way the flies can't escape).
At this time of the year, when fruit flies are a nuisance, refrigerate as much fruit as possible to keep flies to a minimum. Bananas are normally stored at room temperature and you may want to experiment by keeping them in plastic containers in the cupboard. Some people store bananas in the fridge to guard against fruit flies. The peel becomes dark but the banana will remain intact for several days.
Another trap option: Fill a small cup with apple cider vinegar and place it on the windowsill. Cover the top with plastic wrap and puncture a hole.
Dear Reena: My son threw an apple core into his backpack with his mohair/acrylic toque and left it for a few days. The result is a stain that won't come out. I have washed it several times and used a stain remover, to no avail. Do you have a solution?
Bonnie
Dear Bonnie: Soak the toque in three per cent hydrogen peroxide and sprinkle the stain with a liberal amount of salt. Place the toque outside on the grass for several hours. Next, soak the toque in washing soda and hot water for 30 minutes or until the stain is gone. Rewash the toque as normal.
COMMENTS FROM READERS:
Re: Hairspray on the wall.
Dear Reena: I remember a few years ago someone phoned Shell Busey about this very problem. His response to, "How do you get hairspray out of your hair?" "Shampoo of course!" It works for me every time. I don't know if brand of shampoo makes a difference, but this is one easy option to try.
Brenda
Re: Uses for soap slivers.
Dear Reena: I like your idea about putting soap slivers into knee-high stockings and then using them in the bath/shower. In the days before dish soap, my mom had a little metal doo-dad (with wire netting) that we filled with soap slivers. We swished it into dish water to wash dishes. What I currently do with soap slivers is, add them to the new bar of soap when the bar is wet, they will stick together. Gradually the slivers are used up. As long as you don't care about how it looks, this has always worked for me.
Arline
Dear Reena: I make my own liquid hand soap because buying it in the store is costly. Into a microwavable bowl, grate 140 grams soap slivers (or one bar of soap). Mix soap with three cups water. Microwave on high for four to seven minutes or until the mixture boils and the soap dissolves. Don't worry if the mixture looks thin, it will thicken as it cools. Pour into dispenser.
Richie
Re: A precious vase.
Hi Reena: I'm pleased to report the denture tablet worked on my etched vase to the point that there are just a few visible etch marks.
Suzette
To submit tips or questions, find missed columns or find a speaker for an upcoming event, check out my new website, reena.ca
