Dear Reena: My daughter and I were interested in purchasing a home, but the smell of curry was so prevalent in the house, that I could smell it all the way home. It鈥檚 a lovely home, but will we be able to get rid of that smell? I know she would paint the walls, but what about the cupboards, backsplash, etc. Would you have any recommendations? Please and thank you!
Marilyn
For very overpowering smells, you might want to consider renting an ozone machine because the smell will disappear quickly. This little machine is not recommended for regular use, but it is great for enclosed areas that have had smoke or flood damage, or just smell. The machine lets out a molecule called O3 (which of course is oxygen with an extra atom attached). The third atom escapes into the air and absorbs all odours. These machines can be rented at tool-rental retailers, as well as some hardware stores. Read all manufacturers鈥� instructions before use.
Dear Reena: I stored some clothing in a box that became wet after our basement flooded last spring. I haven鈥檛 washed the clothing, but they really smell. What is the best way to get rid of the stink?
Esther
Before washing the clothing, soak items in hot water and borax. Borax contains no phosphates and no bleach and it is wonderful at zapping hard to handle odours. If you cannot locate borax, use a generous amount of OxiClean or tea tree oil and vinegar or baking soda. Adding vinegar to laundry loads is a wonderful idea, but for this instance, you need to use full-strength vinegar and tea tree oil and soak for at least two hours before laundering. Launder clothing with hot water and heavy-duty detergent.
Dear Reena: I use the recipe on the back of the Chipits bag to make chocolate chip cookies. The chocolate chip cookies that I bake always come out of the oven hard and not chewy as I would like. What am I doing wrong?
Bill
The instructions on the back of the bag recommend baking cookies at 375 F. Turn your oven to 350 F and bake the cookies just until the outside edge is slightly brown. The cookies will feel soft at first, but will set when they cool.
Reader feedback
Re: Yellowing Sheets
My Mother-in-law was 102 when she passed away in 2016, and she showed me how to keep white sheets white. She gave me lots of valuable tips. You wash the whites (that can handle hot water and Javex bleach), first in cold water and laundry soap. Then, you wash them again, but this time in hot water, Javex bleach and laundry soap. Hang clothes outside on a clothesline, the whites washed with bleach get even whiter.
Pauline
Tips for the Kitchen
鈥� I am known around my town as being a great Italian pizza maker, because I never serve a soggy crust. Here is my secret: Put the cheese onto the crust, next, add the sauce and last add the meat.
Morgan
鈥� Remove the husk of corn, crazy fast! Heat the corn in the microwave for seven minutes. Cut a half inch off the bottom, and slip the husk off.
Darren
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. Ask a question or share a tip at reena.ca
