Hi Reena,
I used my favourite stock pot, boiled rhubarb leaves and made a tea to put on my ant hills; I let it steep for a couple of days. After doing a little more reading I am wondering if my pot is still safe to use for cooking. I have washed it a few times in hot soapy water. We have dogs and I was going to use the solution in my training area. How long after application of the rhubarb tea would it be safe for the dogs to come in contact with the grass?Tom
Hi Tom,
The oxalic acid found in rhubarb leaves is toxic to animals if consumed in substantial quantities. Treat your pot by washing it thoroughly with dish soap and water and dry (just as you have done). The pot will then be safe to use and if you have any doubts, you may be better off switching pots just for your own piece of mind. As for the grass, dogs are not typically at risk unless they eat rhubarb leaves.
Dear Reena,
Any idea(s) how I can remove water stains from the ceiling of a camper trailer? I tried bleach but that did nothing. Barb
Dear Barb,
What you will need is a Stainblocking Sealer/Primer. There are several to choose from, one example is a product called, Kilz which comes in a spray can (costs less than $5). Cover all surrounding areas by taping newspaper onto the walls. Use the spray according to the directions on the can; the results will leave you smiling.
Hi Reena,
I received four ceramic onion soup bowls with lids that have a terrible cigarette odour in them. I've tried washing them in the dishwasher several times as well as soaking them in a solution of 1 cup vinegar, 2 cups water and 2 tablespoons of baking soda for 15 minutes. That solution somewhat masked it, but I can still smell the cigarette odour. Do you have any solutions I can try? Looking forward to your response, Kathy
Hi Kathy,
Fill each bowl with cola and leave for a week. Rinse and rewash in the dishwasher. Next stuff each bowl with newspaper and close the lid. Leave until you want to use the bowls, the cigarette smell will soon be gone.
Aim, Shoot and Fire Water Tips:
lIf you notice that your garden hose has sprung a leak, don’t throw it out. This challenge is easily fixable with the help of a rubber patch. Rub the surrounding area of the leak with sandpaper. Adhere the rubber patch by applying contact cement to the patch as well as the hose. Secure the patch and wrap black electrical tape or hockey tape over the area.
l Make your own cheap irrigation system with a damaged hose that isn’t worth repairing. Using a nail; puncture holes along the hose. Plug one end of the hose with a cork (or hose plug), then lay the hose in the area that requires watering and turn the water on low to irrigate your plants.
Feedback from Reader Who Cares:
Hi Reena,
Love your great tips and had to answer the lady with the permanent pink streaks and spots on the floor. I had the same problem when I moved into my house. When it kept happening I finally replaced the floor. The floor layer said that water had come into contact with the glue previously used and the pink was caused by a chemical reaction by the two leaching through the vinyl flooring. Nothing can fix it, so it means a new floor! Mine was the kitchen floor as well. Sorry for the sad news. DT
Reena Nerbas is a rural Manitoba home economist is a lab coat - and she’s not afraid to use it. Keep your questions coming:
» householdsolutions@mts.net
Republished from the Brandon Sun print edition July 5, 2012
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