Dear Reena,
My family loves raspberries, they are healthy and delicious. Is it important to wash raspberries before eating them?
Esther

Dear Esther,
Raspberries are one of life’s special gifts to us! They are high in Vitamin C and A, iron, potassium, calcium, folic acid and ellagic acid. They contain no fat, cholesterol or sodium and if that isn’t enough, they are high in fibre too. While some people oppose the practice of washing raspberry because they are such delicate little creatures, the majority of experts agree that giving raspberries a water rinse just prior to consumption is a great idea.

Extra Tip: If you are planning to freeze raspberries; rinse them with cold water and pat dry. Place them on a cookie sheet and put them in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer the berries to a freezable container and store them in the freezer. Great for ice cream topping, jam, or smoothies.

Hi Reena,
I used my favorite 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. Your suggestion would be greatly appreciated and I thank-you for your time.  
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.

Dear Reena,
I came back from a walk about two weeks ago and left my runners at the door (it had been raining). A few days later, there was an awful odour coming from the runners and I haven’t been able to get rid of it (the runners were fine before that walk). The odour is coming from the inside as well as the outside bottom of the running shoes.
I soaked the insoles in warm water and soap and they came out fine. No more odour. I washed the runners on the delicate cycle of the washing machine and let them dry but the odour is still there. I then tried soaking them for a full day in baking soda and water but this didn’t help either. Could you suggest anything else I might try?
Thank-you,
Carol 

P.S. Wherever I leave the running shoes, the entire room smells within a half hour. Even the garage!

Dear Carol,
If possible, rewash your shoes in HOT water instead of warm and then run them through the dryer. Next, stuff the shoes full of crumpled up newspaper and leave them until you want to wear them again. The ink in newspapers is great for zapping odours.

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

Aim, Shoot and Fire Water Tips:

• If 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.

• 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.

Reena Nerbas is author of the national best-selling series, Household Solutions 1 with Substitutions, Household Solutions 2 with Kitchen Secrets and Household Solutions 3 with Green Alternatives

 Email her at householdsolutions@mts.net or check out her website: www.householdsolutions.org.