YES: Peanut butter and a hair dryer clean up glue mess

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 27/11/2021 (1440 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Question: I have laminate floors and when the felt floor protectors on chairs etc. fall off, they leave a sticky residue on the floor. I have tried Goo Gone, dish soap with a microfibre cloth, even scraping with the scraper I use on my ceramic top stove and nothing gets it off. Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Pat

Answer: Using a hair dryer, heat the area to loosen the glue. Next smear the area with smooth peanut butter and then lift the adhesive off the floor with the help of a plastic putty knife so that the floor does not become scratched.

Feedback from the heart

Re: Watermarks on Wood

I read your tips about removing watermarks on wood furniture, and they really work. Here is another suggestion: Heat the watermark using a hairdryer on the high setting. Hold the hairdryer in place, and watch the mark disappear! Cathy

Re: Smelly ice cubes

Here is a tip for getting the smell out of ice cube trays. The solution that works for me is to wash the ice cube trays in the dishwasher after every use. I also use filtered water i.e., Brita Filter. Distilled water makes flat-tasting ice cubes. There’s nothing like stinky ice cubes to ruin a good drink of water or anything else! Linda

Share your discoveries

Brighten silverware by rubbing it with oatmeal. — Serena

I use a rubber glove to clean pet fur off furniture. Wiping my gloved hand along the furniture makes the fur collect into a ball. Then I gather the fur and compost it. — Jason

My best kitchen secret: to prolong the life of a jug of milk, add a quarter teaspoon baking soda to the jug. Shake it, the milk lasts several days longer. — Chef Tony

I found the best way to sear steak is to dry the meat with a paper towel. Next, I rub the steak with cornstarch and salt to season. Place the meat in the freezer for 30 minutes before grilling. — Chef Tony

Reduce freezer burn. I buy a bucket of ice cream once every summer. Since I live alone it lasts me for months. To prevent freezer burn, I remove the lid and lay a piece of plastic on top of the ice cream to prevent freezer burn, and then I replace the lid. — Q

Another way to reduce freezer burn: purchase a roast; leave the roast in the plastic wrap and wrap it one more time in aluminum foil. — Q

The beauty of herbs

Basil brings out flavour in tomato dishes.

Bay leaf enhances stews.

Chives for soups and salads.

Cinnamon for baking, desserts and drinks.

Cloves are great in meat and vegetable dishes and soups.

Cumin for an earthy flavour in marinades, rice, chili, and tomato sauce.

Curry adds heat and flavour to rice, chicken, fish, and vegetables.

Dill in sandwiches, salads, and soups.

Ginger gives zest to meat and baking.

Garlic salt for soups, stews, potatoes, and rice.

Marjoram for meat, fish, and vegetable dishes.

Mustard enhances breads, salads, stews, and marinades.

Onion keeps soups and casseroles from tasting bland.

Paprika is the finishing touch to potatoes, chicken, and fish.

Parsley adds to soups or sandwiches.

Rosemary and sage for meat, poultry, or fish.

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.

Have a great suggestion or tip? Please send an email. Reena Nerbas is a popular motivational presenter for large and small groups; check out her website at reena.ca.

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