Easily repair that cracked concrete driveway

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This article was published 24/10/2015 (3651 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

QUESTION: I would like to repair the cracks in our concrete driveway. What is the best way to go about this? Arlin, Niverville

ANSWER: To repair cracks in the driveway begin by cleaning the area. Patch with crack-filler (a caulk-like compound), available at home-improvement stores. After applying the compound, smooth the area using a putty knife. For extra traction on the driveway, spread sand onto the wet sealer before it dries. For larger areas use cold-patch compound. Follow product directions, more than one layer may be needed. Flatten the patch by laying a piece of plywood over the repair and drive over it several times.

QUESTION: I boiled frozen perogies and then rinsed them. I then put the perogies into a non-stick frying pan with some oil. They stuck to the bottom of the pan; what a mess, they all broke open and some of them burnt to the pan. What went wrong? Alex, Starbuck

ANSWER: Since the perogies were wet when you fried them, the activated starch bonded the perogies and stuck them together, just like best friends. Next time, fry perogies from frozen. Preheat a large frying pan to medium heat; reduce heat to medium low and add a little butter or oil to the pan. Once the butter bubbles or the oil is hot, add perogies. Let perogies cook for four to five minutes. They should release themselves from the pan, shake pan and ease any stuck perogies from the pan using a spatula. Flip to cook both sides.

QUESTION: How do you keep pills from forming on sweaters when machine washing them? I have tried turning them inside out, washing them in cold water instead of hot, washing them on the gentle cycle and trying different laundry detergents, but nothing seems to work. Even brand new sweaters which I’ve only laundered a couple of times seem to be plagued with pills. Thank you. Pat, Winnipeg

ANSWER: Pilling is a result of fabric threads rubbing together to create little balls (or knots). One way to prevent pills from forming on your clothing is to choose to purchase natural fibers instead of man-made fibers such as acrylic or polyester blends. Turning fabrics inside out as you mentioned minimizes pilling as does washing on the gentle cycle to lessen abrasion. Avoid the dryer, instead hang or lay clothing to dry.

Friendly Manitoba feedback

Re: Permanent marker on whiteboard

To get permanent marker off a whiteboard, try using a small amount of Lock De-Icer. I used this on a small white board when I drew with permanent marker on the board by mistake, and when I let erasable marker sit too long on the board (like a week) and it wouldn’t come off. It works like a dream and is inexpensive. Joan

Re: Dents in Carpet

The simplest way to raise indentions in a carpet is to place a very damp colorfast facecloth, folded a number of times, over the spot overnight and voila! Saves rubbing anything foreign into the carpet. Lois

Perfectly Toasted Nuts

Give nuts an added crunch by toasting them before adding them to vegetable dishes, trail mix or as a healthy holiday snack. Place nuts in a cool frying pan and heat to medium. Shake the pan to toast nuts evenly and prevent them from burning. Remove from heat when nuts are golden brown.

Did you know? The peanut is the only nut grown underground. Americans consume about 3,750,000 pounds of peanuts daily.

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.

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