Steam clean dirty metal blinds

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This article was published 26/11/2016 (3237 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Question: I live in an apartment-style condo, so I have no access to a clothesline or any place to hang things outside. The blinds in our bedrooms are the narrow metal type, ivory coloured. They are getting really dingy and I was seriously thinking of replacing them but then I thought you might know an easy way of washing them. The tub is my only option for cleaning but then what should I do with them? Hanging them up wet would be a tad messy. 

— Donna

Answer: Consider purchasing an inexpensive steam cleaner for your home. Use the steam cleaner to clean the blinds; wipe slats with a clean sock or rag. For regular cleaning wipe slates with a fabric softener sheet to deter dust from collecting on the blinds. Or vacuum the blinds using the dust attachment. If you do decide to wash the blinds in the bathtub; lay them on a towel and dry them with your hairdryer.

Question: A friend has given me a bottle of vanilla which she bought in Mexico. It’s much stronger than the product we normally buy in our grocery store here. Is there a secret to diluting or toning down the essence beyond merely using less of it?

— Gail

Answer: I really enjoy using real vanilla as opposed to vanilla extract. Let’s begin with proper storage, vanilla doesn’t typically go bad, but if stored in a warm place it will deteriorate and lose flavour. Refrigeration is not recommended, but if it’s a choice between a hot storage area and refrigerator, opt for the fridge!

Pure vanilla extract is made by “percolating” chopped vanilla beans with ethyl alcohol and water. In order to lessen the vanilla flavour, your best bet is to reduce the amount of vanilla just as you suggested. Another option is to add water to the bottle as this will lower the concentration by lessening the flavour strength.

Question: How can I reduce the fat in the ground beef I buy without buying the expensive lean and extra lean cuts?

— Darci

Answer: The answer is a snap! Cook your beef until crumbly and brown. Pour it into a strainer in the sink and rinse with hot water. Blot with paper towels or a clean cooking rag and move onto the next step of your recipe.

 

Tips of the Week

Use a lint roller brush to remove dust, dirt and lint from wire screening.

— Esther

In order to prevent fish from sticking to your grill, rub the grates with the cut side of a potato half before grilling.

— LexCardboard boxes can also be used to create placemats — especially for Christmas, when you want to decorate but not break the bank. Cut cardboard the size and shape that you want, then cover it with Christmas wrapping paper. The paper can either be glued onto the cardboard or taped.

This idea can be themed to work for: baby showers, birthday parties or just to bring additional excitement to your everyday life.

— Charles

Make oranges easier to peel by rolling them along the counter using the palm or your hand before you cut them open.

— Jan

Add height to a small Christmas tree. Stand the tree on coffee cans; drape a tree skirt around the coffee cans to hide them.

— Kass

Store Christmas ribbon on a standing paper towel holder.

— Jordan

 

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.

Reena Nerbas is a popular motivational presenter for large and small groups; check out her website: reena.ca. Ask a question or share a tip at reena.ca