Keep your screen clean

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 26/11/2013 (4380 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Hi Reena,
What is a good way to clean a computer screen and/or TV screen? I have bought specialized spray cleaners for both but all they do is streak the screen. Grateful for any assistance. Thanks.
Gail

Dear Gail,
When in doubt, always refer to your manufacturer’s manual first, and if you do not have a manual, call the company who manufactured the screen and ask them to email you their recommendations. Getting recommendations in writing is always a good idea.
If you would like to make your own homemade cleaner, mix one part water and one part 90% isopropyl alcohol, wipe with a very soft cloth. Do not use paper towels or anything more abrasive than a cotton T-shirt. I do not recommend Windex or anything that contains ammonia, as it can etch the screen surface and can cause the plastic to become cloudy. The commercial cleaning solutions available can be quite expensive and contain nothing other than isopropyl alcohol and water. Since you are noticing streaks on the screen, wipe the screen with a good-quality microfibre eyeglass cloth. In my opinion, this is the least risky solution for cleaning screens.

Extra Tip: To repel dust, gently wipe the screen with a dry fabric softener sheet. In every case, test on a small, inconspicuous area first!

Dear Reena,
I have several brass-coated lamps and they are in good condition except for the brass portion. I always thought that they were dusty, but in fact there are several light scratches on them. Is there anything that I can use to get rid of or cover the scratches? I enjoy all of your tips. Thank you in advance,
Dorothy

Dear Dorothy,
Here are a few options for covering up light scratches. Option 1: Apply brass polish and wipe with a soft cloth. Option 2: For deep scratches, use a rotary tool to buff out scratches and then polish. Option 3: With lamps unplugged, spray paint fixtures. Before spray painting, determine which parts of the lamps are actually brass by moving a magnet onto lamp parts. Where the magnet holds, you are likely dealing with steel. If painting is your chosen option, bring one of the lamps into a paint dealer so they can help you pick out the best paint for your job.

Feedback from Reader Who Cares:

Re: Darkening Gravy
Hi Reena,
I learned this trick about darkening gravy from my grandmother. First, take a small dry frying pan, and add the amount of flour needed. Put over low heat, stirring constantly, until the flour is as brown you want. Add the brown flour to your gravy and stir well.
Maureen

Dear Reena,
A question was posted about bland-tasting and colourless gravy. My solution is Kitchen Bouquet Browning Sauce. I have used it for 40 years, as did my mom. Thicken your gravy with your choice of flour or cornstarch. When thickness to your taste is achieved, add a splash of Kitchen Bouquet for the taste and colour, it works for beef, turkey, chicken or pork.
Linda

Helpful Hints for Yummy Ribs:
The most popular query about making ribs is in regards to how to tell when the ribs are done.
•  Spare or baby back ribs are done when the tips of the rib bones are exposed. Or, using a cloth or towel, hold one of the ribs and gently twist, if the ribs are done you will be able to twist the bone in the meat without force. If the meat doesn’t want to budge, they require additional cooking time. However, if the ribs tear off easily, stop the cooking process before they dry up.
•  Add extra barbecue sauce to ribs just before serving.
•  Cook ribs on a low temperature (225F — about 107C) for four to five hours, depending on the cut of the ribs.

I enjoy your questions and tips, keep them coming. Missed a column? Can’t remember a solution? Need a motivational speaker for an upcoming event? Check out my brand new website: reena.ca!