Options available for cleaning concrete

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 13/03/2013 (4598 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Hi Reena,
What is the best way to store broccoli? Menno

Dear Menno,
Refrigerate fresh broccoli in a plastic bag, use within three days of purchase since the vitamin content decreases the longer it is stored. Or, stand broccoli in a jar with water to keep it fresh longer. Kitchen Secret: Take the rubber band off vegetables before storing; they will last twice as long.

Dear Reena,
My son had an old car that left grease stains on our cement carport and I have tried everything to clean it. Do you have any suggestions? Stella

Dear Stella,
You can purchase products formulated for cleaning concrete. The following are other options, always wear eye and skin protection when using chemicals. Option 1: Bleach, dilute as the directions indicate for cleaning. Let the solution sit on the stained area for several minutes, then scrub and rinse. Option 2: T.S.P. (trisodium phosphate): Dilute one cup in one gallon of hot water. Pour it on the area and let it sit for 15 minutes. Scrub with a stiff brush. Rinse off with hose and repeat if needed. Option 3: Muriatic acid is not a stain remover or cleaner. The acid actually etches away the concrete itself, and sometimes the stain as well. You will need to scrub and rinse this chemical also. Follow the directions carefully. Use muriatic acid only if you seal the driveway with masonry sealer afterwards. Remember that you will be altering the level of the surface if you remove a lot of material. If you use a pressure washer, make sure you have the right nozzle. A jet that is too powerful can damage concrete. Use a nylon scrub brush.
    

Feedback from Fabulous Reader
Hi Reena,
Earlier this week one of your columns addressed making dog food for a dog with health issues. I just wanted to point out that the dog’s diet should have approval from your vet. One of our dogs had health issues and we tried homemade dog food. Even though the dog food contained meat, egg, oatmeal and vegetables, our dog still seemed to be hungry. Our dogs were fed at the supper hour and often before we came home from work, this particular dog would look for things to eat. It wasn’t always a food item and this created at times a dangerous situation. We had to go back to a highly nutritious commercial dog food. So my advice for your reader would be to check with your vet before changing your dog’s diet. I love your column and always look for it in my newspaper. Sincerely, Shirley

Fabulous Tips of the Week
•Cotton sheets (especially high thread count Egyptian, Sateen etc.) come out of my dryer very creased. By accident, I discovered that if I make the bed with a damp fitted sheet, and leave open to dry, the creases disappear! Then I can put the damp top sheet over the dry fitted sheet and tuck the sides in tightly (like in hotels). Putting the damp pillowcases on the pillows and hanging them from a pant hanger with strong clips until dry works great too!
•To relieve the pain of canker sores. Place a pinch of salt in mouth and then add 1 teaspoon to water. Gargle and spit.
•To soothe sore throats: Carefully heat half a cup of milk and four teaspoons of honey until the honey is melted. Mix in another half cup of milk and warm until it’s as hot as you can drink it. Drink and enjoy. Submitted by: Joanna
•To eliminate burnt-food oven odours, sprinkle cinnamon in a baking pan. Place the pan in the oven while it’s still warm but no longer hot. Submitted by: Wolf

I enjoy your questions and tips, keep them coming. Missed a column? Can’t remember a solution? Need a speaker for an upcoming event? Follow me on Twitter and check out my website at reena.ca!