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REMOVING ZINC STAINS
For zinc-cream stains, first remove the deposit, then dab with neat wool wash on a cloth wrung out in hot water. Repeat as often as is necessary, using a fresh part of the cloth each time. K. Haigh, Balgowlah, NSW
MOZZIE DETERRENT
To help to deter mosquitoes this summer, burn a combination of tea-tree and citronella oils in an oil burner. Makes the house smell fresh, too. V. Edgerton, Caringbah, NSW
AVOIDING SPIDERS IN THE SHED
Worried about spiders in a garden shed? Keep your gloves in a zip-lock plastic bag so there are no nasty surprises when you put them on. K. Allan, Helensburgh, NSW
CD, VIDEO AND MOVIE BORROWING
Check out CDs, videos and movies at your lending library. They’re free to take home for two weeks – very handy during the school holidays. M. Hyde, Wellington, NSW
HYDRANGEAS THAT WILL LAST
Your arrangement of Christmas hydrangeas will last for weeks if you add half a teaspoon of powdered alum (from a chemist) to the water. W. Hughes, Balaclava, VIC
CAKE PRESERVATION
Bake a child’s birthday cake a day or so ahead and freeze it. Frozen cake is easier to ice than fresh, and it will defrost well under the icing. R. Phillips, Gowrie, ACT.
INDOOR PLANT HYDRATION
Before a holiday, water indoor plants well and place in clear plastic bags tied at the top. On your return, untie, leave for a day, then remove bags. L. Rappoport, Oatlands, NSW.
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