Q Why do some recipes call for dried mushrooms when it’s necessary to reconstitute them first?
A: Certain mushrooms, including delicious porcini and Polish woodland, are grown in remote locations and, consequently, cannot always be found fresh. If you do come across these imported varieties in the produce section of your grocery store, they can be very expensive.
When a recipe calls for dried mushrooms, it is not because the flavor is any more or less intense than that of fresh ones. It simply has to do with the shelf life and availability of the different types.
Q: How can I prevent wet spills from causing stains on my sisal rugs?
A: I have sisal area rugs covering the beautiful oak floors in several rooms of my house in Maine. My dogs adore these natural-fiber carpets, but every so often one of them will have an accident. I used to rinse the spot with seltzer and dry it with a towel and a fan, but this always left a dull mark on the sisal.
I’ve recently discovered a product called Host Dry Carpet Cleaner that works very well. It’s a damp, sawdustlike material that comes in a tub. You spread a quarter-inch-thick layer over the wet spot, brush it in and then vacuum it up an hour later. The stain miraculously disappears. It cleans other types of rugs, but it’s especially good for nonwashable sisal. I’ve been happy with the results.
Q: I have a cast-iron Dutch oven that I’ve seasoned with oil, and it has recently taken on a rancid smell. How can I remove this odor?
A: Rub the entire surface with coarse salt to soak up some of the excess moisture. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees and set the pan inside. Then slowly raise the temperature to 300 degrees. Take out the pan after an hour and let it cool. Wash the pan with very hot water, but do not use soap.
After you’ve dried it, there should be no need to reseason. Continue using the Dutch oven, but in the future, don’t cover it with the lid when you store it. This can trap unwanted odors.
Q: Is it safe to leave my freshly dry-cleaned clothes in plastic?
A: Dry cleaners provide plastic garment bags so that your clothing will stay clean during the journey home. Although this covering protects against rain and dirt, it is not suitable for long-term storage.
Plastic bags, as well as vinyl ones supplied by some retailers, can trap air, humidity and other gases, which can cause discoloration known as fume fading. In general, most garments will be fine if left in the plastic for up to two weeks, but leather and fur should be removed immediately, according to the National Cleaners Association.
If you intend to store your dry-cleaned clothes (or other garments) for more than a month, consider placing them in unbleached muslin bags. These effectively guard against damage from dust, moths and light and are suitable for all types of fabric, as well as leather and fur.
To prevent rust stains, replace metal hangers with resin or wooden ones, and remove pins, which are sometimes used to attach dry-cleaning tags.
Q: I just moved into an apartment, and the hardwood floors, which seem to be waxed, are covered in scuff marks. What is the best way to remove them?
A: First, make sure your floors are waxed. To test, sprinkle a few drops of water on the surface in an inconspicuous area. If white spots appear after 10 minutes, then your floors are waxed. In this case, try applying a light wax cleaner. This should remove the scuff marks. Then you can rewax using a paste wax and an electric rotary buffing machine, which can be purchased or rented at hardware stores.
One of the previous tenants must have had black heels, so institute a ban on wearing black heels inside your apartment. Certain soles leave terrible marks, and I find that it’s easier to ask guests to leave their shoes at the door.
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