Dear Ernie, After removing meatloaf from the oven, allow the food to cool down. Once cool, drain the fat and then place the pan of meatloaf into the freezer for about an hour. Remove the meatloaf from the pan, slice and reheat. The meatloaf should stay together much better.

Dear Reena, How do you remove permanent marker off a dining room table with a glossy finish? —Anonymous

Dear Anonymous, Gently scrub with a combination of baking powder and dish soap, being careful not to damage the finish.

Dear Reena, I have noticed dog saliva stains on my hardwood floors. How can I remove them without damaging the wood? — Nabeel

Dear Nabeel, Gently rub the area with fine steel wool and apply a wood floor cleaner. Wet the affected area and then sprinkle meat tenderizer on the spots; let this soak in for a few moments, then wash. For saliva stains that won’t budge, you’ll need to strip, sand and apply varnish or polyurethane. If the stains remain, contact a professional hardwood floor specialist.

Dear Reena, My son was sprayed by a skunk and the clothing he was wearing stinks. Should I throw it out, or can it be saved? — Lynda

Dear Lynda, Soak his clothing for a few hours in 10 cups of white vinegar and one quarter cup of heavy-duty liquid detergent. Lay the clothing on the grass for a few hours on a sunny day. Wash as usual.

Dear Reena, What do you recommend as a good fertilizer for geraniums? I have tried maintaining them every year, but they just don’t last. — Cameron

Dear Cameron, For best results, geraniums need to be fertilized at least once a month. Dried coffee grounds or compost are wonderful fertilizers for geraniums. Water them thoroughly, but allow them to dry out between waterings. Deadhead geraniums regularly so that nutrients generate living foliage.

Feedback from a Smart Contributor

Re: Chocolate sauce to pour over ice cream.

Hello Reena, I read your recipe for chocolate sauce; I have a different recipe that doesn’t require whipping cream, that is amazing. I thought I’d share it too.

Fudgy Chocolate Sauce:
Half-cup cocoa powder, Two-third cup sugar, Half-cup water, Half-cup butter, cut in pieces, 1 tsp. vanilla

Combine the cocoa and sugar in a heavy pot. Stir in the water and then add the butter. Cook and stir over medium heat until the mixture boils. Take off the heat and stir in the vanilla. Cool the mixture; it will thicken into a thick fudgy sauce as it cools. Store in the fridge. — Dianne

2 Homemade Stain Removers:

• In a bowl combine: 1-part Dawn dish soap, 1-part baking soda, 2-parts 3 per cent hydrogen peroxide. Brush onto stain, leave for 30 minutes. Wash as usual. Check stain before using dryer. Repeat if needed. — Malika

• I have the best go-to stain remover. Dampen the stain with water. Sprinkle a liberal amount of salt onto the stain. Leave for 30 minutes. Wash in the sink with dish soap and water. — Meg

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

-Reena Nerbas