Salvaging a shine from reclaimed-wood floors

A. Reclaimed wood, which has been salvaged from old structures such as barns and warehouses, is usually harder and more stable than new wood, says Jay Petre, owner of Renick Millworks, in Renick, W. Va. Provided your floors have been treated with a water- or oil-based finish, they can be maintained much like any new wood flooring. That said, it’s a good idea to consult your installer and the finish manufacturer for care instructions and appropriate cleansers. But costly products aren’t always necessary.

“Nothing beats a few capfuls of white vinegar in a bucket of water,’’ says John Williams, senior sales representative at Mountain Lumber, in Ruckersville, Va.

Whether or not you use a suggested cleanser or a vinegar-water solution, it is important to wring the mop until it is only slightly damp, Williams says. Too much water can soften the finish and possibly warp the wood. Weather can also affect wood floors.

“Depending on the region and the climatic controls in your home, your floor will try to equalize itself by absorbing or releasing moisture,’’ Williams says. Wood is stable at fairly standard room temperatures, from 65 to 73 degrees, and levels of humidity, from 35 percent to 50 percent. (A humidifier or dehumidifier can help keep it in that range.)

Q. What exactly are sprouted grains?

A. A sprouted, or malted, grain is one that has been soaked until a tiny sprout emerges through the seed coat. Popular among some vegetarians and raw-food enthusiasts, sprouted grains, including wheat, spelt, and barley, can be sprinkled atop salads or ground into flour for homemade bread. Sprouted loaves, pastas, and cereals have also become available at health-food and some grocery stores.

As grains begin to sprout, some of the starches are converted into sugars, resulting in enzymatic changes. While proponents claim that this process predigests grains, making nutrients easier to absorb, few studies have explored this. The Whole Grains Council and the American Association of Cereal Chemists International recently found that the nutrient values of sprouted and unsprouted wheat are comparable.

Whether or not sprouted grains live up to grander claims, they are nonetheless counted as whole grains, which many nutritionists agree are an important part of a healthy diet. For tips on sprouting grains at home, visit www.marthastewart.com/sprouted-grains.

Q. How can I remove an applique from the bottom of my bathtub?

A. One way is to warm the entire decal with a hair dryer for a few minutes. The heat will loosen the adhesive, and you should be able to lift it. Use a plastic spackling knife to gently scrape off the applique, starting at the corners. (This tool is appropriate for porcelain fixtures as well as fiberglass ones, which tend to be more susceptible to scratches.)

If some portions of the decal prove to be troublesome, try saturating the area with hot vinegar or Goo Gone, a product made from a citrus-based oil that’s good for unsticking all manner of things. Let it sit for a few minutes, and then use the spackling knife. After removing the applique, rinse the tub with clean water, and dry with a cloth.

Q. I’ve built a lovely conservatory. What plants should I start with?

A. Begonias would be fabulous. Logee’s, in Danielson, Conn., has a phenomenal assortment of fancy-leaf begonias. They grow fast, are very showy, and bloom once a year with great clusters of pink, white, or yellow flowers. You can put begonias on your table as a flower arrangement; they’re so amazing.

I like clivias, too; they’re similar to amaryllis but longer-lived. I have one with eight stalks of yellow flowers, and they also come in a bright orange-red and orange. Nonhardy, decorative ferns are rewarding in a greenhouse, and citrus and palm trees are wonderful as well.

Q. I’d like to raise chickens. Which breed of chicken is best for egg production?

A. It’s not so much about the breed of chicken as it is about how you’re going to keep them. You absolutely must have a well-fenced yard, so raccoons and other animals don’t get the chickens; the fence should extend 12 to 14 inches into the ground. The coop will need electricity to run a light and keep their water from freezing in winter; you can also get a heated water dispenser.

I let my chickens out every day, no matter the weather. All the feed is organic, and I give them scraps that I would otherwise compost, such as apple cores and carrot peelings. We also hang cabbages on wires throughout their yard and in their houses. It gives them something healthful to eat, and they peck the cabbages, not each other. If they are well-fed, they will lay. I’ve had good luck, and the eggs are utterly delicious.

Q. Is there a way to prevent birds from flying into my picture windows?

A. Birds in flight, confused by reflections of nearby trees, often crash right into windows. Panes on opposite sides of a room are notorious avian traps, as they give the illusion of a clear passageway.

During nesting season, some species barrel into windows for another reason: to defend their territory from their reflections. This behavior wanes as the season ends.

To forestall such collisions, break up the reflection in the windows by hanging ribbons or wind chimes in front of them. Bird feeders also work well, but they should be installed within 2 feet of the window or more than 15 feet from the house. Or stretch small-mesh netting across the window frame; incoming birds will bounce off the nearly invisible netting and fly away, perhaps dazed, but otherwise unharmed.

Adapted from Martha Stewart Living.