HELOISE Hint requested on removing lingering odors in microwave

Dear Heloise: I am a teacher who works in a preschool day care. Every day, we heat up many microwave lunches. Sometimes spills occur, and they are not cleaned up immediately. Now, even though the microwave is clean, there are very bad odors that still linger. Is there anything I can do to eliminate them? Nikki Hicks, Via E-mail
Yes, lemon or any citrus will do the trick. Here's the Heloise update: Fill a large bowl (at least a 4-cup size) with 2 cups of water (no more) and add the juice of 2 large lemons, plus cut up the rind and pulp, too. Place the bowl in the center of the microwave (uncovered) and set it on high for about 4 to 5 minutes or until the water boils.
The inside of the microwave will be steamy and hot, so let the water cool down for at least 15 minutes before opening the door. This is an important caution.
Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe the inside top, bottom and sides. It should smell fresh and clean. Next time when anything spills, wipe it up right away, and freshen the microwave about once a month with the water and lemons. Heloise
P.S. Keep a cheap paper plate on the bottom of the microwave to catch any spills.
Dear Heloise: Do you dislike moving food containers of every kind from the front of your refrigerator to get something used less often from the back of the shelf?
Because of this, I placed three cookie sheets (with rims), approximately 18 by 13 inches, on the bottom two shelves. I just slide them out -- not all the way, of course -- pick up whatever I need without moving anything else, and slide them back.
For someone with back problems who shouldn't bend or reach, this idea really helps. Elaine, Manti, Utah
Dear Heloise: Get in the habit of making your own salad dressings. It's fun to experiment and come up with delicious and different dressings.
My favorite hint: Before you recycle that peanut-butter jar, don't rinse it. Pop off the lid and pour in the following: 1 teaspoon each of minced ginger, minced garlic or garlic powder, black pepper (finely ground) and salt.
Add 2 tablespoons each of soy sauce, white vinegar and honey, 1/4 cup of hot water and a dash of Worcestershire sauce. Add light salad oil such as canola oil to fill almost to the top.
If you want a fat-free version, use leftover tea (herb or ordinary pekoe) or fruit juice such as lemonade, limeade or orange juice. Replace the lid and shake until no peanut butter clings to the sides of the jar. Put into a dressy bottle if you like. Lucy Wiley, Houston
XSend a great hint to: Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, Fax: (210) HELOISE or E-mail: Heloise@Heloise.com.
King Features Syndicate