HELOISE Stop dishwasher smell from getting out of hand

Dear Heloise: This hint is for those who have cleaned their garbage disposal, but it still has a bad odor. The dishwasher drain hose is connected to the disposal in most cases, and if the dishwasher has not been used recently, it might have mildew. It's a good idea to pour water into the bottom of the dishwasher to fill the pump and to keep the seals moist. That will help to stop the smell from getting out of hand, too. Verne Quick, Rosamond, Calif.
Also, add a cup of bleach to the water in the bottom of the dishwasher and let it run through the entire cycle. Just running it once a week or so keeps it and the garbage disposal odor-free, and also helps keep the dishwasher parts from drying out. Heloise
Dear Heloise: When my husband and I have seafood at home, we wrap the scraps in newspaper, tie them up in a plastic grocery bag and place the bag in the freezer until garbage day. This sure keeps the odor down in the garbage cans and keeps the flies away. Angela M. Harris, Lakeland, Fla.
One hint: Mark the bag "trash." You certainly don't want to take that bag out thinking it's dinner. Heloise
Dear Heloise: We get many notepads from various organizations. I simply glue a strip of magnet to the cardboard back and place it on the refrigerator door, and I have a handy, attractive place for making my grocery list. We only shop once a week. We also use those free address labels for coupons that request name, address, etc. Spaces are usually too small to put handwritten information. Mrs. J.D. Rothschild, Tyler, Texas
Read the fine print on the coupons and rebates -- some request handwritten info only. As for all others, address labels should be fine to use. Heloise
Dear Heloise: I have an easy way to make homemade noodles. I mix my dough, roll it out on my cutting board and cut the noodles using a pizza cutter. It's quick and takes less time than using a knife. Jean S., Freeland, Pa.
Dear Heloise: Your family won't eat the heels of a loaf of bread (or even wants crusts cut off a slice)?
Freeze the heels right in the wrapper. They can be broken into pieces before freezing or later. Use them for casserole toppings, in meatloaf, bread pudding or stuffing, or as a base over which to pour creamed chipped beef, chicken a la king, beef stew, etc. Ohio Octogenarian
Dear Heloise: Like crisp spinach? After buying fresh spinach, wash it thoroughly in cold water and pat it gently to remove as much water as possible. Line a plastic bag with paper towels and place the spinach inside. Store it in the refrigerator, but don't close tightly. Billie Tumlinson, Houston
Dear Readers: Dorothy Wade of Columbia City, Ind., sent in a hint that really comes in handy when you can't spread jelly easily. She puts it in a wide-mouth jar and uses a one-blade beater for 30 seconds. No chunky pieces to spread. Heloise
XSend a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, or you can fax it to (210) HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can't answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.
King Features Syndicate