HELOISE Soap and water will mean music to your ears

Dear Heloise: I'm excited about the new software available for transferring music from old LPs to CDs. I brought up my boxes of records from the basement, only to find mildew. Is this a job for vinegar or bleach?
I thought this might be coming up for many others as we try to clear clutter and learn new skills. E.W., via e-mail
No, don't use bleach! I'm glad you asked this question, because anyone who stored records in a basement or other damp area is probably going to find mildew on them. This doesn't mean that they should be thrown away. Just wash them using only mild dishwashing liquid and water -- No bleach or vinegar.
Rinse both sides of a record, holding it by the edge. Leave wet and apply a small amount of a mild dishwashing liquid (do not use a bar soap) to your fingertips and rub the record going in circles. Next, rinse well and carefully shake off any excess water, then place in a plastic dish drain to air-dry. If you need to wipe the records dry, use a lint-free cloth especially made for this -- a towel or the like will just leave lint.
FYI: Wearing white cotton gloves while handling the clean records will help protect them from finger smudges and dirt.
I'm glad to hear that you are backing up all those old tunes onto CDs for future enjoyment. Heloise
Dear Heloise: I read your column regularly in our San Diego newspaper.
My wife made use of something that was under the sink for who knows how long. She took the old plastic tissue-box cover and flipped it upside down to use as a toilet-brush holder. She put a plastic container in the bottom to collect any water. Alex Yurina, via e-mail
Dear Heloise: My daughter-in-law cuts duplicate photos into ovals, circles, squares, etc. and custom-decorates calendars for family members by pasting the photos randomly over calendar pictures of benign backgrounds.
The result is a wonderfully personalized calendar with new photos each month of that person's family. Dick Czora, Ontario, N.Y.
Dear Readers: Ready to use the microwave but the inside is a mess? Here's how to steam away the gunk. In a 4-cup microwave-safe bowl, put 2 tablespoons of either baking soda or lemon juice and add 1 cup of water. Let the mixture cook on high power for about 5 minutes. Caution: Let it cool for 15 minutes before opening the door. Then wipe off the inner surfaces. Heloise
Dear Heloise: I find very attractive church, hospital or old school commemorative plates at flea markets or garage sales for $1 or less.
These make splendid cake plates. When I take a cake to a new neighbor or a sick friend, I let the person know that the plate is now his or hers, too. Esther Morrison, Jacksonville, Ill.
King Features Syndicate