HELOISE Cure found for smelly old trunk

Dear Heloise: In your column today, you mentioned that one of your associates had a trunk with a foul odor. Several years ago, I was lucky enough to obtain a very large trunk that was big enough to hold most of my quilts, blankets and afghans. It was in rough shape.
The first thing I did was remove all of the old paper lining and scrub it out, then air-dry it in the sun. I relined it with wallpaper and filled it up with my bedcovers. I was so proud of it until I went to get a quilt out of it. Yuck! It smelled awful. I tried several remedies, with no luck. I finally did have success with the following:
Take several small margarine tubs and punch holes in the lids with a paper punch. Fill the tubs with washing soda, put the lids on and place the tubs in the trunk. I even left the quilts in the trunk and placed the tubs among them, too. After several weeks, the odor was gone. Peggy, via e-mail
Dear Heloise: For many years, my mother has packed dishes using paper plates (the kind that come 200 to a package, not the "good" ones). For dinner plates, she puts one between each plate. For smaller things, such as saucers or bowls, she cuts the paper plate into 4 pieces and uses these.
Of course, you still have to use packing paper (or old newspapers) for cups and glasses and to fill in your box or carton. It is much easier and faster than wrapping each item, and it really works. Sheryl, San Antonio
Dear Heloise: The other day, I decided to take the stove vent filter down to clean it. After cleaning, I attempted to replace it, but I had forgotten to turn the electrical switch to the off position, and boy, did it spark. So remember, whenever you are working on anything electrical, be sure it is shut off. P.C., via e-mail
This is an important reminder, and we are glad that you were not hurt. Turning a switch off seems like an easy thing to remember, but on a busy day, it's easy to forget. Heloise
King Features Syndicate