Hints will eliminate offensive odors

Dear Readers: It just happens. You notice an awful smell coming from your kitchen sink. What's causing it, and what can you do about it? Check these areas to try to locate where the smell is originating:
Examine the sink first. There could be a buildup of bacteria in the drain. To eliminate it, pour a cup of bleach down the drain. Let it sit for at least 20 minutes, so the bacteria can be killed. Then run lots of cold water for a minute or two to clear the drain.
Check the rubber splash guard around the garbage disposal, if you have one. It could be slimy and need to be cleaned. Turn on the water. Pour a couple of drops of liquid dishwashing detergent onto a round brush and then scrub the guard really well. Run lots of water when you're done.
Look at the sink stoppers, because they also can get yucky and hold bad odors. Because these are cheap, you can replace them often. Heloise
Dear Heloise: If you take many trips, it's a good idea to make a journal for each trip as you travel. Thus, you can read the journal and enjoy the trips again. When you take pictures, mark the pictures as you take them and the name of the place where you were at the time. I wish I had done that! Bernice Ojcenasz, Terre Haute, Ind.
Dear Heloise: I have a minivan with a rather large windshield, and it is hard to keep the silver folding shade upright in the window. My sun visor hooks into place, so I aligned the sunshade with the place where visors hook in. I marked the sunshade, then used a needle and some string and made a loop on each side.
Now I can unhook the visor, hang the loop over the hook and latch the visor back into place, and my sunshade stays in place. Marilyn in Mesquite, Texas
Dear Heloise: I use scented candles throughout the house and hated to throw away the leftovers, thinking I might create new candles.
When reorganizing my closets recently, I thought about a use. I took old pantyhose, cut them about 6 to 8 inches above the ankle and put some candle pieces in the toes. I then tied a knot in the hose, leaving space to attach it to the closet rod and being careful not to place it near clothing.
Now when the closet door opens, I am greeted by a soft, pleasing aroma. Upkeep is easy; occasionally shake or jiggle the bag, and it is as good as new. Best of all, this is two-in-one recycling! J.W., McKinney, Texas
Dear Heloise: Replace light-switch plates with ones of a contrasting color. It makes the light switch much easier to see for those with vision problems. Barbara L. in Easton, Pa.
Send 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