There are simple rules for household vinegar use

Monday, August 21, 2006 Dear Heloise: Is there a fast rule to learn about which vinegar, white or cider, to use for a particular problem? Thanks. — Nancy, via e-mail For most general cleaning, use good ol' white vinegar, and buy the cheapest brand available. If you are using vinegar in a food recipe, you can use apple-cider vinegar, but normally if the recipe doesn't state a type, then white is the answer. Apple-cider vinegar is made from apples, has a bit of a "fruity" aroma and is usually used in pickling and cooking. Distilled white vinegar is made from corn and is also used in pickling, as well as having multiple uses around the house for cleaning and freshening. Malt vinegar is made from malt syrup and has a full-bodied, pungent flavor. This is the "sauce" that is used on British fish and chips. — Heloise P.S. Balsamic vinegar is a favorite of mine and is a tasty alternative to soy sauce for egg rolls. Fast facts Here are some uses for an extra terra-cotta pot (clean). It can hold: pens and pencils a candle flower bulbs small garden tools. Dear Heloise: Recently, I made a pot of chili, and some of the food got burnt onto the bottom of the pot. How do I remove what I wasn't able to scrape off? John, via e-mail John, give this method a try: Add enough water to cover the bottom of the pot, then liberally sprinkle the pot with baking soda. Put back on the stove and bring to a boil, then turn off the heat and let sit for a few hours. Then, with a little scrubbing, the pot should be good as new. Baking soda is also a fantastic cleaner for kitchen appliances, counters and wooden cutting boards. Simply sprinkle some on a damp sponge and scrub away dirt and grime. Baking soda is one of my favorite, natural cleaners and deodorizers, so I have a six-page pamphlet brimming with money-saving ways to use baking soda. To receive a copy, please send $4 and a long, self-addressed, stamped (63 cents) envelope to: Heloise/Baking Soda, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. To keep baking soda handy around the kitchen, pour some into a clean shaker bottle and keep by the sink. When you need some, a quick shake or two is right at your fingertips. Heloise Sound off Dear Heloise: In a recent Sound Off, a reader asked that people please use their turn signal way before they turn. But even if they do, you cannot depend on it. Sometimes the signal was just left on for a previous turn, and a collision is sure to happen, so it is always best to make sure the vehicle is turning before you pull out. Paula from New York I'm with you on this one! I always wait until the vehicle actually starts to turn. It's scary how many times it doesn't. Heloise Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to (210) HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com. King Features Syndicate