Baking soda helps remove buildup of hairspray from door

Dear Heloise: I need some advice on how to remove hair-spray buildup from our dark-wood bathroom door. We have a rather small bathroom, and the door is right across from the bathroom sink. When I use hair spray, it ends up on the door and looks really bad. I need help to be able to remove the buildup. Sallie, via e-mail

Try this remedy: Mix equal parts of baking soda and white (nongel) toothpaste together. Then slightly dampen a clean, white cotton cloth with water and dip it into the paste. Remember, you must test a hidden area first to be sure it doesn’t damage the surface.

Apply the mixture in a gentle circular motion, working on one small area at a time. You might need to work at it for a while until the spots disappear.

Use a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue. Don’t you just love baking soda? It and vinegar are my two favorite cleaners to have on hand. They take the place of expensive store-bought products and work just as well.

If you would like to learn more ways to use baking soda around your home to help save money, just send $5 and a long, self-addressed, stamped (59 cents) envelope to: Heloise/Baking Soda, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001.

Here is a quick way to get a butcher block clean and deodorized in just a minute or so using good ol’ baking soda. All you need to do is wet a sponge and then sprinkle on some baking soda. Use the paste to scrub the butcher block and then rinse well, and it’s ready for storage. Heloise

Dear Heloise: I wanted to comment on the column about cashiers who need to smile. I know that it can be hard.

I have spent many years working in customer service. More recently, I worked as a cashier at a gas station. Most days, it was easy to be polite to a customer. But there are days that it can be really hard to be a cashier.

Those are the days when customers will not get off their cell phones, the days when customers throw their money because they are in a hurry, the days when every single customer gripes at you about the rising prices because they think you are the one responsible.

Those are the days when people bring their screaming children, who knock things off shelves, so give cashiers a break! Take the initiative and be polite, because you could be the first nice person of the day. Melissa, via e-mail

Dear Heloise: When I opened my dishwasher door and saw a large roach scampering over the dirty dishes, I realized that the food left on the dishes was an inviting banquet for roaches. Now I remember to always latch the dishwasher door, especially at night. Nancy, via e-mail

SBlt 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