Simple steps will keep disposal in good running condition

Dear Readers: If you have a garbage disposal, you need to know a few basic hints to keep it in good running condition:

U Run some cold water first, turn on the disposal, then feed it carefully. When it’s done working, shut it off and run more water to clear the pipe.

UDon’t cram it full, and never put your hands or utensils inside the disposal.

UDon’t pour grease or scrape large amounts of fat into it.

UDon’t put bones, shells, large fruit pits, metal objects, plastic or drain cleaners in it.

UAvoid putting celery, artichokes and cornhusks in it.

UTo deodorize the disposal, put 1‚Ñ4 to 1‚Ñ2 cup baking soda down the drain and follow with 1‚Ñ2 cup vinegar. Let bubble for a few minutes, then turn on the water and run the disposal. Baking soda can clean and deodorize appliances such as the dishwasher, trash compactor, refrigerator and microwave. It’s handy in the laundry room and bathroom, too. One cheap box of baking soda can replace commercial cleaners that can harm the environment and empty your wallet!

For a list of cleaning and deodorizing hints using baking soda, send $5 and a long, self-addressed, stamped (61 cents) envelope to: Heloise/Baking Soda, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. FYI: If you can’t seem to get strong odors out of dirty clothes, try adding 1‚Ñ2 cup baking soda along with your regular amount of detergent. Visit my Web site, www.Heloise.com, for more money-saving hints. Heloise

Dear Readers: With picnic time upon us, here are some fast facts for covering the picnic table:

UShower curtain.

UTwin fitted sheet.

ULarge beach or bath towel.

UA piece of fabric. Heloise

Dear Heloise: A reader recommended writing on a packed box a detailed list of what was in it. My husband and I are retired military, and we were always advised to number boxes and keep a master list of the items by number. Should you be unfortunate enough to have a dishonest mover or have to put your items in storage, a thief will not have to work very hard to find the “good” stuff if you list the items on the box. Judy Frank, Arab, Ala.

Judy, a very good point! You can, at a minimum, put a room description, such as “kitchen,” “bathroom” or “den.” Heloise

Dear Heloise: We have a spongy shower mat. To keep it mold-free, the last person to shower wrings it out and hangs it over a plastic hanger in the shower. This allows it to air-dry completely. Ann K., via e-mail

Sound off

Dear Heloise: My Sound Off is about people who drive fast up and down the parking lanes at stores. This is dangerous for shoppers and for drivers pulling in or backing out. Please drive slowly! Shirley, via e-mail

• 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