Baking soda makes stainless-steel sinks shine

Dear Heloise: I change the baking-soda fridge boxes regularly and keep one every other month to use as a multipurpose cleaner. I usually empty it into one of those plastic spice jars. I keep one under the kitchen sink and find that it cleans my stainless-steel sink better than anything else, as it takes away the oiliness and grime left over. Sometimes I mix it with dishwashing liquid when we’ve had greasy food. Roma, Edison, N.J.

Roma, baking soda is one of my absolute favorite environmentally safe products to use instead of expensive cleaners. For a multitude of money-saving hints using baking soda, order my six-page Heloise’s Baking Soda Hints and Recipes pamphlet by sending $5 and a long, self-addressed, stamped (61 cents) envelope to: Heloise/Baking Soda, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. When baking soda is made into a paste for cleaning, it won’t scratch most surfaces and is perfect for cleaning sinks and tubs. Heloise

Dear Readers: Many accidents happen in the home. So, let’s talk about home safety. Did you know that slips and falls account for an estimated one-third of injuries among the elderly? So here some hints to keep you safe:

UEnsure that the top and bottom of staircases are well-lit.

UIlluminate dark hallways, especially near bathrooms.

UUse nonskid rugs on slippery flooring, such as linoleum.

UMop up spills immediately.

UTighten any loose handrails on stairs, lofts, walkways and balconies. Heloise

Dear Heloise: Pillboxes are great for taking jewelry on trips. Each compartment takes one set of earrings, and necklaces fit without getting tangled. Since pillboxes come in all sizes, larger compartments can accommodate larger jewelry. Carol Huggard, Plantation, Fla.

Dear Heloise: How do I get sticky spider webs off the shingle siding of the house? It really looks awful all around the front door. Thanks for all you do. Jeanne, via e-mail

Cobwebs are sticky and icky! Try this: Use a long-handled broom that has been draped in a damp paper towel or old pantyhose. Heloise

Dear Readers: When I am watering my African violets and other houseplants, here’s how I remember the last day they were watered. I keep a stack of index cards with the days of the week marked and place the appropriate card in those tall, plastic card holders you get with flower deliveries. Heloise

Dear Heloise: Upon reading your garbage-disposal comments, I was reminded of a plumber friend’s advice. To flush out the drain after turning off the disposal, keep the water running for as long as it takes to walk out to the city sewer line and back. Dorene R., Garland, Texas

Good point, and for those whose home is on a septic system, time how long it takes to walk from the kitchen to where the septic tank is. Heloise

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