Dear Heloise: I have many wonderful pieces of vintage luggage, but they smell vintage, too. They've been closed for quite some time. I would love to use them for storage.
Any suggestions on airing them out, other than just leaving them open? — Sirena Pilkington, via e-mail
There are several things you can try to help remove that "vintage" odor. The easiest would be to spray the inside of the luggage thoroughly with fabric freshener. If this doesn't work, try putting scented cat-box filler OR activated charcoal granules (used in aquarium filters) into a margarine tub with a lid, and punch several holes in the lid. Place it inside the luggage before closing it up for a few days. You can also stuff the luggage with newspaper, close it up for a day or so and then remove the newspaper. Odors are usually absorbed by the paper.
To help keep luggage smelling fresh, especially when you're using it for storage, put a couple of wrapped bars of hotel-size soap or a couple of fabric-softener sheets in it. Make sure they don't touch any garments, etc., because they could leave stains.
I hope these help freshen your luggage and keep it smelling fresh. — Heloise
Send a great hint to:
Heloise
P.O. Box 795000
San Antonio, TX 78279-5000
Fax: 210-HELOISE
E-mail: Heloise@Heloise.com
Dear Heloise: Here are some alternate uses for CDs — especially those that we don't use in our computers. — Mrs. Donna Eilers, Ashburn, Va.:
Place under votive candles for an extra-reflective effect when the candles are lit.
They can serve as locker mirrors for kids at school — use a piece of double-stick tape on the back for mounting.
Place several under the glass on a coffee table, with small photos over the center hole, for a decorative collage to look at.
Donna, with so many of those shiny discs around, it's nice to recycle them. They also make pretty coasters — just glue a piece of felt on the back. — Heloise
Dear Heloise: Whenever I buy a product such as a VCR, microwave or something else that comes with an instruction manual, I keep it in a plastic zip-top bag. Then if I have a yard sale and want to sell the item, a clean instruction manual goes a long way toward getting the item sold. — Louise G., Neptune, N.J.
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