Dear Heloise:How do I get those water spots off of my stainless-steel sink and make it shine again? Help! —Brenda Perkins, Washington, D.C.
Brenda, we took your question to a couple of stainless-steel-sink manufacturers, and here is what they had to say: To keep water spotting (could also be mineral deposits) from developing, wash and dry the sink after each use. Allowing water to sit on the steel causes these stubborn spots to develop.
And to keep your sink looking its best, here are some other hints that were suggested:
Don't use abrasive cleaners, steel wool or scrubbing pads to clean the sink. If you rinse these cleaners off in the sink (oven cleaner is an example), be sure to rinse the sink out immediately after use.
Don't let metal items sit in the sink, because they could rust and damage it. Keep in mind that this includes metalware, skewers or even canning-jar rings.
If you use sink mats, they should be removed daily to prevent rusting and pitting of the sink.
When cleaning the sink, rub with the grain of the metal, not against it.
To disinfect the sink, wipe the sink with a solution of 1 part household bleach and 1 part water, then rinse well. DO NOT let the bleach set on the sink for a long period of time. To remove most stains and dirt, just use hot, soapy water — this should do the trick.
— Heloise
Dear Heloise: I always have an extra calendar or two and use one for jotting down arrival and departure times while making tentative trip arrangements with my travel agent. Then, when the details are settled, I transfer the information to the calendar that I keep current (and neat). —Ardis Beamish, Brooklyn Park, Minn.
Dear Heloise:I have a hint that I feel is worth sharing. We all have bottles of cologne and perfume that we no longer use. So, I bought a small spray bottle and filled it with a bottle of cologne, and then used this to spray in the bathroom. Adds a nice fragrance and uses up something I no longer use. —Lorraine in Minnesota
Dear Heloise: I, too, save my newspaper sleeves and use them to dispose of scooped kitty-box litter. Before knotting the bag, I add used dryer sheets that would otherwise be thrown away in the garbage can. Whatever scent remains from the dryer sheets helps with the odor of the litter. Our dryer sheets serve multiple purposes: scenting the clothes in the dryer and helping with the litter-box odors. —Vikki H., Spring, Texas
Send a great hint to: Heloise. P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000; Fax: 210-HELOISE; E-mail: Heloise@Heloise.com. © King Features Syndicate Inc.