Dear Readers: The microwave has to be one of the most frequently used appliances in many homes and offices . . . and let's be frank — we might not always clean up spills right when they happen. So, here's how to get rid of those old spills and ward off unpleasant odors:
Combine 2 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 cup of water in a large, microwave-safe bowl, and microwave on high until the water boils (two to three minutes). Leave the microwave door closed for another 15 minutes. The steam will soften spills so you can wipe them up, and the baking soda helps to neutralize smells. Good ol' baking soda is great to have around the house. It comes in handy as a cleaner and a deodorizer! It's a great nonabrasive cleaner when sprinkled on a damp sponge, and it can also be used to freshen up around the home. For more great money-saving uses, please send $4 and a long, self-addressed, stamped (63 cents) envelope to: Heloise/Baking Soda, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. Sprinkle some baking soda in the trash can every so often to keep odors at bay! Also, remember that baking soda works well as a scrub for elbows and heels. —Heloise
Dear Heloise:My good friend taught me to put onions in the legs of pantyhose, then put a knot in the hose after each one. As they hang, when you want one, just cut one off — the rest stay knotted in the pantyhose! —Marion, via e-mail
Dear Readers: Speaking of onions, let's test your onion IQ. What are the three colors of onions available?
a. red, white and yellow
b. red, white and blue
c. red, white and green
What color choice did you pick? You may be "a" winner if you picked red, white and yellow. Did you know that Americans typically eat more than 18 pounds of onions every year? —Heloise
P.S. Don't let your dogs eat any onions, as onions can make them sick.
Dear Heloise:With the approaching watermelon season, here's a tip for making eating melon convenient. When you buy a watermelon, cut it into bite-size pieces immediately, removing all the seeds. Drain in a colander, then put the pieces in a bowl, cover and refrigerate. Now you can have watermelon at any time! —Kathy Klimpel in Texas
Dear Heloise: I use dental floss for cutting uncooked dough for cinnamon rolls, biscuits and everything else. Just slide a long string of dental floss under the roll of dough, cross the ends and pull in opposite directions. —Sonja Ransom from Texas
Dear Heloise:Out of frustration with the limited slots in the average silverware-holder tray in our kitchen drawer, we purchased a pack of small plastic baskets. They hold three times as many forks, spoons, knives and other utensils. Now, the silverware stays put! —Pete and Kay Hansen, Billings, Mont.
© King Features Syndicate Inc.