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Dear Heloise: I have a new watch with a leather-and-cloth band. It started to develop an odor. So, I tried cleaning it with mild soap and water. No dice – the smell stayed. I tried soaking it in vinegar. That was a mistake. Now I had the odor plus the vinegar smell.

So, I tried wetting the band and rubbing it with a paste I made from baking soda and water, let it sit for 15 minutes, then rinsed it – and sweet success! No more smells – and it is easy and cheap, too! – Joe LaBonte, Converse, Texas

Joe, how clever of you, and thanks for sharing this timely odor-away hint! Baking soda is one of my favorite multiuse cleaners and deodorizers that works for so many things – shoes, carpets, trash cans, refrigerators and more. – Heloise