Hints from Heloise

Dear Readers: Over time, vases can become stained with hard-water deposits and just plain gunk. Here are a few easy solutions you can try to make them sparkling and crystal-clear once again:

•For a vase with a large opening – one you can easily put your hand into – mix 1/3 cup of salt and 2 tablespoons or more of vinegar to form a paste. Apply this to the inside of the vase with a damp rag and let stand for about 20 minutes, then rinse and dry.

•For those stubborn areas that don’t want to budge, try using a gentle paste of baking soda and water. Follow by rinsing and drying.

•For delicate vases that are easily scratched, use plain vinegar by itself. Fill the vase up to the rim with (warm to hot) vinegar and let this sit overnight, scrub, then rinse and dry. – Heloise