Hints from Heloise

Dear Heloise: I’m writing to say a big thank-you to the lady who wrote about how to take care of a bathtub stain.

She sure knew what she was talking about. The hair shampoo did a wonderful job. I had used cleanser before, and it did nothing. – Sue in Missouri City, Texas

A lot of times, regular hair shampoo will work wonders on soap film and dirt. Also, try using a little baking soda with the shampoo for some extra “scrubbing” action. Baking soda is so versatile that it can be used in cleaning, deodorizing and baking. In this day and age, when we’re all concerned about the environment, you can help out. Instead of using harsh chemicals to remove burned-on food in a pot, all you have to do is put 3 tablespoons of baking soda in enough water to cover the bottom of the pan. Simmer on the stove until the gunk starts to lift, and, with a little scrubbing, the pot will sparkle again. All for pennies, too. – Heloise