Dear Heloise: When using the
vinegar-and-baking-soda combination to clean drains, I don't use
the baking soda I've got for baking. I save the box that I use in
my fridge or freezer. After it's been in the fridge for
approximately three months, I use it with vinegar for my drains.
It's thrifty and recycles at the same time. -- Cora, via e-mail
Don't you love it? What could be better than saving money and
helping Mother Nature by not using harsh chemicals? This
all-natural, home-style mixture of vinegar and baking soda is a
great DRAIN-FRESHENING method that costs only pennies. Just pour
1/2 cup or so of baking soda down the drain and follow with 1 to 2
cups of cheap household vinegar. Wait a few minutes, and meanwhile,
put in the stopper and fill the sink up. Pull the plug and let the
"whoosh" push everything through. This easy formula and many more
money-saving cleaning hints with vinegar can be found in my
Fantabulous Vinegar Hints and More pamphlet, which you can have by
sending $4 and a long, self-addressed, stamped (58 cents) envelope
to: Heloise/Vinegar, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. I
keep a spray bottle full of vinegar in my kitchen for cleaning
appliances and windows, and one in each bathroom for the mirrors,
sink faucet and toilet bowl. It's a quick cleanup! When the vinegar
dries, the smell goes away -- promise! -- Heloise
Dear Heloise: In a recent column, you encouraged readers to
reuse and recycle plastic bags. Even better, how about bringing
your own cloth tote bags to the store? Not just for groceries, but
for trips to the mall as well. Hang your empty bags near your purse
so you remember to throw them back in the car for next time you
need them. -- Phyllis Muska, Harper, Texas
