get rid of microwave stink
HINTS FROM HELOISE
By Hints From Heloise Tuesday, June 5, 2007; C08
Dear Heloise:
Help! I microwaved popcorn, only to discover that I had burned it. The smell is awful, and I can't get rid of the odor.
Jan, Seattle
You wouldn't believe how often I hear this question! Overpowering odors can linger long after microwaving certain strong-smelling foods, so here are some hints to try:
Lemon, lime and orange juice are natural odor busters and will not only eliminate the burned-popcorn smell but will fill the kitchen with a clean, citrus scent. Just combine 1/2 cup of juice (or chop up a half of any of the above citrus fruits) with 1/2 cup of water in a four-cup or larger microwave-safe container. You can add four or five cloves, too. Put in the microwave and heat on high until the water boils and creates steam. It's the steam that really accelerates the deodorizing.
Caution: The water and steam will be extremely hot! Be sure to let the mixture cool completely (at least 15 minutes) before opening the door. Leaving the door open for a while afterward will help circulate the air.
You can also try baking soda. Just fill a large bowl with one cup of water, two tablespoons of baking soda and a drop of vanilla or lemon extract. Place in the microwave and heat on high for two to three minutes. The walls of the microwave will be damp and make it easy to remove stains, and the smell will be gone, too.
FYI: A little baking soda sprinkled in the kitchen trash can every so often will help control odors until it's time for trash day. And put an open box in a seldom-used, musty linen closet.
Dear Heloise:
Not wanting to throw baseball caps in the washer for fear of bending the brims, it occurred to me that since we wear them on our head, why not shampoo them like we do our hair, in the shower? Next time you take a shower, wear the cap, and after it's wet, use a nailbrush with your favorite shampoo to clean the cap! Then you can let it drip-dry. It's clean and smells just like your shampoo. Takes all of three to four minutes.
Elizabeth L. in Reston
Sounds silly, but it's one way to clean those caps! Just be sure the cap is washable and not an older or collectible one.
Dear Heloise:
I wear high-heeled shoes daily and often slip on the tile floors at work. I decided to buy treads for the bottoms of my shoes, but was shocked at how much they cost, so I bought tread for bathtub floors and cut it to fit the bottoms of my shoes. Most discount stores sell these for a couple of dollars, and one package has enough in it for several pairs of shoes. Now all the ladies at work are doing this for a lot less money.
Meredith in Ashburn
Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Tex. 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE or e-mail it toHeloise@Heloise.com. Please include your city and state when faxing or using e-mail. I can't answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.
2007King Features Syndicate
44By Hints From Heloise Tuesday, June 5, 2007; C08
Dear Heloise:
Help! I microwaved popcorn, only to discover that I had burned it. The smell is awful, and I can't get rid of the odor.
Jan, Seattle
You wouldn't believe how often I hear this question! Overpowering odors can linger long after microwaving certain strong-smelling foods, so here are some hints to try:
Lemon, lime and orange juice are natural odor busters and will not only eliminate the burned-popcorn smell but will fill the kitchen with a clean, citrus scent. Just combine 1/2 cup of juice (or chop up a half of any of the above citrus fruits) with 1/2 cup of water in a four-cup or larger microwave-safe container. You can add four or five cloves, too. Put in the microwave and heat on high until the water boils and creates steam. It's the steam that really accelerates the deodorizing.
Caution: The water and steam will be extremely hot! Be sure to let the mixture cool completely (at least 15 minutes) before opening the door. Leaving the door open for a while afterward will help circulate the air.
You can also try baking soda. Just fill a large bowl with one cup of water, two tablespoons of baking soda and a drop of vanilla or lemon extract. Place in the microwave and heat on high for two to three minutes. The walls of the microwave will be damp and make it easy to remove stains, and the smell will be gone, too.
FYI: A little baking soda sprinkled in the kitchen trash can every so often will help control odors until it's time for trash day. And put an open box in a seldom-used, musty linen closet.
Dear Heloise:
Not wanting to throw baseball caps in the washer for fear of bending the brims, it occurred to me that since we wear them on our head, why not shampoo them like we do our hair, in the shower? Next time you take a shower, wear the cap, and after it's wet, use a nailbrush with your favorite shampoo to clean the cap! Then you can let it drip-dry. It's clean and smells just like your shampoo. Takes all of three to four minutes.
Elizabeth L. in Reston
Sounds silly, but it's one way to clean those caps! Just be sure the cap is washable and not an older or collectible one.
Dear Heloise:
I wear high-heeled shoes daily and often slip on the tile floors at work. I decided to buy treads for the bottoms of my shoes, but was shocked at how much they cost, so I bought tread for bathtub floors and cut it to fit the bottoms of my shoes. Most discount stores sell these for a couple of dollars, and one package has enough in it for several pairs of shoes. Now all the ladies at work are doing this for a lot less money.
Meredith in Ashburn
Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Tex. 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE or e-mail it toHeloise@Heloise.com. Please include your city and state when faxing or using e-mail. I can't answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.
2007King Features Syndicate
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