From Deseret News archives:

De-gunk your iron with a damp towel

Hints from Heloise

Published: Friday, Nov. 7, 2003 1:59 p.m. MST

| E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + -

Dear Heloise: Help! What is the best way to clean the bottom of an iron? — Vince from Alabama

An easy way to remove the gunk is to heat up the iron and run it back and forth over a damp towel until all the residue has been removed. Many people think that the "goop" is a starch buildup, but a major iron manufacturer said that much of the gunk on the bottom of the iron is actually fiber buildup. This is caused when the wrong setting (usually too hot) is used when ironing. Be sure to read the garment label to see what iron setting is recommended. — Heloise

P.S. You can also buy a tube of iron cleaner at the drugstore or grocery store. It will last a long time.

Dear Heloise: Here are two hints that work well at home and while traveling.

— Just use the clock on your cell-phone's menu for an alarm clock.

— Tired of looking for that "other" earring? Cut a piece of rubberized shelf liner, push your earrings through and place the backs on the shafts. Since the liner is flexible, it doesn't take up much room either in your vanity or your travel bag. — Judy N., Electra, Texas

Story continues below

Dear Heloise: I change the baking soda in the refrigerator and used to toss the old one in the trash. Now I use it to clean every appliance in the kitchen.

I cleaned the chrome toaster, electric can opener, electric coffeepot and the little two-sided electric grill. I thought that it was a good idea, because I always ruin my clothes when I use that bleach cleaner spray, and now I won't anymore. — Linda R., Springdale, Ark.

Linda, you're right — baking soda is safe and has multiple uses, and it's cheap, too! You can even use the box from the refrigerator to clean your wooden cutting board and plastic utensils. I have put together a six-page pamphlet that includes lots of ways to use baking soda around your home. To receive a copy, please send $4 and a long, self-addressed, stamped (83 cents) envelope to: Heloise/Baking Soda, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. For a limited time, anyone who orders a pamphlet will receive an additional, different Heloise pamphlet for free. Baking soda is also a good way to keep foot odors away — just sprinkle a little in those tennis shoes to help prevent stinky feet. — Heloise

Dear Heloise: I found that our freezer had been unplugged for about a week, and I had mostly meat in it. You can imagine the mess I had. I tried everything I had ever heard of to remove the odor. I soaked a rag in vanilla flavoring and wiped the walls and top of the freezer. I did this twice, and no more odor. I'm still using the freezer. — Jo Ann Davenport, Lebanon, Tenn.