Keep a house tidy by working smart

• When preparing to dust tables, I remove all items and put them on the sofa. With shelves, I dust one shelf at a time, removing items on it; otherwise, I won't get them back in the correct place. I don't feel I have to dust every item every time — sometimes I just hit the high spots.

• To keep bathrooms looking spiffy, don't feel you have to clean them on any certain day; instead, if you have just finished brushing your teeth, etc., that is the perfect time to quickly clean the vanity areas — and maybe take a swipe at the toilet at the same time. It keeps bathrooms from becoming such a chore.

• Keep cleaning supplies under each lavatory or vanity; it saves tons of walking. On cleaning days, I tie on a carpenter-type apron and put some of my cleaning supplies (plus cordless phone) in the pockets. It helps to have some good music on the stereo, too. I try to clean the den when one of my favorite shows is on television.

Never let cleaning overwhelm you! Just do a little at a time, and in no time all of your work will be done. Of course, dust will come back. —Heloise

Dear Heloise: When I travel, I take a night light with me. I plug it into the outlet in the bathroom. This is much better than leaving the bright light on during the night. —B. Roberts, Jacksonville, Fla.

Dear Heloise: About the musty-smelling piece of furniture: Place pie plates or flat bowls of baking soda in the drawers underneath, on top and on the floor surrounding it. Leave for a week. I have done this to remove the mustiness from an old trunk. Don't use any oil or wax on the piece until after the mustiness is gone. Oil will only seal in the offensive odor. —Cathy Pavlak, Reston, Va.

Baking soda is a good deodorizer. To make baking soda easier to dispense, put it in a shaker-top container. Want some great ways to save money by using baking soda around your home? Please send $4 and a long, self-addressed, stamped (60 cents) envelope to: Heloise/Baking Soda, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. Baking soda can be used to deodorize carpets. Just sprinkle some on, let it sit for 10 minutes or so and then simply vacuum up. —Heloise

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