Tips for getting rid of plastic residue

Dear Heloise: Just the other day, I accidentally set a hot pan on something plastic. The pan is a good nonstick pan, and I didn't want to just throw it away. It occurred to me that since heat is how the plastic got stuck on there in the first place, then heat also should remove it. I used a lighter for candles and held it over each melted piece. It took a couple of minutes or so, but the plastic came off. — Beth L. from New Jersey

Beth, this happens to more people than you think. Usually it's a plastic bag that gets stuck to a hot appliance. For plastic-bag residue on an appliance, unplug it first; you can sprinkle some baking soda on a damp sponge and rub the area to remove it. After that, wipe it off with a clean, damp sponge.

If there is any plastic still there, try using some nail-polish remover on a paper towel and rub. Wipe with a damp cloth and dry. CAUTION: Nail-polish remover is flammable, so make sure all the remover is gone before you use the appliance again. Baking soda is so handy to have around the house! It can be used for cleaning, deodorizing and cooking! For a ton of great money-saving ways to use baking soda around your house, just send $5 and a long, self-addressed, stamped (61 cents) envelope to: Heloise/Baking Soda, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001 Here's a way to test if baking soda is still active: Just pour a small amount of vinegar in a bowl and then add about a spoonful of baking soda. If this mixture fizzes up, then the baking soda is still active and can be used. — Heloise

Dear Heloise: A hanging accessory organizer makes a great traveling companion. Stow personal items and other small necessities in the bag, and put it in your suitcase. Upon arrival, hang the bag in the closet of the hotel. Each person in your party can have a section. This will help keep the hotel room picked up and tidy. — Road Warrior, via e-mail

Dear Heloise: When people use the garbage disposal, they only let the water run for a short period of time. This does not flush the garbage from the "U" pipe below the sink. I save the water (that I run to get it hot) in a gallon milk jug. When I use the garbage disposal now, I use the whole gallon of water to make sure all the water has gone down the drain. I hope this helps people avoid a huge plumbing bill. — Rosemary in Texas

Dear Heloise: To transfer liquids or foods from a pan or large container into a smaller storage item, work over the sink, and you'll save yourself a cleanup job. — A Reader, via e-mail

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