Dear Heloise: Our disposable kitchen sponges begin to smell within a few days of use. I don't remember this happening in the past. Is there a way to keep sponges fresh longer?

— Maureen in Virginia

This is a common complaint! Here are three hints that work:

Keep two or more sponges in rotation, so one can dry while the other is in use.

Wash your sponges in the dishwasher (on the top rack only, and attached with a clothespin or clip).

Air-dry sponges by leaning them up vertically.

Keep in mind that sponges aren't made to last a lifetime! Depending on usage, they should be discarded after four to six weeks.

— Heloise

Dear Heloise: Many women waste money on baby oil, using it to remove makeup or as a hand and body lotion. Baby oil is nothing more than mineral oil with fragrance added. A bottle of baby oil costs far more than a bottle of mineral oil.

— Lee, via e-mail

Dear Heloise: Use baby towelettes to clean wooden toilet seats and cabinets. I also use them for quickie cleanups of the lavatory, outside surfaces of the toilet, the floor and chrome fixtures.

— Beth Turner, Crowley, Texas

Easy clean idea! Here's a hint from Margaret of Wilmington, Del., about using face-cleaning towelettes. She says: "For those who use face-cleaning towelettes but don't have makeup to remove, cut them in half and return half to the package. I find this perfectly adequate, and use the cloth afterward to clean the faucet and/or wash basin."

— Heloise

Dear Heloise: We have a microwave that we have used every day for 10 years and have not had any problems with stains. It still looks as good today as it did 10 years ago. We cover the dishes with a plastic dome that you can get at any kitchen-accessory store. The domes come in a variety of sizes and are not expensive. Our microwave has a rotating glass platform that we take out and clean if there is any spillage.

— Tom J., The Villages, Fla.

Good hint! Our microwave is many years old and looks great because I keep two cheap paper plates in it at all times to cover dishes and place under them, too. No splatters or food on the insert.

— Heloise

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