Charcoal, cat-box filler help neutralize odors

Dear Heloise: I recently bought a house, and the linen closet in the hallway has a musty smell and damp feeling. I placed baking soda in it to absorb odor and dampness, but it's not working. Help! I have to crack the door open sometimes to "dry" it out, and all my towels smell musty and damp.

— C.M. Jerger, via e-mail

Yuck! Baking soda is a great odor neutralizer, but first, I'm concerned that you have to open the door to dry it out. If that works, that tells me either there is a water leak or moisture coming from somewhere. You can try these hints:

1. Charcoal — either plain barbecue briquettes or activated charcoal, found in pet stores. Charcoal is great for neutralizing odors.

2. Cat-box filler — clay-type cat-box filler in a margarine tub. Litter is wonderfully absorbent and sometimes works as a last resort.

If these hints don't help, you'll need to be a detective and try to figure out what the dampness is and where it's coming from. If it persists, you should call a professional — it's not going to go away on its own! Also, if left alone, it could get worse and grow into black mold, which is extremely hazardous to your health.

— Heloise

Dear Heloise: Wednesday is leftover night, and we clean out the refrigerator because Thursday is garbage day. If food is not eaten, it is tossed. No chance of anything going bad or being forgotten.

— Nancy, via e-mail

Dear Heloise: Tackle boxes aren't just for fishing equipment! They make great organizers for facial-care products, makeup, dusting powders, perfumes, etc. Just store under the vanity, or grab and go! This is especially nice if several girls share a bathroom.

— B. Hayes, Schertz, Texas

Dear Heloise: For a quick change, place an extra sheet set and thin blanket under your mattress. When it's time to change them, the replacement is right there at your fingertips. Between a mattress and box spring is also a great place to store several blankets (lay flat) during warmer months.

— Cheryl, via fax

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