Dear Heloise: Someone at my workplace stored a box of POWDERED DISHWASHING SOAP in a cupboard with dozens of plastic and paper cups, leaving the cups useless because they smelled so strongly of soap. I vaguely remembered that coffee grounds absorb odor, so I removed the soap box, put about 1/2 cup of freshly ground coffee in one of the cups and closed the cupboard. We were astonished to come back an hour later and find all the smell gone, and all the cups totally usable-even the paper ones!-Carol D., via email
Coffee grounds (fresh and dry, not used!) work well for all sorts of smells. I'm surprised to hear that they worked that well and even with the paper cups, but I'm glad they did. Another hint to remember is that you can wipe down the inside of a cabinet with white or apple-cider vinegar and leave the doors open overnight, and it usually will remove the smell.-Heloise
LOST JEWELRY
Dear Heloise: I lost my favorite earring, and have these hints to share:
1) Do not try on clothing while wearing jewelry. Do not hang jewelry on hooks or lay on benches. Instead, take a small zippered bag with you to hold your items.
2) Go to customer service in all the stores you visited and leave your name, contact number and a description of the lost item.
The day I lost my item, five people reported items lost in just one store. I hope this prevents just one loss and a very sleepless night.-Judy H. in Texas
Judy, sorry to hear this! Good hints about NOT taking off jewelry when trying on clothes. Here's a hint from a reader: Put the jewelry or other items in your shoes! You won't walk out without them.-Heloise
TRASH CONTAINER
Dear Heloise: I keep a small plastic crate in my car, put a grocery-store shopping bag inside and use it as a trash can. The shape is easier to use, especially for kids. I store a few extra shopping bags inside the bottom of the crate. When the bag is full, just tie the handles together and throw it away. Makes it much easier to clean the inside of the car and keep it neat.-Cindy H., Wetumpka, Ala.
PEDICURE POLISH
Dear Heloise: I don't do toenail polish over the winter, but I do as soon as the weather warms up. When I get a pedicure, I take my own polish (many salons sell you a fresh bottle) and have my pedicure done with my own polish. It's amazing how long you can extend a good pedicure with little touch-ups.-Cindy S., Huntsville, Ala.
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