Dear Readers: Do not clean stainless sinks with just any abrasive cleaner because it will scratch the surface. Use baking soda instead. Sprinkle baking soda into the sink and scrub with a damp cloth. Then, rinse. It’s nontoxic and effective.

Baking soda works wonders for cleaning at home. My six-page pamphlet “Heloise’s Baking Soda Hints and Recipes” holds all the hints you need on how to use baking soda at home. You can get this handy pamphlet by sending $5 and a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Heloise/Baking Soda, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001.

FYI: For minor insect bites, make a paste of baking soda and water and apply to the bite. Do it right away so that the swelling will lessen. — Heloise

BUNDLING SHEETS

Dear Heloise: When I read the hint from your reader about how she folds her pillowcases, it prompted me to write in about how I take it a step further.

I fold the fitted sheet, the top sheet and all pillowcases, except one in the set, and stack them into a bundle. I then put the entire bundle into the leftover pillowcase and fold it closed. That way, when I change sheets, I just grab a bundle, and the entire set stays together, without me having to look for the matching pieces. — Lana Rogers, Abbeville, Louisiana

TOILET TANK ISSUES

Dear Heloise: We have recently had another bacterial upset in the toilet tank. That means the water was black. I have tried many ways to take care of that (using things like vinegar), with minimal results. I prefer to not use a lot of chemicals.

With that being said, I got a container of gel-style toilet cleaner and drizzled it all around the interior perimeter of the toilet tank, at the water line. With each flush, it moves downward very slowly. By the end of the day, the water in the toilet tank is clear. Success! Hope that helps others. — Mary Anderson, Vancouver, Washington

CUTTING BOARDS AND WATER BOTTLES

Dear Heloise: I second Lilith’s advice about cutting on a wooden board instead of plastic, to reduce the dulling of knives. Take it from me — I was a cutler. Also, regarding drinking water while in bed, the bedside bottle should be a sports bottle. With a sports bottle, one can drink through the straw, and it is less likely to spill. — Louis Richter, Reseda, California

COLONOSCOPY PREP

Dear Heloise: With prepping the day before a colonoscopy, it is better to be prepared for maximum comfort and to be free from worry, too. It is a good idea to have a bed protector pad, in case there’s an accident during the night. Medicated wipes will help with any discomfort as well. — Sally Johns, Radcliff, Kentucky

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Hints from Heloise run occasionally in Lifestyles. Readers may send a hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE, or email: Heloise@Heloise.com. Letters won’t be answered personally.