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Dear Heloise: No more major cleanups for your microwave! Just cover the dishes with a paper plate or a paper towel. Also, you can place a cup of vinegar in the microwave and bring it to boil. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe the inside of the microwave with cloth or paper towels. Big messes come off easy this way. I read your column every day in the Roanoke Times. -- Thelma, in Virginia
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DISHWASHER DILEMMA
Dear Heloise: My dishwasher has a screen basket, which is designed to catch food particles that don’t go out through the drain. Please be aware that if this basket isn’t emptied regularly, it’ll start to cause a smell. To prevent any issues, please ensure that the screen basket is emptied on a regular basis. -- Nancy S., via email
Nancy, another thing that can make a dishwasher smell bad is mold. You can buy various mold cleaners for the dishwasher or load the soap dispenser with baking soda and run it on a full cycle. Either way, you should be using a mold cleaner about once every other month to keep the nasty black mold out of the working parts in your dishwasher and off your dishes. -- Heloise
NEW FRAUD TACTICS
Dear Heloise: I work at a bank, and lately, we’ve been made aware of new fraud tactics that are being used on people. Please make your readers aware of a few important scam tactics and some tips on how to avoid them:
-- There’s a scam where someone out of the blue calls and claims to be from a bank or credit card company, or claims to be part of their security or fraud department.
-- You get a text or email telling you to click on verification codes, usually from a company that you’ve never heard of.
-- Never give out sensitive information such as Medicare numbers, Social Security information, bank account information, PIN numbers, or passwords.
-- If threatening language of any kind is used, such as “locking you out of your account” or threats of legal action if you don’t respond immediately, don’t panic. It’s usually an intimidation tactic.
-- Use the mobile app for bank issues, or call the number that is printed on your credit or debit card. You might also have to look on the official website or, in some cases, call your bank and ask for help to get to the right department.
-- Never click on links or call phone numbers that are provided by a person who calls out of the blue.
Stay safe and remember that help is available. You needn’t be pressured to respond to anyone before seeking help. We love your column here in the great Northwest! -- Stacy H., in Tacoma, Washington
LET AIR INSIDE
Dear Heloise: I also had a smelly dishwasher. It was because it closed very tightly and didn’t get any air, so bacteria just multiplied. Now I leave my kitchen towel to hang over the “closed” door. It not only allows air into the dishwasher, but it’s a great place to hold my kitchen towel. The same goes for kitchen garbage cans with tight lids -- no air can cause an odor. The garbage can needs air to keep smells at bay, so try leaving the lid open when you can. -- Karen McV., via email