Find ways to save during pandemic

DEAR READERS: With the pandemic and health crisis we are all dealing with, this is a time when we will also want to save money. Here are some hints to help you.

Contact your phone, electric or cable company to ask if you can reduce your bills. They might have cheaper plans that you are not aware of. They will want to negotiate with you rather than lose your business. Also, call your credit card companies to discuss finance charges.

Clip and save coupons from newspapers and grocery or drugstore flyers, as well as online coupons. Use them to get good discounts when you shop. Keep them in envelopes by expiration date.

Check for sales and coupons on your favorite online sites that offer frequent sales. Holiday sales will be coming soon as well.

DEAR HELOISE: My sink gets so smelly, and I’m not sure why it happens. How can I find out where the odor is coming from, and how can I get rid of it and prevent it from coming back?

—Sheila in Maryland DEAR SHEILA: First, examine the sink. There could be a buildup of bacteria in the drain. To eliminate this, pour a cup or more of vinegar down the drain. Let it sit for about 20 minutes, so the bacteria can be killed. Then run cold water for two minutes to clean the drain.

Next, look at the rubber splashguard around the garbage disposal. It may be slimy and yucky. If so, it needs to be cleaned. Turn on the water and pour a couple of drops of liquid dishwashing detergent on a round brush and scrub the guard thoroughly. Run a lot of water when you are done.

Check the sink stopper and splashguards, because when they age, they can hold bad odors. Replace them often.

DEAR READERS: In the fall and winter weather, hiking boots get a good workout and become wet, muddy and dirty. If it’s just dust that has landed on your boots, use a shoe brush to get rid of it and then wipe off any debris with a paper towel. But if your boots are wet and muddy, here’s how to clean them.

First, let the boots dry completely before you clean them. A soft-bristled brush will take off dried mud from the entire boot. Also, scrub the seams and hidden spots. Then wipe off with water. Be sure to air out the inside of the boots, and put several used fabric softener sheets inside to help deodorize.

After cleaning, if the outside is leather, apply a leather conditioner.