Microfiber cloths a cleaning must-have

DEAR READERS: Microfiber cloths have many uses. Here are just a few.

▮ Keep a couple microfiber cloths underneath the front seat of your vehicle. Use them to dust off the dashboard, radio, steering wheel and interior.

▮ Store microfiber cloths in the bathroom and kitchen to clean and shine chrome, spiff up mirrors and to wipe off the sink. When the cloths get dirty, throw them in the washing machine.

▮ Freshen up your dog by lightly dampening a microfiber cloth with water and wipe over its fur. If your cat or dog has gunk in its eyes, a microfiber cloth will get it out.

▮ To remove dust from live or artificial leaves on your plants, just lightly dampen a microfiber cloth and wipe over the leaves.

▮ To clean your cellphone, wipe the handset surface with a microfiber cloth to get rid of fingerprints and dust.

DEAR READERS: Here’s how to get rid of gum inside the dryer.

1. First, put several old towels in the dryer and let it run on warm for a couple of minutes. This will let the gum soften.

2. Then mix one tablespoon of powered laundry detergent with water, just enough to make a paste. Apply it with a cloth and scrub over the gum inside the dryer and wipe out.

3. Before you put clothing into the dryer again, run it one more time with just several damp rags to be certain all the gum is gone.

DEAR READERS: Sponges are used so often in the kitchen that they accumulate lots of smells because of bacteria, mildew or food becoming trapped in the sponge. Here’s how to remove it.

Soak the sponge in a bowl of vinegar for 5 to 10 minutes.

Then rinse the sponge in cool, soapy water and wring it out completely. Let it air-dry. If this does not work and the sponge still smells bad or has deteriorated, throw it out.

DEAR READERS: A good cup of coffee is essential in the morning for many people. And there are lots of factors that contribute to that delicious cup or pot of coffee. This includes the type of coffee you like and using the correct amount for your coffee pot. Here are other steps to take to make a good pot of coffee.

Keep the coffee pot clean. Don’t just give the pot a quick rinse with water after use. Over time, this will cause oil from the coffee to build up and affect the taste. Clean the pot with hot soapy water at least after every third or fourth use.

And to liven up your pot of coffee, you can sprinkle a bit of ground cinnamon or nutmeg in it. Or you can add several drops of almond, peppermint or chocolate extract.