Smelly closet? You can fix that

Dear Readers: If your closets start to have a stale odor or bad smells from clothing, here’s what you can do to maintain a clean and odor-free closet. Take this first step: Organize everything and do some serious decluttering. Then vacuum and dust regularly.

If there are windows in the closet, open them to assist in airing out the entire closet area. Do not return dirty or smelly clothing back to the closet.

To control odors inside the closet, hang a sock or two filled with activated charcoal, which you can purchase at pet stores. Or place several bowls filled with baking soda in the closet to absorb odors. If the closet has a musty smell, it might be created by moisture, so look for that.

Then place a fan inside to dry it out, or use a dehumidifier. — Heloise

OTHER USES FOR NAIL POLISH

Dear Readers: Nail polish can be used in lots of other ways than just making your nails look good. You can use it to identify items with red polish and repair other things with clear polish. Try these hints:

Mark objects with red polish.

■ Note levels for measuring amounts on cups or buckets.

■ Point out a light switch that needs to be left on.

■ Highlight the beginning of the washing machine rinse cycle on the dial.

Repair items with clear polish.

■ Stop runs in stockings.

■ Repair little holes in a door or window screen.

■ Cover the back of jewelry to prevent it from tarnishing where it touches your skin.

— Heloise

CLEANING HIGHTECH EQUIPMENT

Dear Heloise: We just bought two flat-screen televisions, and I want to know the best way to dust and clean them. — Teresa in California

Dear Teresa: Never use household cleaners. Do not apply any cleaning abrasives, solvents or sprays, because they will damage high-tech equipment.

Instead, buy commercial cleaners for hightech equipment and use microfiber cloths to remove grime, dust and fingerprints. Clean electronic gadgets and computer screens frequently because dust will accumulate and that will affect how well the device operates.

Note: Before you begin to clean, unplug or turn off the device. — Heloise

GIVE YOUR HOME A CORD INSPECTION

Dear Readers: Our homes are becoming so filled with all kinds of cords for lights, appliances and all the computer and high-tech equipment we have.

Several times a year, it’s important to check all cords to make sure they’re in good condition.

Look at the cords closely and make certain they are not frayed or damaged in any way.

Examine all cords around your computers. Never let them get twisted or bent. Organize them and use power protectors.

Dust all areas around your computer equipment and the computer.

Never run extension cords under rugs because they might get damaged or short out and start a fire. — Heloise

Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to 1-210-HELOISE or email it to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.