Getting rid of foul dishwasher smells

DEAR HELOISE: I just opened my dishwasher, and it had an awful odor. How can I get rid of it?

— Diana from South Dakota

DEAR DIANA: With so much use, this happens often. Here’s how to remove a bad odor from a dishwasher:

Your dishwasher can be cleaned with household vinegar or citric acid powder. Pour a gallon of vinegar into the bottom. Allow it to sit for an hour. Then run the dishwasher through a complete cycle. Or add 1/2 cup of citric acid powder inside and run the dishwasher through a cycle. It also will help to get rid of hard water buildup.

If an unpleasant odor still remains, check the drain hose to see if it’s crimped.

Then check the bottom of the machine and the filter for gunk or bits of food. And after checking all this, if the odor is still strong, call a plumber because it could be a plumbing problem that needs to be dealt with ASAP.

DEAR HELOISE: I am a beginning cook, and it sometimes seems difficult or confusing. How can I make it easier?

— Susie from New York

DEAR SUSIE: First, take a deep breath and get organized. Get out the recipe you are going to use and read it carefully. Then put out all the pots, pans, measuring spoons and equipment that you will need to make the recipe. Next select all the ingredients you will need and place them on the counter. As you add each ingredient into the mixer, put it back into the cupboard or refrigerator. That way, you will know that you have added it to the recipe if you are interrupted.

DEAR HELOISE: My small kids sometimes get bored at their birthday parties. I need a new fun idea to keep them engaged.

— Emily from New Jersey

DEAR EMILY: Make a “Magic Drink.” First, freeze a bag of small chocolate chips for about 30 minutes. Give each child a tall glass and fill it with lemonlime soda. Have each child grab a handful of the chilly chocolate chips to drop into their glasses. It will be a surprise because the chips will bounce around and make that glass a fun thing to watch!

▶ To share a hint, write to P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000.