Trash bags are the easy way to clean oven racks

I’m writing in regarding the hint from Marilyn Rice about leaving racks out of the oven so that they don’t get dirty. Years ago, I learned the easiest way to clean oven racks. Put them all in a large trash bag, spray liberally with oven cleaner, tie up the bag and let them sit. After a couple of hours, using rubber gloves, take them out one by one and wash them off. I use my laundry sink, running water and an old sponge.

Helen Mauss, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Dear Heloise: My favorite way to bookmark is to use a small Post-it note. It stays in place, it doesn’t damage the page, and it can mark the exact paragraph where you stopped reading.

Roger Cullen, San Antonio

Dear Heloise: I read a hint in your column titled “Paint Splatter Solution.” To avoid paint splatter sticking to my skin, I have always used a mechanic’s hand cleaner (one brand being Gojo). This works on a lot of things and contains lanolin, which also softens skin.

It is a dry hand application, so use it first, then rinse and wash hands as normal. This works on paint, grease and tar deposits on cars. There are a few other similar products, like Fast Orange, which has a bit of grit added. I could add many more uses, but I’ll cut it short here. I hope you and yours are doing well. Best regards.

Robert A. Lipe, via email

Dear Heloise: Years ago, I reached the age where cleaning under the kitchen sink (where my wastebasket is) was difficult. So, I began putting aluminum oven liners under there, and it works like a charm. Once they are too beat up, I just put in a new one!

Barbara J. Dehle, via email

Dear Heloise: In response to the lady using a paint roller and squeegee to clean her windows, may I suggest Windex Outdoor cleaner?

I have been using this for 12 years in my one-story ranch, and it’s easy. It hooks up to your hose, there’s no need to dry the window, and it cleans through screens, too. It’s available at most big-box home stores.

Dear Readers:

Does it seem like your dishwashing liquid is not working as well at it should? Just add two tablespoons of baking soda to a sink full of water and detergent. It will help clean those tough stains on pots and pans.

Baking soda is excellent for cleaning and deodorizing, as my six-page pmaphlet “Heloise’s Baking Soda Hints and Recipes” details all about. To order a pamphlet, go to www.heloise. com. You can also get this pamphlet by sending $5 and a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Heloise/baking Soda, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001.