Baking soda just one solution for dirty garage floor

Dear Heloise: What kind of dry absorbent could I sprinkle on my garage floor so I could sweep up the oily road film/sand/ slush with a broom? I’ve seen cat-box filler suggested.—Mickie in Fort Collins, Colo.

Hi, Mickie. The old standby is to use clay-type cat litter, sand or even sawdust. Also baking soda, which can be bought for very little. Of course, it’s best to tackle the oil spot while it’s still fresh. Sometimes I put a squirt of dish soap over the baking soda, scrub, scrub and scrub, then rinse off with water. Try to get in the habit of cleaning the garage floor often, and it’ll be less of a big chore.

Baking soda is great multitasker around the home, and even in the garage! I’ve loved using baking soda for many years, and I’ve put together a collection of my favorite baking-soda hints and recipes that have worked wonders for me in a handy pamphlet. If you’d like to receive one, send $5 and a stamped (70 cents), self-addressed, business-size envelope to: Heloise/Baking Soda, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 782795001. You also can order this pamphlet and others at Heloise.com. Not sure if your baking soda is fresh? Mix a bit with some vinegar. If you get a fizzy reaction, the baking soda is good to go!—Heloise

PET PAL Dear Readers: Barbara Pearson in St. John, Ind., sent a picture of her adorable Lhasa apso, Louie, all dressed up and ready to party in a tuxedo! To see Louie and our other Pet Pals, visit Heloise. com and click on “Pets.”—Heloise

FEED THE BIRDS Dear Heloise: We love watching the wild birds in our yard. I thickly spread peanut butter on empty toilet-tissue rolls and dredge them in birdseed. We slide them onto empty branches of trees, and the birds flock to them!—Joyce in Virginia

LEFTOVER LATHER Dear Heloise: Thanks for the years of advice and the enjoyment of learning how ingenious homemakers can be. It’s heartwarming that you pay attention to detail and add to what people are sharing. What do people do with leftover soap?—Rosalyn Demain, Agoura, Calif.

Rosalyn, how nice of you to say that! Yes, I do pay attention to sometimes very small details, to make sure a hint is safe and works.

Ahh, the soap slivers. This topic always brings out people’s creativity!

I’m for saving money, but frankly, a soap sliver is just … a small piece of soap! But, I’m sure my readers have a zillion hints on the topic. So, folks, let’s hear from you!—Heloise

SPOTLESS SHADES Dear Readers: Lampshades can gather dust and should be dusted often. But sometimes the tiny little folds sure hold a lot of dust. A clean hairbrush, a clean paintbrush or a microfiber cloth all will do the job quickly. Dust begone!— Heloise