Experts recommend keeping homes clean, disinfected

Dear Readers: With the pandemic and COVID crisis continuing, experts recommend that we keep our homes clean and disinfected for our families and their safety.

You can first clean these surfaces — kitchen tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, phones, keyboards, faucets and more — with just the usual hot, soapy water.

But then you will want to apply an Environmental Protection Agency-registered household disinfectant or a diluted household bleach solution (5 tablespoons of bleach per gallon of water), which can be used on certain surfaces and left on for at least a minute.

Keep hand sanitizers around the home, and make sure that all family members wash their hands frequently during this trying time.

— Heloise

Dear Readers: If you notice that your carpet is stale or stinky, try this easy carpet deodorizer. Pour baking soda into a clean spice container with a shaker top and lightly sprinkle it over the entire carpet.

Allow it to remain on the carpet for at least 30 minutes, then vacuum up. It will be fresher.

Baking soda can be used in so many ways around the house. If you want to find out its many uses and more hints, order my six-page Heloise’s Baking Soda Hints and Recipes pamphlet by sending $5 and a long, self-addressed, stamped (75 cents) envelope to: Heloise/baking Soda, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. FYI: You can freshen your breath naturally by gargling 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 1/2 glass of warm water.

— Heloise

Dear Readers: Try these two recipes for using your favorite honey: 1. Blend honey with apple cider and rub over a leg of lamb. Add seasonings and cook. 2. Spread lightly buttered toast with fresh ricotta cheese and spoon a dollop of honey on top for a sweet breakfast treat.

— Heloise