Courtesy photo Heloise

Dear Readers: Are you looking for a project to do while you’re at home? How about cleaning your silver? Here’s an easy way to remove that tarnish:

Line the bottom of a pan with aluminum foil. Pour in 2 quarts of boiling water and 2 teaspoons of baking soda. Put the silver on top of the foil; it must be completely submerged in the water. And then watch the tarnish disappear. Be sure to rinse well and buff dry. Caution: DON’T use this method on antique or heirloom silver-plated items or hollow-handled flatware. Baking soda can be used in so many ways for tons of cleaning projects around the house. It’s safe to use around children and pets, unlike many commercial cleaners, and it won’t scratch most surfaces. To learn more about this versatile product, order my pamphlet “Heloise’s Baking Soda Hints and Recipes” by visiting www.Heloise.com or by sending $5 and a long, self-addressed, stamped (70 cents) envelope to Heloise/Baking Soda, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001.

FYI: Did you know that the Statue of Liberty was cleaned with 200 tons of baking soda, blasted from a spray gun, without harming the statue? — Heloise

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ONLINE SOCIAL SECURITY

Dear Heloise: I’m still several years away from retirement, but I set up a Social Security account early. One advantage is to keep up with what I’ve earned over the years to be sure it’s accurate, and another is to discourage identity thieves from setting up a false account in my name and receiving my benefits. Better to be safe than sorry. — Theresa in Oregon

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COUNTING THREADS

Dear Heloise: Does a higher thread count mean that a sheet will be softer? — Linda in Washington

Linda, the number of threads per square inch of fabric is what determines the thread count and, generally speaking, the higher the thread count, the softer the sheet. But we must also consider which fiber the sheet is made of — cotton, silk, etc. And a sheet made with better-quality fibers might feel softer than one made with lower-quality fibers, regardless of the thread count. — Heloise

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DUSTY BLINDS

Dear Heloise: I love the look of my wood blinds, but they get so dusty. What is the easiest way to clean them? — Sue in Texas

Sue, first close the blinds, then starting at the top, using the soft brush attachment on your vacuum, vacuum each slat from left to right and back again. Flip the blinds and do the other side the same way. This is fine for light dusting, but for deep cleaning, wipe both sides with a damp microfiber cloth. To remove dust from those hard-to-reach places arounds the cords, use a clean paintbrush. — Heloise

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ALUMINUM CONUNDRUM

Dear Heloise: There is a shiny side and a dull side to aluminum foil. Which side is supposed to face outward? — Edward in Utah

Edward, it doesn’t matter. Each side is the same. The shiny side is produced by steel rollers in the manufacturing process. That’s all. — Heloise

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