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Baking soda gets rid of smells

DEAR HELOISE: I recently forgot a load of towels in the washer for a couple of days, and now they smell like mildew. Please tell me how I can get rid of this awful smell. - A Reader, via email

DEAR READERS: This happens a lot, and you're not alone. To get rid of the smell, rewash the towels in hot water with a normal amount of laundry detergent and ½ cup of baking soda or washing soda (you can find it in the laundry aisle). Then put the towels into the dryer ASAP. Also, use a low heat setting for a longer time. You may need to repeat the process if they're still not fresh.

Towels aren't the only things that can be deodorized with baking soda. Sprinkling a small amount of baking soda in clothes hampers, diaper pails and pet bedding will help keep the odors away.

- Heloise

Hints from Heloise is syndicated by King Features Syndicate. Send great hints to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio TX 78279-5000; by fax, 210-HELOISE (435-6473); or by e-mail, Heloise@Heloise.com.

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