I know you must be wondering what cleaning has to do with cooking. Bear with me here. Most women, and some men, (not mine, but maybe yours); have a hard time cooking when their eyes are wondering over everything that needs to be cleaned first. Who can honestly begin preparing coq au vin when there are rings around the bathtub? Or baked Alaska, when you keep eye-balling the dirty fringe on your Oriental carpet? I’m just saying.

Knowing how most women think, good ol’ Heloise has come to the rescue with some simple home treatments for these and other cooking distractions.

BATHROOM

Bathtub rings: Clean with a cheap shampoo and a long handle scrub brush. Vinegar also removes rings, however don’t use vinegar on marble or granite bathrubs. Show Curtain Scum: Put plastic shower curtains and liners in the washing machine, and add a bath towel for scrubbing action, along with your regular amount of detergent. Put them in the dryer for several minutes or hang to dry.

LAUNDRY ROOM

Dirty Dryer: Unplug your dryer first. Pull out the filter and remove any lint with a fabric softener sheet, brush or comb. Hold the filter under a faucet: if water beads up or doesn’t flow through, there is a buildup of fabric softener. Clean with soap and water and a scrub brush, and allow to dry before putting the filter back in. Use the crevice tool on your vacuum, a bottle brush, or a ruler with a cleaning rag to remove debris that may be down in the lint trip. Last, check the exhaust hose to be sure it isn’t clogged or deteriorating. Use a damp cloth to wipe off all surfaces.

FLOORS AND CARPETS

Wax-Stained Carpet: Wait for the wax to cool, and then scrape off as much as you can using a dull knife. Place a couple of what paper towels on the remaining wax and run a warm iron over the area. Repeat the process, using clean towels each time, until all of the wax is gone. If waxy residue remains, apply a bit of dry-cleaning solvent and blot. Dirty Fringe on an Oriental Rug: Gently comb out the fringe, then mix 1 tablespoon of non-sudsing ammonia with 8 ounces of warm water. With a clean, white cloth or sponge, carefully dab the solution onto the strands. Rinse with a mixture of 1 tablespoon white household vinegar and 8 ounces warm water.

HOUSEHOLD ODORS

Musty Closets: Put a few tablespoons of fresh, unused ground coffee into several clean socks and hang them in your closets.
Mold and Mildew: Fill a container with activated charcoal (available at pet supply stores); place in areas affected by mold and mildew, such as the basement or a closet.