Hints from Heloise - Cleanup after major disaster (e.g., Hurricane Sandy)

By Hklbrries

Dear Readers: Hurricane Sandy has affected so many lives! My readers probably are still cleaning up and dealing with the aftermath. Here is a short list of some must-have items to use (safely) to clean up after any major disaster, including flood, fire, water damage, etc. Please know I am here to help you! So, give these Heloise Hints a try, and I dearly hope they do help you.

* Chlorine bleach kills mold and mildew. Please be sure to read the label on the container. In this case, more or a stronger solution is not necessarily better. The right diluted solution (do not use full strength!) is your best option. Oxygen bleach, which is a form of hydrogen peroxide, also works well to kill germs.

* Hydrogen peroxide is a super agent to kill bacteria, so stock up on a bottle or two.

* Vinegar, my favorite product, can be used full strength to kill many types of germs. I always have a gallon or two on hand! Either apple-cider or white distilled vinegar will do the job of cleaning, deodorizing and freshening up.

* Put a cup of baking soda down a smelly drain, then pour in a cup or so of vinegar. Watch it bubble, and you can hear it working! Wait five to 10 minutes, then follow with about 30 seconds of hot water. No more stinky drain!

Also, you can visit my website, www.Heloise.com, for more hints using products you can find at the grocery store that usually are inexpensive.
If you have some hints to share, I'd love to collect them and print them here in my column so others can learn. - Your friend, Heloise

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