I've received several questions lately on cleaning dishwashers beyond just wiping them out with a sponge, and I have some tips regarding this, plus a couple of other questions that were sent in.

Heloise recommends this method:
"Yes, it does need to be cleaned from time to time. Check the drain for bits of food; use paper towels to absorb debris. Start the empty washer, then stop the cycle when the bottom is full of water. Add 2 cups of vinegar (to remove hard-water buildup) and let sit for 30 minutes. Scrub walls with a sturdy brush and finish the cycle."

I've found you can also sprinkle a cup or so of baking soda in the bottom of the dishwasher and run it through a hot cycle. If you have any mold try a tbsp. of bleach instead of the baking soda. The dishwasher should be empty with any of these methods. IF you have rust or hard water stains you'll need to look for a product that can specifically be used in the dishwasher. Read the label and make sure it's okay to use for this.

BALL POINT PEN "DESIGNS"
We have a "pleather" couch that our three year old thought would make a fine place to draw some designs with a ball point pen. Any ideas on how to remove these "designs"? ~Fay

Fay, three year olds LOVE to make art! I know you all are probably tired of hearing about the all purpose Mr. Clean Magic Eraser--but it WILL work for this too. It's inexpensive, and it is safe. (There have been a slew of urban myths making the rounds about the pen type stain removers, which aren't true.) You can try using a baby wipe, which will also remove MANY stains. But know first that every type of couch material is different-some things will slightly lighten the area you clean--some won't. Try looking up the manufacturer of your sofa on google.com to see if they have a website BEFORE you experiment. You can also try a little area of your couch where it can't be seen first before using a cleaner on an obvious spot.

CLEANING PEWTER
I have a collection of pewter and one of the pieces is a teapot. I would like to know the best way to clean this piece. Over the last several years it has turned some very strange shades of gray and black. I have not seen this discoloration on any of my other pieces. I would appreciate any advice you could give me. ~Alexis

All pewter is not the same, and cleaning really depends on what you happen to have. Old pieces may have been made when lead was being used-modern pewter no longer has lead in it and cleans differently. On the old pieces-- as far as value--antique dealers will tell you NEVER clean them--the "patina" layer that forms on your pewter piece is a good thing, and if you clean it off, then it will corrode and the value goes down. I wonder if this is what your teapot is doing-the patina layer is described as a darker, antique looking finish. You should never use more than a VERY mild soap and warm water on this type of pewter.

IF you have a modern piece of pewter you can use a paste made of salt, flour and vinegar to clean it, or buy a pewter cleaner. Mix in 1 tsp. salt with 1 cup white vinegar, then add just enough flour to make a paste. Apply and allow it to sit for 15 minutes or so, then rinse and polish with a soft cloth.

If you aren't sure which pewter you have try taking it to a local antique dealer--they may be willing to tell you.

MORE: Tips on caring for and cleaning crystal:
http://www.oldfashionedliving.com/crystal.html
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