Dear Heloise: A wonderful way to clean stubborn coffee residue from pots, cups, and even your teeth is baking soda. Make a paste of baking soda and water, then rub it right off! Also, adding a little baking soda on your toothbrush will keep your teeth sparkling. The reason that this works is because coffee residue is acidic, while baking soda is alkaline and therefore neutralizes the stain. — J.H., in Helena, Montana

J.H., baking soda has always been a favorite cleanser here at Heloise Central. It has so many uses and is safe to use on a number of surfaces. However, it can be abrasive on tooth enamel, so please do not use it on your teeth every day. Maybe once every other month or even once every six months. Remember, your teeth need to last a lifetime. — Heloise

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IN THE GARDEN

Dear Heloise: Now that the earth is warming up in some states and will be getting warm soon in other states, it’s a good time to consider our yards and gardens. Save your coffee grounds and mix the brewed grounds in with your planters and flower beds. It’s a natural fertilizer that gives your plants an added boost of nitrogen, especially when you water them.

However, never use flavored coffees or coffee with any type of additive. If you have a compost pile, the nitrogen will heat up your compost pile, which will help other items in there break down a little faster. — Jean D., Troy, Michigan

EGGSHELLS

Dear Heloise: Most people know that if you throw your eggshells out where birds can peck at them, it will help the eggs that the birds lay develop a firmer shell. I always toss my eggshells in the backyard for the birds.

There is another use for eggshells in the soil of your garden. I place them in a large plastic bag and lightly pound them, almost into a powder.  After I’ve got at least a half bag full, I take the powdered shells out and mix them with the soil around my plants. Every year, I produce huge tomatoes and beautiful roses by returning this natural fertilizer to the ground. — Lori M., Fresno, California

A WALL OF MUSIC

Dear Heloise: I had four beautiful antique violins that had once belonged to my great-grandfather and his father. They were well over 100 years old. They’re a little too fragile to play, but I would occasionally take them out, polish them, and return them to their cases. My daughter suggested that I display them because they are so lovely.

So, I found a little gadget that is made to display violins and other string instruments on a wall, then hung them in our family room above the piano. They not only look beautiful, but I’ve found that they’re a conversation starter, with each violin having a story to tell. — Lois F., Hillboro, Oregon

PEST REMINDER

Dear Readers: Flea and tick season is here already, and it can make your dog or cat feel miserable. Ask your vet what they recommend to keep these tiny pests away from your pets in your yard and home. Remember that ticks can carry some very nasty diseases. — Heloise