I like to keep ice cubes ready to use in a tightly closed rubber-type container for drinks. The problem is that even with a closed container in the freezer, a “refrigerator” type odor got into the ice cubes. I would often taste this unwanted flavor in my drink.

So my solution was pretty simple. Inside the ice cube container, I put a second smaller open container of baking soda. You guessed it; no more odd-tasting ice cubes! — Ed Czarnecki, Alpena, Mich.

Ed, baking soda is a versatile household product that can be used for cleaning, deodorizing and cooking. My pamphlet “Heloise’s Baking Soda Hints and Recipes has more uses for baking soda. To get a copy, send $5 and a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Heloise/Baking Soda, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. — Heloise

Dear Heloise: Instead of using a portable floor heater in the bathroom, try a portable fan directed at the wet items. Don’t forget to turn on the exhaust fan. I do this every day to dry towels after drying the shower interior. After two years, my tiled shower is still pristine. My lovely, muchmissed, “acquired” aunt inspired this. — Susan H.K., North Little Rock, Ark.

Dear Heloise: Sometimes ice cream in its container is easier to scoop out if it is warmed a little in the microwave. I found that it is the ice cream at the bottom of the container that gets warm and softer first, making it difficult to spoon it past the colder and stiffer ice cream at the top. I recently got a brainstorm that the container could be put upside down, allowing the ice cream under the lid to be softer and more easily scooped out once it is righted.

P.S. The user needs to experiment with his or her ice cream amount and microwave to prevent melting. Better to microwave a little less than needed and zap it a couple more seconds. — Bob Salter, Morganton, N.C.