PHOTOGRAPH BY BRYAN GARDNER; ILLUSTRATIONS BY BROWN BIRD DESIGNI like to use heating pads but don’t like all
the synthetics. Are there natural alternatives?Q —Kimberly Williamson, Chicago
:
You can make
your own therapeutic
pad with cleaned
and dried cherry pits,
which absorb heat.
First, stitch together
two pieces of all-
natural fabric, leaving
a two-inch opening.
Turn the fabric right-
side out. Add pits until
it’s two-thirds full
(a n i ne-by-si x-i nch
pad should hold
about one pound of
pits), then slip-stitch
the pad shut. Before
using, microwave the
pad until hot, 1 to 2
minutes (do not over-
heat—it can be flam-
mable). The pad also
works well as a cold
pack: Simply cover
it with a resealable
plastic bag and chill
it in the freezer.
To make a pretty slip-
cover, go to martha
stewart.com/cherry-
pit-cover.Dried cherry pits, $10 for 4 lb.,
cherrypitstore.com.A:
Wipe away surface stains with
a damp soft cloth. (There’s no need
to use any soaps or detergents,
which can leave a residue.)1
Heated pits
can relieve
sore muscles,
headaches,
and cramps.Use a paper
cone to funnel
the cherry
pits inside.Q: How do I clean my
leather gloves?
—Dani Kemper, Kansas City, Kans.
A: A pair with oily stains should
be taken to a dry cleaner, but
regular cleaning can be done at
home. Bruce Gershon of Arrow
Fabricare Services, in Kansas City,
Missouri, explains the best method.Air-dry the gloves away from direct
heat or sun. Avoid the temptation
of using a hair dryer; the heat will
cause shrinkage.2
Loosen them by putting them
on and moving your fingers. They
should feel less stiff right away.3
To s a fel y r e m o v e m at s f r o m y o u r d o g’s f u r, m a s s a g e a p e t-s a fe
c o n d it io n e r, s u c h a s H a r r y B a r k e r’s O at m e a l, i n t o t h e m at s w it h
your fingers. Then, working in small sections, untangle them
with a fine-tooth stainless steel comb. If the fur is still matted,
place the comb between your dog’s skin and each mat and snip it off.TI P
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