Last year you printed a recipe for killing weeds. I believe it had dish detergent, vinegar and salt, but I'm not sure, and I don't remember the quantities. Could you find that recipe? It worked on our cracks-in-the-sidewalk weeds so well! (from S.G., by email)

Dear S.G.: This is definitely a nifty weed killer that's easy to make, doesn't cost much, and is so effective that you should not use it anywhere near plants that you like. It's perfect for driveways and walkways, but not for flower beds or lawns. Into a one-gallon container pour 2 cups of table salt and 8 drops of dishwashing liquid. Add enough white vinegar to reach about an inch shy of the top. Cover tightly and shake to dissolve the salt. When you're ready to use this weed killer, pour some into a clean spray bottle and spray the weeds away. Be sure that you re-cap the bottle tightly and store it out of the reach of children and pets.

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I love your column and have learned a lot. Now I'd like you to teach me something else. I think in every household there is a TV with the surrounding black plastic. I literally have to dust the stand every day. I have carpet in my living room and every time I walk by, it causes some dust to get on the base and surround the entire TV. Is there a special way to keep it clean? (from J.C., by email)

Dear J.C.: The first thing to do is make sure that your television set is clean. To do this, turn off the set and wipe it with a damp cloth to make sure it's free of any dirt, dust or grease.

Next, use a clean dryer sheet (the kind of fabric softener that goes into the clothes dryer) to wipe down the TV screen. This will reduce static cling on the screen. You can use the dryer sheet to wipe the case of the TV, too, as well as the remote control.

As you know, it's important to keep the dust levels down in your home, not only to reduce dusting time, but also for health reasons. Here are some additional suggestions to help you reduce dust.

-- Install heavy-duty door mats outside entry doors; they work well to remove dirt from shoes and boots.

-- Ask family and friends to remove their shoes when they enter your home. Perhaps provide a pretty basket of slippers by the front door.

-- Remove or relocate knick-knacks or clutter that can attract dust.

-- Use an air purifier to reduce airborne dust but stay away from ionic purifiers because they release ozone into your home

-- Toss out any old socks or dust rags that you've been using. Instead choose microfiber or electrostatic cloths that attract dust.

-- Make sure that appliances, which also attract must and dirt, are well cleaned, especially the vents, grills and ductwork.

If you notice a lot of dust swirling up when you sweep your kitchen floor, try this recommendation from “Housewifery: A Manual and Text Book of Practical Housekeeping” (1919) by Lydia Balderston: dampen the broom, then shake out all the water before sweeping. This technique takes some practice because, if the broom is too wet, the dust can stick to floor, making a gooey mess. Another option would be to sprinkle water on a newspaper until it's slightly damp. Tear the paper into pieces and scatter them over the floor, especially in areas of high dust. Sweep the newspaper into the dustpan and toss in the trash. The moist paper will help to keep the dust from scattering all over carpets and furniture.

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GLUTEN-FREE BAKERIES UPDATE: Thanks to Anni Giacapuzzi of Merrimack for the following suggestions. In Nashua, Buckwheat's Gluten-Free (www.buckwheatsglutenfree.com) is a great source for breads, muffins, pizza crust and scones. In Merrimack, check out Bite Me Kupcakez (www.bitemekupcakez.com) for “absolutely delicious” cakes, cupcakes, whoopie pies, cheese cakes, cookies and banana bread. Check out their online photo gallery and order form.

Send questions of general interest to Ask Us, attention Cat Pragoff, New Hampshire Union Leader, P.O. Box 9555, Manchester 03108-9555, or by email at askuscolumn@gmail.com. Due to the volume of mail received, Ask Us is not able send personal replies.