Banishing Life’s Little Annoyances

Cat-Urine Odor 

Apply absorbent litter to the wet spot. Vacuum up the litter and scrub the area with a mixture of ¾ cup bleach in 1 gallon water. (Spot-test rugs first in an inconspicuous place.) The bleach oxidizes smelly sulfur compounds. Follow with a paste of baking soda and water; let it dry, then vacuum.

Athlete’s Foot

To treat the infection, whose symptoms include itching and peeling, keep your feet dry (moisture allows fungus to proliferate) and apply an over-the-counter antifungal cream. Sprinkling on foot powder will help reduce perspiration.