Places you can 'park' your donated bicycles

Q Is there a place that will take used bicycles? They're in working condition.

A Arc Value Village and Donation Centers will take donations of clean, rust-free bikes with inflated tires. For free pickup, call 612-866-8820.

For other organizations near you that will take bike donations, call United Way at 211.

If your bikes need repair, consider St. Paul Youth Express Bike Shop, 1158 Selby Av. It hires and trains disadvantaged youths to repair bikes for resale. Call 651-644-9660.

Q I have some aluminum pans and cookie sheets that have turned dark over the years. How can I restore them?

A On aluminum pans and bakeware, use a nonabrasive cleaner such as Bon Ami polishing cleaner, or plain baking soda. When you apply the cleaner to the inside of the pan, you can use a nylon scrubber to clean off the grease. When you clean the outside of the pan, apply the cleaner with a sponge or soft cloth so it doesn't scratch the surface.

Or you can try simmering the pan for five to 10 minutes in a solution of a tablespoon cream of tartar to a quart of water. (Because cookie sheets are so large, it would be necessary to simmer half of the sheet at a time.) After this treatment, lightly scour the sheets with a steel-wool soap pad.

To prevent this from recurring, clean aluminum thoroughly after each use. New aluminum utensils can be kept shiny for a long time by using mild soap or detergent, and taking care not to burn food on them. You can also try lining cookie sheets with parchment paper (available in grocery stores near the foil and plastic wrap) before baking. Cookies will bake correctly, without sticking, and, best of all, the pan won't have to be cleaned afterward.

Includes information from Minnesota Extension Service

Q Can I recycle plastic fabric softener and detergent containers?

A Yes. Although your city or garbage hauler determines which materials can be placed at curbside for recycling, most do recycle plastic jugs. In Minnesota, the jugs are coveted because they can be turned into lumber and landscaping products such as lawn edging.

Send your questions to Fixit in care of the Star Tribune, 425 Portland Av. S., Minneapolis, MN 55488, or call 612-673-7032, or e-mail fixit@startribune.com. Past columns are available at www.startribune.com/fixit. Sorry, Fixit cannot supply individual replies. Fixit appears daily in Source except on Friday.