CO needs detected
Dear Readers: The column on the importance of EVERY HOUSEHOLD having carbon-monoxide detectors prompted the following questions:
n Patricia J. in Virginia wrote: “Why do I need a carbon-monoxide detector? I have no gas appliances, no fireplace, no charcoal grill and no attached garage. … I don’t understand why I would need one.”
n Linda T. in California wrote, “My home is all electric, and I think there should be no problem.”
n A Reader, via email, asked, “Can you tell us where all this carbon monoxide would be coming/leaking from?”
As the saying goes, it is better to be safe than sorry! The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission states that “every home should have a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm.” Why? Although electric appliances do not give off carbon monoxide, a car left running in the garage or a fire in the chimney can give off the deadly gas. Carbon monoxide can come from many different sources, not just the obvious fuel-burning appliances. A detector does not cost much, so why take the chance? Better safe than sorry. Invest in a carbon-monoxide detector, no matter where you live! — Heloise
NO-BLUNDER BIRDSEED
Dear Heloise: An easy way to get loose birdseed into the feeders is to cut a half-gallon plastic milk container into two pieces, with the larger portion being the bottom two-thirds of the container. The top part serves as an excellent funnel, and the lower portion is a good container for scooping up the seed. — Nick P., Iuka, Miss.
FRESHEN UP
Dear Heloise: My grandchildren keep many toys and stuffed animals at my house for when they visit. I would like to clean the stuffed animals before their next visit. Do you have a hint on how to get them clean? — Janet S. in Indiana
Janet, our special stuffed friends need a little freshening up from time to time. However, since many of these furry friends cannot go through the washing machine, here is the Heloise hint: Sprinkle a stuffed animal with baking soda and rub it in using your hand or a soft brush. After letting it sit for a while, give the stuffed animal a good shaking to remove all the baking soda, and it is now ready to play another day! For many more hints using baking soda, order my baking-soda pamphlet by sending $5 and a long, self-addressed, stamped (70 cents) envelope to: Heloise/Baking Soda, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. Clean plastic toys with a paste of baking soda and hot water. Just a light scrub and rinse should keep all toys ready to play! — Heloise
RECYCLED PAPERS
Dear Heloise: I recycle paper fliers, handouts, etc., by using them in my copier so that the printing is on the blank side. This is a wonderful way to recycle and save on my budget. — Diane S. in Houston