Remove code for abode from car
Dear Heloise: My wife and I enjoy reading your column in the San Antonio Express-News. To avoid potential burglaries, folks who program their cars to open garage doors should ensure that the DOOR CODES are removed before the cars are traded, sold or donated. Instructions for removing the codes usually can be found in user manuals. — Milton Bell, Live Oak, Texas
Double-check
Dear Heloise: Another caution for discarding unwanted junk mail and magazines/catalogs: Tear off and shred the address-label page, then remove and shred the order form inside the catalogs! — Chris C. in Florida
Good reminder, Chris. Let’s really think about this. There is not much information other than a name and address, plus the expiration date, on that label. I don’t think thieves can really do much — well, maybe sign you up for a subscription! — Heloise
Powdered gloves
Dear Heloise: I wear rubber gloves when washing dishes. The other day, my hands kept getting stuck when I tried to put the gloves on. I remembered the small box of baking soda under the sink that I use for cleaning, and sprinkled a small amount in each glove. No more sticking! — Anne W. in Indiana
A handy (no pun intended) hint indeed! There are so many hints for using baking soda, and you discovered a great one! I have many more hints for using and cooking with baking soda in my Heloise’s Baking Soda Hints and Recipes pamphlet, which you can receive by sending $5 and a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope (70 cents) to: Heloise/Baking Soda, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. Freshen up a stinky mop by soaking it in a mixture of baking soda (4 tablespoons) and water (1 quart). Let soak for a couple of hours, then rinse well. — Heloise
Similar with differences
Dear Heloise: Please warn your readers about the importance of knowing the difference between a power strip and a surge protector.
A power strip provides more electrical outlets to plug electronics into.
A surge protector does the same, while also protecting those devices from a voltage spike. Surge protectors are especially important during big storms with lightning, which can cause power outages. Hope this helps! — Jordan in San Antonio
A simple way to protect your electronic equipment. Why not take a little walk around your home now and see how many you are using. Then see if it’s time for an upgrade. This is a great hint! It can save you thousands of dollars by protecting your electronic equipment. — Heloise
Helpful push
Dear Heloise: My mother was having a hard time pushing in her chair due to the carpet in my dining room. We thought of the furniture sliders that stores use to move major pieces of furniture.
Before Mom comes for a meal, we put small ones under her chair legs, and it is so easy for her to move her chair, with no damage to the carpet. — Donna N., Boiling Springs, Pa.