Apr 21, 2016 3 min read

Dear Heloise: I came across a can of VEGETABLE SOUP in my pantry, and the date on the bottom read “March 25, 2015.”

I called the company using the free customer-service number on the can. The agent told me I had nothing to worry about. The soup is perfectly safe to eat. She said the date is to ensure the highest quality of product in terms of flavor, texture and appearance. The vegetables can “break down” over time, but they are still OK.

The company recommends eating the product before the “Better If Used By” date, but the product is safe after the date. If the date is five years ago, throw it out. — Mark J., Fairfax, Va.

Good for you, checking the date. Thanks for the reminder that on most canned goods, the expiration or “best by” date is a guideline. However, if the contents smell “off,” look “off” or taste “off,” toss it immediately! No food poisoning allowed!

Oh, and take advantage of those toll-free numbers — they are for you to use. When in doubt, call! — Heloise

TEAPOT BIRDHOUSE

Dear Heloise: I took an old ceramic teapot that had lost its lid, strung a thin wire through the handle and hung it off a branch in a tree in my front yard. It’s now the cutest birdhouse! It’ll be fun to watch a bird family each morning. Mom giving flying lessons is the best! — Heidi in Texas

SPRAY IT

Dear Heloise: I’ve been reading your column for years, and I don’t think I’ve seen this hint. When I go into a department store, on my way out, I find a perfume that I like, and I douse one of the little papers that are supplied alongside the sample bottle.

Then I leave it in my car as an air freshener. The scent will last for several days. — Pam F., via email

WHITE-HOT HINT

Dear Heloise: I hope you can help me! Recently, I decided to bake some bread from scratch, and I used the dining-room table to cool the bread. I used a cooling rack on top of a bath towel. After removing the loaves from the metal pans, I found white areas on the dark-stained table where the two loaves had been. The white areas really stand out! Is there anything I can do to restore the dark finish to my table? — L.L., Branson, Mo.

Help is here! Mix a small amount of white toothpaste (not gel) and baking soda, and rub into the white areas in the direction of the grain. Rub until warm.

This can take a while, so be patient, and don’t give up.

Once the white marks are gone, wipe with a damp cloth and polish the areas, then the table. — Heloise

FACE IT

Dear Heloise: I always wear a wide headband under my shower cap. It keeps the hair around my face dry. — Paula A., via email

Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to 1-210-HELOISE or email it to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.