Mar 20, 2016 3 min read

Dear Heloise: I know your husband is a plumber, and you have mentioned in your column that the only thing that should be FLUSHED down the toilet is toilet paper.

My husband flushes facial tissue, paper towels, cat hairballs, cat hair and who knows what else down the toilet. When I told him what I had read, he said that he’s always done it, and that it hasn’t been a problem yet.

Maybe if he sees it in print, he will change this bad habit. Thank you! — A Dover, N.H., Fan

I usually try NOT to get in the middle of a “discussion” between husband and wife, but on this one I will. My husband is a retired plumbing, heating and air-conditioning contractor, and he built our house. We and waste-management engineers agree on this:

DO flush only human waste and toilet paper.

DO NOT flush anything else!

All of the items mentioned may be “flushable,” which means they go through the toilet, but they don’t just “go away.” They go through (or NOT) the plumbing system, then either into your septic system or out to the main sewer system.

Your husband may never have had a problem, but millions have. Plus, it’s costing MILLIONS OF DOLLARS to unclog, keep free-flowing and remove all of the items that people flush.

The toilet is meant for one thing. It’s not a catchall for trash!

To flush or not to flush — that’s the question. — Heloise

PET PAL

Dear Readers: Yvonne G. emailed a picture of her faithful companion, Koby, celebrating his 16th birthday; he’s a pug who has been by her side since he was 2 1/2. To see Koby, visit www.Heloise.com. — Heloise

EASY CLEAN

Dear Heloise: We use the dishwasher only twice a week. I sprinkle in some baking soda to absorb the moisture and odors in between. It really helps. — Bobbie B., Augusta, Maine

Great hint! Baking soda is a safe, cheap workhorse. It can work on almost everything. For more hints and family recipes, order my pamphlet. Visit www.Heloise.com, or send a long, stamped (71 cents), self-addressed envelope and $5 to: Heloise/ Baking Soda, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. Baking soda makes a great nonabrasive polisher. Sprinkle some on a damp sponge to clean the kitchen sink and nonstick pans. — Heloise

DRIVING WITH GPS

Dear Heloise: I was disturbed by your answer to Robert C., who has his wife blindly follow their GPS while driving to a mystery date location for dinner.

We live in a world where drivers are dangerously distracted by their electronic devices. Following GPS commands also can be distracting, especially if you don’t know your destination. — Douglas M., Bolivar, Ohio

Douglas, so you mean that no one should use a “talking” GPS device? — Heloise

TRY A TRAY

Dear Heloise: I use a silverware tray in the bathroom drawer as a great way to stay organized. — Sandy L., Black Forest, Colo.