Sep 8, 2016 3 min read

Dear Readers: Living in an apartment or a condo has its advantages, but you should be extra-vigilant about your safety, and the security of your apartment and vehicle, too. Here are some hints for you:

n Keep your windows and doors in your apartment and car locked at all times. Keep blinds and curtains drawn.

n Make sure the parking lot is well-lit.

n Remove all valuables from your car.

n Have a conversation with your insurance company regarding renters insurance. It’s a must-have.

n Report any and all suspicious activity to the office and the police. Both need a log of incidents in order to see patterns of crime, if any exist.

Don’t let fear control your life. Enjoy your community, but be safe. — Heloise

Frozen freshness

Dear Readers: Stinky sink? Fill an ice-cube tray with any variety of vinegar, and drop a lemon wedge in each compartment. Freeze, then drop a couple of cubes down the sink and run the disposal. Fresh will happen fast.

You keep a supply of vinegar on hand, don’t you? It’s cheap, readily available and a workhorse in the kitchen.

I’ve recommended vinegar for many years, and in doing so, I’ve compiled a collection of my favorite vinegar hints and recipes into a handy pamphlet. Would you like to order one? Visit www.Heloise.com, or send a long, stamped (68 cents), self-addressed envelope, along with $5, to: Heloise’s Fantabulous Vinegar Hints and More! P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. Always run cold water down the drain; hot water could make any grease present clog the sink. — Heloise

Bra extenders

Dear Readers: You can find bra extenders in the lingerie department, but don’t forget to check out the sewing-notions department and look there, also. You’ll save up to two-thirds on the cost. — Heloise

Faster drying

Dear Heloise: An added way to dry clothes quicker is to add a small, dry towel to the load. It seems to absorb some of the moisture and speeds up the drying time. — Bobbie K., via email

Towel dry

Dear Heloise: What is good for cleaning eyeglasses? The eyeglass merchant says it’s bad to use window-pane cleaners; we should use the liquid spray that he sells.

Somehow, I don’t believe it. What is best? — J.K.C., via email

Here are a couple of options for you: Rubbing alcohol works well, but all you really need is a dry microfiber cloth!

Use it dry, and gently rub away all smears! — Heloise

Letter laughter

Dear Heloise: This is my beef: Folks who check out your purchases and make personal comments on what you are buying.

I recently bought some bras at a major discount retailer. A lady said, “I like these extra-large sizes also, but you don’t look as big as the picture shows.”

Another one, when buying my hair dye: “Does that work? I can’t tell where your gray hair is!”

Thanks, I feel better now! — A Reader in Denver

Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000; fax it to 1-210-435-6473 or email it to Heloise@Heloise.com.