Cleaning pesky plastic containers
Dear Readers: Plastic containers are so useful for storing everything in a refrigerator, but they can retain a smell.
To get rid of it, fill the containers with half household vinegar and half water. Soak overnight. Then, rinse well with hot, soapy water and air-dry.
Store containers with the lids off to prevent a musty smell from occurring. — Heloise
HOMEMADE HONEY FACIALS
Dear Readers: You can make your own beauty products that can be effective, such as with honey. First, clean and steam your face. Apply honey over it and leave this on for 2 to 3 minutes. Then remove with a warm, wet washcloth. Honey facials work great and clean out pores. — Heloise
PAN GREASING MADE EASY
Dear Heloise: I’ve found a less messy way to grease cookie sheets and pans. Place a quart-size storage bag over your hand and scoop up your desired amount of shortening. Apply to surface that will be used for baking. When finished, remove the bag and discard. No more messy cleanup or greasy hands!
Thanks for considering this tip for publication. I read your column every day! — Linda Whitenton, via email
CLEANING MINI BLINDS
Dear Readers: Try these low-tech ways to get rid of dust on mini blinds in your house. Buy and use a new 2-inch paintbrush to wipe the blinds clean. Or, put clean socks on your hand to wipe off the dust. You could also grab a microfiber cloth. — Heloise
ADDING FLAVOR TO FOOD
Dear Heloise: I like to look for low-salt ways to add flavor to foods. I cannot use most bouillon, as well as soups, sauces, flavorings, etc. All have sodium that causes headaches and stomach upset for me. I am constantly searching for ways to avoid this problem. Maybe some of your other readers have suggestions?
If you have this problem or think you do, it’s best to avoid most of these. — Mary Pittman, via email
HIDING ITEMS IN AN SUV
Dear Heloise: I have a suggestion for those who drive SUVs and do not have a way to hide items in their car, since they do not have a trunk. I keep two pieces of denim (most dark fabric would work) in the back to cover items. They are 2 yards each and can be used in the back seat, as well as behind it.
I spread out the fabric when buying plants, large bags of mulch or potting soil, to keep the area clean. The fabric is also used when I transport 6-foot-long 2-by-4-inch wood, to protect the area between the two front seats. I just throw them in the wash when they get dirty.
In addition, I keep a laundry basket attached to clips in the back, to keep small packages from rolling around as I run errands. — Nancy Bernosky, via email
CARDS FROM CHARITIES
Dear Heloise: Another idea for those cards we all get from charities, is to give them to elementary students to practice writing letters. The cards can also be given to nursing homes, veterans’ homes, hospitals, or even home to the family. Keep on keepin’ on! — Martha Kenne, Dexter, Minn.
ANTI-SCAM WARNINGS HELP
Dear Heloise: Thanks for the anti-scammer warnings. A friend of mine, who is a perfectly competent woman, was saved by a store supervisor in San Antonio from wiring money to help her “stranded grandson.”
Luckily, the employee got her to stop panicking and think it through. She called her son and found that his son was just fine. I like your column more and more! — Fran, in San Antonio
PET PAL
Dear Heloise: Here’s an adorable Sheltie named Cuan (pronounced “Coo’an”). — Robert & Marilyn Shanahan, Papillion, Neb.
Readers, to see Cuan and our other Pet Pals, go to Heloise.com and click on “Pet of the Week.”
Do you have a furry friend to share with our readers? Send a photo and a brief description to Heloise@Heloise.com. — Heloise
Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001, 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.