Dryer hose vent needs a good cleaning
The Hose Knows … Lint!
Dear Heloise: Recently, you printed a hint from a reader about cleaning the lint from the back of your dryer when it fails to dry clothes as it should. I was having problems with my dryer, so I unplugged it, took off the back and cleaned it. (Note from Heloise: Removing the back of a dryer should be done by a professional unless you are capable.)
My problem was not solved, so I then checked the hose that goes outside to vent. When I took the outside screen off, I found it completely clogged with lint! So, before you call the repairman, not only clean the back of your dryer, but check that dryer hose. My dryer is now working like a charm! A big THANK-YOU to all who share those helpful hints! — Alison, Englewood, Fla.
Thank you for warning others! There are more than 15,000 structure fires caused by clothes dryers annually, according to the National Fire Protection Association. And a shocking fact? The leading cause of home clothes-dryer fires is the failure to clean them. So folks, clean the lint trap, and check that vent! — Heloise
TOMATO-PASTE
Dear Heloise: I just read your column about leftover tomato paste when you need only a tablespoon or so from the can. Most grocery stores carry tomato paste in a tube. You can find it in the pasta or tomato-sauce aisle of the store. Love your hints. — Tina, via email
Tina, you are right, and I have a tube in the refrigerator! Love the ease of use, too. Cooking can save money, and you know what goes into a dish. For a handy pamphlet filled with some of my all-time favorite recipes, many from family and friends, send $5 and a self-addressed, stamped (64 cents), business-size envelope to: Heloise/ Recipes, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. For a quick mock Thousand Island dressing or dip, I squirt some tomato paste into mayo, add some pickle relish and mix. — Heloise
REUSING OLD EYEGLASSES
Dear Readers: Did you know that you can have old prescription glasses or bifocals tinted to use as prescription sunglasses? The cost will depend on what lenses you have, but they still should be less than buying a brand-new pair.
Research shows that tinting costs around $20, but if the lenses were polarized or had a nonglare coating, they would not be able to be darkened.
Speaking of old glasses, Gayle M. of Lincoln, Calif., says, “When I get new prescription eyeglasses, I save the old ones to wear when I fix my hair and spray away.” — Heloise
EASY ID
Dear Heloise: I take a picture of my shoes for the front of my shoe boxes. I also do this for my jewelry to place on the front of each box. No more searching for jewelry or shoes. — B.A., Madison, Ala.
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.
(c)2011 by King Features Syndicate Inc.