The keys to a sweet sound
Dear Heloise: You have published a formula for taking the “crackle” out of the FINISH ON PIANO KEYS. I believe one of the ingredients was vinegar. Would you please be so kind as to tell me the formula again? — Patsy Keith, via email
Cleaning methods vary, depending on whether the keys are made of plastic or ivory (as many older piano keys are). A mixture of vinegar and warm water is safe ONLY for plastic keys. Dip a microfiber or terry cloth into the mixture and use it to rub the keys. DO NOT have so much liquid that it drips between the keys. Then wipe dry ASAP.
Ivory keys are more fragile, so a drop of gentle soap mixed with a cup of warm water is all you need. Again, using a cloth, SLIGHTY dampened, wipe the keys with the solution, follow with another clean cloth with water and immediately buff with a different, lint-free cloth. Vinegar has so many uses that I can share with you in my pamphlet. To receive it, send $5 and a long, stamped (64 cents), self-addressed envelope to: Heloise/Vinegar, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. Use full-strength vinegar on a cloth on your ceiling fans to keep fresh air circulating. — Heloise
TWO HINTS, ONE READER
Dear Heloise:
1. I must put eyedrops in one eye in the a.m. and another medication in the evening in both eyes. To remember if I have done it, I turn the bottle upside down for the next dose and put it right side up when it has been used. That way, if it is upside-down, then I know I did not use it.
2. I bought a set of two strap wrenches from the automotive store. I can use both to open a large jar rather than a rubber jar opener. These are easily adjustable from very large to very small, and with the handle, it gives good leverage. When using both, of course you have the top one on the cap to untwist and the bottom around the container going in the opposite direction.
— Covar D., Lubbock, Texas
EASY SQUEEZE
Dear Heloise: When I find the toothpaste tube squeezed from the middle, I take any cylindrical-shaped can or bottle, like from hair spray, deodorant, cosmetic or beauty product, and use it like a rolling pin over the tube, starting at the bottom and rolling up to the mouth of the container. No more waste! — Rosalind Davis, Fountain Valley, Calif.
SQUEAKING SHOES
Dear Heloise: I saw a hint to stop the squeak in shoes in which powder was suggested.
I wrap my orthotics in plastic wrap or use a plastic bag, and both eliminate the squeaks. — Jackie, Vancouver, Wash.
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(at)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.