Cleanser concern for septic systems
Cleanser Concern for Septic System
Dear Heloise: I have a big question that I haven’t seen addressed in your column. We live in the Hill Country of Texas (not too far from San Antonio), and we have a SEPTIC TANK. What are the effects of vinegar on a septic tank? — Deanna J., Canyon Lake, Texas
?Research shows that using safer biodegradable cleaners, like vinegar, is better than harsher cleaners, especially if you use a lot at one time. So, small amounts of vinegar as a cleaning agent should be OK in a septic system, and certainly is better than superstrong products.
We have a septic system, and I’ve used vinegar for 30 years without a problem!
Also, don’t stress the septic tank by running many loads of laundry and the dishwasher at the same time.
If cleaning-product labels warn of danger or poison, don’t pour them down the drain. There’s lots of information available online about the proper care of septic tanks. If you don’t have access to a computer, contact your county extension office.
For other ways to save money using vinegar, just send a long, stamped (64 cents), self-addressed envelope to: Heloise/Vinegar, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. If there’s too much salt in your favorite dish, try adding a dash of vinegar! — Heloise
PAPER SHREDDING
Dear Heloise: I just read a hint in the San Antonio Express-News on shredding paper. The reader suggested lining the shredder basket with a plastic bag. I have an idea to cut down on the amount of shredding altogether. Just tear off the part of the page or pages that hold the personal information, then recycle the rest of the page. Many times it is just a few numbers or a name and address that need shredding. — Samantha, via email
Yes, indeed! I do the very same. One note: Be sure to go through the pages, because sometimes there is info on other pages. — Heloise
EASY ID
Dear Heloise: I manage a farm market and was frustrated by cardboard tags on plants dissolving in rain or when they are watered. I now cut up plastic milk bottles into strips, punch a hole, add wire or string and mark them with a permanent marker. If it is a flowering plant (like hibiscus), I also add the color of the flower in case only buds are showing. I can remove these tags from the plant when sold and reuse them. — Jan Lowe, Athens, Ala.
QUILT STORAGE
Dear Heloise: When we bought new furniture, I no longer had space on the living-room floor to layer my quilts, as many quilters do. One day after stripping my bed, I noticed the nice, flat surface of the mattress and thought, “Queen-size bed, double-size quilt.” It worked very well — backing, batting and quilt top. I was able to trim the backing and reach under to pin the layers together. — Hilde in New Jersey
(c)2011 by King Features Syndicate Inc.