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Do store brands measure up to namebrands?

Dear Readers: Today’s sound on is about store-brand products:

“Dear Heloise: I buy store-brand products and save money on our grocery bill. My friend said that he won’t buy a store ‘no name’ brand because he thinks they are just not as good as the national brand. What do you think?” — N.M.I., via email

I’m with you! Many times the store brand and the national brand have the same quality, and the savings can amount to quite a bit over time.

Do the Heloise test: Buy one of each (store and national brand), then open both at the same time. Most times, you will find that they are the same or almost the same, or it does not really matter. If you are not happy with the store brand, take it back, and the retailer will refund your money. — Heloise

FAST FACTS

Dear Readers: Hints to use old hardcover books:

* Stack several and display a plant.

* Use to elevate a computer screen.

* Hold down tablecloths outdoors.

* A booster seat for children.

— Heloise

MOLDY CHEESE

Dear Heloise: We use a lot of different types of cheese, but it seems to go moldy before we can finish it all. Help! — J.Y., via email

Help is here! The key is to wrap the cheese tightly in plastic wrap, then put into a zipper-top bag. Keeping air out helps prevent cheese from getting moldy. This is particularly important with soft cheeses.

For hard cheese, such as cheddar or Swiss, dampen a paper towel with JUST a splash of vinegar, wrap the cheese in the towel, then cover with plastic wrap and put it into a plastic bag. Vinegar does kill and prevent most molds from growing, and it won’t hurt the cheese. Who knew vinegar could be used for so many things? That is one hint, and there are more in my vinegar pamphlet. Visit my website, www. Heloise.com, to order the pamphlet, or send $5 and a long, self-addressed, stamped (70 cents) envelope to: Heloise/Vinegar, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. Storing cheese this way shouldn’t affect its taste. If you buy different cheeses, buy the smallest size you can to be sure it’s to your liking. — Heloise

WASH OR DRY-CLEAN?

Dear Heloise: I have a red, white and blue bedspread. The label reads “dry clean only.” Can I launder it without it fading? — Jenny in Omaha, Neb.

Jenny, if the label says “dry clean only” and you care about the spread, you should indeed do as instructed. If the tag says “dry clean,” you MAY be able to wash it without harm. Test a small red spot with cold water on a cotton swab. See red? Don’t wash the spread! — Heloise

FIRST WASH

Dear Heloise: My favorite hint is to keep a medium-size bowl with water and some detergent in the second sink while I’m cooking. I can pre-wash small items right away without having to turn on the water. — Tally A., Lubbock, Texas

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Hints from Heloise run occasionally in Lifestyles. Readers may send a hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE, or email: Heloise@Heloise.com. Letters won’t be answered personally.

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