Dear Heloise: I work for a cleaning company that cleans a car dealership at nights after hours. I normally don’t have any interactions with the customers of the dealership. However, one night while I was working, a customer wouldn’t leave me alone about his glasses that he left in a vehicle that he test-drove before the dealership closed.

My hint is for anyone who test-drives or is a sales representative for a car dealership: Look for any personal belongings that may still be in the vehicle, or remind the customer about any personal belongings. — After-Hours Cleaner, via email

Whether test-driving a car or taking a cab, bus or subway, it is a good hint to check your surroundings for personal belongings before you exit any vehicle. — Heloise

SHELF LIFE

Dear Heloise: Does baking soda have a shelf life, and if so, how long is it? — Jeff W., Lincoln, Neb.

If you are using the baking soda for baking, there definitely is a shelf life. Follow the expiration date on the box, which typically is around three years. As a food product, be sure to store it where it cannot absorb odors, and keep it away from moisture. However, if you are cleaning with it, it can last indefinitely. Baking soda is one of my favorite money-saving cleaners. To order my Heloise’s Baking Soda Hints and Recipes pamphlet, go online to www.Heloise.com, or send $5 and a long, self-addressed, stamped (68 cents) envelope to: Heloise/Baking Soda, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. Don’t just throw away the old box of baking soda that was used to absorb refrigerator odors. Keep it to use for cleaning the kitchen sink and faucets. — Heloise

STORING ORNAMENTS

Dear Heloise: Having been in the military for many years and moving around quite a bit, we have found that apple and orange boxes with the rounded divider layers are very functional and useful for storing Christmas ornaments. Besides being free at the produce section or store market, they protect the ornaments very well. We think they are better than the plastic boxes you have to pay for. — Eric, via email

KEEP CLOSED

Dear Heloise: I have a pair of French doors that I could not get to stay closed. Mainly, the dog or cat would press on one side or the other and cause both doors to open. Finally, I grabbed a large rubber band (like those found on broccoli) and wrapped it around both of the doorknobs. It worked! The animals would still press on the doors, but they could not open them wide enough to get through. — Angie Y., via email

MATCH MAKEUP

Dear Heloise: When I need to replace a lipstick or other makeup, I take the old one with me to the store. That way, I can match the color for the new replacement in case the color number has changed or no longer exists. — Jan in Oregon

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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.