Dear Heloise: I recently read the third letter that said they take a container with them into the shower to capture that first cold water before receiving warm or hot water. That container-filled water is used to water the plants, etc. Bless these conscientious folks for wanting to save our valuable resource!

We’ve taken a different approach to attain the same result. A 25-minute installation from my husband of a water recirculating pump now provides instant hot water without having to store or waste that initial cold water. A remote allows us to turn it on just before our need for hot water. He bought ours online, but several versions of this valuable accessory are available at big-box hardware stores. Seems to me that your readers may wish to take advantage of what today’s technology is offering to help protect our limited resources. — Mary Helen, Anaheim, California

BAKING SODA SOLUTION

Dear Heloise: I found that baking soda is an odorless solution to using deodorant. On the other hand, I now use my deodorant to subdue itchy areas on my body. — Miss Maui Mary

Miss Maui Mary, this is another great way to use this versatile, cheap household product. Thanks for the hint!

FYI: If you notice that your books have a musty smell, sprinkle the pages with a bit of baking soda. Then place the books in a plastic bag for a week to absorb all of the odors. Remove the books from the bags outdoors. Turn them upside down and shake out the baking soda. — Heloise

NO MORE CLOGGED IRONS

Dear Heloise: I iron my clothes every week and was surprised that no one had responded back to the lady in Wisconsin on how to keep her iron from clogging again. I have been using distilled water in my iron for years! No clogs or white mineral spots on the clothes that I am ironing! Happy ironing! — Mary, Chino Hills, California

GLASS RECYCLING HINT

Dear Heloise: To keep onion and other odors out of my fridge and freezer, I store the offending foods in glass relish or pickle jars (after removing the labels). The jars can be washed in the dishwasher and the lids replaced periodically with newer ones. — Darlene, Maumelle, Arkansas

LADDER SAFETY

Dear Heloise: I just read your great rules for ladder safety, and I have one to add that I learned from experience. Count the rungs while climbing up the ladder so you can count the same number going down. — Diane Rivera, via email

Diane, That’s a good hint. Also, pay attention and don’t be in a rush when you are going up or down stairs. One added stair safety hint: a handrail! — Heloise

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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.