Dear Heloise: I probably got this hint from your column years ago, but you might want to print it again: When I go to use a coffee filter, the filters often stick together. In order to get one off, I keep a piece of double-sided tape on the inside of the cabinet door. Just touch the package of filters against the tape, and one of the filters will come off. — JoAnn Peterson

GRAPHITE USES

Dear Heloise: Your hint about adding graphite to an antique door lock reminded me to send another hint about graphite’s use: Pencil sharpeners that are used for art pencils need an occasional graphite pencil sharpening to keep the blade in top condition. — Priscilla Wigham, via email

SAVING OLD ­CALENDARS

Dear Heloise: When I was touring the Canyonlands of Colorado and Utah, I bought an old, small desktop calendar with photos of the various parks. I didn’t want to throw it away, so I saved it. The dates ended up matching the dates for this year, so I’m using it again! I have a couple other special calendars that I’m saving for years when the dates match.

Also, I keep a small paintbrush (never used for paint) in my car console. When I go through the car wash, I brush away dust on my dashboard and doors.

Lastly, I have a Heloise book from 1963 that I intend to read. I may have given it to my mother. (I have a feeling that different attitudes are going to be evident.) I’ll let you know! — L.G., in Indiana

EXTENDING THE USE OF FACIAL TISSUES

Dear Heloise: Thanks for your column. I read it in the Dayton Daily News. Here’s my hint:

I use a sharp pair of scissors to cut facial tissues in half front to back before use. This will work on any brand that’s in a rectangular box (not the cube-type box). If I want to use a cube-type box, I will buy a rectangular box of tissues and cut them in half. Then I open up the side of the cube box, fill it with cut tissues (which now fit perfectly), and tape the cube box closed.

I find that half of a facial tissue is large enough for a good nose blow. This doubles the number of tissues from just one box and allows me to refill a cube box less expensively. — B.S., in Ohio

WASH THE CAN

Dear Heloise: Summer is not that far away, and many people will be drinking from soda and beer cans. Please advise them to find a way to wash the top of a can before taking a drink. Those cans are stored in warehouses where there are rats and insects that can — and do — crawl across the top of the cans.

The cans are also handled by people who do not wash their hands before loading and unloading the cans. It’s all too easy to get sick if you don’t properly clean the top and edge of cans before drinking from them. — G.P., in California

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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.