Dear Heloise: I read your hint about how to unclog spray paint nozzles in the Plain Dealer. Years ago, I found an easy solution to prevent clogging. When you have finished using the spray paint, turn the can upside down so that the nozzle is on the bottom and the can is above. Then press the spray nozzle until the paint in the inside tube and nozzle is expelled. You will know when to stop because the paint will stop coming out and just pressurized air will come out of the nozzle.

Since the paint is now expelled, there is little, if any, paint to dry out in the nozzle. I hope this helps other readers. I love “Hints From Heloise” and look forward to reading it every day. — Glen C., in Cleveland

SAFE AIR IN THE HOUSE

Dear Heloise: My wife and I enjoy reading your helpful hints in the Orange County Register. Air quality in the home is very important. Black mold growing anywhere in the house should be treated like a hazmat situation.

Daily, you should place the plastic bath mat upside down on the side of the tub. Once a week, take a minute to rub the mat with a paper towel soaked in bleach. As the mat ages, tiny cracks will appear in the plastic. When the bleach no longer works, it’s time to throw it out.

Never put anything with mold in the washing machine. Appliance engineers admit that the best-case scenario is about 70% of dirt and debris getting removed during the average washing load.

Furnace filters should never be used to transmit any kind of scent material, such as essential oils. The ductwork of an HVAC system will soon become contaminated with whatever you add to the filter. It’s better to turn the kitchen vent fan on high while cooking and open one or two windows.

Remember to wash your kitchen metal vent filter whenever you see it is dirty. Thank you for your informative and often new ways to solve a problem. — Tony Elia, in Mission Viejo, California

GRAPHITE FOR LOCKS

Dear Heloise: You should be aware that most big-box or hardware stores have little tubes of graphite lock lubricant for sale. This is perhaps slightly more expensive than grinding up a pencil, but for many people with more than one old lock, the packaged product will be easier to use and store. — David Jackson, via email

SPRING CLEANING

Dear Heloise: I love your column and read it faithfully. Regarding spring cleaning, I learned this hint from my mother-in-law after I asked how she kept her house so nice and tidy. She told me she cleaned one room at a time and made it like new. She had a small home and a very limited budget, but her house was immaculate.

So, I made a list and divided each room and chore by 12 and gave each chore to one month of the year. I put it on the computer and print it out once a year with necessary revisions. Then, each month, I look at my list and clean whichever task is there for the month. It is so easy to keep my house clean this way. Thanks for all the suggestions! — C.B., via email

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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.