Heloise

Dear Heloise: A letter in your column that ran a few days ago about getting service in a restaurant reminded me of something I do whenever I need help or service from a company. As soon as they answer, and we establish contact, I tell them that I am pleading insanity and am throwing myself at their mercy. It always gets a laugh and sets a good mood. I almost always get the help or service I need.

Try humor and kindness. It works every time. I read your column in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. — Tom Desaulniers, in Conway, Arkansas

GET A BETTER GRIP

Dear Heloise: As I’ve gotten older, I find that it is harder to hold smaller items like my razor. After watching my dentist work with her tools, I got the idea to slip orthodontic bands around the handle of my razor. It works like a charm! I have better control of my razor, and it is less likely to slip. — Bawn Froning, in Papillion, Nebraska

CENTRIFUGAL FORCE

Dear Heloise: For squeeze bottles, to get the last of the mayo (or whatever) out of the bottle, use centrifugal force. Hold the bottom of the container and swing your arm around. The product will all flow down to the opening. It works every time. Thanks! — Carin, in Oregon

A CLEVER HINT

Dear Heloise: I just read the request from Brent L. as to what to do so that he doesn’t waste the dregs in condiment containers. I add vinegar, oil, and seasonings; then I shake it up and have salad dressing. It could be honey mustard, Caesar, French, whatever. I never buy ready-made dressing anymore. — Helen, in Florida

TWIST TIE USE

Dear Heloise: I crochet a lot of hats and scarves for the homeless to distribute in the winter. I used a bread twist tie to save my stitch when I had to stop in the middle of a project. I enjoy reading your column in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. — M.R., via email

PILLOW TALK

Dear Heloise: My husband swears that his foam-core pillow is the best sleep pillow he has ever experienced. The dense memory foam that makes up the pillow is covered by a quilted zip cover, which I then place in a pillowcase from our sheet set.

The problem is that while I can wash the cover and case, there are no instructions on how to clean the foam core. Although I occasionally treat it with a fabric freshener spray, there is still a residual odor that can actually permeate the room. Any suggestions on how to clean this item? — Janice L., via email

Janice, handwash the foam pillow with the cover off in a combination of lukewarm water and a mild detergent. Make sure that you totally submerge the pillow. Gently squeeze the pillow to get all the detergent and water out. Rinse by soaking the pillow in clean water (with no detergent), and squeeze the water out again without wringing or twisting the pillow.

Allow it to air-dry, but keep the foam away from direct heat and sunlight. This can take anywhere from 24-36 hours. Between washings, you can sprinkle baking soda on the foam, let sit for 2 hours, and then vacuum off the baking soda. — Heloise

———

Send a money-saving or time-saving hint to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.