Heloise

Dear Heloise: When telemarketers call your house, answer by spelling “stop” out loud. I thought that I would try this one day because this is what I get told when I receive spam text messages. Our phone rarely rings anymore. Hope this works for others! — Kelly, in Anaheim, California

Kelly, I usually say that I’m on the “Do Not Call” list and that if they call here again, I’ll report them now that I have their telephone number. It’s helped with some callers but not every caller. — Heloise

SEND A GREAT HINT TO: Heloise@Heloise.com

A SOAPY QUESTION

Dear Heloise: I agree that using bar soap is better for the environment than using liquid soap in plastic bottles. But I use liquid soap to avoid soap scum in my shower. Is there a solution to my dilemma? — Jeff H., via email

Jeff, plastic has its place every so often. Using liquid soap is actually cleaner for a family of multi-users. It’s less likely to spread bacteria than a bar. However, to avoid a soapy buildup, you might want to get a scrubber with a hollow handle. Pour vinegar in the handle, and scrub around the sides and bottom of the bathtub before turning off the shower.

This will help with the soapy build up, but with bar soap, there is usually some soapy residue because most have creams in them. You might want to try a glycerine soap and see if this helps reduce the soapy buildup. — Heloise

URINARY PROBLEMS

Dear Heloise: We have to downsize to a senior retirement community. The cottage we are moving into has a light gray carpet, and I am worried about how to keep it clean outside the bathroom. My 79-year-old husband has urinary problems and gets pee all over the bathroom floor. He has balance problems as well, so throw rugs are out of the question.

I clean the floor frequently, but I can’t keep it clean unless I scrub it after each use. Do you have any hints? — Patricia, in Colorado

Patricia, your husband might want to consider adult underwear with built-in pads to absorb the urine. Please consult your husband’s urologist to see if the doctor can prescribe medication to help with this problem. With the aging population in America, I’m sure that your husband’s doctor has suggestions for this fairly common problem. — Heloise

OH, STINKY DOG

Dear Heloise: I wanted to share a very effective tip for removing skunk spray/smells from your dog. All you need is water, dish soap and peroxide. My husband found this recipe somewhere a couple of years ago, and it works very well; he keeps it in a spray bottle, and it works quickly. Thank you. — Sheila, in Arkansas

Sheila, I’ve used this formula in the past, and while it does wash away much of the “skunk gunk,” I do prefer using it as a spray. It does a great job if I can just get my dog to stay still long enough to spray him. Many dogs hate being sprayed! — Heloise

WINTER HOBBIES

Dear Heloise: For many of us in colder climates with lots of snow, the winter can seem dark and depressing. I get my three kids (triplets, age 7) involved with baking desserts on the weekend and some outdoor sports such as skiing, snowboarding, or building a snow fort. Sometimes in the evenings, we make up a story around the dinner table. I usually start with chapter one, then it becomes someone else’s job to do the next chapter, and so on until the last person finishes the story. It’s a great way to get them to think creatively! — Kathy M., in Ontario, Canada