Heloise

Dear Heloise: Thank you for your uplifting column. I wanted to share a kitchen habit that has saved me both time and cabinet space. The Home Depot notes that 8-inch plates are versatile, making them perfect for salads, desserts and snacks — or for serving as a resting spot for utensils while cooking. Vintage blue and retro ceramic plates also add charm to the table. I use these plates for sliced fruit, sandwiches and quick breakfasts.

After dealing with crowded cupboards, I now rely on multipurpose items. While a simple white plate might seem unremarkable, its flexibility proves to be vital in a busy kitchen. — D.J.C., in Pasadena, California

A LIGHT COVER SAVES BASIL

Dear Heloise: Every summer, my basil starts out lush and beautiful, then beetles show up and chew the leaves down to almost nothing. After losing too many plants, I came up with a simple fix that finally worked:

I drape a large piece of cheesecloth over the whole planter once the basil fills in. I then tuck the edges down inside the pot so that insects can’t sneak underneath. The cheesecloth still lets in sunlight, air and rain so that the basil keeps growing without feeling smothered.

Because the fabric feels so light, the stems don’t get crushed. For a while, the planter looks a little funny, but I’d rather see cheesecloth than bare stems. This small cover protects the leaves and saves the harvest, which means more fresh basil for pasta, salads and summer cooking. — Valerie J. Jensen, in Great Falls, Virginia

FRESH BLEACH WORKS BEST

Dear Heloise: Love the column and just wanted to pass along a tip about bleach that not everyone knows: Once you dilute it, you really only have

about 24 hours before it starts losing its punch, so mixing a new batch daily beats hanging onto yesterday’s. Water breaks it down over time, and a weakened solution may not kill germs the way that you’d expect.

Bleach that is straight from the bottle is another issue — it cleans less effectively and can release harsh fumes or even damage surfaces. Stick to the directions on the label, mix only the amount you need, and mark any containers you use. A fresh batch that is handled with care goes a long way toward getting the job done safely. — J. Zuckerman, in Winchester, Virginia

BATHTUB TRICK FOR RUGS

Dear Heloise: Throw rugs can be a hassle to clean when they’re too big for the washing machine. I’ve had great luck washing mine right in the bathtub, and it works better than you think. I lay each rug face down in the tub, fill it with enough lukewarm water to cover the fabric, and add a small amount of detergent. After the rug soaks for a bit, I work the suds through with my hands.

After cleaning a rug, it’s important to let it dry for a while before hanging it outside to dry, since moisture can remain deep within the fibers, even if the surface seems dry. Sunshine and fresh air will do the rest. I use the same bathtub routine for washable window blinds. Both rugs and blinds come out fresh without a trip to the laundromat. I’d love to hear how other readers handle oversized items. — Ruth N., in Scranton, Iowa

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.

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