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Dear Heloise: Empty toilet paper rolls can be reused for cord organization, seed-starting pots, and pet enrichment toys. These cardboard tubes also work great for kids’ art stamps, DIY home decor, and simple gift packaging. — Donald S., in Bellevue, Nebraska
Donald, it’s always nice to get hints from my readers who have found clever ways to reuse items that usually get tossed out with the trash. So many things that we think are worthless can be reused. Do any of my readers have ideas on items that they reuse in different ways? Let us know here at Heloise@Heloise.com! We’re always happy to hear from you. — Heloise
MORE TUNG OIL USES
Dear Heloise: Thank you so much for your column! I particularly liked your recent hint about the use of tung oil to refinish an old dresser. I’ve done the same, and it works great on old furniture that was previously finished.
Another use is on new cutting boards that have never been sealed before. As opposed to mineral oil that’s typically used on cutting boards, tung oil can also be used since it’s safe for food. It’ll give your cutting board a beautiful shiny finish, as opposed to the dull finish with mineral oil. It’s easy to apply with your bare hand or a clean rag.
Let it dry overnight and apply a second coat to get a better finish. You’ll be amazed at how beautiful your charcuterie board will look! — Bill, in Chesterfield, Missouri
HICCUP CURE
Dear Heloise: I know this sounds overstated, but I read your mom’s column about peanut butter for hiccups when I was a teen. I have a lot of hiccups on a regular basis. I’m 62 now, and peanut butter is the only (and fastest) thing that works for me.
My kids, who are now grown, grew up thinking that everyone used peanut butter for hiccups. I wish they did, as it works so well! Just wanted to share her (and your) impact. Keep up the good work! — Karen C., via email
ANOTHER OIL SPILL HINT
Dear Heloise: We had a nasty oil spill on our concrete driveway, so to remove it, I covered the area with a powdered cleanser that’s often used on kitchen sinks. (It took two cans.) I applied a thick coat. Then I walked across the cleanser, pressing my shoe into the powder. I let it sit for 24 hours, then brushed it off with a broom.
Make sure that you get to the oil stain ASAP, and this method will work like a charm. By the way, I read your column nearly every day. … Yes, men read “Hints From Heloise.” — Daniel K., in Beaverton, Oregon
HANDLING A GREASY MESS
Dear Heloise: Draining greasy foods can be messy, but I think I have a great, no-mess way of disposing of it. First of all, I save large empty jars (such as mayonnaise or pickle jars), wash them out, and store them under my sink. When I’ve sauteed hamburgers or had too much greasy juice after cooking a stir fry, I pour the whole pan into a large colander that fits into a large bowl.
I then remove the colander and use up the contents, and I pour the bowl full of leftover grease into one of the empty jars with the help of a funnel. When a jar’s full, I just dispose of it. — Karen S., via email
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.