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Dear Heloise: In a recent column, several ways were given on how to deal with soap chips — the small pieces of a well-used bar of soap that are too small to easily use. My favorite method wasn’t mentioned: When my bar of soap becomes too small, I start using a new bar, and with both bars softened by use, I rub the chip onto the large bar.
At this point, the chip is soft enough to conform to the new bar, and it sticks in place. The chip may slide around if you use it this way right away, but by the next day, it’s a solid single bar. Nothing goes to waste. I read your column in the Oregonian. — Doug C., in Corvallis, Oregon
BECOMING A PET OWNER
Dear Heloise: Jake M., from Camden, New Jersey, wrote to you regarding his 9-year-old son’s desire for a puppy. He told him that he could have one when he was 11, but there’d be certain rules and responsibilities. The first time he skipped the chores, he’d get a warning. The second time, the dog would be given away.
This is how many animals end up in shelters and are euthanized. A better way to teach responsibility and help his son learn how to care for a pet is to have him volunteer at a shelter when he’s of appropriate age. He could also volunteer to take neighbors’ dogs for walks. — Lori, via email
Lori, thank you for sharing your thoughts on this. You make a very important point about the reality of pet ownership and the importance of teaching responsibility in a way that prioritizes the animal’s well-being. I appreciate you writing in and sharing such a constructive alternative. It’s helpful for us to hear different perspectives like yours. — Heloise
AVOID CLOSET MOLD
Dear Heloise: We’ve recently moved into a smaller home. The master closet is physically in the master bathroom, close to the shower. It has a door, but I worry that mold could possibly grow in there. What are your suggestions on how to prevent/discourage mold/steam issues in the closet? — Susan A., via email
Susan, thank you for writing, and congratulations on your new home! To keep moisture and mold out of your master closet, here are a few practical steps you can take:
— Keep the closet door closed while showering to prevent steam from entering.
— Always turn on your bathroom exhaust fan during showers, or leave a fan running to keep dry air moving throughout the room.
— Keep the bathroom door open after you finish showering to let trapped humidity escape.
— Avoid overpacking the closet so that air can circulate freely between your clothes.
— Place a commercial moisture absorber or dehumidifying bucket inside the closet to catch excess moisture.
I hope these help! — Heloise
AIR-DRYING GLASSES
Dear Heloise: I just read Charlie C.’s hint on cleaning eyeglasses. I clean mine the same way, but instead of using a towel to dry them off, I wash them under the hottest water possible. I blow off the excess water, and they air-dry in no time! No wiping or chances of the lens scratching! — BeBe B., in Parkersburg, West Virginia
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.