Trending
Dear Heloise: Do your gummy vitamins, supplements and the like stick to the bottom of their jars? Is it hard to dig them out? Let their stickiness and gravity work for you by storing the jars upside down!
My wife and I faithfully read your column in the Ventura County Star. — George V., in Ventura, California
CHILDPROOF PACKAGING
Dear Heloise: My 105-year-old mom can’t get the hearing-aid batteries out of the childproof packages either. I cut through the plastic with scissors on each side of the battery, then I pop the battery out. I hope this is helpful. — Granny’s Daughter, via email
PLASTIC SOUND OFF
Dear Heloise: Regarding your reply to Ann about the use of plastics: Yes, plastics can be recycled, but in reality, only about 5% to 6% of it is recycled in the United States. Glass, metal and paper are recycled at much higher rates (although we should be doing much better in all categories).
Plus, plastic is still a petroleum product. While there are valid uses for it, seeking out containers that are made of glass, metal and paper is still a better choice. And, yes, all of it should be disposed of responsibly! I always enjoy your column. — Susan, via email
CALLING ON AN EXPERT
Dear Heloise: I loved the information about dryer protocol. But who is the right person to contact about cleaning out your line from the dryer to the outside vent? I have a corrugated vent from the dryer to just under the ceiling in the basement, and then we have a vent system that’s about 20 feet from the outside vent in the unfinished basement ceiling.
It’d be impossible for me or my husband to clean due to age, as with many of us. Love your column! — Vicki A., via email
Vicki, I believe an appliance repairman might be your best bet. If they can’t help you, ask if they know someone who does this type of work. Another possibility might be someone who cleans out home heating vents. — Heloise
DRY-ERASE MARKERS
Dear Heloise: This might be a worthy tip for “Hints From Heloise.” A friend asked me why I keep dry-erase markers in my bathroom, so maybe not everyone knows how handy they are for jotting last-minute notes on your vanity mirror.
Whether it’s something that just crosses your mind while you’re brushing your teeth at bedtime or something you absolutely don’t want to forget to do first thing in the morning, there it is to remind you as soon as you get up. It all wipes right off with a dry tissue; plus the grandkids think it’s fun to do a little artwork when they come over. Of course, some grownups like to do this, too!
Thanks for all the great years! — Megan L., in Portland, Oregon
MINI SPATULA
Dear Heloise: After reading a hint about keeping a pair of pliers in the bathroom to unscrew bottles, I thought I’d send in my hint to keep a mini spatula in the bathroom. It’s amazing how much lotion gets left in the bottom of a tube. Just cut open the tube and use a mini spatula to scrape it out. I also use a mini spatula to take greasy medicated lotions out of the jar. — Lynette C., in Austintown, Ohio
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.