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Dear Heloise: Instead of putting my flatware in a jumble in the drawer, I nest them. When I empty the dishwasher, I put the freshly cleaned silverware at the back of the stack, and when I need a piece, I just take it from the front. This way, all the silverware gets periodically washed, as opposed to some that sit at the bottom of the drawer and don’t get washed for a long time. They also receive the same amount of wear and tear, so I don’t have a few that are bright and shiny and some that aren’t. -- Emily M., in Kingwood, Texas
Emily, what a brilliant idea! Nesting your flatware is a wonderful way to ensure that every piece gets used and stays in great shape. It’s such a simple, practical tip. Thanks for sharing this hint! -- Heloise
A CLEAN COMPUTER
Dear Heloise: Like most of us, my computer keyboards and screens get dirty due to fingerprints, crumbs, coffee, life, etc. In a recent column, you recommended getting a commercial cleaner. I went to a supply store to buy such a product. The salesperson told me to just use an alcohol pad. Apparently, isopropyl alcohol is the main ingredient in commercial cleaners for computers. He saved me lots of money.
Now I just rub an alcohol pad over the screen and keyboard whenever it’s needed. Works great! -- Katie G., in Oregon
Katie, be very careful with the alcohol pads because you could wipe off the letters and numbers over time. As for the screen, you’re better off wiping it with a damp (not wet) microfiber cloth, then drying it off with a clean cloth. Don’t press hard on your computer screen. -- Heloise
KEYBOARD COVERS
Dear Heloise: Recent hints regarding clean laptop keyboards didn’t mention the use of a keyboard cover. These are inexpensive silicone “skins” that are designed to keep dirty, greasy fingerprints away. They work well for me. -- Anne, in Camarillo, California
A FAN FIRE
Dear Heloise: In a recent column, there was a letter from Frank A., in Ventura, California. He suggested leaving a fan on for your dog and stated that he leaves a floor fan on for his dog when he goes out. This is something that could be very dangerous. A nearby home burned down because they left a floor fan on for their dog, and the dog knocked the fan over. The fan motor overheated and started a fire in the house. I strongly urge you to put this news out so that others don’t have this same problem. -- Ernie M., in Belvidere, New Jersey
BANANA GARDEN MAGIC
Dear Heloise: Each fall and spring, I buy a large cluster of ripe bananas. After I get home, I cut the bananas, skin and fruit into thirds. Then I take the pieces out to my garden and bury them next to my plants. With the fruit and skins acting as a fertilizer, my yard blooms beautifully for a long time.
Bananas are cheap, and if an animal digs them up (my three terriers never have), it won’t hurt them. My mother taught me this trick, and she was known for her beautiful flowers. -- Bonnie D., in Windsor, Connecticut
Bonnie, thank you for this hint. I’ve used this myself and produced some beautiful flowers. -- Heloise
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.