LITTLE ROCK — DEAR HELOISE: I keep a microfiber cloth on a small hook under my bathroom sink. When getting ready for work, I grab just one or two things that need to be cleaned, like my perfume bottles, makeup, etc., and wipe them off. It only takes a few seconds and cuts down on the big cleaning job. I do the same atnight and even give my makeup mirror a wipedown.
- Nancy M., Arlington, Va.
DEAR READER: Every day, I try to wipe off at least two or three things. If I have time, I do more. It's a good time to give a swipe to some of those out-of-the-way places we tend to overlook, too: the tops of the door frames, a dusty picture frame - whatever is in my eyesight. Then a quick rinse and the cloth is ready for another use.
And here is one more great bathroom quickclean hint: When cleaning the bathroom, pour a little perfume from a sample on a tissue and drop it into the wastebasket. It's a nice little surprise to walk in and find a different scent every few days.
DEAR HELOISE: Word games and puzzles in the newspapers are some of my favorites. If I can't get to them in the paper, I tear out the page and save it. I put several by my travel bag, and then when stuck in an airport or on a plane, I pull them out and work them. Also, I put several in my purse (I cut out just the puzzles, etc.) to do when sitting in a doctor's office or waiting for my daughter while picking her up from school or sports. A few minutes here and there, and keep my brain working!
- Casey's Mom, via e-mail
DEAR HELOISE: I use rubber bands that have been removed from the daily newspaper to hold the folded end of the toothpaste tube rolled up. These bands take up no room on my medicine shelf.
- J.D., Colorado City, Texas Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or e-mail
Style, Pages 38 on 09/04/2008