HELPFUL HINTS

LITTLE ROCK — DEAR HELOISE: I had a party, and now I have redwine stains on my beige-colored carpet. Is there anything I can do?

• Lorraine D., via e-mail

DEAR READER: At this point, it is best to use a commercial stain remover. In the future, as soon as the spillhappens, blot up as much of the wine as you can. Mix a solution of 1 part mild liquid dishwashing detergent and 20 parts water.With a clean microfiber cloth, blot the stain until color stops coming out.

Then take half-vinegar/ half-water and blot the stain to get the last remnants of color out. If you still see the red color, put some 3 percent-5 percent hydrogen peroxide on a cloth and blot.

As always, try out a hidden area of carpet first to make sure you won’t fade the color. Finally, rinse with cold water, blot dry and then allow to air-dry. This is another reason to keep vinegar in your household. Use any leftover vinegar-and-water solution to wipe down and clean plastic, dusty outside furniture.

DEAR HELOISE: When we first moved into our home, the dishwasher did a poor job. I realized that the water heater was on the opposite side of the house, and a full cycle had run before the water entering the washer was hot. We always opened the hot-water tap in the kitchen and let the water get warm before hitting the “Start” button.

To avoid wasting water, I use the water flow to flush the garbage disposal or for other uses while waiting for it to warm.

• Doug J. in Louisiana

DEAR HELOISE: I have a hint for cushioning metal bed-frame legs and sofa legs.It seems manufacturers place these legs right where you crack your toes. I use soft, foam soda-can covers, removing the bottom to form a sleeve. I place the sleeve around the leg so the furniture can still be “shoved around.” I use these covers on chair legs that have “skirts” as well.

• Marlene P., Decatur, Ala.

DEAR HELOISE: I cannot lift my mattress to tuck my top sheet between the mattress and box spring. I use a plastic coat hanger to push the sheet into the opening between the mattress and box spring. I lift up the bottom of the sheet that is hanging over and tuck it in as I go. I also use the hanger to smooth out the sheet when finishing.

• Beverly G., Louisiana 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 Heloise@Heloise.com