HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR READERS: What is the difference between a disinfectant and a sanitizer? There are a lot of products that advertise these properties.

Here’s the germy difference: A disinfectant destroys or kills germs on surfaces or objects.

A sanitizer reduces the number of germs on a surface or object to a safe level (according to public health standards), but does not necessarily eliminate germs completely.

Looking for a simple, safe, cheap sanitizing spray that you can make at home? Mix 1 tablespoon of regular household bleach with 1 quart of water. This mixture loses effectiveness rather quickly when exposed to light or heat, so make only enough to use in a day or two. Be sure to put this solution in a clearly labeled, opaque bottle, and keep out of reach of children and pets. This is safe for most hard household surfaces, like kitchen and bath counters.

DEAR HELOISE: Here is a handy (and frugal) hint for those who hate throwing away used sandwich bags. After lunch, I take the bag home.Then, if it is still in good repair, I wash with a little warm water and dish soap and put it in the drying rack. The next day, I use the bag again. I save money and feel like I’m helping the environment.

• Eric M., via e-mail

DEAR HELOISE: I purchase extra-large containers of shampoo and conditioner from the hair salon. They are quality products and too good a bargain to pass up. But I couldn’t lift them in the shower, much less pour out the amount needed, especially when my hands are wet and soapy.

I found a pack of two containers - standard-size mustard and ketchup containers - that were just the right size. One is red and one yellow. I just snipped the tops a little so the liquid would pour easily. Also, I used a permanent marker to mark them.

• Carol M. in Pa.

DEAR HELOISE: After finishing a large jigsaw puzzle, before breaking it up to put in the box, I take off the straight-edge pieces and put them in a plastic bag. It is so nice, when deciding to put the puzzle together again, not to have to wade through 1,000 or 500 pieces to find the straight edges.

• Marion W. in Fla.

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