Helpful Hints

DEAR READERS: Most folks want to keep their cars looking nice, but it can get a little pricey to take to the car to the car wash all the time. Here are some Heloise hints to help take care of your car at home and save some big bucks over the long run:

• Many people use household products (mild dish soap or even hair shampoo) to wash the cars at some point. Some of these can be harmful to the paint and finish. The wrong product can dull the finish. Be sure to use products specifically designed for washing cars, and rinse very well.

• Don't use abrasive cleaners on plastic or painted parts of your car.

• Don't wash or wax your car in direct sunlight. Try to wait until the evening or early morning, when the sun is not beating directly down.

• Don't let bird droppings, dead insects, gasoline or tree sap sit on the finish long. Wash them off as soon as possible to avoid damage to the paint.

• Dry using a chamois, microfiber towel or a soft terry towel.

DEAR HELOISE: I carry an empty travel-size spray bottle and fill it with water when I get to my hotel room. Each night I check the following day's clothing, and if it needs a little freshening, I spritz it down on a hanger and pull it from the edge to release wrinkles. It works great and is dry by morning.

-- Mary D.,

Yorba Linda, Calif.

DEAR HELOISE: We buy the inexpensive plastic containers of moistened wipes and put them in the pocket of our car door. We use them to wipe our hands after pumping gas, picking berries, etc. When used up, we pop the top off and use the container as a garbage can. They are easy to empty at the service station, and it is much simpler to drop something in them than try to open a little plastic bag.

-- A Reader, via email

DEAR HELOISE: I recently moved into a condo that has a sliding glass door. I was looking for a little more security without having to spend a ton of money. I went to a home-improvement store and had a large, wooden dowel cut to fit the track. Now I just slip it in, and I don't have to worry about anyone being able to open the door.

-- Jessica, via email

DEAR HELOISE: The bottom of my toilet-brush holder always had a little bit of water in it. I tried placing paper towels in the bottom, but I was having to replace them every time I used the brush. I finally found something that worked. I placed a dry sponge in the bottom. It soaks up all the moisture, and I don't have to replace it that often.

-- G.F. in Wisconsin

Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email

Heloise@Heloise.com

MovieStyle on 08/01/2014

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