Helpful Hints

DEAR READERS: Here is this week's Sound Off:

"My Sound Off is restaurants that keep the temperature so cold. It is not comfortable for diners trying to enjoy their meals. If the restaurant is doing this for the workers, I can understand that, however, the patrons should feel comfortable without having to wear sweaters or jackets to enjoy their meals."

-- Pat Z., Warren, Ohio

There usually are several reasons when it comes to air conditioning in a public place. There may be 15 diners, or there may be 100. That can be a lot of body heat, as well as hot food being served and wait staff trying to move fast. It's best to take a scarf, shawl or light sweater, as I do when going to the movies. I also keep a tote in the trunk of my car with a shawl or big scarf in case I forget.

DEAR READERS: Hints to save on energy bills when heating water:

• Don't run hot water while brushing teeth.

• Make sure pipes are insulated correctly.

• Lower the temperature of the water heater a few degrees.

• Check for leaky pipes often.

DEAR HELOISE: Can you please reprint your recipe for sanitizing spray?

-- Y.H. in Kentucky

DEAR READER: It's easy and very, very cheap. But make up only as much as you will use in a day or two. This formula is light- and heat-sensitive, so it will totally lose its "power" if exposed to these elements.

Mix 1 tablespoon of regular household bleach with 1 quart of water, and be absolutely sure to mark the bottle in big print. This spray can be used almost anywhere: tubs, showers, sinks, counters, etc. Don't use on real marble, unsealed granite or other delicate surfaces.

Making cleaning solutions saves you a lot of money. Spray this same solution on tile grout in between cleanings to help prevent mold and mildew.

DEAR READERS: I have a few hummingbird feeders hanging from the eaves of our home. To hang them at different heights, my husband suggested using wire hangers. He straightened them out, snipped off the hook, made two smaller hooks and voila. Love these little buzz bombers!

DEAR HELOISE: My husband got tired of bringing in the cushions on our outdoor furniture at night in case of rain, so he put large trash bags over the chairs. It worked. Now after it rains, we don't have to wait for the cushions to dry before we can sit outside.

-- Mary Jo in

Mansfield, Ohio

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

ActiveStyle on 08/25/2014

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