Helpful Hints

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

"I would like to Sound Off about retractable leashes. Just because they stretch does not mean you should let them. I have two large dogs who were taught to lie down in the vet office. They are very calm and laid back. But someone at the vet's has a retractable leash and a dog that goes straight for mine. Please keep your dog away from other dogs; you never know how a dog will react to another dog! Always have children ask if they can pet a dog."

-- Sandra M., Conway

Sandra, thanks for reminding us about pet "etiquette," especially when out in public. Being in a veterinarian's office or a pet store where animals are allowed can be very exciting to some dogs and cats. However, to others it may be a scary experience.

Also, if a dog is sick or hurt, it is not going to be in the best mood.

DEAR READERS: Other uses for Christmas ornaments:

• Place in a clear vase as a centerpiece.

• Tie to bows when wrapping presents.

• Glue to a wreath.

• Tie with ribbon and hang in windows.

DEAR HELOISE: Could you print your recipe to make a cleaner for your dishwasher? The cleaners you buy at the stores are very expensive.

-- Osa M.,

Gettysburg, Ohio

DEAR READER: Osa, happy to help you save money. Cleaning a dishwasher may sound silly, but look inside and you'll see some gunk buildup. All you need is one of my favorite safe and cheap household products: vinegar. Remove the racks and utensil holder and clean them. Then use a handful of paper towels to wipe out the bottom of the washer and get rid of food debris. Put the racks and holder back in. Next, pour 2-3 cups of vinegar in the bottom and run using the low or energy-saving cycle.

Leave plates and glasses in. About halfway through, stop the machine and let the vinegar soak for 20-30 minutes. Then restart and run as usual. Wipe out the inside one last time.

Vinegar works wonders on all sorts of household tasks. This is a good way to clean washing machines as well. Add a quart or so of vinegar to the lowest water level and run a normal cycle.

DEAR HELOISE: When my two boys became old enough to ride in the front seat, I solved the "whose turn is it" arguments by using even and odd calendar date numbers; one was "even" and the other "odd."

-- Lyn in North Dakota

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 12/15/2014

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