HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR HELOISE: I’m writing in the hope that you will give me some helpful advice on how to remove bleach stains from carpeting.

• W. Lawson, Laguna Woods, Calif.

DEAR READER: Unfortunately, it’s not a stain that you can remove, since it has bleached out the color. But here are some things to try. There are some companies that sell dye kits for carpets to try to get it back to its original color. And check at a home-improvement store, too. You can call a professional if it’s a large area of carpet that is bleached.

If you have any leftover carpet remnants, the area can be cut out and replaced. If you don’t have any leftover pieces, you can cut a piece out of the closet or somewhere else inconspicuous.

If all else fails, you can always cover the spot with an area rug or runner.

DEAR HELOISE: We had a freezer-odor disaster! We tried everything, from baking soda to wadding up newspapers and washing it out with bleach. We decided to send it to the appliance boneyard.

Then a light bulb came on. What about cat litter? We changed the litter every day for about a week, and after that, every few days. The freezer eventually was cured using plain, old, inexpensive clay cat litter!

• Marilyn K. in Nebraska

DEAR HELOISE: Here is a hint for readers who have children in diapers. Most brand-name diaper and wipe packages come with a code that you can redeem for points on the company website. Save up enough points and you can get rewards like toys, magazine subscriptions, etc. It is a great way to get a little extra from something you are going to buy anyway.

• A Mom in Texas

DEAR HELOISE: After being away and walking in dirty places, like airline bathrooms, etc., I like to wipe the bottom of my shoes with disinfectant wipes (not the bleach ones) before walking around on my home carpet. It assures me that I am not tracking in filth and germs.

• Ursula in California

DEAR HELOISE: We have a double-sided place mat that we use under our dog’s water and food bowls. When the dog has been fed for the day, we switch the mat to the red-colored side so we know that the dog has been fed.

• A Dog Lover, via email 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