DEAR HELOISE: I remembered reading in your column about the Habitat for Humanity resale store called Habitat ReStore. Because of this, I was able to go there and purchase items for our new home very economically. What a great hint!
-- Jessica D. in Tennessee
DEAR READER: Habitat for Humanity is a wonderful organization that has been mentioned in this column before. It accepts any leftover and reusable furniture, building supplies and materials. It even takes appliances, but those appliances must be in working order.
An added bonus is that the Habitat ReStores are owned and operated by local Habitat for Humanity affiliates. These donations are sold to the public, and the proceeds are used for building the Habitat houses in that area. It is a great organization to support, along with being a great place to take donations of items you no longer need.
DEAR HELOISE: We always were having trouble identifying which chain to pull on for the fan and which one for the light. I went to a home-improvement store and bought several small pulls in white and several large ones in black. Now, whatever room we are in, we know that the small, white pull is for the light and the large, black one is for the fan. No more confusion. Fan pulls come in so many shapes and colors that you can find ones that work for you.
-- F.E., via email
DEAR HELOISE: I was getting ready to paint a metal-pipe fence that had rusted. I got a spray bottle and filled it with straight vinegar and sprayed every place that had rusted along the fence. I then let it dry before painting. The rust doesn't come through near as much, and the paint stays on longer.
-- Betty L., Bedford, La.
DEAR READER: Betty, what a great way to use vinegar! It can remove rust from small tools -- why not use it on a metal fence? Vinegar is one of my favorite products to keep around the house. It is useful for so many things inside and out. See what else vinegar can be used for. Need to remove rust from screws and bolts? Soak them in vinegar overnight, and it should be removed.
DEAR HELOISE: I keep a can of pressurized air on hand to clean my keyboard and computer. I have found that it also comes in handy to clean the toaster. Spraying it helps get out all the crumbs that are stuck in the crevices.
-- G.T. in Texas
DEAR HELOISE: My cake carrier takes up a lot of space. Not wanting to waste space, I started storing my paper plates and napkins in it while not in use. Keeps them clean, out of the way, and does not waste space.
-- Tina in Oklahoma
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
Weekend on 07/17/2014