DEAR HELOISE: I've seen the hints about removing or at least alleviating carpet indentations before, but I cannot find the clipping I saved. Would you please readdress this in your column?
-- Lynne A., via email
DEAR READER: This is a frequently asked question, and there are a couple of things you can try:
• Put an ice cube in each indentation. As it melts, use your fingers to pull up the carpet fibers. You even can use a comb (gently) to help the fibers stand back up.
• Add warm water to a spray bottle and use it to dampen the carpet indentations. Then use a hair dryer on a warm setting, and your fingers, to fluff up the fibers while blowing the air on them.
• You also could use a clothing steamer to moisten the carpet and then again use your fingers to help the fibers stand up, but be careful not to burn yourself.
DEAR HELOISE: One of the most frequent and frustrating situations people find themselves in after moving is having disassembled an item and not being able to find the parts needed to reassemble it. A simple solution is to keep a supply of zippered plastic bags on hand, and as soon as something is disassembled, put the parts into the bag and tape the bag to the underside of the disassembled piece.
-- Dave S., Reading, Pa.
DEAR HELOISE: On medication bottles or boxes, I write with a felt-tip pen what the meds are for and how often the meds are to be taken. This helps when someone else is dispensing them.
I also take photos of medical facilities when we go for appointments and keep them in a "medical journal." You can see quickly where you need to go for an appointment.
-- Barbara in
San Angelo, Texas
DEAR HELOISE: Baby oil is great at removing stickers from tubs and shower surroundings. Just apply until soaked well, then remove with a plastic spatula or your fingernails. (The oil is good for your hands and nails, too.)
-- J.G., via email
DEAR READER: You have to be careful not to scratch the tub or shower, so don't use anything metal to peel away the sticker. Make sure all the oil is rinsed off completely, too.
DEAR HELOISE: I just read the hint about storing canning-jar rings. I always store mine on the jar to protect the top of the jar from chipping. A chipped jar does not seal.
-- Nadine, via email
DEAR HELOISE: I have always liked this hint: When you have it in your hand, put it away.
-- Dorla R.,
Wilbur, Wash.
DEAR READER: What a great common-sense hint. This definitely will help to get it put in the right place and save time.
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 05/29/2014