DEAR READERS: Do you read those tiny clothing care labels on items you are thinking about buying or haven't worn in a while? Do you know what they mean? Here's the scoop: The Federal Trade Commission requires that only one method of cleaning be printed on the tag. If an item says "dry clean only," then please take your garment to the dry cleaner. But if it just says "dry clean," this may not be the only way to clean your piece of clothing.
Before taking your clothes straight to the dry cleaner, try testing to see if you might be able to hand-wash them. Use a small, unseen part of the garment (like an inside seam) and wet with water. If the colors do not run, the garment is safe to hand-wash, and you can save your money for something else.
DEAR HELOISE: I have your Heloise's Homemade Cleaning Solutions pamphlet. My question is: For the kitchen sink drain-cleaning hint, is this solution safe to use with my disposal?
-- Ruby S. in Arkansas
DEAR READER: You bet it is. Plus, it's cheap, safe and won't hurt a septic system. How about that for a "threefer." For those who haven't used this easy-as-pie hint, just pour 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain, then a cup or two of cheap vinegar. Allow to sit 15 to 30 minutes, then run lots of hot water to swish it through the plumbing. Lastly, use 30 to 60 seconds of cold water. Only use this to freshen and clean the drain, not to unclog one. Also, do not do this after using any commercial drain cleaners. Another drain hint? Put the plug in, fill the sink with hot water, then "unplug" to help keep it free-flowing.
DEAR HELOISE: Recently, I rescued my grandson from the airport when his flight was canceled and rescheduled for 18 hours later. Of course, his luggage was checked, and he didn't have any clothes or a toothbrush.
I purchase toothbrushes when they're on sale, along with trial-size toothpastes. I keep them in the spare bathroom for others to use when they don't have a toothbrush. They can take the toothbrush with them, or I turn it into a house-cleaning tool if they don't take it.
-- Lillian S. in Texas
DEAR HELOISE: I enjoy working the word-find puzzles in the newspaper daily. More than one person can work a puzzle if, instead of circling a word, a small dot is placed behind the word on the word list. This keeps the puzzle clear and easier to see additional words. I use an extra-fine pen. Each player can use a different color, if he or she likes.
-- Suzie B. in California
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 10/02/2014