DEAR READERS: Here is this week's Sound Off, about store checkout lanes:
"My Sound Off is when I'm in line to check out at the store and a new line opens up, and the cashier doesn't ask for the next in line. So people just walking up who haven't been waiting as long get checked out before you. I think that is rude!"
-- J.I. in Ohio
DEAR READER: It may be rude or it may be just an oversight. It would be nice if those people just walking up let someone from another line in first. I do try to be fair and say, "You were here first" or "You have been waiting longer." Also, when someone behind me has only a few items and I have a basket full, I offer to let that person go first. What are a few minutes in your life to be nice to someone?
DEAR READERS: Here are some hints for plastic utensils:
• Use as plant markers.
• Make maracas out of spoons, dried beans and tape.
• Use for camping and picnics.
• Use knives as coffee stirrers.
DEAR HELOISE: I remember you gave a hint about cleaning grout in the bathroom. The grout in our guest bathroom is looking dingy, and I would love some help.
-- Yvette in Florida
DEAR READER: Here is the hint, and the best part is you most likely have everything in your house. You only need three ingredients: borax, baking soda and hot water. Mix 1/2 cup of borax with 1 cup of baking soda in a large bowl. Then add about 1/2 cup of hot water to the powder so that it makes a thick paste, sort of like paint. Apply it to the grout using an old toothbrush, and scrub a little. Now, for about an hour, go do something else and let the potion work. Rinse the area and scrub a little more, if needed. Baking soda is one of my all-time favorite household products. Have a fiberglass shower you need to clean? Use baking soda on a damp sponge for scrubbing action and a sparkling shower.
DEAR HELOISE: My washer stopped working, and I had to use a public laundry facility. I scooped several loads' worth of detergent into a plastic bag and took that rather than the whole heavy box of detergent.
-- Kenny S. in Oklahoma City
DEAR HELOISE: I place bath towels on sofas, chairs and beds to protect upholstery from pet hair. Before I wash them, I put them in the dryer for a short time. It removes most of the fur before washing.
-- Kay in Mission Viejo, Calif.
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 01/19/2015