DEAR READERS: The bad guys are at it again, and again. The real-sounding but fake phone calls seem to be multiplying faster than we can hang up.
The IRS (Internal Revenue Service) will not initially contact you by phone. If there is something they need or want to tell you, they will send you a letter.
The IRS does not email or text. So, if you get calls, emails or texts claiming to be from the IRS and they say you owe money or they demand payment, hang up, delete, do not respond. The IRS would not call you to confirm your Social Security number; they know it. Please don't get fooled. Please warn your elderly relatives or friends. They are prime targets.
DEAR HELOISE: If you carry paper towels in your vehicle, store them in a plastic newspaper sleeve. The Sunday sleeve is largest and can be used for a full roll. This keeps the roll clean.
It's easy to keep the paper towels handy. I keep a bottle of window-cleaning spray as well for sparkly, clean car windows.
-- Pat K., Cypress, Texas
DEAR HELOISE: How do you clean air-conditioning filters? We moved into a house and have never had to do this before. Ours are reusable. I vacuum them, but it doesn't seem to get them clean.
-- Joy D. in Alabama
DEAR READER: You are on the right track. For reusable filters, take them out, shake them out and then vacuum to remove dust and dirt. To clean them, rinse under running warm water. You can add a tablespoon or two of baking soda to a sink of water and swish, then rinse. Do not use dish detergent, as it can trap dirt, making it harder to clean, and pull on the motor. Rinse the filter well and dry well before putting it back. Another hint: Don't use a fabric-softener sheet to dust the air-conditioner grilles. A gummy residue is left, and the dirt and dust really stick to the surface.
DEAR HELOISE: When I get a magazine and find an item of interest, I fold the page so the corner is in the center of the picture of the item. I write the page number on the front, thus finding the item in only a few seconds.
-- Danny B., via email
DEAR HELOISE: When I'm using a new plant pot with a hole in the bottom, I put several round paper coffee filters on the bottom before adding soil. This is a cheap and easy way to keep the soil in the pot.
-- Nancy L., 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
Style on 06/30/2015