DEAR HELOISE: Here is a hint for those who use a lot of mustard, mayo and ketchup in squeeze bottles. I save easy-pour spout tops off bottles (jelly, too) when we are done. I clean them and stick them in a drawer. When I get a new bottle that has only a twist cap, I find a lid that fits the new bottle. I can't always find a match, but the majority of the time I can.
-- Tanya O., Arlington, Va.
DEAR READER: Tanya, sometimes a simple hint like this can make the day a little better. Also, keep all the tops from squeeze bottles. When one of the tops gets yucky (as they will), just switch out with a clean one, and pop the dirty one in the dishwasher utensil basket.
DEAR HELOISE: As a false-teeth wearer and air traveler, the soaking cups that are available don't pack well in a carry-on bag. They just take up too much space. I use a 6-by-6-inch vacuum-seal bag. I put everything in it, fill with enough water and stand it in the sink. It packs totally flat and takes up no space. Just be sure to use a new bag. A used one may have a pinhole and will leak.
-- Paul S., Salem, Ore.
DEAR HELOISE: My son is invited to many birthday parties during the school year, and he always comes home with a shirt full of ice-cream stains. Please help. I do my best, but sometimes he just takes the shirt off, throws it in the hamper, and I don't see it until I do laundry.
-- Ronnie's Mom
in Los Angeles
DEAR READER: Soak the shirt in cool tap water for several hours. Check in once in a while, rub the stains with your fingers and replace the water. When it's time to wash, put liquid laundry detergent or a pre-spotter on the spot, and wash with other garments in the machine using only cool water, not hot. Hang up to dry; do not put in the dryer. When treating a stain, stop and think: hot or cold water? You are safe with cold first, and many times a soak will slowly lift the stain out.
DEAR HELOISE: I save wooden ice cream sticks to use as plant markers in my garden. They are easy to write on and place in the ground. It helps me remember what is planted where, and the best part is, they are free.
-- Van V. in Salt Lake City
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
MovieStyle on 11/13/2015