DEAR HELOISE: Just a word of caution to your readers. A couple of days ago, I went to the kitchen. On the floor and under the refrigerator was water. Checking, we found that the plastic waterline going to the refrigerator had somehow sprung a small leak. It was only overnight, but there was a big puddle.
We go on vacation in the winter and are gone for four weeks. I can't imagine what kind of damage we would have had if it had happened then. Next time we leave for any length of time, we will shut off the waterline to the refrigerator.
-- Jeanette in Oregon
DEAR READER: This has happened to us. Yes, the waterline for the ice maker can be a big problem. It takes just a few minutes to turn off the water supply at the cutoff valve when leaving for an extended time.
P.S.: Have a friend or relative check on the space periodically, too.
DEAR HELOISE: I keep a small jar of baking soda with a shaker lid on the counter next to the sink. It makes it easy to quickly clean tea stains out of a glass, coffee stains out of a cup or a bit of stuck food from nonstick cookware.
-- Barbara W. in San Antonio
DEAR READER: Baking soda is always great to keep on hand in the kitchen. It is one of my favorite cheap products to use in place of expensive, strong-smelling cleaners. Sprinkle baking soda on counters, sinks and faucets for a deep clean without fear of scratching any of the surfaces.
DEAR HELOISE: I start my tomato plants from seed and use a clear, plastic bag with a zipper on three sides that came with my bedspread as a greenhouse. The plastic was stiff, and I used tongue depressors with the name of the plants to keep the plastic up and off the growing plant. The zipper allows me to adjust the amount of air circulation in the bag. Good price, as it is all free.
-- Barbara S., Martinsburg, W.Va.
DEAR HELOISE: The pump on my decorative hand-soap dispenser broke. I threw away the pump and turned the top of the dispenser (which comes off for filling) upside down on the "cup" part. I have a pretty vase, and the flowers stay nicely arranged by putting them through the opening.
-- G.F., via email
DEAR READER: Love it, and a perfect small vase.
DEAR HELOISE: Plastic canvas mesh from the craft store, placed over wire shelving, prevents small items from tipping over and slipping through. Also, circulation is maintained.
-- Nancy M., Erie, Pa.
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 06/28/2016