DEAR HELOISE: The ice cream in the freezer section of our 20-year-old, sideby-side refrigerator/freezer was getting soft. I moved the temperature controls for the refrigerator and the freezer to their lowest setting and back up to their regular setting, then closed both doors. Within a day or two of normal use of the refrigerator and freezer, the ice cream was as firm as it was supposed to be and continues to be so.
I am sure this will not work for everybody’s freezer problem, but it doesn’t cost anything to try it.
— George S., Ohio
DEAR READER: George, I am a firm believer in trying anything once in an effort to fix something, especially before calling a professional. Whether moving the settings or unplugging an appliance completely, you never know what “fix” may occur and ultimately save you money.
DEAR HELOISE: I recently lost the smart key to my car, which cost me $400 and change to replace. While backtracking to all the places where I possibly lost it, I was amazed at the unclaimed key rings at the lost-and-found in various stores.
I now attach a “dog tag,” with name and phone number, to my key ring, like the ID tags purchased at any pet store. It cost me $5 and can save you hundreds. Caution, though: Do not put an address on the tag, only first name and telephone number, so it cannot be used to enter your home.
— Ilona T. in Florida
DEAR READER: As an added precaution, type the phone number into an Internet search engine to see if an address comes up. And you may want to use a cellphone number to be sure you are reached when out searching for the keys.
DEAR HELOISE: When hanger space is limited, I put a key ring around the top of the hanger and hang a coordinating item from the key ring. I also put special jewelry in a plastic bag, cut a hole in the bag and place it over the hanger top. This helps me coordinate a whole outfit in little space.
— Shirley L. in Florida
DEAR HELOISE: My hint is for removing lint from the clothes-dryer screen. I use an old, battery-powered toothbrush. Just turn it on and brush over the screen. It removes lint easily and quickly.
— Gail C., 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