HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR READERS: You may be immersed in fall cleanup and fix-up projects now. What can help you? A step stool. And yes, there are hints about purchasing one:

If your step stool has multiple steps, it should have a handrail for safety. Make sure you have a spotter: someone to help you keep your balance.

The stool must be sturdy and stable, with nonslip steps. Use the stool only on a dry, flat surface.

Before you shop for a step stool, check the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website, cpsc.gov, for recalls and other safety hints. The store you buy from may or may not let you try out the step stool (they wouldn’t want you to fall in the store), but you can ask for a demonstration.

DEAR HELOISE: I’d like to tell your readers to beware of buying items that are captioned “NWOB” or “NWOT” from auction sites. These stand for “New Without Box” and “New Without Tags.”

These could possibly, but not necessarily, be stolen or ill-gotten merchandise. Check the seller’s feedback and/or reputation. It can be easy to sell stolen items over the internet. This is my experience — it may not be your readers’ experiences.

— Mary B. in Florida DEAR READER: Reputation means a lot on the internet, so know as much as you can about the seller. Many auction sites provide consumers with protection against fraud.

DEAR HELOISE: A paste of baking soda and water removes bugs from the car windshield. I apply it with an old stocking.

— Ron A. in Cleveland DEAR READER: Baking soda is my go-to cleaner. Safe, pure and cheap, it’s available everywhere. A box of baking soda in the freezer absorbs food odors. After a month, pour it down the drain for freshness.

DEAR HELOISE: I keep a paper plate by the microwave. It covers plates and dishes while they are microwaving to prevent splattering, and it’s replaceable when it gets soiled. — Karen M., Fort Wayne, Ind. DEAR READER: Put a small glass of water in the microwave when reheating foods, too, as this will add moisture. Be careful — the water will be hot.