HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR HELOISE: We don’t keep our dog outside, regardless of the chilly weather, but sometimes he’s in the backyard with us, and he has a shelter out there. What’s the best way to keep the shelter warm, clean and dry in the snowy, blustery, wet winter?

— Marie S. in Wisconsin DEAR

READER: So glad you asked. Dogs are social animals, and they want to be with us, wherever we are. First step: Make sure the doghouse is as airtight as possible. Fill in gaps in walls to lessen draftiness, make sure the roof is watertight, and place the doghouse in a non-windy space, elevated up off the ground.

The entrance to the doghouse needs a cover that can keep cold air out, but also allow the dog entrance and egress. A bathmat can work well here.

Now, bedding. Don’t use blankets or carpet. These, if they get wet, will retain moisture. Opt for straw, hay or even wood shavings. Change these out every week for freshness.

Something else to keep fresh? Drinking water. Change it daily. There are heated water bowls on the market, and also heaters for the doghouse itself, but these are most likely not necessary in your case.

DEAR HELOISE: I clean the toilet, especially the outside of the bowl down to the floor, with men’s shaving foam. It smells fresh, clean and minty, and it cleans a multitude of sins (you know what I mean) when you have boys using the toilet.

— Gina D. in Pennsylvania DEAR HELOISE: You had an article some time ago when you discussed methods to reuse slivers of soap. I’ve been doing this for 40 years. I start with about 20 slivers of soap, and I like to use different colors of soap because they make interesting patterns when they’re combined. A container for my new soap bar? A coffee cup.

I heat it in the microwave on high for a maximum of 10 seconds. When the soap is thoroughly heated, I use a spoon to level off the top of the soap. When I’m finished, I put the soap in the freezer overnight.

I prefer the shape of the newly created bar of soap to the ones from the soap factories. The new shape fits the palm of my hand. It’s easier to hold, to pick up and to handle.

— John S., Dallas