HELPFUL HINTS
DEAR HELOISE: I always get a chuckle when I read your column pertaining to the hints for cleaning a microwave. I have always been a fan of the phrase that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
When I moved into my house 16 years ago, one of the things I bought from a discount store was a plastic dome microwave cover. The only part of the microwave that I have ever had to clean is the glass rotating plate that the plates and cover sit on.
The cover never touches the food. The cover contains all splashes inside. No real cleaning has ever been needed in the 16 years I have been using this cover. Same microwave, same cover. And clean. Love reading your column. — J. Abner, Gulf Cove, Fla.
DEAR READERS: To prevent foot odor, wash feet completely with soap and hot water daily, dry well and apply baking soda onto them.
This is just one example of how baking soda is excellent for cleaning and deodorizing.
DEAR HELOISE: When I go to the store, I always park in a spot immediately next to the carriage return, for several reasons.
First, it’s highly unlikely that someone will leave a carriage near my car (potentially damaging it), as the carriage return is right there. Second, I always grab a carriage from the return to help the lot attendant have fewer carriages to return.
Third, it allows me to “test” the carriage as I walk toward the store. If it doesn’t work well, I grab a new one inside. And, lastly, it’s convenient for me to load my car, then put my carriage away. — Bob C., Hooksett, N.H.
DEAR HELOISE: Meet Olive, a 2-year-old tabby, whose favorite things to do are: eating, playing, eating, sleeping and eating again. — Theresa Wingard, via email
DEAR READERS: To see Olive and our other Pet Pals, go to Heloise.com and click on “Pet of the Week.”
Do you have a furry friend to share with our readers? Send a photo and a brief description to Heloise.com. Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email