HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR HELOISE: The 4-ounce plastic containers from Jell-O, pudding and applesauce are great to use as measuring cups. I keep canisters full of flour, sugar, cornmeal and coffee. They work well in an oatmeal carton and with powdered laundry products. They are also wonderful for holding paint for crafts.

The rectangular plastic containers that shortening sticks come in are excellent for keeping small medicine or nail polish bottles neat and upright.

— Joyce Moore, via email

DEAR HELOISE: If you put your credit cards in an Altoids tin, it will prevent anyone from using a scanner to get your information. Also, the tin is the exact size of most credit cards.

— Marie, Athens, Ala.

DEAR HELOISE: I have read your mother’s and your column for years and appreciate all the wonderful hints I have learned! Here’s one of mine:

My garbage disposal was smelling badly, even after I poured baking soda and vinegar inside it. I finally thought about removing the rubber splash guard, and oh my gosh! The bottom of it was caked with bits of decayed food. I scrubbed it good and will check it regularly from now on!

— Margie, Colorado Springs, Colo.

DEAR HELOISE: Please advise your readers to check their monthly credit card statements carefully for unordered subscriptions. I ordered one supplement online, but was billed for a monthly subscription. When I called the company, I was told there were terms on their website that said unless I “canceled,” I’d be getting monthly shipments. There were no such terms on the website.

— Joanne Schmidt, Houston

DEAR HELOISE: I read your hints in the Herald Mail and find many useful tips. Thank you! I just read your hint on how to get rid of fleas. I had a groomer tell me that when putting down new carpet or flooring, you should scatter borax first. I have done this for years and gave this tip to our sons, and we never have a problem with fleas. Keep giving out those great hints.

— Nancy P., Hagerstown, Md.