Some household safety guides

breathing or if a pet is choking. — Heloise

Muddy hiking boots

Dear Heloise: We love to hike and the boots get so dirty. I never seem to get them clean. Do you have any hints for doing a better job? — Leslie from Colorado

Dear Leslie: the yogurt. Or grab a parfait glass and layer the yogurt with jam or jelly, fresh fruit pieces, crunchy cereal or small chocolate chips. — Heloise

Ugly water ring

Dear Readers: If you see a crusty, calciumtype ring inside a flower vase, it most likely was caused by tap water that contains minerals. Here’s how to remove it.

Warm enough fullstrength household vinegar to cover the deposits and pour into the vase. Cover the top of the vase with your hand and shake the vase. Allow the vinegar to soak in the vase overnight. Next day, rub the inside with a nonabrasive scrub pad to ensure that everything is dissolved. Then wash and rinse. — Heloise

How to remove shells from hard-boiled eggs

Dear Readers: Hardboiled eggs are a staple in our diets. But it’s such a pain to try to peel the shell without destroying the egg. However, here’s a sure way to do it: Roll the eggs on a clean surface on your kitchen counter. Press gently until small cracks appear. Then peel the eggs under water, starting from the large end. — Heloise