HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR HELOISE: How can I use shampoo that I don’t like?

— Jerry C., Little Rock DEAR READER: Here are some hints for you:

Shampoo makes a great laundry pre-treater. It can help remove oily stains and paint. Shampoo can clean the tub if you are out of cleanser, and it will smell fresh. Mix baking soda with shampoo to make chrome sparkle. Shampoo can clean hairbrushes and combs, too.

You can clean or unclog a toilet with some shampoos.

Baby shampoo is so mild, it is great to remove dust from houseplants.

DEAR READERS: Does your dog miss you when you’re at work? Your dog may feel nervous and anxious, may pace, may bark and cry, may go potty indoors, tear up pillows and chew on the door frame. These are symptoms of separation anxiety, and you can help.

Here are some hints, from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (aspca.org):

Get your dog accustomed to being alone by leaving for very short periods of time (no more than a few minutes), and gradually build up to longer sessions.

Give your dog a “busy toy” (a puzzle that has to be “solved,” and usually has a treat inside) right when you leave.

Be calm when you’re leaving, and calm when you come home.

Don’t scold or punish; your dog is afraid.

Talk to your veterinarian about separation anxiety. In extreme cases, there are even medications that can help.

Finally, remember that your dog loves you and wants to be with you; if it’s possible, take your pooch with you.

P.S. Shelter dogs seem to have separation anxiety worse than other pets.

DEAR HELOISE: In addition to my regular salt and pepper shakers, I keep another larger shaker with a mixture of half salt and half pepper (the ratio can be adjusted). This shaker gets used the most.

— Marilyn F., Florida

DEAR HELOISE: I have a few skillets that have the rivets for the handle on the inside of the pan. Food collects on them, and it is hard to remove.

Uusing an old toothbrush to scrub them helps remove the food particles. The toothbrush can then be run through the dishwasher.— Joe P., Ohio

Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email Heloise@Heloise.com