Readers offer tips and tricks

One of the great joys of writing is receiving letters to the editor. Not surprisingly, responses to what I write vary greatly, which I find gratifying. That means you’re reading and thinking. And, from time to time, I find myself rethinking in response to what you write. I hope you find this selection of recent letters both interesting and thought-provoking.

Best Inexpensive Stick Vacuum — Finally! DEARMARY » I’m a happy user of the Eufy Cordless HomeVac you recommended. I love it, especially since we have a cat that tracks litter all over. This vac works for so many medium and lightweight uses (toast crumbs, scattered litter, dirt tracks, a fast buzz around the dining table, etc). In fact, we have hardwood floors and use this vacuum 90 percent of the time. It is so lightweight and portable compared with our more heavy-duty vacuum. Also, I’m amazed how long the charge lasts. It maintains its full charge and is ready to go, even when it is not used for a week after the charge. It’s definitely a winner! — Joyce

Comments on Travel Tips, Tricks and Hacks DEARMARY » Great tips, as usual. When we travel, along with the Do Not Disturb sign on the door, we also leave the TV on so it seems as though someone is in the room. — Cathy DEARMARY » PLEASE stop emailing private information! It is an inherently insecure method of communication. I think that scanning (or photocopying) the contents of your wallet is a grand idea, but sending those images through email is a HORRID idea! If you don’t want to print out the images and keep a copy in a separate location from your wallet, then at least use a secure location on the web (such as Dropbox, Evernote, or a cloud storage service from Apple, Microsoft or some other provider). Email is not secure, and it never has been. — Kris DEARMARY » I have everything scanned to the cloud and shared with my daughter. This way if she needs my general release of information for medical reasons — including my power of attorney, health care directive and will — it is there for her to use. — Frank

Homemade Tub Tile n’ Shower Cleaner Disappears Soap Scum Like Magic DEARMARY » I love, love your columns and have used many of your tips and recipes. I look forward to getting them every day. One of the best recipes you’ve given your fans is the Dawn and vinegar cleaning solution. I’ve shared that with my 88-year-old mother — who still lives independently in her own home. I had to laugh when I visited her yesterday. There on her counter was a brand-new bottle of the formula she’d made, and she had a sticker on it that said “Mary Hunt’s Cleaning Juice.” She actually named it after you! She then started to brag about how wonderful her counters and stove look. She’s an amazing woman, and I just had to share this story with you. Thanks again for all you share with your loyal subscribers! — Carol

The Proper Care and Feeding of a Garbage Disposal

Your recommendations for what not to put in a disposal are correct, but I recommend not putting anything except minor small food particles that you cannot get into the trash. As we move into the realm of wastewater purification and reuse, the less waste that has to be filtered out, the better. This is becoming the law of the land in many large cities. — Bruce

Just Hand Over the Sweet Peas and No One Gets Hurt DEARMARY » What a great way to advise for savings. I love the analogy of the sweet, fragrant Sweet Peas. Your column is one I read daily down here in the little town of Boquete, Panama. Keep it coming! — Jo DEARMARY » Struggling to live on our Social Security without hitting up the little investments we have is soooo hard. I hear you loud and clear and wish I knew more back when. — Catherine

For links to the columns mentioned in the above column, please visit www. everydaycheapskate.com/ stickletter.