Hints From Heloise

LADDER SAFETY

Dear Readers: Ladders are so useful to have in your home. You need them for painting, hanging or reorganizing items. Make certain that everyone in your house who uses it knows how to use it and the safety measures that need to be taken in order to prevent injuries.

There are many different kinds of ladders. Read the warning label attached to the ladder, which will indicate weight and height limits. Then, check the ladder's rungs before climbing to make certain they are clean, sturdy and dry. Always place the ladder on a level, firm surface -- never on loose, wet gravel or dirt.

When using the ladder, do not over-extend your reach. Instead, move the ladder closer to the area. When you climb the ladder, use both hands. Place tools or supplies on a tool belt, or have a family member carefully hand you items as you need them. -- Heloise

SMELLY TRASH COMPACTOR

Dear Readers: To keep your trash compactor odor-free, sprinkle a handful of baking soda into the bag often. Or, before you add trash into the bag, just put a layer of newspaper on the bottom and sprinkle baking soda on top of the paper.

Baking soda is also useful for cleaning and deodorizing. I have put together a six-page pamphlet with more hints about this, called "Heloise's Baking Soda Hints and Recipes." You can get this informative pamphlet by sending $5 and a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Heloise/baking Soda, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. -- Heloise

Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001, or you can fax it to 1-210-HELOISE or email it to Heloise@heloise.com. I can't answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.

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