Be careful when cleaning flat-screen

DEAR HELOISE: We just purchased a flat-screen TV and have set it all up. Our children love it.

I want to know what’s the best and safest way to clean a dusty screen and what products I should use. I don’t want to harm the screen.

— Janet from South Carolina DEAR JANET: It’s a good idea to be cautious because that TV screen should be cleaned very carefully. Read the manufacturer’s manual before you clean it. Some screens have an anti-glare coating that might be damaged by some cleaners.

Before cleaning, unplug the TV. Wipe the screen with a soft, clean lint-free cloth and go over it lightly. Hard pressure could damage the surface. Never spray any cleaner directly onto the screen. Also, wipe off dust from the back of the TV.

DEAR HELOISE: We had a fun dinner party, and one of my guests spilled a glass of red wine on my tablecloth. How can I remove the stain?

— Maureen from New Jersey DEAR MAUREEN: This is a common occurrence at parties! If the tablecloth is washable, here’s how to remove the stain: ■ When the wine is spilled, try to deal with it as soon as you can. Pour a healthy amount of salt or artificial sweetener over the wine spill and pat it in. This will absorb the liquid.

■ Place the tablecloth in cold water to remove more of the red stain.

■ Soak the tablecloth for 30 minutes in an enzyme detergent and cold water.

■ Launder as you usually do. When the stain is gone, put the tablecloth in the dryer.

DEAR HELOISE: Several members of my family have stinky shoes and/or smelly feet. What can I do to help them reduce the odor?

— Susan from Los Angeles DEAR SUSAN: As long as the odor is not caused by a medical condition, try these hints:

■ Always wash feet thoroughly and dry completely.

■ To remove the smell, apply an antibacterial soap or soak feet in household vinegar for five minutes at night.

■ Spritz feet with deodorant before putting on socks.

■ Airing out shoes and pouring a bit of baking soda inside also will help neutralize odors.

To share a hint, write to P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000.