HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR HELOISE: A nail technician showed me how to clean up spilled nail polish. While it was still wet, she sprinkled a bunch of sugar over the spill. After five to 10 seconds, she wiped it up with a paper towel.

— Allison W., Arlington, Texas DEAR READER: Allison, great hint. I tested it, and it works well on a solid surface, but don’t use this on carpet.

DEAR HELOISE: My neighbor has a lot of quilts she would like to store. Is there a safe and sure way she can store them?

— Nancy, via email DEAR READER: Yes, there is, and I hope my readers take heed and follow this advice if they have keepsake quilts. I have some from my grandmothers and treasure them.

If storing them a length of time, they should be clean. Store in a cool, dry, dark place — not the attic or basement. Don’t fold the quilt; creases are not good. Lay the quilt flat and try to roll it like a bedroll. You can use a new foam pool noodle to roll it. Tie loosely with a ribbon, and the quilt will be crease-free.

A good way to store quilts is on top (or under the covers) of an extra bed. This keeps the quilts flat, no folds, out of light, plus at a constant temperature.

DEAR HELOISE: I keep an old toothbrush next to my dish drainer or kitchen sink. It’s handy for cleaning out the filter cups for my coffee maker, getting into tough spots in my dishwasher or cleaning the lid on my coffee mug where coffee builds up.

— Carole F., Lake Wales, Fla.

DEAR HELOISE: Mops with disposable pads are not only used on floors. I use mine to dust my doors, catch cobwebs on ceilings, dust valances over windows and walls, and clean the space between the refrigerator and wall, and the very back of the refrigerator.

— Charlotte F., Erie, Pa.

DEAR HELOISE: My lightweight vacuum has a removable filter. Each time I clean it, I spray it with one of my perfume fragrances. The aroma is lovely when I vacuum the next time. It makes the whole house smell like a garden in bloom.

— Angie Z., Englewood, Fla.