HELPFUL HINTS
DEAR READERS: When it comes to housework, organization is key. You’ll save steps, get more done and have more time for other things. A daily schedule, with all of your tasks listed, can help get chores done. Here’s an example:
Monday: Bathrooms. Deep clean sinks/toilets/tubs/showers.
Tuesday: Kitchen. Tackle the fridge and throw out spoiled foods. Wipe out the microwave. Clean the floor. Wednesday: Living room. Thorough dusting and vacuuming. Flip the couch cushions, and pick up newspapers and clutter.
Thursday: Bedrooms. Change the sheets. Dust, and clean the floor well.
Friday: Pickup day for little chores.
Saturday and Sunday usually are laundry days for many families. Get the family on board and have them pitch in. Everyone can help, even with a simple chore.
DEAR HELOISE: How can I clean the office coffee machine? It gets clogged with minerals because it is on all day, and we go through a lot of pots of coffee. Help!
—Amy W. in Ohio DEAR READER: Amy, don’t panic. Help is here. Of course, you should check the manual or look it up online. However, my trusty buddy, full-strength white or apple-cider vinegar, will do the trick safely.
Fill the water reservoir with 1 or 2 cups of vinegar, and turn on the machine. Run the hot vinegar through a second time. Pour the vinegar down the drain in the break room for freshness. Run the machine with several cycles of water to remove any trace of vinegar.
DEAR READERS: Here is a letter of laughter from 1981 that rings true for any parent or grandparent:
DEAR HELOISE: After an exasperating day with my preschool son, I had taken all I thought I could take. “James!” I cried, “You’re driving me crazy.”
With big, innocent eyes, he said, “Mom, I can’t be doing that — I don’t even know how to drive.” — Janie
DEAR HELOISE: I gave my little granddaughter her own small notebook. I wrote in it little notes and phone numbers. She pretends she’s my secretary, and she’s keeping notes for me. Every time we meet, I add in a new note or number!
— Grandma Ruth,
Reading, Pa.