HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR HELOISE: Just wanted to tell Bob, who wrote a hint about catching cold water in the shower, to be aware that 1-3 gallons of water is considered wasteful, especially in Southern California. Please consider finding a recirculation pump for under your sink that is far away from the water heater or one that gets installed on top of the water heater. It should save you a lot of water and the hassle of lugging buckets.

— Falcon Frank,

Ventura, Calif.

DEAR READERS: To clean a blender or food processor, fill it halfway with water and add 1-2 drops of liquid dishwashing detergent. Put on the lid, run it for several seconds, then rinse and let dry. If you have a handheld European-style blender, fill a dip bowl or large glass with water and a drop of liquid detergent. Cover and whir on a low speed for several seconds. Then rinse and let dry.

Caution: Handle food processor blades very carefully. The serrated ones are especially sharp and can cut you with just a touch of your fingers.

DEAR READERS: This is the time when yard sales start popping up in your neighborhood. If you are a devotee of them, always go prepared with boxes or plastic or paper bags to hold the items that you buy.

Not only will you find bargains, meet interesting people, and maybe even enjoy snacks or food that is offered, they are also lots of fun! You could encounter interesting people in a new neighborhood.

DEAR READERS: With spring and summer approaching, it will soon be time for outdoor barbecues and parties. Hot dogs and hamburgers will surely be on menu. But the mustard that we love to slather on dogs and burgers may also drip and end up on our clothing.

If this happens, try to remove it as soon as you can. Dampen the areas and rub liquid laundry detergent into the stain. Rinse, then soak in laundry detergent and hot or warm water for several hours. It will be gone, and then you can launder it with enzyme detergent.

DEAR HELOISE: This is my beloved tuxedo cat, Spunky. He was rescued as a kitten from a carport 11 years ago. He understands English better than many adults. He responds to requests and instructions. He’s such a sweetheart!

— Esther Wright,

Laguna Woods, Calif.