Be aware of holiday fire dangers
Dear Readers: The holidays are filled with parties, decorations, candles and greenery. During this festive time, pay attention to fire safety. Set up a fire emergency plan so family members will know what to do. Never leave candles burning unattended in any room in your home. Do not put candles in greenery arrangements or on the tree, which can easily catch fire. Arrange candles in areas away from traffic flow or places they could be tipped over. Don’t burn wrapping paper in the fireplace; it can ignite and burn faster and hotter than you might imagine.
Before you go to bed, check the fire in the fireplace to be certain it’s completely out. Test Christmas lights and wiring. If cords are frayed, discard them. Before decorating, plug in light strings to see if they are all working. Replace individual lights that aren’t. Don’t overload sockets or extension cords. Never leave food cooking or baking in the kitchen without watching it. — Heloise
How to clean sponges
Dear Readers: Because we use kitchen sponges so often, they get stinky and dirty and easily become breeding grounds for bacteria. With the holidays coming up, they will get even more use, so it’s important that they are clean and sanitized. Sponges should be cleaned frequently by putting them in dishwashing liquid and hot water. Let them air-dry. They also can be placed in the dishwasher (use a clothespin to clip to the rack) to be cleaned during a regular washing cycle. Here’s how to sanitize sponges: Soak them for five minutes in a solution of 1 gallon of water and 3/4 cup of household bleach. Do not keep ratty old sponges. Buy new ones (get them when they are on sale). A kitchen sponge, depending on how often you use it, should be tossed out or relegated to other tasks every two to eight weeks. — Heloise
Taking food to a gathering?
Dear Readers: When you volunteer to take food to a party, it can be a trial to get the dishes back after the party. While you can label dishes, here’s another idea about what you can do. During the year, buy extra platters, dishes or bowls cheaply at garage sales or resale shops. You can find really attractive glassware and pretty serving pieces. Put them aside to be used for taking food to potluck dinners or family events. You can also leave the dish as a hostess gift. — Heloise
Other uses for perfume samples
Dear Readers: Here are ways you can use those perfume samples to help freshen or scent all kinds of things around your home. Add a couple of samples to a gift. Dampen a cotton ball with fragrance and place it in the vacuum cleaner bag. Carry an assortment in a self-sealing plastic bag when traveling and leave the regular-size bottles at home. Freshen musty closets by applying fragrance to several cotton balls and then put into a small margarine tub with a lid that has several holes poked in it. To hide garbage odors, sprinkle perfume on several paper towels. Place in a garbage can under plastic trash bags. — Heloise