How to ‘shampoo’ your paintbrushes
Dear Heloise: When I wash my paintbrushes, I “shampoo” them with a dish detergent, then “con- dition” them using a hair conditioner. Afterward, I rinse them well and let them dry. I’ve been using the same brushes for years. — Jan Nelson, via email
Opening jars
Dear Heloise: Another great way to open stubborn jars is to use an auto oil filter wrench. It adjusts to many sizes of lids; however, make sure to do it over the sink. If it takes too much force, you’ll end up splashing pickle juice everywhere. — Richard K., Fort Wayne, Indiana
Health care hint
Dear Heloise: Miss Donna wrote in that she prints out labels with her list of prescriptions to attach to doctor’s forms. I keep a word document with prescriptions and supplements, plus one for medical history. Then I print a copy to attach to the doctor’s forms and write “see attached” in the section that requests it. — M.D., in California
Mayonnaise hint
Dear Heloise: Mayonnaise now comes in squeeze bottles, and it’s difficult to get the last few teaspoons out. I add a splash or two of buttermilk. It gets all of the mayo out and still keeps it tasting delicious. — Betsy, Bellingham,
Washington
Old calendars
Dear Heloise: Another use for outdated calendars is to donate them to a youth group, such as the Boys & Girls Clubs. Kids might like a pretty picture to hang in their room, or they make placemats and other things. Another group is Meals on Wheels. — Mercy Grace, via email
Angel gowns
Dear Heloise: I volunteer with a nonprofit organization called NICU Helping Hands/Angel Gown Program (www. nicuhelpinghands.org). We take donated wedding dresses and make gowns for infants who are about to leave this world. We consider it a privilege to honor a tiny life by making burial gown and helping bereaved families.
I urge anyone who is retired or has free time to look into volunteering. Somewhere, someone needs your help. — Anon, in San Antonio
Pet Pal
Dear Heloise: This is Harley Jones, a very sweet pit bull mix. She resides with our family and is our angel. — A Reader, via email
Readers, to see Harley Jones and our other Pet Pals, go to Heloise.com and click on “Pet of the Week.”
Do you have a furry friend to share? Send a photo and a brief description to Heloise@Heloise. com. — Heloise