Be cautious using pesticides around children, animals

DEAR READERS: When you are caring for your garden and lawn during the summer months, keep in mind that all kinds of pesticides or chemical products can be dangerous and toxic for your children and pets.

So when you are spraying or using them in the garden or on the lawn, be certain that your kids and pets are in the house and away from the chemicals. It will take several hours for the spray to disperse, so don’t allow your dog to run across the lawn during that time.

Store the chemicals in a secure spot in the garage. Label them “DANGEROUS” or “POISON.” Explain to your children that they are not allowed to open or touch them.

DEAR READERS: If you have a teenager who loves to use hair spray, let him or her read these hints and use them.

Don’t stand in the exact same place in your bedroom or bathroom to apply hair spray. Be aware that this will create a sticky buildup on the spot where the mist lands.

When you are in the bathroom, step into the shower to apply the hair spray. That way, the residue can be washed off in the shower.

For fun, if you have an open space, you can spritz the spray into the air and walk through it.

Spritz hair spray on a brush and run it through your hair.

Apply hair spray before you put on your clothing or jewelry.

However, if hair spray lands on bathroom mirrors, walls, tubs or sinks, here’s how to deal with the sticky stuff on these surfaces: To remove dried-on hair spray from glass, fiberglass shower stalls or porcelain, pour rubbing alcohol on a clean cloth and wipe well. To get off hair spray from acrylicpainted walls or washable wallpaper, use a multipurpose cleaner or rubbing alcohol on a microfiber cloth. Test first on a small hidden area.

DEAR HELOISE: We have had our mattress for seven years, and I am wondering how long before I should purchase a new one. Is there anything I can be doing to make the one I have last longer?

DEAR BECKY: Most mattresses that have been taken good care of can last for about 10 years. However, if it is not offering firm support or is sagging, then you should buy a new mattress. Try to buy it when on sale. Care for your new mattress by rotating and flipping it on a regular basis — that is, head to head and side to side. Clean the mattress frequently.

Get out the vacuum attachment to remove dirt and debris from the nooks and crannies on the top and dust bunnies underneath it.