Summer safety tips for using chemical products outdoors

DEAR READERS: During the warm months, when you are taking care of your lawn and garden with chemical pesticides and products, be aware that they can be toxic and dangerous for your children and pets.

When you are using them in the garden or on the lawn, be certain that your children and pets are far away — inside the house is a good idea. Wait a couple of hours until the spray has dissipated before allowing your pooch to run across the lawn.

Store these chemicals in a safe place in the garage and label them “DANGER” or “POISON.” Teach your kids that they are not to touch or open them.

Heloise

DEAR READERS: In hot weather, boy, do we sweat. And that perspiration contains salt, which can cause fabric to deteriorate. So treat these stains as soon as you can. And some antiperspirants contain aluminum chloride, which can turn some fabrics yellow.

For washable clothing, pretreat it by rubbing the stained areas with a plain white bar of soap. Then wash in the hottest water recommended for the fabric.

If the stains remain, wash the garment again with an enzyme detergent. To prevent stains, after applying deodorant, let it dry totally before putting on your clothes.

Heloise

DEAR READERS: If your garage is cluttered with stuff that could be dangerous to your family or your car, use these steps to get it organized and safe.

1 Start by tossing out anything that’s old and not being used.

1 To organize everything, place items in containers, if you can. And do it by category or season.

1 Install shelves, pegboards and/or hanging racks, which will help with organizing.

1 Store large items that aren’t used often up and out of the way.

1 Put lawn mowers, garbage cans and/or snow blowers all in the same spot.

1 Use fluorescent spray paint to outline parking spaces for cars and/or bikes.

Heloise

DEAR READERS: These spiders love to hang around upside down in corners or in your basement. You might suddenly see a bunch of them. They create their webs amidst any clutter or debris, which they love. Here’s how to remove them and their webs.

Grab your vacuum to get rid of the spiders, their webs and egg sacs. Right after you do this cleaning, empty the vacuum contents into a bag and seal it tightly. Then toss the bag into the garbage, outside of your home. Dust frequently and get rid of clutter to stop them from laying eggs and spinning webs.

Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you fax it to 210-HELOISE. Email heloise@heloise.com.