Dogs enjoy indoor/ outdoor carpet
Dear Heloise: I glued a piece of rough indoor/ outdoor carpet and put it face down underneath our coffee table. My two beagles, Poppy and Ruby, love to go underneath the table and scratch their backs to their heart’s content. I read your column in the Orange County Register! -- Angelo Summa, Mission Viejo, California
Chopping block countertops
Dear Readers: Tiny knife cuts are natural wear and tear for chopping block countertops because they are designed to be cutting surfaces. So, the countertops must be scrubbed with soap and water. Small crevices can harbor bacteria, so make sure to occasionally disinfect the counter or chopping block with a mild bleach solution (2-3 tablespoons of bleach to 1 quart of water).
Always rinse well, then rejuvenate the surface with a thin coat of mineral oil. Let soak for 30 minutes, then buff. -- Heloise
Sliding door safety
Dear Readers: Always apply a decal on sliding glass doors at eye level so that no one will mistake a closed door for an open one. And you can even apply one down at eye level for your dog. -Heloise
Saving paper trees
Dear Heloise: I alway read your column and pick up a “pearl” or two Being retired and dealing with exor-bitant utili rates and inflation, I try find ways to avoid waste and, hence, keep more money in my pocket. In our area, the newspaper has gone digital, so I’m forced to print the puzzles, which takes up three sheets of ream paper.
A lot of the other paper I use is to scan and send documents, which use up no ink. So, one of my ways to save paper is to take the printed sheet, reverse it and reinsert it into the printer to get two sheets in one.
It might sound too cheap or frugal, but it doubles my ability to print documents when necessary and reduces waste. I feel that I’m doing my part to be frugal, save money and help save the planet in my own small way. Best wishes! -- in Arkansas
Prevent wrinkled paint
Dear Readers: If your paint is wrinkling when you apply it, you may be putting on too much paint, or the paint could be too thick. Always read the information on the paint can to find out how to thin paint. You can repair wrinkling by sanding the area, then brushing on paint that is thinner with a lighter consistency. -
Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise@ Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.