HINTS FROM HELOISE

Dear Heloise: While sorting through plastic boxes of photo albums, I noticed that baby books, yearbooks and similar type albums I had stored with the photo albums had covers that became mottled and discolored. I tried cleaning the covers, but they remain stained (from the mildew? dust?) that had accumulated.

Some of these baby albums are many decades old, and I’d like to know how to store them without creating additional damage. It doesn’t look like plastic boxes are a good idea for baby books, yearbooks and other paper albums, but I don’t know what would work.

I’d appreciate ideas for storing these old albums that would prevent further damage.

— Patricia King Torrance, Calif.

Patricia, these are common problems, and if photos are stored in the basement, it may be damp and have humidity, which damages the photos. Photos should be stored in an area that is not humid. There’s a wide variety of containers available that are geared specifically for storing photos safely. — Heloise

Dear Readers: If you are getting your first blender or food processor, be aware that they work best if they are only two-thirds full. Some blenders might not operate at all if they are crammed too full. Also, if some food processors are too full, it can be difficult to take out the blade from the bowl so that you can remove the food.

Dear Heloise:

— Heloise

I seldom have to remember where I parked my car in large lots.

I always park in the same area at places I frequent. For example, I park in the aisle extending out across from the garden center at a big-box retailer.

My local grocer is at the end of the outdoor mall it’s at, and I can always find a space on the side.

I never park downhill from a shopping cart corral or near a storm drain. It’s too easy to fumble the keys. — Edward Beal, via email

Dear Readers:

Is there a bad odor coming from your garbage can?

Take these easy steps to help prevent this smelly and common problem. Wash the inside and outside of your trash can often.

Then put in a clean, large garbage bag inside to contain the trash. And toss in several used fabric softener sheets — a lowtech way to deodorize — along with a spritz of disinfectant spray to help cover the smells that will surely develop. To help lessen the odors, place your trash can in the shade.