Hints From Heloise
Hints From Heloise
Heloise
Dear Friends: M.D. sent an e-mail askingfor a solution to remove baby-formula stains. This is a hint worthrepeating.
The important thing is that you treatthe stain as soon as you see it. As with most stains, the longerit remains, the harder it will be to remove. So, first soak thegarment in cold water, and then treat the stain with an enzymepre-soak or pre-wash spray.
For white, chlorine-bleachable clothing ONLY, mix a solution of1/4 cup of chlorine bleach, 1 cup of automatic dishwasher detergentand 1 gallon of hot water. Soak for 30 minutes. If the clothingis bleachable but should be washed in cold water only, then allowthe solution to cool before soaking. Wash as usual. You mighthave to repeat the process for very stubborn stains. Rememberto use a plastic container for soaking the garment, because bleachwill pit aluminum. -- Heloise
Dear Heloise: I cook quite a bit andhave found that when making candy, the best type of paper to dropthe candies on is freezer paper. It is very sturdy and wide, andit does not stick as much as regular wax paper. I drop it on theshiny side. It is the best. --
Sandra Thompson, Pine Bluff, Ark.
Dear Heloise: Boxes of wooden matches don'thave the striking area they used to have. I've glued emery boardsto the wide sides of each box when buying a multipack, and thenthey're ready when we need them.
No more failure when you need a match to strike quickly whilecamping or trying to light the backyard grill. I tried fine-gritsandpaper, but it seems to be too coarse -- it rips the end offthe match before it sparks. --
Celeste Laabs, Portage, Wis.
Dear Heloise: You can use the water condensedfrom your air-conditioning unit to water your plants, trees andshrubs during a drought. The water outlet is usually next to theheat pump or air-conditioner area, and the water is released directlyonto the ground. I "capture" about 3 gallons of watera day. --
D.D., Via E-mail
Dear Heloise: With all the rain we havehad in our area, I carry a plastic bag that my newspaper comesin and slip my wet/closed umbrella into it when entering a store.--
Sharon McLaughlin, Comfort, Texas