HELOISE Snack chips will keep long in the freezer

Dear Heloise: Potato chips, corn chips, tortilla chips and various other snack chips can be kept fresh for a long, long time by placing them in the freezer.
They do not need thawing and can be eaten immediately after taking them out. They come to room temperature quickly and retain crispness. Peggy Holley, Seattle
This is a very tasty hint, and one that saves money because you don't have to throw these food items away. Plus, if you live in a high-humidity area, this is a fabulous hint, because it will keep the chips from going stale and getting soggy. Heloise
Dear Heloise: Please publish the "recipe" for birdseed that's heated enough to preclude germination but still retains the nutritional value. Kathleen, Via E-mail
Birdseed can be heated to prevent germination, and it's as easy as 1-2-3.
1. Preheat your oven to 140 degrees, no higher.
2. Spread an even layer of birdseed on a cookie sheet, then slide it into the preheated oven for eight to 10 minutes.
3. Remove and let cool completely.
Now you're ready to fill those bird feeders. And remember to store unused seed in a plastic, self-sealing bag or another airtight container. Heloise
Dear Heloise: On our travels, we have found that some hotels do not have non-slip mats for the inside of the tub or shower -- a necessity for anyone with a balance problem.
So, we went to a carpet-supply store and purchased an 18-inch section of the waffle-rubbery material you put under rugs to prevent them from moving or slipping. It works very well in the tub.
This product takes up very little room and weighs hardly anything in our luggage. Elizabeth Ormond, Rochester, N.Y.
Dear Heloise: I use those small wire shelves to give me more area to stack things in cabinets.
Sometimes appliance plugs, etc., catch in the openings of these shelves, so I solved the problem by cutting plastic canvas to fit on each shelf. The canvas comes in lots of colors and can be washed off. It's heavy enough not to need to be fastened down, but it can easily be wired to the shelves. M.H., Wharton, Texas
Dear Heloise: Here's my hint for cleaning oven or grill racks.
I fill my laundry-room sink to cover the rack and pour in 1/2 cup dishwashing powder (stir to dissolve it) and let it stand for several hours. All the gook comes off, and the racks are clean and shiny. Use rubber gloves -- do not put bare hands in this water. Pat Blackwell, Chapin, S.C.
Dear Heloise: Often when vases, candy dishes, collectibles, etc., are moved for dusting or when being used, tiny scratches appear on the tabletops where they are placed.
Now I keep on hand several squares of thick felt, which I purchase inexpensively at fabric or craft stores. I cut out felt "coasters" to use under these items by trimming the felt slightly smaller than the shape of the item. S. Novak, Greensburg, Pa.
XSend a great hint to: Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, Fax: (210) HELOISE or E-mail: Heloise@Heloise.com.
King Features Syndicate