Sunday, September 28, 2003
Dear Heloise: As a jewelry and silverware hand engraver with 60 years' experience, I would like to add my two cents worth.
In regard to your reply about cleaning sterling and/or coin silver: Any pieces that are heavily tarnished (oxidized) might have to be professionally cleaned. Your jeweler sources might have neglected to mention that some ornamental jewelry and many patterns of sterling flatware are intentionally oxidized in the background. For appearance sake, this should not be removed. Wearing the jewelry and using the flatware will remove the tarnish from the highlights to enhance the item. Also, when the silver is used, it will take on a patina that you can't duplicate manually.
If the silver is not used very often, some preventive measures will help avoid tarnishing. Keep away from cooking gas, matches, rubber bands and other rubber products, sulfur products and some adhesives. John W. Sumner, Centreville, Md.
John, your two cents worth says a lot! It's much appreciated.
P.S. Folks, remember that egg dishes or most things with eggs in them will cause your silver pieces to tarnish, too. Heloise
Dear Heloise: I just read the letter in the paper about the controversy over which side goes up on a coaster -- the cork or the smooth surface -- and thought I'd add my experience. When my husband and I were married, we received a lovely set of coasters. They were wooden with cork-circle insets on the upside. They worked very well for a couple of years. But the cork became separated from the wooden base, got wavy and eventually came apart. The ones we used regularly were worn out in a couple of years, and the others quickly followed. So I vote for cork on the bottom! Valerie Wood, via e-mail
Dear Heloise: In winter, I take a bag with handles to the mailbox with me. I place the mail in the bag, loop it over my wrist, and it all gets safely in the house without sliding out in the snow. Good idea for those using canes and other walking helpers. P.J. Parkes, Bloomfield, Ind.
Dear Heloise: I plan a weekend for cleaning. The day before, I check all the cleaning products I will need. I open the containers and make sure that there is plenty available. I check that my broom and mop are in good shape. Do I have all of the cleaning and dusting cloths, sponges, etc., that I will need? This way, I can get it done without having to run to the store. Rita in Colorado
Another good idea is to put all of your cleaning supplies in a bucket or a cleaning caddie (plastic hand-held organizer). This way, you will save steps and get everything cleaned. It's always good to be prepared, and what better way than to have my Carpet and Household Stain-Removal pamphlet on hand? To receive a copy, send $3 and a long, self-addressed, stamped (83 cents) envelope to: Heloise/Carpet, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5001. Order now, and along with your stain-removal pamphlet, you'll receive an additional, different Heloise pamphlet free! Note: When organizing your cleaning supplies, be sure to keep all hazardous chemicals in a separate container in a safe place, away from children and pets, and switch to more natural products like vinegar or baking soda, whenever possible. Heloise
Dear Heloise: Use a cotton swab for getting out lipstick left in the tube. There is usually at least a half-inch of good, usable lip color left in the tube. Sally Cook, Trufant, Mich.
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