HELOISE Follow the directions to clean wood flooring
Dear Heloise: What is a good way to clean laminate wood flooring? Should I just spot-clean or do the entire floor at once? I do use an electric broom and one of those new floor dusters, but I don't know what is best for "wet" cleaning. Debbie Lingl, Auburn, Wash.
First and foremost, you must follow the directions given by the manufacturer for dusting and cleaning. (If you don't know the manufacturer, check the telephone directory for a flooring specialist in your area.) There are commercial products available for specific floor types, so check the cleaning aisle where you shop. Be sure to check the manufacturer's Web site or care manual before you try any new product on your flooring -- you sure wouldn't want to take a chance of causing damage. Heloise
Dear Heloise: A few days ago, I read where a reader used fishing weights to hold her flag in place so she didn't have to keep unrolling it. I keep my flag from rolling by using a red weight that we use on our picnic table to keep the tablecloth from flying off it when we camp. It works really well. Bonnie Harris, Lancaster, Calif.
Dear Heloise: I just read your article on how to carry jewelry while traveling. I am a World War II bride and, of course, traveled a great deal with my husband. I always put my rings on a large safety pin and attached it to my bra. Also, my extra cash was wrapped in a cloth and pinned to the inside of my bra.
Now we have traveler's checks, thank goodness. I have never had anything stolen from me, and I'm 77 years old. Gloria Kamensky, Colorado Springs, Colo.
Dear Heloise: I recently discovered that those knit gardening gloves that have the molded palms provide a great grip for opening jars in the kitchen. Now I keep a right-handed one in the drawer with the potholders. John Taylor, Pasadena, Calif.
I use these gloves to "brush" our golden retriever, J.D. (short for John Doe). He gets a massage and is brushed at the same time. Heloise
Dear Heloise: Don't forget that when there is a second marriage, there might be children. So it would be nice to include something for them, also. This could be a kit of things to do with the new stepparent. This kit could even come from the new parent. Anna, via e-mail
King Features Syndicate