Homemade remedy helps deodorize shoes

Dear Heloise: My husband wears lace-up, steel-toed work boots for at least eight hours a day. During the heat of summer, his feet sweat and become quite stinky. Buying commercially made shoe deodorizers to help "freshen" his boots in between wearing adds up, so I was wondering if I could make my own. A Reader, via e-mail
Here are the directions for a homemade shoe deodorizer using an empty film canister, a piece of pantyhose and activated charcoal. These are easy to make and are reusable -- just add more activated charcoal when necessary.
First, you can find activated charcoal at pet stores that handle aquarium supplies. It's inexpensive and goes a long way.
Take an empty film canister and punch a couple of holes in the lid. Next, put a tablespoon of the activated charcoal into the film canister, stretch a small piece of pantyhose over the top and snap on the lid (the pantyhose keep the smaller pieces of charcoal from coming out of the holes). Note: Put leftover activated charcoal in an airtight, self-sealing bag to keep it fresh until you need it again. As these "mini" deodorizers start to lose their effectiveness, replace the activated charcoal -- it's that easy! Heloise
Dear Heloise: I read your column in the Texarkana Gazette and have for 40 years.
I have one of the hand-held submersion blenders that has a wire whisk attachment, and I'd never used that attachment until today. I was making a meringue and dreaded getting the big mixer out, and I happened to think about that gizmo. I used it, and it worked wonderfully for the egg whites. I will never drag the mixer out again for just a few egg whites. Also, I do think my meringue rose up higher than ever. Bill Davenport, via e-mail
Bill, this is a "why didn't I think of this before?" hint that really works! I visited your friendly city earlier this year and spoke to the Junior League, as well as appeared at the beautifully restored Perot Theatre with my "Heloise Presents" stage presentation about Life 101. It was a fabulous experience for me. Heloise
Dear Heloise: I've been reading your column ever since 1964, when your mother was the original Heloise. I've used so many of the hints that I thought it was time to send in one of mine.
My husband and I each have our own recycled 12-ounce sport water bottle that we have filled with mouthwash. No need for extra cups -- just a squirt in the mouth for no-muss, no-fuss rinsing. Donna Miller, Ventura, Calif.
Dear Heloise: I found that the best way to clean silk flowers is with a lint roller. Since silk flowers are so manageable, I open up the petals and swipe with the roller. Beth Contre, Houston
Send 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