Pet accidents? Vinegar comes to the rescue

Dear Readers: It's inevitable that an adorable new puppy-in-training or an older dog might have an accident or two on the carpet, but it's not the end of the world! And it should be no surprise to you that vinegar can help save the situation.
But, you'll need to get to the stain ASAP. First, soak up as much of the urine as you can with absorbent, white paper toweling or an old, white bath towel until no more moisture comes from the carpeting. Stand on the towel to really get all of the liquid up.
Now, add 1/4 teaspoon of a mild, white, liquid hand-dishwashing detergent (nonbleach and nonlanolin) to 1 cup of lukewarm water. Apply to the stain by dabbing on the area, then absorb the moisture with paper towels and rinse with warm water. Repeat several times.
Now for the vinegar. Make a solution of 1/3 cup white vinegar to 2/3 cup water and, with a sponge, apply to the stain, but don't overwet -- just dab. Blot with paper towels until completely dry. Problem solved -- puppy saved. For a whole pamphletful of vinegar hints, send $4 and a long, self-addressed, stamped (63 cents) envelope to: Heloise/Vinegar, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. And remember, vinegar is safe to use for cleaning your pet's toys and dinner bowl. It will remove the hard-water deposits on the water bowl. Just heat some vinegar and pour it in, and watch the crud bubble away! Heloise
Dear Readers: Here is a travel hint I received from Bob Weiss while I was in Hawaii a while back doing a speech: "Carry a small flashlight in a toiletries kit, and always leave the hotel key on the floor by the door. You won't leave the room without it." Heloise
Dear Heloise: Recently, we had to clean my grandmother's house after her death. While cleaning out her refrigerator, I found many packets of vegetable seeds. I wasn't sure if they were still any good.
My uncle told me they might still be good. He said to take a seed or two and place it between two damp paper towels. If the seeds don't sprout in a few days, then they are probably not good and can be disposed of.
So, I did this and have plenty of seeds for my vegetable garden. Ruth from Texas
Dear Heloise: This is for the reader who had the problem with the sofa cushions that would not stay in place. Rubberized mesh that is used as liner for cabinet shelves was suggested. I had the same problem with a chair. It was a very expensive chair, and we were very aggravated because the cushion would slide out every few minutes while sitting in it.
The rubberized mesh didn't work too well, so I ordered some very heavy self-sticking fabric tape that was sticky on both sides, and I put three strips on the cushion and three on the chair to correspond. It works perfectly. Joyce from Alabama
King Features Syndicate