Hurray for companies that back their products

Dear Heloise: Some years ago, while using a popular window cleaner, the nozzle clogged, and I didn’t have a spare bottle or nozzle. I was miffed when I called the 800 number on the bottle. When I explained the problem, the nice representative sent six nozzles!

Recently, I had a cleanser with an upside-down bottle, and the lid clumped. I decided to let the company know, and it sent me a free coupon.

An arthritis pain reliever had a childproof cap that was difficult for a person with arthritis to open. The company explained the safety issues and government regulations, and sent me a free bottle.

Years ago, I cracked the front panel of my electric sweeper, since it was made out of plastic. This was my fault, and I just wanted to order a new one. When I called the company, it sent me a new one at no cost!

It is nice that companies do stand behind their products. Pat Zoccali, Warren, Ohio

Dear Heloise: When cutting up old credit cards, throw the pieces away a little at a time over several trash pick-ups so the pieces won’t all be in the same trash bag, making it easy for someone to piece together. Melody E., San Antonio

Many heavy-duty shredders will take care of this in a flash! If you cut the card up, particularly the name and number in small pieces, it would be almost impossible for someone to put the “puzzle” back together. Heloise

Dear Heloise: Use an inexpensive, plastic-sleeve-type business-card organizer to store the extra buttons that come with new garments. Just slip the bag and buttons into a compartment with the tag to remind you which item the buttons go on Nancy Taylor, Houston

Dear Heloise: I had four wisdom teeth pulled and was told to place an ice pack on my jaw to help with the swelling. The ice pack was too bulky, so I avoided using it. I discovered, however, that a child’s teething ring, placed in the freezer until frozen, makes a great ice pack. Cindy Williamson, via e-mail

Dear Heloise: I read the hint in your column about marking underwear with a 1, 11 or 111 for male children. It truly made me giggle. My mom came up with this idea when my father and teenage brother (football player who took several showers a day) became the same size. When my brother needed additional T-shirts, he would go into my dad’s drawer, take one and simply add a mark. Nobody knew this until my poor dad didn’t have any T-shirts! Pat Nelson, Toms River, N.J.

Dear Heloise: Here’s a hint for determining which way an electrical plug goes into a socket. Put a dab of bright nail polish on the “up” side. Jan Unger, Colorado Springs, Colo.

SBlt Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to (210) HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com.

King Features Syndicate