Try paste to remove stains from oak table

Dear Heloise: I recently got a great deal on a beautiful solid-oak dining-room table that is perfect for my home. The only drawback is that there are five spots that I’m told are from very hot food being served on a paper plate and then set on the table. These marks resemble water marks but are bigger, without the “ring” look to them. Do you have any hints for getting these marks out? Thank you so much. Laurie C., via e-mail

This Heloise hint might work if the stains are not too old. Mix white toothpaste with baking soda in a 50/50 solution. Rub this into the area in a circular motion, using a clean sponge, cloth or even your finger. The spot should get a little warm to the touch. When the stains are gone, wipe off the mixture with a slightly damp cloth. Buff dry and wax or polish the wood with furniture polish to reseal it. Voil ° good as new! Heloise

Dear Heloise: We planted our garden late this year. Instead of using wooden sticks to mark where the rows of seeds are, I cut up old plastic flowers and used them for row markers. Makes instant flowers in the garden as well as serving a purpose, and I’m recycling, too! Joyce, Winner, S.D.

Dear Heloise: Loved the hint about keeping a travel journal. It was right on the button. I have an old journal that a relative had kept while on a journey around the world early in the 20th century. It is fascinating to compare her observations with what is happening now. Amazing, and I will pass it on to my children. Jean McClintic, Houston

Dear Heloise: I keep a grocery list on the refrigerator, and I’ve trained my family to write any household items that are about to run out as they notice them. Since I don’t usually eat cookies, I depend on the family to write on my list when the cookie jar is running low, for example.

For bathroom items, like shampoo or soap, sometimes I forget what I need, so I keep a little pad and pen in the drawer of the vanity and can write my list there.

I also have a folder where I pay bills, etc., that is marked “pending.” Here I put order confirmations, magazine subscriptions or cancellations and things such as rebates sent to make sure these kinds of orders are received. I write the dates and amounts, and any confirmation numbers or check numbers. Laurie from Mississippi

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