Duct tape leaves sticky residue

heloise

Howdy, Heloise: I am struggling to get duct-tape residue off our front door. Someone used duct tape to put a sign on the door. The sign is off, but I cannot get the sticky residue off. I have tried everything, but nothing seems to work. I do not want to scrape the door, as it is new. Catherine Ann Stinson, Cibolo, Texas

If the door is metal or painted wood, you can use a petroleum-based cleaner. Here are a couple of ideas: Spray the residue with a petroleum-based prewash laundry spray or a lubricating spray. Wait a bit, then go over the area with a plastic or nylon scrubber. It should come off. If not, repeat the process.

You can also try rubbing mineral oil into the residue, and then use the scrubbie to get the residue off. Heloise

Dear Heloise: When I travel, I pack all of my lingerie in plastic self-sealing bags. I let some of the air out of the bag, so it packs really flat. This is handy because you also can use the bags to put the lingerie in after it has been worn. With the new restrictions on baggage on airlines, I find this really helps in packing. Shirley Clark, via e-mail

Dear Heloise: It is sometimes difficult to remember where pictures were hung after they had been removed for painting a wall. A way to solve this problem is to put a toothpick in the hole where you removed the picture hanger. Then, when painting the wall, pull out the toothpick, paint, then reinsert the toothpick as you continue painting the wall. When the paint is dry, remove the toothpick and reinsert the picture hanger in its original position. Ronald N., Alexandria, Va.

Dear Heloise: To help make cleaning your shower/tub area easier, I have found that after you shower, while still in the shower, use a rubber squeegee to wipe down the glass door, trim, doorsills and walls.

Also, to keep the mirror from fogging, even with a ceiling exhaust fan, I leave the bathroom door open about 2 inches. There are two of us at home, so you can still be modest. After showering, towel off in the shower. When you step out, close the shower door so the hot air still continues to be pulled up by the ceiling fan. Bussy, via e-mail

Dear Heloise: After years of throwing away outdoor wall clocks, I took an inexpensive wall clock that cost less than $5 and put some duct tape over the back to conceal the motor and battery and help keep out moisture. It has worked beautifully. There is no condensation inside, and it keeps time perfectly! Kern C., Fort Worth, Texas

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