Ballpoint pen in grandson’s hand may require help of leather specialist

Dear Heloise: How do you get ballpoint ink off leather furniture without damaging the furniture? My grandson did a no-no! A Reader, via e-mail.

Uh-oh! Poor fella! According to our experts at the Drycleaning and Laundry Institute, removing ink from leather furniture is not easy. Stain removers containing dry-cleaning solvent or alcohol might work, but could leave a ring or discolor the leather. You can try a little 70 percent rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab and gently dab at the stain. If you see ink come up, continue. When done, wipe with a damp cloth and let dry. Then use a little leather conditioner on the spot. It is probably best to call a leather-cleaning specialist. By the way, do not use hair spray to try to remove ink from leather. This could make the stain worse. Heloise

Dear Readers: Plastic dishpans or small wastebaskets make great under-the-sink storage organizers for cleaning supplies. You can slide them out when you need something, and they are easy to clean if something spills. Heloise

Dear Heloise: It’s a shame to waste anything these days. So, the next time your compact is empty, snap off the mirrored part and decorate. It’s a great project for the holidays. Just add some decorations Melissa G. Pryor, Pearland, Texas

Dear Heloise: I have the greatest idea for both a better household air freshener and a money-saving hint. Buy those air deodorizers for cars that are sold at auto-parts stores instead of the expensive ones that are plug-ins found at the supermarket. These cost less than $3 for a package of six (packaged separately, too), and come in all shapes and scents. I put some vanilla ones in my bathrooms, and they are more effective than any other types I’ve used. They can be kept in the cellophane if too strong, or placed in a drawer or cupboard (keep away from fabric). Stacey in Maine

Dear Heloise: My travel hint: Get trip insurance! If you get a policy that covers lost luggage, be sure to make a list of the contents, and take photos, too, which will help prove any claim if you are unfortunate enough to need it. Make two copies of Dear Heloise: Next time you paint, first apply a good coat of petroleum jelly to doorknobs and other metal hardware that you don’t want to remove. This will help them from collecting paint splatters or drips — just remove with a clean, dry cloth. Melissa in New Mexico