Change setting on printer to save toner

Dear Heloise: Computer toner is expensive, so changing your printer’s settings is a frugal move. Reducing the toner’s default setting from medium to light will greatly extend the number of printed pages. When the toner quality noticeably fades, shaking the toner cartridge usually fully restores quality prints and significantly increases page output, also. Joan Smith, via fax

We do this a lot in Heloise Central. Also, when you don’t need to print color, you can print in just black to save color ink. Heloise

Fast Facts

Dear Readers: Here are some other uses for plastic laundry scoops:

•Handy to scoop birdseed.

•Put near sink to hold pot scrubbers.

•Mix child’s finger paints in one.

•Use to start flower seeds. Heloise

Dear Heloise: When picking up prescription medications, count the number of pills, and make sure it matches the number indicated on the bottle. I have found that they often are short a few pills. Emily, Houston

While at it, check the medication to be sure it’s the right prescription. Unfortunately, errors can be made, but if you check the pill counts, mistakes can be minimized. Heloise

Dear Readers: When two glass bowls or even two drinking glasses become stuck in one another, fill the top one with cold water and ice cubes, and submerge the bottom in warm to hot water. Now gently try to pull them apart, and hopefully, they will come right apart. Heloise

Dear Heloise: A reader recently suggested using a drinking straw to remove hair, etc., from drains. I have long-haired dogs that I wash in the bathtub, which really clogs the drain. I use a small crochet hook to clear the pipes. It works perfectly, takes up no space in the bathroom cabinet and can be used forever. Joel Levy in Louisiana

Dear Heloise: Pierced-earring storage in my jewelry boxes has long been a hassle. My solution was to cut stiff paper for each compartment and poke two holes in it, then insert one pair of either post or wire earrings. Now I just lift the paper and easily retrieve them. Ramona R., via e-mail

Dear Heloise: Here’s a quick way to clean dusty candles: Just wipe with a cloth that has been dipped in rubbing alcohol. Casandra, via e-mail

Sound Off

Dear Heloise: My Sound Off is that many advertisers don’t list their Web site on their billboards or company trucks. Most of the time, I’m in traffic and unable to find a pen to write down a number. However, I find that I can remember cute Web sites. Plumbers, electricians and other trade services have those big, flashy paint jobs on their vans and trucks, but often it’s just too much to read when driving by. Marilyn Forkes, Dallas

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