HELOISE: If CFL breaks, be careful

Dear Readers: CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps or bulbs) are here to stay! They cost more than a traditional incandescent light bulb, but the energy savings should offset that investment over time. Plus, it’s the right thing to do for the environment and future generations.

If one accidentally breaks, what do you do? The glass is very delicate and can shatter easily if dropped or even handled roughly when being removed from the socket. The bulbs contain a small amount of powdered mercury, so caution is needed for cleanup.

Follow these cleanup and disposal guidelines:

Open a window for ventilation for at least 15 minutes before starting cleanup.

Do not handle the pieces with bare hands; wear protective disposable gloves.

Place the pieces in a plastic bag and then into another one, and use duct tape to pick up the tiny fragments.

Wipe the area clean with damp paper towels, and place the towels in the bag, too.

If the area where the bulb broke is carpeted, you can vacuum the carpet, but you must immediately remove the vacuum bag (or empty and wipe the canister) and put the vacuum bag in with this other bulb trash. Do not vacuum hard floor surfaces.

Check with your trash company or call your recycling center for specific disposal directions. As a general rule, fluorescent bulbs can be put in the trash for pickup or taken to the dump if your state and local regulations allow. Or, check for a recycling center near you.

Let’s continue to help the environment and go green!

Heloise

Dear Heloise: I saw you at the North Star Mall in San Antonio recently. Thank you for coming. (Readers, I did a personal appearance talking about my “new” haircut, shared some of my personal beauty hints and took questions from the audience. It was so much fun! Visit my Web site, www.Heloise.com, to see the video and read my blog. Heloise)

I have a tip regarding packing for a trip. I use the plastic zippered bag that sheets come in to pack my nightie, robe, slippers, toothpaste, toothbrush and contact-lens case and solution. This way, I only have to grab one item out of the suitcase and can be ready for bed quickly. It really has been a great timesaver and stress-saver.

Corrinne Berkland, Universal City, Texas

Dear Heloise: I have two area rugs that are too large for my washing machine, so I would usually put them on the patio and clean them with a scrub brush and the hose. Well, they never seemed to get too clean.

I decided to go to a carwash and hang them on the clips used for washing car mats. I used the hose to clean the rugs, and they came out really clean. The pressure is really strong, and I could just see dirt washing away.

Jayne Plauche, St. Petersburg, Fla.

King Features Syndicate