Plastic shower curtains wash up in a snap

heloise

Clear plastic shower curtains are a snap to wash

Dear Heloise: Please, please, I need your recipe for washing a clear-vinyl shower curtain — I’m desperate! Thanks. Penny Brittle, The Plains, Va.

Penny, cleaning a clear-vinyl or plastic shower curtain is so easy! Just pop it in the washer, using hot water and the correct amounts of detergent and chlorine bleach. But here’s the important part: Add to the load several white terry bath towels, to provide some scrubbing action. You can dry the curtain in the dryer for a few minutes, or just re-hang to dry. Heloise

Dear Heloise: People use all types of items to identify their luggage, including ribbons and yarn bows (which all might come off). Here is a sure marker: Purchase, for about $1, fabric paint, and paint large initials on the outside of the suitcase. I purchased bright-orange and yellow for my dark luggage, and bingo — when it comes off the luggage turntable, it is easy to spot. Of course, an artistic person can draw a pretty picture. Marianne Z., Naples, Fla.

Dear Heloise: I broke my wrist and came home with a cast that went from my knuckles to just below my armpit. I live alone and had to find ways to take care of myself one-handed.

Preparing to take a shower was exhausting. I found a long, narrow plastic bag (like the paperboy uses) that was long enough to cover the cast with about 3 or 4 inches to spare. Taping it in place was impossible, but a hair scrunchy worked great. I put the bag over my arm and pulled a scrunchy over the cast to hold the bag tight above the cast. Then I slid another one over the cast to hold the open end of the bag down flat against the cast. The bag could be wiped with a towel and removed easily with one hand. Hang it to dry, and the same bag can be used over and over. Catherine in California

Dear Heloise: When I buy any liquid in a bottle that has a seal on it, I just punch a couple of holes in the seal and leave the seal in place. I can control the flow better, and I’m not wasting any because I poured too much. Val E., Fort Wayne, Ind.

Dear Heloise: Wheelbarrows are often big and cumbersome to use for yard work — all that pushing around. A cheaper and easier method is to use a plastic toboggan. You can put a long pull rope on the front of it, load it up with leaves or branches, and it glides across the lawn. This takes much less effort and is easy to store. Gloria from Iowa

Dear Heloise: To keep antibacterial premoistened wipes from drying out, I make sure the containers are sealed properly and store them upside down. It helps a great deal. Karen, via e-mail