HELOISE: Vinegar soothes jellyfish sting

Dear Heloise: We were visiting friends at the beach. The adults were eating seaside when one of our children ran up to the table screaming that he had been stung by a jellyfish. Our host took the vinegar from the oil-and-vinegar dressing off the table and splashed it on the sting. The child stopped crying and frolicked back to the surf. Perhaps a small, labeled spray bottle of vinegar on beach trips would be wise to pack with the sunscreen.

A. Clark, Fort Worth, Texas

Vinegar is multiuse, and it can be used for many “personal” hints, too! This is one of them.

Packing a small bottle of vinegar as a staple for beach trips is a good idea. According to research, one of the most important things to remember is to not rub the area, because this will activate more stingers.

Vinegar does work as a neutralizer to deactivate any remaining jellyfish stingers on the skin. The only exception is if the sting was caused by a Chesapeake sea nettle; vinegar can release stingers in this type of jellyfish.

You also can make a paste of seawater (don’t use regular water) and baking soda to put on a sting. After the paste dries, brush it off.

Vinegar is versatile and planet-friendly. There are so many uses for it that I put together a six-page pamphlet full of hints for everything from cleaning discolored aluminum pots to defrosting windshields. To receive one, just send $5 and a long, self-addressed, stamped (61 cents) envelope to: Heloise/Vinegar, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. Bonus hint: To keep vinegar handy, put some in a labeled spray bottle and keep it under the kitchen sink. To keep no-wax floors clean and streak-free, add a couple of capfuls of vinegar to the rinse water.

Heloise

Dear Readers: Here are other uses for glass or metal ashtrays:

As a candle base.

To hold spare change.

To keep keys in by the front or back door.

To hold potpourri.

Keep lozenges in one by your bedside.

Heloise

Dear Heloise: I purchased coated hangers so that silky things don’t slip off.

Ilse, West Orange, N.J.

Dear Heloise: Instead of using coasters, I use decorative mouse pads to protect end tables. The rubberized backing stops moisture damage, and they wipe off easily.

Audrey Clay, Bluefield, Va.

Dear Heloise: I went to the store with coupons and presented them to the cashier at the end of my purchase. After scanning one that was rejected, she asked if I had purchased two of this item. I had no need for two and did not know that I had to purchase two in order to receive the discount. In small print, it said you must purchase two. Is it me, or does anyone else get tired of the manufacturers telling us how much to buy?

Janet, via e-mail

King Features Syndicate