HELOISE: Vinegar removes stains in toilet

Dear Heloise: I have a hard-water ring inside my toilet. You had a solution in The Grand Rapids (Mich.) Press some time ago. Would you please print this again? Thank you.

Donald in Michigan

Donald, here’s how we solve this: Several cups of full-strength vinegar poured into the bowl will begin to break down the stain. Let the vinegar work for about 10 minutes, then scrub and flush. If any stain remains, drain the water from the bowl by turning off the water valve to the tank and flushing until the bowl is empty. Place toilet paper over the stain and soak the paper with more vinegar. Let this soak for a while. Remoisten the paper with the vinegar when necessary. Then scrub.

As a last resort, you might need to use a commercial bowl cleaner. Read the instructions carefully, and use gloves and eye protection. We prefer vinegar as a cleanser because it is all-natural, environmentally friendly and has no caustic components. Good luck.

Heloise

Dear Heloise: My daughter’s children came for a visit. Since there is so much to see and do here, my daughter, in advance, purchased a binder with clear-plastic pages. She filled them with pamphlets, fliers, etc., from local events and tourist activities. This way, she had times, prices, locations and directions for each activity of interest. I’m sure it smoothed the way for the visitors to plan their visit by having an overview of what the town has to offer.

Wanda in California

Dear Heloise: In my many experiences eating at restaurants, I’ve noticed that the employees use the same towel to wipe the seats and tables (and sometimes even the floors for spills).

Some restaurants use place mats, while others just place the flatware on the table after it has been wiped by one of these towels. Regardless of how the table is set, this is unacceptable and presents a health hazard.

Therefore, you always should carry your own sanitizer wipes whenever possible, and don’t be afraid to let the management of the establishment know why you are using them.

B.L., Huntington Beach, Calif.

Dear Heloise: We have one of those large spa tubs with surrounding platform space. It is very difficult to get in and out of the tub. To clean it, I bought an attractive, new toilet-bowl brush and holder. When I am finished in the tub, I swish the brush around the tub as the water empties. I seldom have to get into the tub to clean it.

I also save all of my old, used electric toothbrushes and the ones that shoot water to clean teeth. I use them for cleaning hard-to-get-to places. The steady stream of water works well on many things. Be sure to label them as used, and store them well away from the bathroom so they do not get confused with those available to use for their intended purpose.

Connie Frayer, Atascadero, Calif.

King Features Syndicate