HELOISE: Storing a watch? Remove battery

Dear Heloise: I have several fashion watches that I wear only occasionally. To keep the battery working longer, I pull the stem out when not in use. My jeweler told me this one, and it works — no more watches with dead batteries!

Theresa D. in Fredericksburg, Va.

Theresa, we spoke with several jewelers here in San Antonio. The general consensus is to NOT pull the stem out, because dust and moisture could enter the mechanism.

Since most watch batteries last several years, and cost about $10, I’d say $2 to $4 a year is a bargain price to pay to keep a watch in tiptop condition.

The best thing to do when storing a watch long term is to have the battery carefully removed by your jeweler, or do it yourself, if possible.

Heloise

P.S.: A bonus hint: If you want to clean the watch band, wrap the watch in plastic wrap to keep it dry (if using soap and water).

Dear Heloise: I just purchased and washed a new bed skirt for my California king bed. I had nobody to help me lift the heavy top mattress to put the bed skirt on. So, I cut a large “U” shape out of the center, leaving about 6 inches from the start of the ruffle. All I had to do was tuck the 6 inches under the mattress edges. This will work great, because I can pull it off in a second to wash it more often than I would normally.

Linda Frazier in Oak View, Calif.

Dear Heloise: The kitchen always seems to be the most popular, high-traffic place in the house as soon as I wash the floor. To save myself from playing floor cop all morning until it dries, I put a box fan on the floor and turn it on when I am done washing. Within five minutes, the floor is dry.

K. Murray, Nutley, N.J.

SOUND OFF

Dear Heloise: I have carpal tunnel syndrome in my hands. Those cans of food that have a tab you pull up and then pull the lid back are hard to open, especially in soup, canned meat, etc. I wish they would make some cans that are easier to open for seniors, people with arthritis, and so on.

Ann in Alabama

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