HELOISE: Cleaning hair-spray specks from door

Dear Heloise: I read an article one time that gave advice on how to get hair-spray specks off doors, but I guess I lost the article. Do you know the answer to this, as I have them all over a bathroom door close to where I spray my hair?

Pat in Texas

There are a couple of things you can try. A small amount of hair shampoo on a wet cloth may be all you need, depending on the surface of the door.

For more stubborn specks, try this: Mix equal parts of baking soda and white (nongel) toothpaste together, dampen a clean cloth and dip in the paste. Apply in a circular motion. Always remember to test a hidden area first so you don’t damage the door. Baking soda is a great, eco-friendly cleanser. I have a pamphlet with many more hints on its many uses around the house. To receive one, send $5 and a long, stamped (61 cents), self-addressed envelope to: Heloise/Baking Soda, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. Does your coffee cup look yucky because it’s stained with coffee? No worry — good ol’ baking soda to the rescue! All you need to do is sprinkle some baking soda on a wet sponge and scrub the stains away.

Heloise

Dear Heloise: I buy ice cream in the plastic tubs with the lid, and when empty, I wash them out and save them. They have many uses:

I make Easter tubs for my grandchildren.

You can keep small toys in one.

Use one for small cleaning jobs; take it room to room using the handle.

The lids can be used for drainage under plants.

Stella from Ohio

Dear Heloise: My French door opens onto a small courtyard. I love opening the door for fresh air. However, mosquitoes, flies, etc., are pests and, yes, even a bird once flew in. I had the idea of a “screen door” without a screen. I used a tension rod and placed a white gauze curtain on it (be sure it is long enough to “puddle”). When not in use, I can slide it back.

Tamara, Tupelo, Miss.

Tamara, I like the use of the word “puddle.” This means a bunch of material is at the bottom to keep insects, etc., from coming through.

Heloise

SOUND OFF

Dear Heloise: I have numerous magazine subscriptions. The publishers send repeated notices that subscriptions are ending when the subscription still has months left. I notice the deals get better; each time, the cost is lower, and they have even offered a free gift upon receiving the renewal confirmation. I renewed a subscription, only to have the publisher offer a free gift with the next day’s mail. I called and demanded the free gift, as I had just mailed the renewal, and the publisher honored it.

Jennifer W., Fort Wayne, Ind.

Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com.

King Features Syndicate