HELOISE: Buy extra filters to swap with dirty ones

Dear Heloise: I have a vacuum cleaner that uses a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air - Heloise) filter and a foam-type filter that covers the HEPA filter. The filters are really dirty, even after one week, so I purchased an additional set. I can vacuum the HEPA filter, wash the foam filter and allow each to dry. Then I swap the dirty filters the next week. Anything helps to keep out the dust.

Dorie W. in Salem, Ore.

Glad this method worked for you. For other readers, depending on the type and brand of vacuum, cleaning instructions may be different. It is extremely important to read the user manual or check online for suggested cleaning methods. Many manufacturers suggest cleaning the filters with water only — no detergent. And you should let them dry naturally/air-dry, meaning no hair dryer or microwave. Be sure the filter is completely dry before replacing it.

Heloise

Dear Readers: Here are some other uses for hair conditioner:

Loosen a tight ring.

Use for shaving legs.

Rub a little on dry cuticles.

Add some to rinse water for lingerie.

Heloise

Dear Heloise: I bought my daughter a pair of red leather Mary Janes. The first time she wore them, she scuffed the toes — hot-pink scuffs. I didn’t have any red shoe polish. So I thought of a red crayon — it’s colored wax. I matched as closely as possible, then I buffed it. A near-perfect match! I’ve used navy blue, too. Maybe this will help another mother of a rowdy young one.

Jamie Staton, via fax

Hi, Heloise: Here’s another hint for using an old address book: List television movies you’ve seen (and grade them on a scale of 1-10) to avoid watching films you’ve already seen. Saves frustration and time.

Mary in Naples, Fla.

Dear Heloise: I love jewelry, especially gold rings with diamonds in them. I usually want the ring for my index or middle finger. I have large fingers and hated always having to pay extra for a large size, and most stores don’t carry large women’s ring sizes. I have found that some men’s rings, actually, fit more comfortably, and when worn don’t look masculine at all.

Shelly in Texas

This sounds like a money-saver to me! You save money because rings don’t have to be sized, which can cost upward of $40 per ring!

Heloise

Dear Heloise: The background music on TV shows is downright disturbing, irritating, obnoxious, intolerable and just too much. It can drive you to another, quieter channel. I turn the volume down, but then I can’t hear what the person is saying.

Theresa in New Jersey

What? I can’t hear you! What are you trying to sell/tell me?

Heloise

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.

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