HELOISE: Is there a way to store dry ice?

Dear Heloise: I would like to know how to keep dry ice on hand, just in case we lose electricity. I have had dry ice before, and it evaporates in the freezer. Is there a way to store dry ice for a long period of time, like six months or so? Thanks for any help.

Teri, via e-mail

No, there is no safe way to store dry ice for “just in case.” Dry ice is frozen carbon dioxide — colorless, odorless and much colder than regular ice. It does not melt, but evaporates into gas.

It is not recommended that you try to store dry ice in your freezer, because the dry ice will cause the temperature to get even colder and may cause your freezer to shut down.

If you lose electricity, dry ice is a good way to keep items cold for the short term, but as far as storing it in preparation for power outages, there is no way to store it as you would like.

Heloise

P.S.: Some, not all, food stores carry it, and it’s relatively cheap.

Here are two travel hints from our readers:

I’ve been a Neighborhood Watch block captain since 1997. At a travel-safety presentation, a woman said she was detained for several hours at the airport because her luggage contained traces of explosives-making material. They eventually learned that she had stored her luggage in the garage near fertilizer or pesticides.

Leigh Westin, via e-mail

I used to travel with other women to conventions and out-of-town meetings. When sharing a room, there never are enough electrical plugs. I would pack an extension cord and a duplex outlet with me. I still keep these in my travel bag.

Nancy, Nixa, Mo.

Dear Heloise: Is there any good way to clean porch screens? I do not want to cause it to sag by pushing a broom against it. Any suggestions?

Judy, via e-mail

Here is a cleaning method that should work. Mix 1 cup of sudsy ammonia with 1 gallon of water. After taking the screen off, lean it against a tree or anything that the cleaning mixture will not damage. Scrub the screen gently with a soft brush on both sides (wearing gloves), rinse with plenty of water and let dry in the sunshine. For a quick fix, you also can try using your vacuum brush attachment by running it over the screen and sucking up dirt, dust and bugs. Or grab a lint roller.

Heloise

Dear Heloise: I use the “notes” part of my cell phone to keep information that I can’t remember, such as the operating hours of stores that I frequent, my vacuum bag model number, and my makeup that is sold by numbers.

Susan in Orangevale, Calif.

Heloise

Send a 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