HELOISE: How to clean or restore pewter

Dear Heloise: Can you please tell me how to clean/restore pewter? I have a nut tray that I would like to use. Thanks.

Georgette, via e-mail

Pewter is beautiful and can last a long time. First, is the item valuable? Do not try anything on your own that could cause damage. The Pewter Society recommends simply washing with hot, soapy water first, rinsing well and drying with a cloth towel. However, if the pewter is dark from a lack of care, then try using an all-purpose, nonabrasive metal polish (not silver polish), which can be purchased in a hardware or jewelry store.

If these don’t work, then take the piece to an experienced pewter collector/seller for a stronger cleaning with chemicals. But be aware that this might cause irreversible changes in the condition of the pewter, so do your research and ask questions before handing over your piece for cleaning.

Keep pewter clean, and it will serve you well for a long time.

Heloise

Dear Heloise: After my fourth child, I have finally discovered a simpler way to avoid juice-box squeeze and spray. I fold up the juice-box corners near the top of the box so they look like wings. I hand my children the juice box and say, “Hold it by the wings,” thereby avoiding the squeeze and spray mess from a box full of juice.

Amie B. in Killeen, Texas

Dear Heloise: A good way to remove grease spots from washable clothes is with dish detergent. Wet the spot area, add a little detergent, rub it in and wait a few minutes. Then throw it in the wash with the rest of the clothes. Works every time.

Lorraine Morisi, Arlington, Va.

Yep, it does help as a pre-spotter (as does liquid laundry detergent), but don’t use too much! You’ll have more suds than you want!

Heloise

Dear Heloise: As a professional photographer, I carry a digital camera wherever I go. Many people do these days. If you take a quick shot of your parking place, you can refer to the image after a busy event and easily locate your car. Be sure to include enough of the surrounding area to offer clues to the spot.

B.T. Manning, Fort Wayne, Ind.

Dear Heloise: I have a hint for people who crochet. Be sure to put your label that tells the size of thread inside the ball of thread so you will have it if you need it.

Glenda in Florence, Ala.

Dear Heloise: With a king-size bed, the skirt kept shifting. I used double-sided hook-and-loop fastener — one side on the box spring, the other side on the skirt. No more slipping, and it comes off easily to wash.

Bea in New Hampshire

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