HELOISE: Label chargers to end confusion

Dear Heloise: How many times have we all gotten some appliance with a rechargeable battery or a phone charger and ended up with a drawer full of chargers with no clue as to which goes with which?

When the appliance is new — or if you know what the charger goes with — take a liquid correction pen and write on the charger (e.g., “cordless drill,” or brand of cell phone, etc.). The correction fluid will not rub off, is waterproof and will survive many household moves. The correction fluid in the pen allows you to write normally so that it can be read.

Susan, via e-mail

Eureka! And here’s another hint about labeling electronics, from Russ, via e-mail. He says: “I have dozens of plug-in battery chargers and power adaptors for my various phones, flashlights, etc. To keep tabs on them and avoid plugging in the wrong thing, I write the name of the device on the charger or adaptor with ‘puff’ paint, available in any crafts store. This lasts longer and won’t tear or fade like a paper label. For power cords that you can’t see easily, I color-code the device plug with different colors of electrical tape and a matching color on the device. This has saved me from frying electronic devices and has possibly prevented electrical fires.”

Two hints to cut down on confusion! Thanks, Susan and Russ.

Heloise

Dear Readers: Recycle used neckties:

Hang one to clip hair barrettes on.

Stuff with batting and stitch tightly closed for a pet toy.

Cut down and resew for a young boy.

Wear as a colorful belt.

Store pierced earrings on one.

Heloise

Dear Heloise: Recently, you listed various ways to use safety pins. As I’ve gotten older, it’s become more difficult to match my socks after washing. I keep safety pins on a cup hook placed above my laundry basket and use one to pin together my socks when I take them off.

Ernst Graw, Devine, Texas

Dear Heloise: My solution for cleaning the dirt from a bagless vacuum is to put the filter in a plastic bag from the grocery store; just be sure it doesn’t have holes in the bottom. Go outside and shake the bag. Once the loose dirt is off, the filter can be cleaned by brushing the other stuff off it. It’s now as good as brand-spanking new!

Annette S. in Monroe, La.

Dear Heloise: While touching up my nails with white nail color, I noticed it had become thick and nasty. Instead of pitching it, I decided to touch up my white baseboard; it works great.

Susan S. in Santa Ana, Calif.

Dear Heloise: I was taught to put a table knife into the end of a curtain rod and then slide the curtain over it. No snags, and easy to do.

Linda in Florida

King Features Syndicate