HELPFUL HINTS
Posted: August 7, 2009 at 3:48 a.m.
LITTLE ROCK — DEAR HELOISE: Several years ago, you told us how to clean a monument in the cemetery. Will you reprint the information?
- Virginia Fulks, Snyder, Texas
DEAR READER: First, do no harm! In this case, "less is more," and while it might not sound like much of a "hint," first try plain water and amicrofiber cloth, terry towel or soft sponge.
You don't want to damage a stone that's been there for a long time, and keep in mind that gravestones are made of different substances. Bronze, marble and limestone require different methods.
Three steps to remember when you're cleaning a gravestone:
1) Pre-wet the surface before you begin.
2) Start from the bottom and work up to prevent the dirty water from further staining the marker.
3) Keep the stone very wet as you work and rinse extremely well.
Cleaning tombstones can be tricky, so you should always call a professional monumentcleaning company if the task looks too hard, or thestones are old or crumbly. Remember that simply using water and a cloth might do the trick.
P.S.: If there is no running water available, be sure to take several buckets and lots of water!
DEAR HELOISE: I remember to repack the night light I use in motel rooms by carrying it in a small box, which I leave on the table with my wallet, etc. When I am ready to leave the room, I see the box and retrieve the night light.
- Ray D. Quisenberry, Franklin, Tenn.
DEAR HELOISE: No matter how carefully I place my clean knives in the drawer, some always turn blade up the next time I open the drawer, which could lead to a bad cut. I put a hunk of plastic foam in the back of the drawer and stick the points into that before closing the drawer.
- M. Curtis, Lakeland, Fla. Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or e-mail
MovieStyle, Pages 37 on 08/07/2009
(Advertisement)
« Previous Story
HOROSCOPES BY HOLIDAY
Happy birthday. You have given your attention so generously to fulfill the needs of others. Here's wonderful news: This is your year to tend to the wishes and needs of your... Read »
Next Story »
Check your knowledge
1. Is the balalaika a wind instrument? 2. What is the principal city of the Touraine region of France? 3. Babe Ruth hit his final home run for the New York Yankees. True or... Read »
Comments
To report abuse or misuse of this area please hit the "Suggest Removal" link in the comment to alert our online managers. Please read our comment policy.
Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.
Registration is required to make comments. Click here to LOGIN.
You can register for FREE to post comments and receive alerts.