LITTLE ROCK — DEAR HELOISE: Are there any recycling ideas for used kitchen sponges? I buy the kind with the sponge on one side and scrubber on the other. I use one for a couple of weeks (regularly disinfecting it with bleach), but hate to throw it away when I replace it.
- Judy S. in Florida
DEAR READER: A lot of readers “downgrade” kitchen sponges and make themthe bathroom sponge for cleaning the showers and toilets. Be sure to snip a corner to identify the sponge.
You also can use the sponge only for floor spot cleaning. Just make sure you remember what function the sponge is now serving, and place it where it isn’t accidentally used for kitchen duties.
DEAR HELOISE: I thought I would share some fun ways to use egg cartons. Just be sure that the egg cartons are clean.
An excellent kindling (Heloise here: the paper ones - not the plastic or foam cartons) for those who enjoy grilling. The air space in the carton and quick-to-burn paper make an egg carton an excellent choice for starting your fire.
Golf balls are just the right size for fitting into an egg carton, so you will know exactly where the balls are.
Egg-carton cups are the perfect size for sprouting seeds. Put a little dirt in each cup, along with a seed.
- Spencer M., via e-mail
DEAR HELOISE: Bean dip has become so pricey that I have found a way to have the same great dip at a much lower cost. I take a can of vegetarian refried beans and add 1 teaspoon of taco seasoning mix. Just stir it up and enjoy. The cans are twice the size of regular bean-dip cans, so I freeze half the dip and thaw it in the microwave.
- E.P. in Lubbock, Texas
DEAR READER: Love it, and I do almost the same thing. I add some hot sauce or a teaspoon of chili powder. I always have several cans in the pantry to be able to fix dip quickly if needed.
DEAR HELOISE: My husband and I like to buy 2-liter bottles of soda since they are cheaper than cans, but we have trouble drinking it all before it goes flat. We have found that if you squeeze all the air out of the bottle and put the lid on tightly, the fizz stays much longer.
- Mary M., via e-mail 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
Food, Pages 36 on 06/27/2012