DEAR HELOISE: I have a spa tub in the home we just moved into. I know how to clean the surface of it, but I recall you printing how to clean the "insides."
-- A.P.
DEAR READER: Use just hot water and fill the tub 3 to 4 inches above the jets. Next, add 1 to 2 cups of household bleach. Sprinkle in 1/2 to 3/4 cup of powdered dishwasher detergent as the cleaning agent. Turn on and let run 20 minutes or so. Turn off to let the water sit in the pipes for about half an hour. Pull the plug and empty, then fill with cold water and let 'er rip for a few minutes. That's all you need to do.
P.S.: Be sure to turn on the exhaust fan, and keep the kiddos away.
DEAR HELOISE: I read your column about the dangers of tying dogs to a post. May I add my story? We lost our dog Molly when her leash was inadvertently left on after a walk one day. She got caught on something outside and sadly did not survive. Even if the dog is left unattended for only a moment, you never know what can happen.
-- Jill
DEAR READER: Thank you for writing. Hopefully, it will keep another dog safe.
DEAR HELOISE: Because I put things away in a "safe place" and forget where that is, I have made up a reminder sheet. In one column is the item, and in the adjoining column the place.
-- S.R.
DEAR READER: How many times have we all put something away for "safekeeping," then can't find it? Start a list, folks, but don't forget where you put the list!
DEAR HELOISE: The silverware tray in my kitchen drawer would slide back and forth when I opened or closed the drawer. I used empty paper-towel tubes and cut them to fit between the tray and the back of the drawer.
-- J.H.
Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email
HomeStyle on 09/20/2014