DEAR HELOISE: When getting out of a bubble bath, I use my grab bar, which is slippery. I solved the problem with "bath treads," usually used on the bottom of the tub. I put some of them on the bar. They may be in the form of fish, waves, shells, etc.
I also use them on an aluminum three-tiered shoe rack. Shoes with no heels might slip off. I apply the treads to the elevated tier on each row, and no more problems.
-- Linda M.,
Kerrville, Texas
DEAR READER: Linda, you're ingenious! I try to remind readers that most items can have "another use," so put on your Heloise Hat. Think before you trash something. Here are a few unconventional hints for the no-slip bath appliques:
• Put on a sliding glass door at eye (or dog) level as a visual cue to not walk through.
• Apply to the seat on a highchair to help prevent slipping.
• Put on the seat of a swing on a playground.
• Attach to the ladder in a pool to keep feet from slipping.
DEAR HELOISE: For cleaning the baseboards and places I can't reach without a stool, I use a small mop and lightly dampen it and dust the baseboards, usually monthly. This saves me from having to do lots of cleaning each season.
-- A.R. in Texas
DEAR HELOISE: Here is another hint using our favorite, vinegar. To get rid of that ugly winter skin off our feet, use the following mixture:
1/4 cup antiseptic mouthwash
1/4 cup vinegar
1/2 cup warm water
Soak feet for 10 minutes. Your feet will be summer-ready. I buy vinegar in gallons for all household uses.
-- Liz C., Woodbury, Conn.
DEAR READER: I tested this, and it does liven up your feet. Soak a little longer, buff off the dead skin, rinse with water, dry and massage in baby oil. A quick coat of nail polish and it's a mini-pedicure. Cheap, too.
Vinegar is the most indispensable item in the house. I always have gallons around. There are a zillion hints using vinegar. Use a mixture of half vinegar and half water to wipe down a picnic table to deter ants.
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
Weekend on 04/23/2015