DEAR HELOISE: What is a good way to clean windshield-wiper blades?
-- Carolyn C., via email
DEAR READER: The main hint is to check and clean them often. Generally, a paper towel or a clean cloth (I like microfiber cloths) with water should suffice. If they are gunky, a drop of dish soap in a cup of water, or some rubbing alcohol or window cleaner, works. Do not use windshield-washer fluid, as most contain antifreeze, which can be harmful to your hands and dangerous to pets.
P.S.: If you live in a very hot, sunny climate, check the wiper blades often. Hot, dry weather and extreme sunlight can shorten the life of the blades.
DEAR HELOISE: After enjoying a cup of herbal tea, the tea bag can be saved. Reuse for washing the face or an herbal facial, or put in the bath for an herbal bath. Peppermint and chamomile are good for the skin, and the aroma of certain herbs can help relaxation.
-- MaryEllen F., via email
DEAR READER: A cup of tea, herbal or not, can be soothing and enjoyable. You are correct about many herbal teas. Be careful which herbal tea you use on your face, though. Peppermint can act as an astringent, but don't use on very sensitive skin.
Chamomile is calming, but please note that if you are allergic to flowers, such as dandelions, sunflowers or others, you may want to avoid drinking, bathing with or applying to the skin. It can make you itch.
Herbs and essential oils are wonderful to use for health and beauty. Please check out any herb you use in tea or otherwise that it does not contradict medications you are taking.
DEAR HELOISE: While making the bed, I kept hitting my toe on the support legs. I purchased a piece of black foam pipe insulation and cut off pieces to fit the legs. No more toe-stubbing.
I was sweeping with an old broom, which had a cracked plastic coating on the handle. I used the remainder of the pipe foam to cover the handle, and I taped it in place. Worked perfectly, so I've used it on rakes, too. No more blisters.
-- Skeeter G., Omaha, Neb.
DEAR HELOISE: I often use protein nutrition shakes that come in big plastic containers. My pet peeve is that they bury the scoop down in the mix. I save scoops from prior cans. When I open new containers, I scoop out enough to reveal the hidden scoop.
-- Marj A., Garland, Texas
DEAR HELOISE: To keep my car cup holders clean and avoid tedious cleaning, I keep cupcake or muffin paper/ foil cups in each compartment. I take one out and replace it, or stack a few so that there is always a fresh one.
-- Evelyn R., via email
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
Style on 04/26/2016