DEAR HELOISE: How do I refill or at least recycle my home fire extinguisher?
-- Susan M., via email
DEAR READER: Refilling fire extinguishers is not recommended. If you have a used fire extinguisher, take it to your city's landfill or call 311. The extinguisher is considered household hazardous waste, and it should not be put in the trash.
Fire extinguishers are inexpensive. A model suitable for household use is anywhere from $20 to $50 at most stores.
Read the owners manual and label on the extinguisher for its maintenance and care.
-- Heloise
DEAR HELOISE: Our church is next to an elementary school, and every February we collect facial tissue (and cash) for it. Children always have colds and sniffles this time of year. Doing this relieves the teachers from using their own money, as many do, to buy supplies.
In May, we sponsor a "Teacher Appreciation Luncheon" for the teachers. They attend as their noontime schedule permits.
And in July, we sponsor "Christmas in July" and collect school supplies for them (pencils, notebooks, other items).
Doing these activities has built a good neighborhood relationship. Thank you!
-- Marie P., California
DEAR HELOISE: I live alone and worry about my toothpaste. How long can I keep using it?
-- Edda B., Maryland
DEAR READER: According to the American Dental Association (ada.org), and a manufacturer of toothpaste, the shelf life is about two years. Using the product past its expiration date is not recommended -- the fluoride won't be as effective.
Look for the expiration date. Typically it is stamped on the crimped end of the tube, or on the outer box.
-- Heloise
DEAR READERS: Laundry stains and kids go together -- there's no getting around it. Teach your kids from a young age to treat their stains before the clothes hit the hamper. Keep a stain-remover stick or spray next to that dirty clothes pile.
Have each child treat a stain as quickly as he can, to prevent the stain from setting.
Young children also can learn to separate white clothes from dark colors. This is a time-saver on washday.
-- Heloise
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 02/09/2017