HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR HELOISE: When you are away from home for a period of time, it's a good idea to shut off the clothes washer's water faucets. I have experienced water leaks at the stem when you restore the water upon your return. This happens with older faucets that have been in the same position for a number of years. If it is handy to do so, turn the water off at the main, and this way, you take care of not only the washer, but the hot-water tank, dishwasher, ice maker and the rest of the water outlets in the house. Check with a plumber before turning off water at the main source.

-- Richard G., Texas

DEAR HELOISE: Since I travel often, I'm concerned that I'll forget something I will need on my trip. I created what I call my "permanent travel list" for items I'll need on every trip. I refer to it each time I pack. If it's out of the country, I have a "sub list" of things like passport, visas, travel insurance, etc.

-- Paul P., via email

DEAR HELOISE: To remove product buildup on your hair, put a pinch of baking soda in the palm of your hand, then add shampoo and apply to hair. Work up a lather from scalp to ends. Rinse well and use a good conditioner. Try it once a month or so.

-- Sandy M., Colorado

DEAR HELOISE: We have hard water, and my drinking glasses come out of the dishwasher cloudy. My husband refuses to drink out of them. Help.

-- Sara B. in San Antonio

DEAR READER: To remove hard water buildup on drinking glasses, try soaking the glasses in warm (not boiling) household vinegar for about an hour or two, then scrubbing with a nylon-net scrubber. If this doesn't work, the glass has been permanently etched, and, there's nothing that can be done.

DEAR HELOISE: Someone wrote about labeling old photos with the identity of the people or the place where the photo was taken. Use a pen that is OK for archival use and, preferably, write on paper that is with the photo. But you never should write on the back of a photograph.

-- Nancy T., via email

DEAR READER: By writing on the back of the photograph, the information is not lost. No one should press hard on the back, but many people don't have time or interest to do more than label the photo.

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

[email protected]

MovieStyle on 02/02/2018

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