DEAR READERS: Is your toilet running slow? You may have calcium buildup in your tank, which can clog the flush holes under the rim of the toilet.
Here's the hint: Add several drops of blue food coloring to 1/2 gallon of vinegar. Remove the tank lid and pour the vinegar straight into the overflow tube. You will see the blue vinegar seep into the bowl. Let the acid of the vinegar do its magic for 30 minutes; the vinegar will dissolve the calcium. Then flush.
Commercial limescale removers can work in place of vinegar to clean the flush holes, but hold on to your wallet -- they can be expensive!
DEAR HELOISE: We love bell peppers. They have a thick, sweet and mild flesh. They are great for salads fresh, or they can be stuffed, roasted or grilled! And those colors: yellow, red, orange and green!
-- Anne V.P. in Arizona
DEAR HELOISE: We use cotton napkins instead of paper napkins. After washing them, I spread them flat to dry, even stacking them because they dry quickly. Once folded, they pass as ironed napkins.
Also, if all else fails when getting out a grease spot, I vigorously rub hand cleaner with pumice into the spot. It contains a degreaser.
-- Cindy U., Salem, Ore.
DEAR READER: Pumice is made from volcanic ash; it has a rough and grainy texture!
DEAR HELOISE: Reader Trish S. in Texas needs to shop online (for extra fitted bottom sheets because they seem to wear out more quickly). Big-box stores may only sell sets. I always buy separates for my queen bed; I use a fitted queen bottom and a king flat sheet so it covers two people.
-- Laurie K., California
DEAR HELOISE: Why can't people use their utensils (fork, knife and spoon) properly when they eat? There is no need to hold your utensils in your fists and stab or slash away at your food.
-- Luisa in Texas
DEAR HELOISE: I would love it if cellphone users wouldn't talk on their phones while they are in a public bathroom stall. Surely the sound of flushing can be heard on the other end.
-- Ann J., via email
Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email
Weekend on 05/23/2019