The Shadow
Dear Heloise: I have a perfectly good GARBAGE DISPOSAL, which I use faithfully! However, my question is, How long do I let it run?
People have told me to wait until it stops “churning,” but it seems to me that it keeps on making a noise. I’m always afraid I won’t get all the garbage churned up — help! — Barbara in New Braunfels, Texas
Barbara, the best way to tell when to turn off the disposal is when the ONLY thing you hear is the motor.
Turn off the disposal, and continue to run the water for about 30 seconds to flush the food through the plumbing system.
Here are some other hints about using the garbage disposal:
* Only run COLD water when using it.
* DO NOT put grease down the disposal! Put it in a can or bottle and throw it away in the trash.
* Feed food in SLOWLY to avoid jamming.
* Bad odors can signal food-particle buildup.
Place the stopper in the sink and mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with a full sink of water. Flip the disposal on and pull the stopper to really whoosh the water through the system for a good cleaning.
Baking soda is a workhorse in the kitchen and around the home. I have put together a pamphlet of my favorite uses for baking soda. If you would like to receive one, please send $5 and a long, self-addressed, stamped (64 cents) envelope to: Heloise/Baking Soda, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. Sprinkle some baking soda in your shoes when not wearing to help keep foot odors at bay
— Heloise
CAREFUL CLEANING
Dear Heloise: We use tear-free baby shampoo when we wash our pets’ heads. Although we make an effort to avoid getting it in their eyes, we feel better knowing that if it does, it won’t hurt. It rinses away easily and leaves the dogs smelling clean and fresh.
We bathe the rest of their bodies in regular dog shampoo. Thank you for your wonderful hints! — Jeanne, Dayton, Ohio
SCRAPBOOK HINTS
Dear Heloise: I am getting back to scrapbooking and would like to share some hints:
* When I have an event or a trip, I make the first picture that of the event location: the outside of the building, restaurant, park, etc.
* If there are gifts, take pictures of the wrapped gifts, either separately or in a pile, to use as “stickers” when you do your layout.
* And the one I so often forget: Hand the camera to someone else and get in the pictures!
— Patty in Nebraska
NO-FRAY FLAG
Dear Heloise: In response to Eraikey in Texas: To prevent flags from fraying, before mounting the flag, put a small amount of household glue on both sides of the edges only. Let dry, then mount. It works! — Allan in Delray Beach, Fla.
(c)2011 by King Features Syndicate Inc.
