Heloise Hints

Take your time and do research. Become knowledgeable about what you should have to protect your home. Surf the Internet for information and talk to your agent. When ready, take these steps.

Shop around. Then get estimates from three or more different insurance companies, so you have a basis of comparison. If you still need extra help or have questions, go to the Insurance Information Institute: www.iii.org.

These indispensable and effective household cleaning tools do get grimy and dirty. So they need to be cleaned and here’s how to do it to ensure they last longer.

Machine wash in warm soapy water, but wash the cloths separate from towels, because the microfiber will attach to lint in the water, and it will stay on the cloth. Do not add fabric softener or chlorine bleach because they will make the microfiber loose its effectiveness. Tumble dry on low heat or air dry.

Note: Microfiber can melt at high heats, so never iron it.

It seems that sometimes spiders just love to hang out in our houses.  The key is to not attract these creepy crawlers. The cleaner you keep your home, the less spiders will want to there because there won’t be things to munch on.  Here are hints on getting rid of them.

First, find the spider webs, vacuum them up or brush away with a broom and wrap in a paper towel. Be sure to scoop up egg cases and toss into the trash. Dust especially well in corners, behind furniture and anywhere else you have seen webs.

This is something many do to save money. Purchase used cars.  It’s important to research and do diligence on the used vehicle you are thinking about buying. Check it with the Kelly Blue Book.  Here are some more hints.

Ask these questions initially:
* Why is the owner selling it?
* Does the VIN history contain bad reports?
* How many previous owners have there been?
* Has the vehicle been in any accidents?
* Do you have maintenance and repair records?

Keeping our bed linens clean and free of dust mites takes constant attention.  Sheets, mattress covers, dust ruffles, pillows and bed spreads should be washed on a regular  basis to prevent this problem. Here’s how to kill dust mites.

Wash pillows and pillowcases, along with sheets and blankets, in hot water that’s at least 130 degrees F. Turn on the hot water faucet (nearest to the washer) and let it run until it’s really hot. This is essential. Then fill a 2-cup measuring cup and use a kitchen thermometer (one you use for your turkey) to make sure it’s at 130 degrees. If you have a major dust-mite problem, wash bedding weekly.

This is one of the most important purchases you can make for your family. Research the variety of seats thoroughly before buying. You want to get the right type seat for the age of each of your small children. Here are more hints.

* Be sure to test several before you decide.
* Look for ones that are easy to fasten and fit your car well.
* Make certain that are properly installed. Get help to be sure.
* Do NOT buy used ones because they could be damaged and dangerous for your children.
* For more information, go to www.nhtsa.gov. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers specific charts and child safety data.

Many of us enjoy looking at and working in our gardens. There’s something about being outside, digging around in the dirt and eating the rewards of a successful garden. Here are some hints on making it even better.

* Create an annual gardening calendar.
* Make notes when you planted, when they sprouted and when you watered, fertilized and harvested.
* By tracking everything, you will be able alter for the next season and factor in changing weather conditions.

When you notice that green fuzzy stuff starting to take over surfaces you walk on, it’s time to take action. The stuff can be slippery and also it’s not very attractive. So here’s what to do:

To remove it, mix together 1 cup of bleach and with 1 gallon of water. Put into a spray bottle and spritz on top of the mossy areas (you may have to repeat this and leave on for 5 minutes). Be careful not to let any of this solution land on nearby plants or wooden furniture because the bleach could damage them.  Brush off mixture and rinse completely. Also, always test a bit on a hidden spot to be sure the bleach won’t discolor the brick.

What do you say? This unusual combination really creates a great tasting cake and your guests won’t be able to guess the secret ingredient—tomato soup!  Here’s the easy recipe:

* Put one 18-ounce box of dry chocolate cake mix into a large bowl and add ONLY one 10-and-3/4 ounce can of undiluted tomato soup, one teaspoon of baking soda and two eggs. Mix well. Bake according to the cake mix directions.

* For a quick frosting, cover the top of the cake with marshmallows—right before you take it out of the oven.

Getting dirty windows clean can be such a hassle, so we always seem to delay this time-consuming household task. Here are two helpful hints to make cleaning easier and the windows sparkle.

* To get streak-free windows after washing, dry them on the outside from right to left, and on the inside, dry with strokes going up and down. If you see a streak, you’ll be able to find it.

* To make windows really shine, add about one cup of vinegar to a half-gallon of water. Pour into a spray bottle and apply to the windows. Always dry well.