Hints From Heloise: Coffee filter at your disposal?

Dear Heloise: I have disposed of USED COFFEE FILTERS in the garbage disposal and was recently told that they are not biodegradable. I was going on information that I had received years ago. Help! -- Joe, via e-mail

Well, this requires a twofold answer. Yes, paper filters may be biodegradable (check your brand), meaning that eventually they will be broken down by living organisms. Yes, the disposal will chew up paper. But what happens when that wet paper (and grounds) goes down the plumbing? A big problem waiting to happen!

Manufacturers of disposals say DO NOT put coffee grounds through it. Therefore, throw out your coffee filter AND grounds, or add them to the compost pile, if you have one. -- Heloise

TOILET LIDS

Dear Heloise: A lot has been written about toilet SEATS. What about the toilet LIDS? Here are some reasons, from my own experience, that I would like to focus on keeping the LID down:

* Stops cats and dogs from drinking out of the toilet.

* Keeps toddlers from playing in it.

* Keeps toys from being dropped in it.

* Prevents rings and valuables from accidentally being flushed away.

* May help avoid future expensive plumbing repairs (depending on what accidentally falls in -- Heloise).

The way I see it, the lid is there for a reason. Besides, I think a gaping toilet is ugly! -- Bea D. in Oregon

All good points, especially when trying to prevent major plumbing problems in the future. -- Heloise

FREE PLAY

Dear Heloise: I got a big plastic tub on sale and have made it a “creative box” for my son. I do a lot of crafting, and whenever I have leftover scraps (fabric, paper, paint, trimmings, etc.), I put them in the tub. Once or twice a week, I get the tub and let my son “create” (with supervision, of course!). I used to dish out money buying supplies for special projects. This is economical and a free use of his imagination. -- A Reader in Utah

Love it! This is a two-for-one hint, saving money and teaching your son to be creative with “leftovers.” -- Heloise

LETTER OF LAUGHTER

Dear Readers: I had a medical appointment a short drive (less than three miles) from home. I was checking out, and the receptionist had a “clicker” (garage-door opener) in her hand with a purple-nail-polish initial on it. It was mine! The receptionist said she saw it on the roof of my car! I drove all the way (in a light rain), and the opener stayed on the roof! By the way, I was doing the speed limit (under 30) the entire drive! -- Heloise

TOUCH UP

Dear Heloise: The bottom of the bathroom door (white) had lost a lot of paint and was ugly. I found white shoe polish in a drawer and used it to touch up the paint. It looks like it was professionally done! -- M.M. in Houston

Send a hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Tex. 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com. Please include your city and state.

2012, King Features Syndicate