Hints From Heloise: Taking the hair out of a hairbrush

Dear Heloise: What is the best way to CLEAN A HAIRBRUSH? -- Candace D. in California

Grab a chopstick or pen and slide it between the bristles, pulling up to loosen the hair. Or use scissors to cut the hair, then pull it out. Use an old toothbrush to remove any remaining hair or lint that is left around the bristles.

Get that hairbrush (not wood) back to being clean by filling your sink with warm water and white vinegar (about a 50/50 mix). Use the toothbrush to scrub the bristles, and rinse the brush in tap water. Lay the brush bristles down to dry. It’s yet another use for vinegar, which is why I wrote my Heloise’s Fantabulous Vinegar Hints and More pamphlet. To receive one, send $5 and a long, self-addressed, stamped (66 cents) envelope to: Heloise/Vinegar, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. Once your hairbrush is clean, use a sponge to wipe the sink, counter and faucet with the vinegar/water solution. -- Heloise

EXTENDED RETURN

Dear Readers: How often do you purchase items online or by phone through a catalogue order? I ordered a piece of luggage that looked perfect for my kind of business travel. I wouldn’t be traveling and able to try it out for a month or so. After reading the receipt, I noticed that there was only a 30-day time frame for returns!

I called the company (writing down the time, day and who I spoke with). I explained I had a trip coming up and was definitely going to be past the 30-day return policy if for some reason I needed to return the luggage. I was given an extension.

So, call the company and try requesting a return extension. At the very least, it is worth a try. -- Heloise

P.S.: I did not like the luggage at all and ended up returning it after my trip!

STORING BAGS

Dear Heloise: I have a great hint for using the cardboard paper-towel tubes. I pack one full of plastic grocery bags and newspaper bags that I am keeping for other uses. A tube fits perfectly in a kitchen drawer, ready to grab and get a bag out of. You would be surprised just how many bags will fit in one tube! -- Sally W. in Mississippi

MARBLE TRICK

Dear Heloise: My husband and I hatch our own chicks. We put clear marbles in the chicks’ watering dishes so the little ones do not drown. -- A Reader in Pennsylvania

What a simple yet clever way to keep the chicks out of the water! Just remember to change the water at least twice a day! -- Heloise

ICING PROTECTION

Dear Heloise: I made a cake the other day. Once I had it frosted, I realized I had no toothpicks to keep the plastic wrap from touching it. Digging through my drawers, I found my corn-on-the-cob holders. They worked perfectly! -- Cindy in North Carolina

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.

, King Features Syndicate