By Hints From Heloise
Tuesday, April 22, 2008; C07

Dear Readers:

What to do when your dog gets sprayed by a skunk? Getting rid of that odor can be challenging. In the past, people have used tomato juice or vinegar to try to neutralize that awful smell. These can do a pretty good job, but here's an update:

Veterinarians today recommend this formula to do an even better job: Mix 1 quart of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide with 1/4 cup of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of mild dishwashing detergent (check to make sure it does not contain bleach or ammonia). Rub this solution into your dog's coat. Don't let any get into the eyes or ears. Then bathe with a mild pet shampoo. Rinse well.

If your pooch still has an odor, repeat the process.

Dear Heloise:

Here are two hints to save your readers some work.

I place two plastic shopping bags in my laundry to presort it. I then put darks in one bag and whites in the other. When the bag is full, it is time to wash the contents. This eliminates hunting and sorting through soiled clothing.

I use the small plastic lids from yogurt containers to protect my bathroom and kitchen shelves. Shaving cans, cologne bottles, honey jars and syrup containers often leave rings on the shelves. The plastic lids are a perfect size and easy to replace. No more sticky shelves and stains to wipe.

Don Tarnasky, Sacramento

Dear Heloise:

My daughter's two cats somehow manage to get fur on my lampshades. I had the brainstorm yesterday to use a lint brush to remove the fur. It worked wonderfully!

Meredith, Springfield

Dear Heloise:

When baking and using a cup of shortening, it has been impossible to get all of it out cleanly. When using an egg, I crack the egg directly into the cup, squish it around, remove it to the bowl, then I put the shortening in the cup container, and it slides out easily.

Pat (Darline) Thorpe Oceanside, Calif.

Dear Heloise:

I have been using zippered plastic bags that sheets come in to pack clothes when traveling -- underwear in one bag, shirts in another, etc.

Keeps things neat and makes unpacking a cinch. It's especially good for packing a duffel bag.

Jim Balliet, Dallas

Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Tex. 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE or e-mail it toHeloise@Heloise.com. Please include your city and state when faxing or using e-mail. I can't answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.

2008King Features Syndicate