Tips to freeing a stuck plate

Hints from Heloise
Published: Thursday, Sept. 18, 2008 12:16 a.m. MDT
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Dear Heloise: When stacking dishes in the sink, I accidentally had a small plate become stuck in a bowl. Do you have any advice to free the plate from the bowl? —Ellen, via e-mail

Ellen, give this a try: Place the bowl in some very hot water (use care) and put plenty of ice cubes on the plate. Let it sit until the plate is cold, and then carefully attempt to remove it. Or dribble lightweight oil around the plate, let sit overnight, then use a putty knife or metal spatula to see if you can budge the plate. Good luck! —Heloise

Dear Heloise: As a construction worker, mud poses a threat to my vehicle's carpet. Reusing plastic grocery sacks solved the problem. I sit in the vehicle and put a bag over each boot before placing my feet in the vehicle. I then can take off the boots in the sack. I always carry a clean pair of slip-on shoes to put on. —Rhonda R., Manhattan, Kan.

Dear Heloise: I have a large collection of cookbooks. Most of them have spiral bindings. To locate my favorite, I have tied a piece of colorful yarn at the top of the spiral. I am so excited about this idea that I am going to color-code several others, with a list of them on the inside of the closet door! —Joan Adkins, Marengo, Ohio

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Dear Heloise: May I suggest at this time of year to take your vacuum out on your porch, deck or steps. Change the bag, turn it on its side and wipe the top, bottom, handle and sides with a damp paper towel lightly sprayed with a cleaner.

Check the brush bristles and remove built-up hair, string and thread. Your vacuum will work better after this sprucing.

I really enjoy your column in The Star-Ledger. —Irene of Point Pleasant, N.J.

Dear Heloise: In your article regarding chandelier cleaning, you failed to remind people to not turn the chandelier. I have had two neighbors who have actually unscrewed the chandelier from the ceiling because it was easier to stand in one place and turn it.

In one instance, it crashed onto the dining table, and the other crashed onto a marble floor. —B.E., via e-mail

Boy, these chandeliers must not have been anchored in the ceiling very well. Folks, be sure the chandelier is turned off, and don't turn it round and round while cleaning. Check the anchoring before doing anything to the chandelier! Thanks for the reminder.—Heloise

Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to 210-HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com. © King Features Syndicate

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