Dear Heloise: Please tell me how to wash a clear vinyl shower curtain that has a beautiful jungle print. I soaked it in bleach, but it still shows water and soap scum. - Mrs. Kate M. Zielinski, Phoenix
Dear Kate: The easiest way to clean soap scum and mildew off a shower curtain is to wash it in your washing machine. Use hot water and the correct amount of detergent and chlorine bleach. The important step that you missed is to add two or three white towels to the machine along with the curtain. The towels lend an abrasive action, which helps remove the scum and mildew. You can either dry the curtain in the dryer for a few minutes on low or just hang it back up.
Dear Heloise: I've seen several ways to send cards to people in hospitals. I do mine this way: I send the card to the person's home address and let someone picking up their mail deliver it to the hospital. People in ICU cannot get mail, and people stay shorter periods of time in hospitals. - E. Marion Patterson, Columbia, S.C.
Dear Heloise: When saving leftovers, to be able to identify the contents of plastic containers, use a strip of masking tape. Write on it with a permanent marker what it contains and the date made and then place it on the top of the lid. This kills two birds with one stone: what's inside and how old it is. - JoAnn Polomsky, Tempe, Ariz.
Dear Heloise: When I am baking cookies and need more cookie sheets, I turn my cake pans upside down. - A Reader, Kokomo, Ind.
Dear Heloise: My Mother's Day gift was a beautiful bouquet in a lovely cup and saucer. These arrangements are always very difficult and messy to water. An idea - get out that meat baster and water away. Easy and no messy spills!