Dear Heloise: I read the article about cleaning scum out of vases. I am a floral designer, and this is my suggestion:

To keep scum from forming, change water in the vase daily. Grab your flowers at the neck of the vase and take them out, give them a fresh cut (so they can continue drinking), change the water and put the flowers back. To keep water clean, strip leaves off all stems that are below the waterline. Toss any flowers or greenery that’s wilted.—Pam from Baton Rouge, La.

Pam, thanks for reminding us about how little effort it takes to keep fresh flowers looking...

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