Dear Heloise: My mother told me never to leave an appliance running unattended. Within a month recently, three things happened:
1) I had to replace my dishwasher. When the old one was removed, there was serious heat damage on the cabinet next to it.
2) A friend recently bought a new dishwasher, and about a month later, she started it after dinner and went into the living room to relax with her husband. Soon they realized that the kitchen was on fire. The fire was extinguished without injury, and the company replaced the dishwasher and repaired the damage to the kitchen.
3) My daughter was baking and went to add another dish to the oven. She realized that the oven was way too hot. She tried to turn it down and then tried to turn it off, without success. Finally she was able to shut off the power. The stove and the wall behind it were too hot to touch.
Most appliances work as they should, but new or old, there are a few that have a problem. I no longer start the dishwasher as I head to bed.-Ann J., Deer Park, Wash.
Examples like these remind us all why it's a good habit to start the dishwasher right after dinner and not leave the clothes dryer running while you go to bed or run errands.-Heloise
GIFT RECEIPT
Dear Heloise: Concerning the column regarding gift cards (Heloise here: The hint was to have the cashier show that the amount asked for was put on the gift card before leaving the store): I've had several unpleasant experiences with giving gift cards. Now I always purchase the gift card on its own cash-register receipt and give the receipt with the card. It has solved many problems, and everyone is happy.-Harriet G., via email
LASTING ARRANGEMENTS
Dear Heloise: I periodically receive beautiful floral arrangements. Although I do tend to them, eventually the flowers fade away. I still have lovely greens in very good condition. I wash the stems, trim them and put them in clean water, then go to the store and purchase a bunch of new flowers to add to the greenery. Now I have another lovely arrangement.-Lillian H., via email
King Features Syndicate