How to wash your car safely and without wasting water

Heloise
Heloise

Dear Readers: Washing the car can be a fun family activity. Let's do it safely, and water-wise:

  •     The correct cleaner is critical. Use soap formulated for the car. Never use dish soap; its grease-cutting formula can strip the wax and dull the finish of the car.
  •     If somebody drops the sponge, it's out of the game. Tiny rocks and gravel picked up off the ground can scratch the car.
  •     Don't wash the car in direct sunlight. In the shade is best.
  •     Rinse using a light spray, not a strong, powerful stream of water.
  •     Dry the car with a soft microfiber towel. - Heloise

 

Pet Pal

Dear Readers: Meet Penelope. She's a darling Chihuahua puppy who was found as a stray. She is safe now, in the care of the City of San Marcos, Texas Regional Animal Shelter.

Her personality is really starting to bloom. Are you looking for a furry and funny friend? Check out your city's shelter. You can for sure find a friend there!

To see Penelope and our other Pet Pals, visit Heloise.com and click on "Pet of the Week." Send a pic of your pet along with a description to HeloiseHeloise.com. - Heloise

 

Tomato Time

Dear Heloise: I have an issue with birds pecking/damaging my tomatoes just as they begin to ripen and turn red. I now slip a white sock or part of an old white shirt sleeve on the tomato as it begins to turn.

I fasten a clothes pin at the top of the sock to keep it from sliding down. This works for me, obviously, by hiding the luscious, red tomato. - Jerry K., Martinsburg, W.Va.

 

Pet Info Tag

Dear Heloise: I walk frequently and can't always take my pets with me. I got a keychain tag that reads: "My pet is home alone." This will let emergency responders know to alert my emergency contact. My pet will need care if I am unable to give it.

The tag comes with a wallet card that has my info on it: my name, address, etc., and info about my pets, just in case. It's added peace of mind. - Robert in New York

Robert, great hint! Readers, you could even make a tag of your own. - Heloise

 

Stock Up Now

Dear Readers: Now is a great time to stock up on school supplies to last all school year long. Whether you're home-schooling, your kids are learning online or if they are back in the classroom, school supplies are cheap right now. And let's face it, it's always fun for the little ones to get a new box of crayons or makers. Plan ahead! - Heloise

 

Hot Pan

Dear Heloise: Thank you for the article about walking dogs on hot sidewalks. I'd also like to remind your readers that pets should be in the shade and water should not be placed in metal pans. - Carol Rhodes, Texas City, Texas

 

Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001, or you can fax it to 1-210-HELOISE or email it to HeloiseHeloise.com. I can't answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.

 

King Features Syndicate

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