Helpful Hints

Have you some hints to share?  Please let me know if you do, so we can all benefit from your experiences.  Dianne

I had a wonderful morning, the heating unit went out of my dryer!  Why does everything seem to fall apart this time of year???  The guy that fixes things went into the dryer and pulled out the lint filter.  It was clean.  We always clean the lint from the filter after every load of clothes.  He told us that he wanted to show us something.  He took the filter over to the sink and ran hot water over it.  How, this thing is like a mesh - I'm sure you know what your dryer's lint filter looks like - WELL... the hot water just laid on top of the mesh!!!  It didn't go through it at all!!

He told us that dryer sheets cause a film over that mesh and that's what burns out the heating unit.  You can't SEE the film, but it's there.  He said the best way to keep your dryer working for a very long time (and to keep your electric bill lower) is to take that filter out and wash it with hot soapy water and an old toothbrush (or other brush) at least every six months.  He said that makes the life of the dryer at least twice as long!  How about that??? Learn something new everyday?  I certainly didn't know dryer sheets would do that so thought I'd share.

I went to the dryer and tested my screen by running water on it.  The water collected a little but ran through the screen.  I dried it off and was ready to put it back in the dryer since the water ran through it but, I thought what the heck, it won't hurt to wash it while I had it out.  Warm soapy water and a nylon brush and I had it done in 30 seconds.  I then ran the water over the screen adn what a difference - the water just gushed through it with no puddling at all and this time, I was running the water at a faster rate.  That repairman knew what he was talking about.

When having a service station attendant add oil to your vehicle, MAKE SURE HE OPENS THE CAN IN FRONT OF YOU.  Some unscrupulous dealers have been known to put the spout in an already empty can and pretend to pour oil into your motor.  

When using a public washroom, use the stall furthest from the washroom door if you can.  People generally grab the nearest stall - it's human nature to walk the shortest distance.  So, by using the one furthest from the door, chances are, it's cleaner because it's used less often.

 While in a grocery store or department store, pick the shopping cart that has the baby seat.  Place your purse in the baby seat (if you don't have children with you) and use the safety belt to fasten around your purse handles.  That way, if your attention is diverted even for a second, there is no chance someone could grab your purse and run.  If there is no safety belt, then place items on top of your purse - thus making it harder for a thief to target you.

 People tend to wear dull, drab clothes on rainy/dark days.  Pick something bright and cheery to wear and you'll find your mood will be much more upbeat.

hen purchasing an item on any flyer that is sent to you with your Sears monthly statement, be aware that even though you order it through Sears, and it will be charged against your Sears account, Sears will not accept the return of these items, you must return them to the company on the flyer AT YOUR EXPENSE....