Not necessary to know blood type
HINTS FROM HELOISE
HELOISE
Dear Heloise: In your response to Mike, you mentioned that he should keep a note of his blood type on his person for emergency needs. As a former blood bank worker, we would never go by the blood type written on a note or mentioned by someone. We always check a person's blood type before allocating a unit of blood to them, unless it's an emergency. If it is an emergency, then the person would receive type O negative, the universal blood type donor type.
Some of your readers may not know their blood type. If they are blood donors, there's an easy way to find out what it is, but it's not necessary to carry the information with them. — Bev C., via email
Showerhead pressure
Dear Heloise: Hard-water buildup reduced the water pressure in my shower, so I looked for an easy fix. I filled a plastic bag with white vinegar and secured it around the showerhead with a rubber band. I left it in place overnight so that the vinegar could break down mineral deposits.
In the morning, I removed the bag, ran hot water through the showerhead, and wiped it clean. The difference in water flow was immediate. I now repeat this every few months to prevent buildup from returning. This method works especially well in areas with hard water, and it doesn’t require disassembly. — George L
Microwave cleanup
Dear Heloise: After dealing with stubborn splatters in my microwave, I found a much easier way to clean it. I fill a microwave-safe bowl with water, add a few slices of lemon, and heat it until steam fills the bowl. The steam loosens dried food, and the lemon helps remove lingering odors. Once I finish, I wipe the inside clean with a cloth, and everything comes off with very little effort. I skip harsh cleaners and scrubbing altogether. I repeat this process regularly to keep the buildup from returning. What used to feel like a chore now just takes a few minutes. After one too many tough cleanups, this trick made a big difference for me. — Marcos T., in El Paso, Texas
Reusable cloths
Dear Heloise: Paper towels used to fill up my trash can far too quickly, so I looked for a better option. Swedish dishcloths have now taken their place in my kitchen, and the difference has been noticeable. These cloths soak up spills with ease, can be rinsed clean in seconds, and hold up well through repeated uses. Several are kept on hand, so a fresh one is always ready. After using them, they are tossed into the wash and come out good as new. Unlike sponges, they dry quickly and don't develop unpleasant odors. After one too many rolls disappeared in a week, this simple switch proved to be both practical and economical. — Carla, in Portland, Oregon
Send a money-saving or time-saving hint to Heloise@Heloise.com.
